Whirlpool Washing machine - won't agitate


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Old 01-11-07, 07:09 AM
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Whirlpool Washing machine - won't agitate

Just noticed agitator is not turning. You can hold it while it should be turning, you can feel very little movement at all. Also have secondary problem of machine not stoping at end of rinse and spin cycle but proceeding to extra rinse and spin. Any help will be appreciated.
 
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Old 01-11-07, 12:05 PM
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No pro, but for some troubleshooting info see here for why it doesn't agitate:

http://www.repairclinic.com/0088_11_1.asp#Level1_4

It's says:

"If your washer doesn't agitate, check these:

Lid switch
Motor coupler
Belts
Clutch
Drive motor
Drive pulleys
Transmission
Agitator


Lid switch
If the lid switch is defective, the washing machine may not agitate or function at all. The switch is inside the washing machine main housing near the door frame. Often you have to raise or open the top or front of the washing machine to get to the switch. If it's defective, you need to replace it.



Motor coupler
Many washers produced by Whirlpool® use a small, relatively inexpensive motor coupling. It's plastic and rubber and is mounted to the shaft of the motor on one side, and to the transmission on the other. Over time, the coupler wears out and fails. If this happens, you need to completely replace it.



Belts
Many washing machines have one or two belts. If a belt is broken or badly worn, you need to replace it with a genuine belt from the manufacturer. (Some washing machine belts are designed with special characteristics not found in automotive belts.)



Clutch
If your washer was made by GE®, it may use a clutch for agitating the clothes. As the clutch wears out, it may prevent the washer from agitating well or at all. If the clutch is worn, you need to replace it. For this job, you probably want to hire a qualified appliance repair technician.



Drive motor
Many washer brands use a reversing motor. For agitation the motor runs in one direction, for spinning and draining, the other. It's possible for a motor to burn out in one direction and continue to operate in the other. If this happens, you need to replace the entire motor.



Drive pulleys
The motor or transmission drive pulley may be worn and unable to turn the drive belt. If so, replace the pulley.



Transmission
The transmission could have either of these problems:


Older washers produced by Whirlpool® have a transmission with an electro-mechanical shifter. If the shifter becomes even partially defective, the unit may not agitate properly or at all.


The transmission may have a worn or broken gear, or some other internal problem.


If you suspect a transmission problem, you may have to call a qualified appliance repair technician to repair it.



Agitator
The inside of the agitator--where the transmission shaft attaches--can become worn, and strip out the spline that allows the agitator to properly grip the shaft. Then the transmission shaft rotates back and forth as it should, but the agitator doesn't move properly. If this happens, you may need to replace the agitator and/or the transmission spline."

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As far as it doesn't stop @ the rinse and spin cycle, I think it might be the timer. See here:

http://www.repairclinic.com/0088_11_1.asp#Level1_13

"The cycle doesn't advance
When the cycle doesn't advance, it's probably the timer or a cold-water supply problem:


It's the timer, if your washing machine fills with water and begins agitating, but the timer never advances--or if the washer is in a spin cycle and the timer won't advance. Then you need to replace the timer.


It may be a cold-water supply problem, if the washing machine fills with water, agitates, drains, and spins, but then doesn't fill with rinse water. See There's no cold water."
 
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Old 01-19-07, 06:07 PM
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...

agitator has what are called "dogs" inside of it which are plastic type of gear or ratchet mechanism that are probably wore out if yours isn't working correct. If you have no option for extra rinse on a seperate knob, then more than likely I'd say your timer is defective. Also age of unit or model # would have something also do with this problem, if it's an older unit 20yrs+ the belt could need adjustment..Good luck
 
 

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