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  1. Repair
  2. Maytag
  3. Maytag Washer
  4. Symptom Center
  5. Washer not agitating

Maytag washer not agitating

Common reasons your Maytag washer is not agitating

The most common reasons your Maytag washer is not agitating are a malfunctioning electronic control board, faulty actuator or a jammed door lock assembly.

  • 68%

    68% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 12%

    12% of the time it's the
    Actuator

  • 11%

    11% of the time it's the
    Door Lock Assembly

  • 9%

    9% of the time it's the
    Something else

Schedule your washer repair now!

We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 200,000 Maytag washers. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.

Call (646) 440-2692 or schedule online now.
Text (240) 616-1772 to schedule now.

Most common repairs needed to fix a Maytag washer

Electronic Control Board Replacement

A malfunctioning electronic control board can lead to various failures in a washer. This is because the board serves as the brain of the washer, controlling crucial components such as the water valve, drive motor, drain pump, and cycles. If the electronic control board fails, the washer may not power up or display the cycle status. Additionally, it might fail to fill, agitate, spin, or drain. In some cases, a shorted board may emit a burning smell.


How to replace the electronic control board in a washer

Actuator Replacement

A faulty washer actuator, also known as the shifter assembly, will cause difficulty or inability of the washer drive system to shift between different cycles or modes. This may result in the washing machine getting stuck in one phase of the laundry process, preventing it from progressing through the entire cycle. There may be unusual noises during operation, such as grinding or clicking sounds, which may indicate a malfunctioning actuator. A faulty actuator may also prevent the washer from agitating or spinning properly, affecting the overall washing performance. In some cases, a malfunctioning actuator can lead to the washing machine not completing the cycle or stopping abruptly.

Door Lock Assembly Replacement

When a washer door lock assembly is jammed, you may encounter difficulty in opening or closing the washer door. The door may not latch properly, leading to issues in starting or completing a wash cycle. The washer might display an error code indicating a door lock problem. During operation, the door lock may make unusual clicking sounds or fail to engage, preventing the washer from starting. Additionally, if there is a malfunction, the door lock indicator light may not illuminate as expected. Users might notice water remaining in the drum even after the wash cycle has finished, indicating a potential problem with the door lock assembly preventing proper drainage.

Why is my Maytag washer not agitating?

Many components come into play to move the agitator in your washing machine. A problem with any of them could prevent the agitator from working.

washing-machine-agitator-dogs-repair-kit

Worn Agitator Dogs

The agitator dogs engage with teeth inside the agitator to create a one-way ratcheting motion in the upper part of the agitator. That one-way motion at the top of the agitator combines with the back-and-forth motion at the bottom to move garments through the water during the agitation cycle. If the top part of the agitator moves in two directions, the agitator dogs are likely worn out and you’ll need to replace them.

Here’s a video that shows how to replace agitator dogs:

If you’re not completely confident that you can replace the agitator dogs on your own, schedule washer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to install them.

washer-lid-switch-replacement-part-image

Broken Lid Switch

On many top-load washers, the lid switch must detect that the washer lid is closed before the washer will agitate. Unplug the washer and check the lid switch. Replace it if it’s broken or damaged.

Here’s a video that shows how to replace the lid switch in a common type of top-load washer:

If you’re unable to replace the lid switch on your own, schedule service and we’ll send a repair technician to your home to install a new lid switch.

Other Causes of a Washer Not Agitating

Problems with the water level pressure switch, the drive block or a faulty gearcase can also prevent a washer from agitating.

When you’re unable to determine the cause of the agitation failure on your own, schedule washer repair service and we’ll send a technician to your home to fix the machine.

What to expect when you experience a Maytag washer not agitating issue

How is the not agitating problem fixed?

Correcting most not agitating problems usually involves replacing the electronic control board, actuator or door lock assembly. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a washer that is not agitating

When the washer is not agitating it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts, we recommend scheduling Maytag washing machine repair with a local Sears Home Services professional who can perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of washer failures.

What to look out for with a washer not agitating diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your washer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

Maytag Washer Spins But Does Not Agitate

When your Maytag washer spins but does not agitate, the ratcheting dogs inside the agitator may be broken. To access and check those agitator dogs, follow these steps:

  1. Unplug the washer to disconnect electrical power.
  2. Pull the fabric softener dispenser off the top of the agitator.
  3. Pull the barrier cap and rubber O-ring out of the agitator.
  4. Remove the 7/16-inch hex-head bolt from the agitator and lift the agitator out of the washer tub.
  5. Pull the top auger off the agitator and set it on a work surface.
  6. Pull the agitator cam out of the auger.

Examine the agitator dogs and replace them if they’re worn or damaged.

If the agitator dogs are okay, then a failure in the gearcase or problem with the electronic control board could be causing the problem when your Maytag washer spins but does not agitate. Schedule washer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to repair the agitation problem if you’re unable to resolve the issue yourself.

Why is my Maytag Agitator Not Working?

Here are several different problems can prevent the Maytag washer agitator from working.

  • Worn or damaged agitator dogs. The agitator dogs engage with teeth inside the agitator to create a one-way ratcheting motion in the upper part of the agitator. That one-way motion at the top of the agitator combines with the back-and-forth motion at the bottom to move garments through the water during the agitation cycle. If the top part of the agitator moves in two directions, the agitator dogs are likely worn out and you may need to replace them.
  • Defective gearcase. The gearcase controls the motion of the agitator. A bad gearcase won’t move the agitator at all. You’ll likely need to replace the gearcase if the motor runs in the agitation mode but the agitator won’t move.
  • Mode shifter problems. The mode shifter in a Maytag washer shifts the gearcase into and out of the agitation and spin modes. When the washer won’t agitate, the mode shifter may need replacing.

When you find your Maytag agitator not working, schedule washer repair service and we’ll send an experienced Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the problem.
When a Maytag washer fails to agitate, clothes remain soiled and uncirculated. Broken belts or agitator gears frequently stall that motion. Rather than tolerating subpar washes, use a washer fixer near me. Restoring agitation helps your laundry emerge fully refreshed.

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Glossary Terms

Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

A washing machine pedestal is a platform that raises the washer off the ground, providing easier access to the appliances and often includes additional storage space such as drawers.

A washer tub is the interior part of a washing machine where clothes are placed for washing, typically made of stainless steel, plastic, or porcelain-coated metal, designed to hold water and withstand the agitation or spinning during the wash cycle.

Fabric softener is a laundry additive used to soften and freshen clothing, reduce static cling, and make fabrics feel smoother.

Additional possible Maytag washer symptoms you may experience