Kenmore Washing Machine Not Agitating

Introduction

Is your Kenmore washing machine filling with water but not spinning or tumbling your clothes? This usually means the agitator isn’t working. The agitator is the central component inside the wash basket that twists back and forth to clean your clothes. When a Kenmore washing machine not agitating, your clothes just soak and don’t get properly washed. This can be frustrating and lead to smelly, dirty clothes. Addressing this issue promptly can prevent further damage to your washing machine and save you from hand-washing loads of laundry!

Common Causes of Kenmore Washing Machine Not Agitating

Here are some common reasons why your Kenmore washing machine agitator might not be working:

• Overloading the Washer: Too many clothes can prevent the agitator from moving freely.
• Loose Agitator Dogs (Pawls): These small parts grip the agitator shaft and can wear out or break.
• Worn Agitator Coupler: A coupler connects the motor to the agitator. A worn coupler can slip and fail to turn the agitator.
• Broken Agitator: Cracks or breaks in the agitator itself can stop it from working.
• Faulty Lid Switch: The washing machine is designed not to agitate if the lid is open. A broken switch might think the lid is always open.
• Worn Drive Belt: The belt that connects the motor to the transmission might be loose or broken.
• Motor Problems: The motor itself might be failing, preventing it from turning the agitator.
• Clogged Drain Pump: While less direct, a severely clogged pump can affect the wash cycle and, indirectly, agitation.

Symptoms Checklist

Here are some things to check to determine if you have an agitation problem:

• The washing machine fills with water, but the agitator doesn’t move at all.
• The agitator moves weakly or intermittently.
• You hear a humming or buzzing sound, but the agitator doesn’t move.
• The washing machine completes the wash cycle, but the clothes are still dirty.
• The agitator moves during the spin cycle, but not during the wash cycle.

How to Fix Kenmore Washing Machine Not Agitating Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix your Kenmore washing machine:

1. Unplug the Washing Machine: Safety first! Always unplug the washing machine from the power outlet before working on it.
2. Check for Overloading: Remove some clothes from the washer to see if the agitator starts working.
3. Inspect the Agitator: Carefully remove the agitator (usually by lifting or unscrewing it consult your owner’s manual). Look for cracks, breaks, or other damage.
4. Check the Agitator Dogs (Pawls): If your agitator has small plastic pieces (dogs or pawls) at the bottom, inspect them for wear or damage. These engage to make the top and bottom part of the agitator turn together.
5. Test the Lid Switch: Open and close the washing machine lid. You should hear a clicking sound. If you don’t, the switch might be faulty. You can sometimes temporarily bypass the switch (for testing ONLY) by carefully using tape to hold down the switch mechanism. Important: NEVER run the washing machine with the lid open permanently.
6. Check the Drive Belt: You’ll need to access the washing machine’s internal components. Typically this involves removing the back panel. Look for the drive belt connecting the motor to the transmission. Is it loose, cracked, or broken?
7. Examine the Motor Coupler (if applicable): Some Kenmore models use a motor coupler. Check for signs of wear or breakage. These are typically made of rubber.
8. Check for Obstructions: Feel around the base of the agitator shaft for any obstructions, such as socks or small items, that might be preventing it from turning.
9. Manually Rotate the Agitator Shaft: With the agitator removed, try to turn the shaft by hand. Does it turn freely, or is it stiff? Stiffness could indicate a problem with the transmission.
10. Check the Washer’s Drain Pump: Even though it seems unrelated, a clogged drain pump can affect the entire cycle. Make sure the drain pump is clear of debris.
11. Listen for Motor Sounds: Turn the washer on (still with no clothes) and listen carefully to the motor. Does it sound normal, or do you hear humming, buzzing, or clicking sounds?

Fix the Issue Without Buying Parts

Before you rush out to buy new parts, try these free methods:

• Reset the Washing Machine: Unplug the washing machine for 1-2 minutes, then plug it back in. This can sometimes reset the electronic controls.
• Clean the Agitator Area: Remove the agitator and clean the area around the agitator shaft to remove any lint or debris.
• Check the Washer Level: An unlevel washer can cause problems. Use a level to ensure the washing machine is level, adjusting the feet as needed.

When Replacement Might Be Necessary

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and the agitator still isn’t working, you might need to replace a part. Common parts that fail include:

• Agitator Dogs (Pawls): $5-$20 USD
• Drive Belt: $10-$30 USD
• Motor Coupler: $10-$25 USD
• Lid Switch: $15-$40 USD
• Agitator: $30-$100 USD
• Motor: $100-$300 USD (Consider professional help for this).
• Transmission: $200-$500 USD (Consider professional help for this).

Safety Warning

• Always unplug the washing machine before working on it.
• Be careful when handling electrical components.
• If you are not comfortable working with electricity, consult a qualified technician.
• Keep the work area dry to avoid electrical shock.
• Be careful when lifting heavy parts.

Tools You May Need

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
• Pliers
• Socket set
• Multimeter (for testing electrical components)
• Gloves
• Work light

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about washing machine agitation problems:

• Q: Why is my washing machine making a humming noise but not agitating?
  A: This could indicate a problem with the motor or the motor coupler.
• Q: How do I know if my agitator dogs are bad?
  A: If the top of the agitator is spinning independently from the bottom or spins very easily by hand in one direction, then the dogs are likely worn or broken.
• Q: Can I run my washing machine without the agitator?
  A: No, the agitator is essential for cleaning your clothes. Running the washing machine without it will not clean your clothes properly.
• Q: How much does it cost to have a washing machine repaired?
  A: Repair costs vary depending on the problem and the technician’s rates, but expect to pay $100-$300 for a typical repair.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting a Kenmore washing machine not agitating can seem daunting, but by following these steps, you can often identify and fix the problem yourself. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions related to your model. If you’re not comfortable with any of these steps, don’t hesitate to call a qualified appliance repair technician. Good luck!

Youtube Video: