How to Troubleshoot a Maytag Agitator
While many newer top load washing machines do not incorporate an agitator in the center of the basket, some companies still manufacture traditional washers with an agitator, including Maytag. If the Maytag washing machine is not agitating well or is not progressing through the agitating cycle at all, some troubleshooting efforts are necessary. Remember that if you are not comfortable taking apart or inspecting the washer, let a professional do the job for you. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Lift up the washer lid to slow and stop the basket and then untangle items from around the agitator if the wash basket or the entire machine is unbalanced. Loosely pile clothes in the basket but do not wrap clothes around the agitator. Keeping the load size to a medium level and mixing item sizes is best and will help reduce tangling.
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Look inside the basket for objects trapped under the agitator and run your hand under the bottom of the agitator for items that might not be immediately visible if there are strange sounds coming from the Maytag washer during use, specifically during the agitator cycle. Remove any debris or items.
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Disconnect power to the washing machine and unscrew the top cover from the agitator if the problem with the agitator is not immediately visible. Remove the barrier cap, O-ring and bolt inside the agitator. Rotate the agitator in a counterclockwise motion and lift the agitator out of the washer. Inspect inside the agitator housing and clean out any debris.
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Inspect the inside of the agitator to see if the spline has become worn or stripped, which prevents the agitator from rotating properly. Contact Maytag for a replacement agitator if the spline does not seem to grab onto the shaft correctly or the agitator does not rotate normally during use and the inside seems worn or damaged.
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Tips & Warnings
The water level pressure switch on the Maytag is connected to the agitator and can cause problems with too much or too little water during the wash cycle. If the agitator seems to be turning normally and the agitation cycle is operating fine but the water level is incorrect, contact Maytag to have the water level pressure switch. While some enterprising owners can disconnect the washer, open and lift up the top console on the washer and test the switch by touching the purple and tan wires together, this is a task better left to a Maytag service professional.
