How to Troubleshoot an Agitator

A washing machine's agitator spins and rotates.

If your washing machine agitator does not agitate, try to troubleshoot the issue. An agitator on a washing machine runs off different switches and terminals. Troubleshooting your agitator involves more than simply replacing a belt or chain. In order to troubleshoot your agitator, you must have the appropriate tools and feel comfortable disassembling the wires in your machine.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Volt-ohmmeter
• Pen
• Tape
• Timer switch
• Water switch
• Tubing

Instructions

Timer

1. Test the agitator to see if it agitates on different cycles or stages of the cycles--for example delicates and rinse.

2. Unplug your washing machine and remove the back plate to the control panel with your screwdriver. Locate the assembly behind your timer knob on the front of the machine, and disconnect the wires leading to the motor. Test the timer motor with your volt-ohmmeter. Touch the probes on the volt-ohmmeter to the wires you disconnected. If your tester does not show activity, your timer motor needs to be replaced. Replace it according to the manufacture’s directions. If the volt-ohmmeter shows activity, continue testing.

3. Mark and disconnect the switch terminals to the timer with a pen and tape, as this exposes several pairs of terminals. Test each pair of terminals with the volt-ohmmeter, as per step 2. While testing the terminals, turn the timer knob to the cycle that the pair of terminals controls, according to your owner’s manual or diagram on your door. If any pair of terminals fails the test, replace the timer according the manufacture’s directions.

Water Switch

1. Unplug your washing machine and locate the water-level switch inside the control panel, behind the selector knob, and detach the air tube.

2. Disconnect and mark the wires from the water-level switch terminal with tape and a pen. Check all terminals with your volt-ohmmeter, as per Section 1, Step 2. If you do not receive activity, replace the water-level switch according to the manufacture’s directions. If you have activity in one pair of wires, note the wires and continue to the next step.

3. Test the air pressure by blowing gently into the hole of the disconnected tubing. If you don’t have tubing, connect tubing and perform the test. Blow until you hear a click. Test terminals at this level with your volt-ohmmeter, as per Section 1, Step 2. Repeat on all terminals. If you do not have activity on one or more terminals, replace the switch according to the manufacture’s directions.

References

• "Ortho’s: Home Repair Problem Solver"; Robert J. Beckstrom, Sally W. Smith; 1995