Whirlpool Washer Won’t Agitate? A Step by Step Fix Guide

Introduction: Why this guide works when your Whirlpool washer won’t agitate

If your Whirlpool washer won’t agitate, you end up with soggy, soapy clothes and a cycle that never really cleans. No agitation usually looks like this: tub full of water but not turning, the motor humming with no movement, or the washer draining and spinning but skipping the wash motion.

Most fixes are DIY friendly, often taking 20 to 60 minutes, sometimes longer for transmission jobs. Basic tools cover 90 percent of repairs, for example a Phillips screwdriver, nut driver or socket set, needle nose pliers, and a multimeter for electrical checks. Always unplug the machine and shut off water before you start.

This guide takes a step by step approach, beginning with quick checks like the lid switch and clutch, then moving to drive components and electrical parts, so you can find and fix the real problem fast.

Quick safety checklist before you open the washer

If your whirlpool washer won’t agitate, stop and follow these safety steps before you open the cabinet to avoid shock, injury, or damage. Unplug the machine and switch off the circuit breaker, do not rely on the control panel. Shut off the hot and cold water valves behind the washer, or the main water supply if those valves are seized.

Wear rubber soled shoes, safety glasses and work gloves, remove rings and loose clothing, and keep kids and pets clear. Have a multimeter, socket set, screwdrivers, pliers, flashlight, towels and a small bucket on hand. Verify power is dead with the multimeter before touching wiring.

How agitation works in Whirlpool top load washers, in plain English

When your Whirlpool washer won’t agitate, it helps to know the handful of parts that actually move the tub. The motor supplies power, either turning a belt or a direct drive transmission. The belt or lid cam transfers that motion; if the belt is loose or the cam is stripped, motor power never reaches the agitator. The agitator itself contains dogs or splines, those small plastic teeth that push the tub back and forth; when they wear out you get one way agitation or none. The timer or control board tells the motor when to spin and which direction to turn, so intermittent cycles can point to an electronic fault. The clutch or transmission provides engagement and torque; slipping here makes agitation weak or slow.

Quick diagnostic tip, if the motor hums but the agitator is still, check belt, cam, and dog wear first; if the motor never runs, inspect the lid switch and control board.

Step by step diagnosis, from easiest to most likely cause

Start simple, then move to the parts that take time. This saves hours and usually fixes the problem when a Whirlpool washer won’t agitate.

1. Power and simple resets. Unplug the washer for 60 seconds, plug it back in, and run a short cycle. Many electronic glitches clear with a reset. If the display shows a code, write it down, then look up the code in your owner manual or Whirlpool’s website.

2. Cycle and settings check. Make sure you did not select a drain or spin only option. Some cycles only spin. Try Normal or Heavy Wash, and select Agitate or Wash if your model uses explicit options.

3. Lid switch test. Open the lid, press the latch firmly, listen for a click. If there is no click, the lid switch may be faulty. With the washer unplugged you can test for continuity with a multimeter. No continuity equals replacement.

4. Load balance and percussion. An unbalanced load can prevent agitation. Remove excess items, redistribute towels, then restart. Small loads benefit from adding a few items to balance the tub.

5. Belt, clutch, and drive components. Access the cabinet, inspect the drive belt for cracks or slack. On direct drive models check the motor coupling and agitator dogs for wear. If the belt is loose or the dogs are stripped, the basket may spin but the agitator will not.

6. Motor and advanced electrical checks. Smell for burned wiring. Test motor windings for continuity, and check the timer or control board for voltage outputs. These tests are advanced, so call a technician if you are not comfortable.

Follow this order, and you will eliminate the easy fixes before tackling costly repairs.

Quick fixes you can try right now

If your Whirlpool washer won’t agitate, try these quick fixes before calling a pro. First, redistribute the load. A single heavy item can lock the drum, so even out towels and clothes, then run a short wash or spin to see if agitation returns.

Reset the washer, it often solves electronic glitches. Unplug the machine or switch off the breaker for 60 seconds, then restore power. On many Whirlpool models this clears control board errors that stop the agitator.

Check power at the panel if there is no movement at all. Look for a tripped breaker or blown fuse, reset the breaker, or replace the fuse with the exact amp rating. If the breaker trips again immediately, stop and call an electrician.

Reseat or inspect the belt on belt drive models. Unplug the washer, tip it back on a padded surface, remove the access panel, then check for a loose or broken belt. Loop a new belt over the motor and drum pulley, rotate the drum to seat it, then test.

Clean debris from the agitator. Pull out the fabric softener cup, remove the center cap and bolt (common sizes are 9/16 or 1/2 inch), lift the agitator, clear lint and coin build up, inspect agitator dogs and replace if worn. Reassemble and test the washer.

When to replace parts, how to confirm failure, and cost expectations

Start with simple checks. If your Whirlpool washer won’t agitate, look for obvious damage first. Open the agitator, inspect agitator dogs for worn or missing teeth, they should ratchet when you twist the top piece. Lift the lid, press the lid switch, listen for a click; no click often means a bad lid switch.

Quick bench tests you can do. Use a multimeter to test continuity on the lid switch and motor windings. Spin the drum by hand to check for a broken or loose belt. Pull the drive coupling, it should not be shredded or melted. If the motor hums but does not turn and smells burnt, the motor is likely bad.

Typical replacement cost ranges parts only:
Lid switch: $10 to $30.
Belt: $10 to $25.
Drive coupling: $20 to $45.
Agitator dogs: $8 to $30.
Motor: $150 to $350.

Add local labor of $100 to $250 if you hire a tech. Buy parts from Whirlpool OEM, AppliancePartsPros, RepairClinic, PartSelect, or Amazon and local appliance stores for fast delivery and model specific matches.

When to call a pro and what to tell them

If basic fixes failed, call a pro when the unit hums but the agitator does not move, you hear grinding or scraping, there is a burning smell, or the problem started after a control board error or major repair. Also call if the washer is under warranty, or if you lack tools or comfort working with live wiring or sealed components.

Before the tech arrives, have these details ready:
Model and serial number
Exact symptom, for example agitator not moving or washer won’t agitate at all
Error codes or lights shown
What troubleshooting you tried, and when issue began
Photos or short video of the problem and any noises
Purchase date and warranty paperwork

Safety and warranty tips: unplug and shut water, do not remove sealed covers if under warranty, and call Whirlpool support first if unsure.

Simple maintenance to prevent future agitation problems

Keep loads balanced and moderate, not massive. Example, two bath towels plus a few shirts is safer than one heavy blanket alone, and spread items around the agitator. Use mesh bags for delicates, check pockets for coins, and avoid overstuffing the drum to prevent a situation where your Whirlpool washer won’t agitate.

Clean monthly, run an empty hot wash with one cup white vinegar and half cup baking soda, wipe under the agitator, and clear lint from the dispenser. Inspect the drive belt and motor coupling every six months, replace cracked parts, check the machine level, and inspect hoses and clamps seasonally.

Conclusion and next steps

If your whirlpool washer won’t agitate, try the fastest fixes first: unplug the machine, test the lid switch, inspect agitator dogs or motor coupling, or reset power. Order replacement parts online, or book a technician if the problem persists or feels unsafe.