Are You Getting Agitated With Your Washer’s Failed Agitator?
The agitator. It’s at the heart of what makes your washing machine work.
Your washing machine’s agitator does the work of providing the mechanical action that causes dirt to be dislodged. Without agitation, your clothes simply don’t get clean.
And that makes a failed agitator a particularly agitating problem.
Without agitation, your washing machine is useless. So a failed agitator is sure to prompt a quick call to a certified repairperson. Most likely, the repairperson will find the cause of your agitator agitation to be one of these most common causes:
#1: Failed Drive Block or Motor Coupling
The drive block connects the transmission to the agitator. If the drive block fails completely, the agitator won’t budge. But sometimes the drive block will become worn, but remain somewhat functional. If your agitator moves slightly, but not as much as it should, that’s an indication that the drive block is worn and may be on the verge of failure.
Another possibility is that the motor coupling has failed. The motor coupling provides the mechanical linkage between the motor and the transmission.
#2: Failed Door Lock Switch
The agitator is designed to function only when the door is closed. It’s a safety feature that’s controlled by the door lock switch. When the switch is in the closed position, the agitator shouldn’t move.
But if this switch malfunctions or becomes excessively worn, it can errantly send an “open door” signal, even when the door is completely closed.
#3: Worn Drive Belt
The belt that drives your washer’s agitator may have failed. Or it might have worn just enough to start slipping. It’s normal for drive belts to wear out. Depending upon how much you use your washer, you can expect to have the drive belt replaced every 2 or 3 years.
#4: Drive Motor Failure
Though it’s rare, the motor that powers your washer’s agitator could have failed. If the motor won’t run, it’s also possible that the motor itself is fine, but the electronic board that controls the motor has failed.
Another possibility if the motor won’t run is a failed stator or rotor assembly. Both the stator and the rotor are essentially components of the motor, and if either fails the motor will be rendered inoperable.
#5: Agitator Connection
Sometimes the connection between the lower agitator and the drive shaft can become damaged, causing the agitator to fail. If this is the source of the problem, your repairman will have to completely remove the agitator to effect repairs.