Trying to wash your clothes but your washing machine will not agitate or wash? If your washing machine fills with water but then stops, here is the best tip to fix it fast. If you have a top loading washer, the MOST likely part to have failed is the LID SWITCH. Before anything make sure that you have the lid shut. The machine will not run if the lid is open. This is a safety feature so the machine will not agitate with the lid in the open position. Many times we can get into a rush and forget to shut the lid. If you have the lid shut and the machine has only filled with water and stopped, read on below. (If your washer is NOT SPINNING DRAINING, click here.)
Your top load washing machine has a safety feature built in that will not let it agitate or wash if the lid is open. If the lid switch in your washing machine goes bad, the washer will think the lid is in the open position. This will cause the machine to not do anything after it fills with water. If the lid switch is bad, having the lid either open or closed will make no difference. If the washing machine has power, has filled with water, then stops, makes no noise, then the lid switch is most likely the part that needs replaced.
The best thing to do at this point is to get the make and model number of your washing machine and type it into Google. Write the words “lid switch” after it and find the exact part for your machine online. Order it next day air and install it with the instructions included. If this did not fix your washer, there is another part that has failed. See below.
VIDEO: Troubleshooting why your washing machine is not agitating
The lid switch is the most likely part to fail in this circumstance. However, this is only the most likely and there may be another part at fault. Here is a short list of ALL the parts in your top load washer that may have failed (and caused your particular problem) in alphabetical order…
- Cycle Selector Switch – The cycle selector switch controls the speed of the motor and if it goes bad it can stop the motor from operating.
- Drive Belt – If the belt falls off or becomes worn the transmission will not turn and the machine will not agitate. The machine will make a humming noise as the motor will be running.
- Drive Motor – This motor turns the agitator and drum to wash your clothing. If it goes bad the machine will not agitate.
- Lid Switch – The lid switch makes it so if the lid is opened, the machine will not run. A bad lid switch will make it so power cannot get to the drive motor.
- Timer – The timer supplies power to turn the motor. If the timer is defective, the motor will not turn therefore no washer agitation.
- Water Level Switch – The water level switch (aka Pressure Switch) controls the water level. If defective the motor may not receive power.
These are the most likely parts that may have failed due to the issue we have explained above. Use safety precautions when doing any type of maintenance checks on your washer.
Not all top loading washing machines work in the same way. Some have different parts and operating functions. This guide shows the most basic and general method of fixing most top load washers.
Written by Keith Schneerer
Certified Appliance Tech · Founder, RemoveAndReplace.com
Keith has spent 30+ years repairing machines, starting as a military mechanic and later maintaining food processing equipment before moving into appliance repair. He founded RemoveAndReplace.com to share field-tested repair advice.
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Richmael,
If you have already changed the “bolt”, then yes something else is causing the issue.
The transmission may be faulty or another part inside the washer.
Check to find out the issue.
-RR
I change the bolt already it worked for a bit and then did the same so now im wondering if it could be the top of the transmission or the inside of the bottom agitator
Richmael,
Replace the part that is causing the slackening.
Find your model number and then the part in question.
You can also find the service manual online using your model number and see how it comes apart and check the part to see if it is worn, loose, or is damaged.
-RR
Whirlpool top loader the bolt that holds the agitators together keeps slackening on its own what could possibly cause such to happen
I have a GE Washer model gtwn4250m1ws serial # zv192129g
I was experiencing a wet floor, so I pulled the front panel and noticed the leak was from the bottom of the tub. I elected to do the work with a friend and replaced all seals bearings along the spindle down to the transmission. We lubed all the replaced parts that came in contact with the spindle. everything back together and the tub will fill with water then no agitation timer runs the next course drains rinse no agitation again timer runs it’s course now no spin cycle. up to the point of the leak the machine ran well.
The only thing “Agitated and Spun” in the laundry room is ME!
I have a whirlpool that fills up then drop the water and cuts off. (does that sound like a bad locking switch)
My washer works but stops often during the cycle and sometimes for long periods before it continues. When it is time for it to drain or spin, it vibrates roughly so that I have to stop it. I cannot allow it to spin. My bigger issue though is the working then stopping then working then stopping so many times during the cycle. It’s not the switch; I troubleshot the lid switch and it is not the issue. Any suggestions as to how I can solve this issue? Thanks in advance.