When you’ve got a good washing machine, encountering problems is rare but it does happen – no appliance lasts forever. Fortunately, most issues in a Maytag washing machine have their solutions, unfortunately, a certain amount of tinkering is usually required. Such is the case with most agitator problems too.
So, your Maytag washer won’t agitate but spins – why is that? Do you need to call a professional technician or is there a thing or two you can do yourself first?
My Maytag washer won’t agitate but spins – why?
If your laundry isn’t spinning in the washer even though the washer itself does, this is one of the chief signs of damage somewhere inside the unit. Figuring out where, however, is the tricky part. There are a few places you can look into relatively easily even if you don’t have much experience with DIY repair.
Both front-load washers and top-load washers have relatively similar components and internal architecture so we’ll cover them both here together. Obviously, there are differences, not just between the different types but between different models too, even within the same brand. So, familiarizing yourself with your particular Maytag washing machine’s instructions before you do anything is a must.
With that in mind, here are the 9 most probably reasons why your Maytag washer won’t agitate but spins:
1. The agitator is out of order
A broken agitator is probably the most likely cause of problems with the spin cycle for both front and top load washers. If that’s the case, you can either look into your washer’s repair parts kit and see if you can replace the more worn-out parts of the agitator or you might have to replace the whole agitator with a new one. Either way, this should fix the issue.
2. There is a transmission failure
As the washer’s transmission is what moves the agitator back and forth, this is another likely cause for such problems. Take a look at your washer’s input shaft inside the agitator – if the shaft turns but the agitator doesn’t, the issue is in the transmission – replace it and everything should be back in order.
3. The timer needs to be replaced
A key part of what makes the drive motor work, the timer is what gives the motor power, itself then controlling the agitator. Therefore, you may also want to check for a timer issue – disconnect the washer from the power supply and use a multimeter and a wiring diagram to see if there is any continuity in the timer’s contacts. If not, you’ll need to replace the timer.
4. The drive motor is faulty instead
A faulty drive motor can also be a problem – it’s what drives the transmission which, in turn, spins the agitator. If that’s the issue, you’d do best to hire a technician.
While we’re on the motor, the motor coupler can be a problem too – it’s what connects the motor to the transmission. If it’s worn out, it will simply need to be replaced.
5. The lid switch is defective
Lid switches are often overlooked but they are what trigger the start of the wash cycle. You can check your lid switch with a multimeter for continuity too – if there is no continuity, you’ll need to replace the lid switch. However, if there is, you’ll need to check the rest of the motor circuit.
6. The drive block or bell needs to be replaced
The drive block is what connects the transmission to the agitator. If it’s worn out, the transmission shaft may very well still be moving back and forth but the agitator will be still. In that case, the drive block or bell should be replaced.
7. The drive belt may be loose or broken
If the drive belt is loose on the pulley or it’s broken altogether, you’ll need to replace it as it too can cause your agitator to not spin.
8. The machine motor control board is defective
Similar to the timer, the motor control board can also cause issues with the washer’s motor. You’ll need to check it out for any burned-out parts as well as test it with a multimeter. If the board is the problem, it should be replaced.
9. The clutch might be worn out or defective
The clutch assembly is what connects the transmission to the inner tub, which leads to the spinning of the tub and the agitator. If the agitator shaft isn’t turning, the clutch might be the problem – it should be replaced as it’s not really repairable.
When should you seek professional help?
In general, if you are new to this sort of tinkering, calling a professional for help is rarely a bad idea. Yes, there will be a visitation fee but, unless you’re planning on making a habit out of DIY repair, spending several hours of researching as well as trial and error won’t be worth it.
Not to mention that you often might have to buy certain tools too – again, those can be useful if you’re going to use them more in the future but if you won’t use them often, then that’d be a waste of both time and resources.
So, while it’s always a good idea to take a peak in yourself before you call a professional for a costly inspection or repair, it’s perfectly understandable if you don’t want to get too technical personally.
In conclusion
Maytag washers are impressive tools but they too break down eventually, like any other appliance. There are lots of things that can explain why your Maytag washer won’t agitate but spins, with some being relatively easy to deal with while others almost always requiring professional help.
Ultimately, however, this rarely is the type of problem that will permanently put your washer out of commission, so, that at least, is a good thing.