If your washing machine agitates but also gives you problems, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will explain the causes of these issues and show you how to fix them. So, without wasting any more time, let’s get right to it…
Washing Machine Agitates But Won’t Spin — Solution
If your washing machine agitates but won’t spin, here are the issues to look for…
1. Door Isn’t Locked
Some washing machines will not spin unless the system detects that the door is properly shut. Make sure to firmly shut your washing machine’s door/lid before starting a spin cycle.
If your washing machine’s door isn’t locking, you’ll need to replace the lock assembly. Here’s how to do this…
How To Replace A Damaged Door Lock In A Top Loader Washing Machine
Do the following to replace a failed door lock in your top loader washing machine…
Step 1. Please make sure to unplug your washing machine’s power cord from the power outlet before you start this repair (this will prevent any chances of electrocution).
Step 2. Use your Philips screwdriver to remove the screws holding the control panel rear access cover. Pull the panel off your washing machine and set it aside.
Step 3. Detach the control panel from the base and lay it on the lid of your washing machine. Use your Philips screwdriver to remove the screws holding the control board cover.
Step 4. Pry the control board cover off using a flat-blade screwdriver. Disconnect the electrical connector of the lid lock from the control board. Snap the control panel back onto the base.
Step 5. Open the lid of your washing machine. Insert a tool such as a putty knife underneath the main top panel of your washing machine to release the two retaining clips. Lift the top panel and support it.
Step 3. Using your Philips screwdriver, take out the screws holding the lid lock to the bottom of the top panel. Release the lid lock wire from the retainers. Pulll the lid lock and wire out of your washing machine and set it aside.
Step 4. Take your new washing machine lid lock out of its packaging. Transfer the retainer from the old lid lock wire to the new one. Mount the new lid lock at the bottom of the front panel and apply the screws with your Philips screwdriver to secure it.
Step 5. Secure the wire of the new lid lock in the retainers on the top panel. Pass the lid lock wire through the opening of the main top panel.
Step 6. Snap your washing machine’s main top panel back into place and close the lid. Detach the control panel from the base and lay it on the lid. Connect the electrical connector of the new lid lock to the control board.
Step 7. Put the control board cover back on and apply the screws with your Philips screwdriver to secure it. Snap the control panel back into the base. Put the rear access panel back on and apply the screws with your Philips screwdriver to secure it.
Step 8. Plug your washing machine’s power cord back into the power outlet and try running a wash cycle to see if the problem has been fixed.
How To Replace A Damaged Door Lock In A Front Loader Washing Machine
Take the following steps to replace a damaged door lock in your front loader washing machine…
Step 1. Ensure that you unplug your washing machine from its power supply before starting this repair in order to avoid electrocution.
Step 2. Open your washing machine’s door. Insert a flat-blade screwdriver under the metal retaining band around the door boot seal. Work the screwdriver around until you can take the whole band off.
Step 3. Peel the door seal aside away from the door opening (you don’t need to take the whole seal off).
Step 4. Use a Philips screwdriver to remove the two screws holding the door lock assembly to the cabinet. Reach inside the washing machine out of place.
Step 5. Disconnect the electrical connector from the door lock and set the lock aside. Take your new washing machine door lock out of its packaging.
Step 6. Connect the electrical connector to the new door lock assembly. Install the new lock in your washing machine and apply the two screws with your Philips screwdriver to secure it to the cabinet.
Step 7. Fit the door boot seal back around the door opening. Use your flat-blade screwdriver to fit the metal retaining band around the door boot seal. Close the door of your washing machine and plug the power cord back in. Make sure the issue has been fixed by running a wash cycle.
2. Control Board Failure
If your washing machine’s control board fails, it could cause the machine to agitate but not spin. Here’s how to replace a failed washing machine control board…
How To Replace Top Loader Washing Machine Control Board
Do the following to replace a failed control board in your top loader washing machine…
Step 1. Please make sure you unplug your washing machine’s power cord from the power outlet before starting this repair in order to avoid electrocution.
Step 2. Insert a putty knife under the two sides of the control panel to release the two retaining clips. Pull the panel forwards and lay it on the lid of your washing machine.
Step 3. Take note of the positioning of each electrical connector attached to the control board and then disconnect each one. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, release the wire connectors from the retainers.
Step 4. Pull the air pressure tube off the control board. Using a screwdriver, remove the screws holding the control board to the control panel.
Step 5. Pull the control board off the panel and set it aside. Take your new control board assembly out of its packaging.
Step 6. Mount the new control board onto the control panel and apply the screws to secure it. Transfer the wire retainer from the old control board to the new one. Connect each electrical connector to its appropriate terminal on the new control board.
Step 7. Connect the air pressure tube to the new control board. Snap the control panel back into the slots on the main top panel. Plug the power cord back into the power outlet and run a wash cycle to see if the problem has been fixed.
How To Replace Front Loader Washing Machine Control Board
Do the following to replace a faulty control board in your Frigidaire front loader washing machine…
Step 1. Make sure to unplug your washing machine’s power cord from the power outlet before starting this repair in order to prevent electrocution.
Step 2. Take out the screws at the back of your washing machine holding the top panel using a screwdriver. Slide the top panel backwards a few inches and lift it off your washing machine.
Step 3. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to release the tab holding the control board to the side of the cabinet. Pull the control board off the cabinet and pull the cover off the board.
Step 4. Disconnect each electrical connector attached to the control board (make sure to take note of where each connector goes). Set the old control board aside and take your new board out of its packaging.
Step 5. Connect each electrical connector to its appropriate terminal on the new control board. Snap the cover of the new control board on.
Step 6. Insert the new control board into the slots on the cabinet and slide it side-ways to secure it. Put the main top panel back on and slide it forwards. Apply the screws at the back with a screwdriver to secure the top panel. Plug your washer’s power cord back into the power outlet and make sure everything is working properly by running a wash cycle.
3. Damaged Tub Bearing
If your washing machine agitates but doesn’t spin, another thing that could be at fault is the tub bearing. Please note that this doesn’t occur frequently. Only attempt this fix as a last resort. Here’s how to replace a damaged tub bearing in your washing machine…
How To Replace Damaged Bearing In Top Loader Washing Machine
Do the following to replace a worn spin bearing in your top loader washing machine…
Step 1. Shut off your washing machine’s water supply and unplug the power cord from the outlet before starting this repair in order to prevent water leaks or electrocution.
Step 2. Using a pair of pliers, unscrew the COLD and HOT water supply hoses from the inlet ports at the back of your washing machine (we recommend keeping a rag nearby in case water spills out).
Step 3. Use your screwdriver to take out the screws holding the rear access cover off the control panel. Detach the panel from the housing and lay it on the lid of your washing machine.
Step 4. Take note of the positioning of each electrical connector attached to the control board and disconnect each one. Set the control panel aside.
Step 5. Insert a tool such as a putty knife under the main top panel of your washing machine to release the retaining clips holding the front panel. Pull the front panel off your washing machine and set it aside.
Step 6. Use your Philips screwdriver to remove the screws at the front of your washing machine holding the top panel. Lift the main top panel slightly and use a pair of needle-nosed pliers to release the lid lock from it.
Step 7. Lift the top panel off your washing machine and set it aside. Use your screwdriver to take out the screws holding the rear control panel bracket, trim, and rear panel.
Step 8. Disconnect the air pressure tube from the water level sensor. Move the control panel bracket aside.
Step 9. Use your Philips screwdriver to take out the screws holding the shock dampening straps to the tub cover. Pull the straps from the tub cover.
Step 10. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to release the tabs holding the tub cover to the tub. Pull the tub cover off the tub and set it aside.
Step 11. Reach inside your washing machine and open the dispenser cover. Rotate the dispenser cup counter-clockwise and pull it off the agitator.
Step 12. Using a 7/16 inch socket wrench, remove the bolt holding the agitator to the washing machine. Lift the agitator out of your washing machine and set it aside.
Step 13. Pull the drive block and washer nut off the drive shaft. Using a 1-11/16 inch tub nut wrench and a hammer, unscrew the tub nut wrench inside your washing machine.
Step 14. Lift the inner tub assembly out if your washing machine and set it aside. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, pry the split ring and washer off the drive shaft.
Step 15. Disconnect all the electrical connectors attached to the drive motor (make sure to take note of where each connector goes). Use your screwdriver to take out the screw holding the grounding wire to the motor.
Step 16. Release the wire retainers from the motor assembly using a pair of pliers. Untwist the motor wires from the suspension rod.
Step 17. Use a pair of pliers to press the clamp on the drain outlet hose at the bottom of the tub and slide the clamp out of place. Disconnect the drain hose from the tub (keep a rag nearby in case water spills out of the hose).
Step 18. Disconnect the air pressure tube from the port at the side of your washer’s tub. Carefully lift the outer tub and knock the four suspension rods out of the support brackets.
Step 19. Carefully pull the tub assembly out of your washing machine’s cabinet. Turn the outer tub assembly upside-down and lay it on the floor.
Step 20. Using a 3/4 inch socket wrench, take out the bolt holding the drive pulley to the bottom of the tub. Lift the drive pulley off the tub and set it aside.
Step 21. Take out the hex bolts on the mounting plate directly below the drive pulley. Use your socket wrench to take out the bolts holding the base frame to the outer tub.
Step 22. Cut the zip-tie holding the overflow tube to the base frame leg. Lift the base frame assembly off the tub and set it aside.
Step 23. Pull the mode shifter and shaft assembly out of the tub and set it aside. Lift the nylon washer off the bearing at the bottom of the tub. Use your Philips screwdriver to remove the screws holding the spin bearing to the tub. Pry the bearing off the tub with a flat-blade screwdriver and set it aside.
Step 24. Take your new washing machine tub bearing out of its packaging and push it into the opening at the bottom of the tub. Apply the screws with your Philips screwdriver to secure it.
Step 25. Insert the mode shifter and shaft assembly through the opening on the new bearing. Place the motor and base frame assembly back on the tub and apply the bolts on each leg to secure it.
Step 26. Using a zip-tie, secure the overflow tube to the base frame leg. Secure the mode shifter to the base frame by applying the hex bolts.
Step 27. Place the drive pulley on the base frame and apply the bolt to secure. Loop the drive belt around the motor shaft and drive pulley.
Step 28. Carefully lift the tub assembly back inside your washing machine’s cabinet. Carefully lift the tub assembly and snap each suspension rod into slots. Connect the air pressure tube back to the port at the side of the tub.
Step 29. Connect the outlet hose back to the port at the bottom of your washing machine and slide the retaining clamp in place to secure it.
Step 30. Snap the motor wire retainers into place. Connect each electrical connector to its corresponding terminal on the motor assembly. Secure the grounding wire to the motor assembly by applying the screw.
Step 31. Push the washer nut and split ring back into place. Lower the inner tub assembly back onto the shaft and tighten the tub nut to secure it. Put the drive block back in place.
Step 32. Put the agitator back inside the washing machine and apply the bolt with a socket wrench to secure it. Put the dispenser cup back on the agitator and rotate it to secure.
Step 33. Snap the tub cover back onto the outer tub. Connect the shock dampening straps back to the tub cover and apply the screws with your screwdriver to secure it.
Step 34. Place the control panel bracket back on the washing machine and apply the screws to secure it. Connect the air pressure tube back to the water level sensor.
Step 35. Put the control panel trim and rear cover back into place and apply the mounting screws to secure it.
Step 36. Insert the lid lock through the opening on the main top panel and snap it back in place. Push the lid lock wire into the hole in the cabinet.
Step 37. Snap the main top panel back onto your washing machine and apply the screws at the front with your Philips screwdriver to secure it. Snap the front panel back in place.
Step 38. Connect each electrical connector to its appropriate terminal on the control board. Position the control panel back onto the housing. Apply the screws on the rear access cover to secure the control panel.
Step 39. Reconnect the COLD and HOT water supply hoses back to the inlet ports at the back of your washing machine (make sure to secure the connections properly so water doesn’t leak out).
Step 40. Turn on your washing machine’s water supply valve and plug the power cord back into the outlet. Try running a wash cycle to see if the problem has been resolved.
Check out these other articles…
Washing Machine Overfilling/Overflowing [Problems Solved]
Frigidaire Washing Machine Not Washing [Quick Fix]
Washing Machine Doesn’t Spin Dry [How To Fix]
Frigidaire Washing Machine Not Starting [How To Fix]
Frigidaire Washing Machine Blinking Lights [How To Fix]
How To Replace Damaged Bearing In Front Loader Washing Machine
Most front loader washing machine bearings come in a kit. This kit includes an inner bearing, an outer bearing, a tub seal (sometimes), and a bearing seal. Do the following to replace a damaged bearing in your front loader washing machine…
Step 1. Ensure that your washing machine’s water supply valve is turned off and the power cord is unplugged from the outlet before starting this repair. This will prevent any chances of electrocution and water leakage.
Step 2. Take out the screws at the back of your washing machine holding the top panel. Slide the top panel backwards a bit and lift it off your washing machine.
Step 3. Pull out the detergent drawer and press the tab inside to completely release it from the washing machine. Use your screwdriver to take out the screws beside the detergent drawer housing and on the right hand side of the control panel.
Step 4. Pry the control panel off your washing machine and lay it on top of the cabinet. Pull the lower access panel off the front of your washing machine and set it aside.
Step 5. Use your screwdriver to remove the screws at the top and bottom of the main front panel. Open the door of your washing machine.
Step 6. Insert a tool such as a flat-blade screwdriver under the metal retaining wire around the door boot seal. Work the screwdriver around until you can take the whole wire off.
Step 7. Peel the door seal away from the door opening and push it into the drum. Use your screwdriver to remove the two screws holding the door lock to the cabinet. Reach inside the washing machine and pull the door lock out of place.
Step 8. Lift the main front panel off your washing machine and set it aside. Pull the detergent dispenser out of place. Use a pair of pliers to press the clamp on the hose that connects the dispenser to the drum and slide it out of place (release the clamp nearest to the drum). Pull the hose off the drum and set the dispenser assembly aside.
Step 9. Use your screwdriver to take out the screws holding the counter-weight to the front of your washing machine. Pull the counter-weight off the drum and set it aside. Use a 13mm socket wrench to take out the bolts holding the top counter-weight to the drum. Lift the top counter-weight off the drum.
Step 10. Disconnect the electrical connected to the heater element at the bottom of the drum (ensure that you note where each connector goes). Unscrew the heater element nut until it gets to the tip of the bolt. Using a mallet and a socket extension, strike the nut to release the heater element.
Step 11. Pull the heater element out of your washing machine and set it aside. If any water is stuck in the drum, use the emergency drain hose to drain it out.
Step 12. Use a pair of pliers to press the clamp on the drain outlet hose connected to the bottom of the drum. Disconnect the drain hose from the tub (keep a rag nearby in case water spills out).
Step 13. Use your screwdriver to release the wires from the retainers on the tub. Using your screwdriver, take out the screws at the back of your washing machine securing the rear access panel. Lift the panel off your washing machine and set it aside.
Step 14. Rotate the drive belt slowly and pull it off the motor shaft and drive pulley. Disconnect the electrical connectors attached to the motor (ensure that you take note of where each connector goes). Socket wrench to take out the bolt holding the drive motor to the bottom of the drum. Pull the motor off the drum and set it aside.
Step 15. Use a pair of pliers to release the clip holding the pressure chamber to side of the drum. Undo the bolts holding the two legs to the tub. Get someone to help you lift the two suspension springs and carefully lower the drum to the floor of the cabinet.
Step 16. Carefully pull the drum assembly out of your washer’s cabinet. Turn the drum assembly over and lay it on two supports. Use a 13mm socket wrench to take out the bolt holding the pulley wheel to the bottom of the drum. Lift the pulley wheel off and set it aside.
Step 17. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the two halves of the drum together. Pull the front half of the tub off the tub assembly and set it aside. Slide the inner tub out of the bottom half of the outer tub.
Step 18. Set the bottom half of the outer tub on two wooden supports. Using a mallet and a chisel, carefully knock the outer bearing out of the tub (this is the smaller bearing).
Step 19. Turn the tub assembly upside-down. Use you mallet and chisel once more to knock the inner tub bearing out. Set the inner bearing and seal aside.
Step 20. Carefully clean the bearing housing. Take your new bearing assembly out of its packaging. Use your mallet and chisel to carefully knock the new inner bearing in to the outer tub (make sure to only tap the outer rim of the bearing).
Step 21. Put the bearing seal into place directly above the inner bearing and knock it in with the mallet. Turn the tub over once more and knock the new inner bearing into the opening.
Step 22. Lift the lower half of the outer drum and lower it onto the inner drum shaft. Place the drive pulley on the back of the outer drum and apply the bolt to secure it.
Step 23. Fit the new tub seal into the groove on the outer tub. Place the top half of the outer tub onto the tub assembly and apply the screws to secure the two halves.
Step 24. Lift the drum assembly back into the cabinet and hook the two suspension springs. Push the drum legs into place and apply the bolts to secure it.
Step 25. Insert the heating element into the housing at the bottom of the drum and apply the mounting bolt to secure it. Connect each electrical connector to its appropriate terminal on the heating element.
Step 26. Place the drive motor back in position and apply the mounting bolts to secure it. Connect each electrical connector to its appropriate terminal on the drive bolt.
Step 27. Snap the air pressure chamber to the side of the machine. Fit the drive belt around the drive pulley and motor shaft. Put the rear panel of your washing machine back on and apply the screws to secure it.
Step 28. Connect the drain outlet hose to the port at the bottom of the tub. Slide the retaining clamp into place to secure it. Put the top and front counter-weight back onto the drum and apply the bolts to secure it.
Step 29. Connect the dispenser hose back to the port at the top of the drum and secure it with the retaining clamp.
Step 30. Put the main front panel of your washing machine back in place and apply all the screws to secure it. Open the door of your washing machine and put the door lock back into place. Apply the screws to secure it.
Step 31. Fit the door boot seal back around the door opening. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, fit the outer retaining band around the door opening. Close the door of your washing machine.
Step 32. Snap the lower the front access panel back onto your washing machine. Snap the control panel back onto the front of your washing machine and apply all the screws to secure it.
Step 33. Slide the detergent drawer back into the housing. Put the top panel of your washing machine back on and apply the screws at the back to secure it. Plug your washing machine’s power cord back into the outlet and turn the water valve back on. Try running a wash cycle to see if the problem has been fixed.
Washing Machine Agitates Before Filling — Solved
If your washing machine agitates before filling the water level sensor is at fault. If your washing machine’s water level sensor is defective, it could cause the washing machine to think that the drum is already full.
Here’s how to replace a defective water level sensor in your washing machine.
How To Replace Water Level Sensor In Front Loader Washing Machine
Do the following to replace a water level sensor in your front loader washing machine…
Step 1. Make sure to unplug your washing machine’s power cord from the power outlet before starting this repair in order to prevent electrocution.
Step 2. Use a Philips screwdriver to take out the screws at the back of your washing machine holding the top panel. Slide the top panel backwards an inch or so, and lift it off your washing machine.
Step 3. Take out the mounting screw holding the water level sensor to the cabinet. Disconnect the electrical connector attached to the sensor. Pull the air pressure tube from the level sensor and set the sensor aside.
Step 4. Take your new washing machine water level sensor out of its packaging. Connect the air pressure tube to the new sensor and connect the electrical connector.
Step 5. Mount the pressure sensor on the cabinet and apply the screw with your screwdriver to secure it.
Step 6. Slide your washing machine’s top panel back on and apply the screws at the back to secure it. Plug the power cord into the power outlet and try running a wash cycle to see if the issue has been solved.
How To Replace Water Level Sensor In Top Loader Washing Machine
Do the following to replace a faulty water level sensor in your top loader washing machine…
Step 1. Make sure to unplug your washing machine’s power cord from the power outlet before starting this repair in order to avoid electrocution.
Step 2. Use your Philips screwdriver to take out the screws at the back of the washing machine holding the control panel rear access cover. Pull the cover off your washing machine and set it aside.
Step 3. Detach the control panel from the base and lay it on the lid of your washing machine. Disconnect the electrical connector from the water pressure switch.
Step 4. Pull the pressure switch out of the mounting bracket. Use your screwdriver to remove the screws holding the main rear panel of your washing machine. Lift the panel off your washer and set it aside.
Step 5. Disconnect the air pressure tube from the port at the side of the tub and untwist the retainers. Snap the control panel onto the base.
Step 6. Open the lid of your washing machine. Insert a tool such as a putty knife under the main top panel to release the retaining clips. Lift the main top panel and support it.
Step 7. Cut the tape securing the tube to the wires. Pull the water pressure switch and hose out of your washing machine and set it aside. Take your new water level sensor out of its packaging.
Step 8. Pass the tube through the opening on the top panel. Go to the back of your washing machine and connect the new pressure tube to the port at the side of the drum. Secure the tube to the the wires using a zip-tie.
Step 9. Lower the main top panel of your washing machine and snap it into place. Snap the new pressure sensor into the mounting base and connect the electrical connector.
Step 10. Put the rear panel of your washing machine back on and apply the screws with your Philips screwdriver to secure it. Put the rear access of the control panel back on and apply the screws to secure it.
Step 11. Plug the power cord back into the power outlet and try running a wash cycle to see if the problem has been fixed.
Note: Please keep in mind that the steps above will vary greatly depending on the model of your washing machine.
