Kenmore washer won’t agitate: A troubleshooting guide

If your Kenmore washer won’t agitate, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot this problem. The agitator dogs or splines in the top or lower agitator could be causing the issue, and we have the instructions here to help you determine what needs to be replaced. Before you know it, you’ll see the suds in motion again.

NOTE: The tests in this guide are for a washer that has a running motor. If your motor isn’t running, you may want to replace it or check out our other troubleshooting guides.

If you need any replacement parts for your Kenmore washer, you can use your model number to find what you need at AppliancePartsPros.com. We also have thousands of free DIY troubleshooting and repair guides to help you fix your appliance yourself.

Disclaimer: The troubleshooting information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What you need

• 7/16 socket and extension
• Pliers

Safety tips

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

How to troubleshoot

All of the tests will either be checking mechanical operation or looking over the washer splines.

Step 1 – Access the parts & test the agitator dogs

1. Make sure the washer is turned off and unplugged from power.
2. Turn off the water supply to the washer.
3. Lift the washer lid to access the agitator.
4. Grab the agitator and spin it clockwise at least three full times around. It should spin free and the lower agitator shouldn’t move.
5. Spin the top of the agitator in a counterclockwise direction at least three full times around. It should catch and spin the lower portion of the agitator.

If the top of the agitator spins freely in both directions, then the agitator dogs have worn down and need to be replaced.

Step 2 –  Test the top agitator

1. On the top of the agitator, check to see if you have a cap or a fabric softener cap. Remove either one of these by just pulling it up, then set it off to the side.
2. Look down into the agitator. You’ll see a dust cap with a rubber seal.
3. Remove the seal with pliers or by reaching in and pulling it out with your hand. There should be ridges on the cap that pliers can grip easier, so just pull the agitator out and set it off to the side.
4. Use the socket and extension to reach and remove the 7/16-inch bolt. The threads are standard, so go counterclockwise to loosen the bolt. You’ll probably have to hold the lower portion of the agitator so it doesn’t turn.
5. Pull the top agitator out and turn it over, which will let the cam with the agitator dogs fall out. 
6. Look over the splines and the inside and outside of the agitator for any cracks in the plastic or signs of rubbing on the splines. If you see any obvious damage, you’ll need to replace the agitator.

Step 3 – Test the lower agitator

1. Reach down into the tub with both hands and pull the agitator straight up.
2. There are plastic splines on the inside of the agitator and metal splines on the agitator shaft coming into the tub. Look over all of the splines to make sure there isn’t any damage to either set.

If you find any damage to the splines, replace them as needed.

More information

Thanks for stopping by! We hope this guide helped you fix your Kenmore washing machine.

If you run into any issues, just give us a call at 1-877-477-7278 or start a chat with a pro on our website so we can help you through it. We’ve got many more troubleshooting and repair guides on our DIY blog and YouTube channel, and all the parts you need to do it yourself at AppliancePartsPros.com. We can also help you troubleshoot common washer problems here.

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