Washer Won’t Agitate, Repair Cost
The washer fills and drains normally, may even spin, but the agitator or impeller barely moves, clothes come out with dry spots or detergent still on them. On top loaders this is a drive train symptom, and the parts involved are mostly cheap plastic wear items.
Washer Won’t Agitate costs $100 to $280 for a pro repair in Arizona, parts and labor included.
- Parts $15 to $120, labor $90 to $220, about 45 to 90 minutes on site.
- Priciest fix is the transmission, up to $450.
- 4 of 5 common causes are DIY friendly. Difficulty is moderate.
- Repair in almost every case, agitator dogs, couplings, and splutch kits are among the cheapest parts in appliance repair.
Averages for independent repair companies. The service call fee of $75 to $150 is usually applied toward the repair. Costs vary by brand, model, and city.
What causes it, and what each fix costs
Agitator dogs / cam kit
Inside dual action agitators, small plastic "dogs" ratchet the top section. When they strip, the agitator spins freely without grabbing. A famously cheap part.
Motor coupling (direct drive)
See the motor coupling guide, the rubber and plastic link between motor and transmission shears.
Splutch / basket drive hub
On VMW platform top loaders the splutch cam engages agitate vs spin. Worn teeth ratchet loudly and agitation weakens.
Shift actuator
If the actuator can’t shift into agitate, the tub does nothing while the motor runs.
Transmission
The expensive possibility, see the transmission guide before assuming it.
Repair or replace?
Repair in almost every case, agitator dogs, couplings, and splutch kits are among the cheapest parts in appliance repair. Only a confirmed transmission failure on an old machine changes the answer.
We'll quote you on hauling it away, or buying it.
Not every washer is worth repairing, and we'd rather tell you that than sell you a repair. If you're replacing it, we'll give you a free quote either way. Scrap pickup for a machine that's finished, or a cash offer if it still has life in it. Working units, recent models and premium brands are often worth real money.
Quick Questions
The top of my agitator spins but clothes don’t move, what is that?
Classic stripped agitator dogs on a dual action agitator. The repair kit costs a few dollars in parts and many homeowners do it themselves with a socket extension.
Why does my washer agitate but not spin?
The reverse symptom points at the shift actuator, clutch, or lid lock, see the "washer won’t spin" guide.
Model specific guides for this problem
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