It can be frustrating to find your KitchenAid washing machines are not spinning in the wash cycle. There are some steps you can take to resolve the issue at hand instead of seeking help from an expert or buying a new washer. In this post, we’ll walk you through the most common causes of an appliance from KitchenAid that isn’t stirring and offer detailed instructions on how to solve the problem. We’ll address everything from a worn belt to a defective lid switch. This will save you both time and money. If your KitchenAid washing machine isn’t moving, don’t worry and read this article to find out how to solve it.
Agitator
In the top-loading KitchenAid washing machine the agitator is used to move the clothes through water and detergent. It is driven through an output shaft of the transmission. The output shaft is normally splined, and the center of the plastic agitator will have a matching spline to ensure that it is a perfect fit. The agitator is single-piece or a dual-action model, depending on the brand. How to examine the agitator inside a KitchenAid washing machine:
- Disconnect your KitchenAid washing machine from the power source.
- Remove the fabric softener dispenser or top cover, based on the model in order to gain access to the agitator. It is possible to manually turn the agitator. You should feel some resistance as it gets being splined.
- To inspect the agitator more precisely, take it out of the appliance. Most agitators are held in place by a bolt which runs through the top of the transmission shaft. Some models employ a small set screw inside the barrel of the agitator just above the base, to anchor the agitator to shaft, while others use a rubber O-ring to ensure a secure fit.
- You’ll need a new KitchenAid agitator If your agitator is damaged or worn on any of its parts, especially around the splines.
Agitator Directional Cogs :On top loading KitchenAid washers , which use a dual action agitator, it’s possible for the top portion of the agitator become disengaged from the bottom portion. The directional cogs made of hard plastic or “dogs” operate up the upper portion of the agitator. They can become worn down because of heavy usage. If the top part of your agitator will turn in either direction or makes sounds that grate in the washing cycle, then the directional cogs may require replacement. How to check the directional cogs on theKitchenAid washing machine:
- Unplug the KitchenAid washing machine and take off the dispenser of fabric softener or top cover, based on the model.
- Locate your agitator cogs. To reach the cogs you may have to cut off the base, top or cap, based on the model.
- Check the cogs’ visual appearance to determine if there are discolorations, wear or damage. It is also important to check if any cogs are missing.
- You will need replacement cogs that are directional from KitchenAid in the event that your cogs show any of the above symptoms.
Agitator Coupler & Cap & Bolt
Some top-loading washers made by KitchenAid have a coupler between their shaft for transmission and the agitator. The drive coupler is splined from the inside, to match the transmission and then splined out on the outside to align with the agitator. The drive coupling may be damaged if the KitchenAid washer emits the sound of grinding during wash cycles , or if the agitator isn’t turning freely. How to check the agitator coupler on a KitchenAid washer:
- Before you begin you should disconnect your KitchenAid washer from electricity source.
- In order to access the coupler of the agitator it is necessary to remove the top cover or fabric softener dispenser based on the model. Then you will need remove the agitator.
- Unthread the bolt holding the coupler to the transmission shaft and take it off the appliance. Inspect the coupler for any indications of damage, cracks burns, rust, or wear.
- If you discover any of these items, you’ll need a KitchenAid replacement coupler for agitators.
Direct Drive Motor Couple
Top load washers from KitchenAid use direct drive motor couplings to transfer power from the motor to the transmission. The drive coupling links the motor to the transmission. It consists of 2 plastic drive forks that have a rubber coupling between them. The drive shaft is linked to one fork, and the other one is connected to with the input shaft of the transmission. The rubber coupling that connects the drive forks absorbs torque from the shaft of the motor to prevent them from breaking. The use that is normal will result in wear and tear on the coupling and eventually the drive forks might slide off and not engage the clutch or transmission. The most common sign of a failing motor coupling is that the washing machine fills and drains normally but will not spin or agitate. How to check the motor coupling of aKitchenAid washing machine:
- Before you begin, unplug your appliance from the mains power source.
- To examine the coupling of your motor, locate the coupling and pull it out. To access it, you will need to open your KitchenAid washing machine’s cabinet. it may be necessary to take off the drain pump or motor, depending on the model.
- Once you have removed it Check your coupling to see if there are any damage or signs of cracks, wear or tear.
- If you encounter any of the symptoms above it is time to get a KitchenAid replacement direct drive motor coupling.
Drive Belt
Top loading KitchenAid washers come with a belt that drives the transmission. The belt could be the cause of blame if the machine ceases to move. How to tell if yourKitchenAid washing machine drive belt needs to be replaced:
- Unplug the KitchenAid washer and remove the cabinet or access panel to find the drive belt.
- You can remove the clamps which secure the belt in place, and then take the drive belt off the drive motor.
- Examine the drive belt visually. You are looking for signs of wear, wear, fraying, or burning.
- You need a replacement KitchenAid drive belt when your belt exhibits any of these indicators.
Transmission
The transmission in a top load KitchenAid washer has the responsibility of making the motion of the motor to the forward and back motions for the agitator. Transmissions have an input shaft that is driven either by the motor itself or via belt. An output shaft drives the agitator. You must ensure that your motor’s drive shaft for agitation is functioning correctly before replacing it. The transmission may be at fault if the input shaft turns but the agitator shaft fails to make a turn. Most manufacturers do not supply internal parts and the complete transmission would be needed. It is important to be able to repair the tub seal at the point where the shaft gets into the tub. How do you inspect the transmission of KitchenAid washing machine:
- Before performing inspections on your transmission, make sure that the problem your experiencing does not originate from the agitator, or any of its components. Once you have eliminated the possibility of an issue with the agitator take your washer off and then remove the cabinet. After that, you must locate the transmission.
- Once you have located the source of the problem, plug your washing machine again and run a wash cycle to determine whether the problem is due to the transmission. reason for the issue. There will be strange noises when the system is malfunctioning. This is because the dryer’s internal parts are exposed.
- If the transmission becomes noisy during this test, then you require an KitchenAid replacement transmission.
Drive Motor
All top load KitchenAid washers use a motor to drive the motor to create agitation. KitchenAid washers utilize a reversing motor. This means that the motor turns in one direction to spin and draining , and the other direction for agitating. Motors might work in the spin direction, however, they are not working towards the direction of the agitation. How to test anKitchenAid washing-machine drive motor
- Before starting, unplug the power supply from the KitchenAid appliance.
- Take the cabinet out of your KitchenAid washer in order to locate and take out the drive motor. To remove the motor from the appliance, you will need to pull on the connectors instead of pulling on the wires.
- Set your multimeter to the Rx1 setting. Place the probes onto the terminals of your motor to check for continuity. A reading should be zero or close to zero.
- Place one probe on the terminal to test the connection to the ground. The second probe must be placed on the motor’s housing. motor. The test will not give you any readings.
- You’ll need to replace a KitchenAid drive motor in the event that your readings differ from those listed above.
Timer
The motor that drives the drive is controlled by the timer lid, the timer, the water level, and selector switches. The purpose of the timer is to supply the correct power to turn the motor on in the right direction. The timer might be faulty if the motor in the drive of the washer doesn’t get power during the washing phase. How to check the timer on aKitchenAid washing-machine using the multimeter:
- As with all repairs, unplug the power source of your KitchenAid washer’s power source.
- To find the timer, unplug the control panel from your appliance, and then remove the panel on the back.
- To test the washer, pull the connectors which are not made of metal. Then, remove the wires that connect to the timer.
- To check continuity, you can make use of a multimeter that has the Rx1 setting. The reading should be zero or near zero. If you don’t receive this reading, then you’ll require a KitchenAid replacement timingr.
Lid switch
The lid switch is a security feature in top-load KitchenAid washing machines. The motor circuit is linked to the lid switch, that is typically located beneath the main top. It must be activated in order for the motor to operate. A projection or pin that is located on the lid pushes against it and closes the lid switch lever when it is shut. The lid switch must be checked if your KitchenAid washer does not agitate or the motor doesn’t get any power. How to check the switch that controls the lid on aKitchenAid washer:
- Start by disconnecting the KitchenAid washer. Then, take off the top panel.
- Find the switch , and make sure that it’s active by closing the lid. If it’s not, unplug the switch in order to test it.
- Set your multi-meter to the Rx1 setting, attach the probes to terminals and then press and hold the switch button. The multimeter should read or close to zero.
- You’ll require a replacement KitchenAid lid switch if the results of your tests are different.
Selector Switch
The selector switch is used in certain models to control the speed of motors in the drive. The motor could not begin when the switch is damaged. How to test the selector switch in theKitchenAid washing machine using the multi-meter:
- Before you start making use of electrical components, disconnect the electrical components in your KitchenAid washer.
- Find the switch to select your KitchenAid appliance, and then take the switch off. It’s likely that it’s secured to the frame of your KitchenAid washing machine. To access the cabinet, you’ll have to pull it from its entire structure or a fraction of it.
- The test for continuity is using a multimeter , using the Rx1 setting. Press the first button, changing the reading from zero to infinity. Make sure the probes are connected to terminals and press a different button. The reading should be restored to zero.
- If your test results differ from the above results then you’ll need a KitchenAid alternative selector switch.
Water Level Switch
The water level switch can be found on top-load KitchenAid washers . It lets you select the right level of water. This switch also supplies power to the drive motor. It shuts off the water inlet valve to lower power consumption and power the drive motor circuit. If the washer fills, but does not agitate then the pressure switch may be the cause. How to determine the level of water in theKitchenAid washer.
- Unplug your KitchenAid washing machine from the source of power.
- The water level switch can be located usually behind the control panel, however, it could also be located below the tubs in the sump area.
- Before changing the switch, you must first eliminate the air dome hose as the source of the issue. Untangle the hose, then submerge it in water. Then seal the one end, then blow air through the other, and look for bubbles. You should also check for any obstructions within the hose, and search for signs of cracks , or wear.
- If your air dome hose you are using isn’t running, it could be time to get a new water level switch from KitchenAid.