Maytag Washer Not Agitating: Causes and How to Fix It
Is your Maytag washer not agitating? Learn the common causes and practical ways to troubleshoot a Maytag washer that fills with water but won't agitate.
DIY
9/20/20263 min read
Maytag Washer Not Agitating: What to Check
A Maytag washer that fills with water but does not agitate can leave your clothes sitting in the tub without being properly washed. The problem may be something simple, such as an overloaded washer or an incorrect cycle setting, but it can also involve the lid lock, drive system, motor, or other components.
Before arranging a repair, work through the following checks.
Start With These Quick Checks
1. Make Sure the Washer Is Not Paused
Check the control panel to make sure the washer has actually started the wash cycle.
If the washer is paused, press Start/Pause and allow a few moments for the cycle to continue.
Some models may also take a short amount of time to fill or sense the load before agitation begins.
2. Check the Selected Cycle
Certain Maytag cycles have different wash actions and speeds. Make sure you have selected a cycle that includes agitation.
If possible, try another normal wash cycle and see whether the washer begins agitating.
3. Redistribute the Clothes
An overloaded or uneven load can interfere with normal washer operation.
Open the lid when it is safe to do so and redistribute the clothes around the basket. Remove some items if the washer is heavily packed.
Avoid stuffing the tub tightly. Clothes need enough room to move freely during washing.
Check the Lid or Door Lock
For many Maytag top-load washers, the lid needs to be properly closed and locked before the machine can begin certain parts of the cycle.
Close the lid firmly and listen for the lock to engage.
If the washer fills with water but never begins agitation, a problem with the lid-lock system may be involved.
Do not try to bypass or disable the lid-lock mechanism.
Reset the Maytag Washer
A temporary electronic problem can sometimes prevent the washer from starting the agitation portion of the cycle.
Try a basic power reset:
Turn the washer off.
Unplug it from the electrical outlet.
Wait approximately 5 minutes.
Plug it back in.
Select a normal wash cycle.
Start the washer.
If the washer agitates normally after the reset, the problem may have been a temporary control glitch.
Does the Washer Fill but Not Agitate?
This symptom provides an important clue.
If the washer:
Turns on normally
Fills with water
Locks the lid
But does not agitate
then the problem may be related to the drive system, motor, actuator, control system, or another mechanical component, depending on the specific Maytag model.
At this point, checking for an error code can be helpful.
Check for an Error Code
Look at the washer's display after it fails to agitate.
If you see an error code, write it down before resetting the machine. The code can help identify which system the washer believes has a problem.
The meaning of the code can vary between Maytag models, so use the documentation for your specific washer.
Inspect the Washer for Obstructions
Turn the washer off and disconnect power before inspecting areas around the appliance.
Check whether anything is visibly obstructing the basket or agitator.
Do not force the agitator by hand or attempt to dismantle internal components while the washer is connected to power.
Listen to the Washer During the Cycle
The sounds you hear can provide useful clues.
You Hear a Humming Sound
A humming sound without normal agitation could indicate that the motor is receiving power but the washer is not transferring that movement correctly.
You Hear Clicking
Repeated clicking may be related to the lid-lock mechanism or another control-related process.
You Hear Grinding or Loud Mechanical Noise
Grinding or unusual mechanical sounds can indicate a mechanical problem that needs further inspection.
There Is Almost No Sound
If the washer fills but becomes completely quiet when it should agitate, an electrical, control, or motor-related problem may be involved.
Check Whether the Washer Spins
If the washer does not agitate but does spin, that information can help narrow down the problem.
If neither agitation nor spinning works, the issue may involve a component shared by both functions.
If spinning works normally but agitation does not, the agitation or drive system may need closer inspection.
When Professional Repair May Be Necessary
If your Maytag washer still will not agitate after checking the cycle, load, lid, power, and error codes, the problem may require component-level diagnosis.
Professional service may be appropriate if:
The washer repeatedly fills but never agitates
The motor makes unusual noises
The washer displays a recurring error code
The washer also fails to spin
There is a burning smell
The washer trips the circuit breaker
The basket or agitator appears mechanically damaged
The problem returns after every reset
Avoid continuing to operate the washer if you notice smoke, a burning odor, exposed wiring, or other electrical hazards.
Final Thoughts
A Maytag washer that is not agitating can have several possible causes. Start with the simple checks: verify the cycle, redistribute the load, check the lid lock, and perform a basic power reset.
If the washer fills normally but still refuses to agitate, pay attention to error codes and unusual sounds. Persistent problems may point to the drive system, motor, actuator, lid-lock system, or electronic controls and may require model-specific troubleshooting or professional repair.