What does Kenmore Washer Won't Agitate - Causes & Fix mean?

Most often worn agitator dogs inside the upper agitator assembly. Remove the cap and bolt, inspect the dogs for rounding or wear, and replace them.

How do I fix Kenmore Washer Won't Agitate - Causes & Fix?

Work through the step-by-step fix below. Start with the quick reset and the most common cause, then check the specific part this guide points to. Most fixes need only basic hand tools and the right replacement part.

Can I keep using my Kenmore appliance with this error showing?

Usually not. Kenmore appliances show this error when a part or safety circuit is out of range, so running it can stop the cycle or make the problem worse. Diagnose and clear the error before normal use.

What part is most commonly replaced for Kenmore Washer Won't Agitate - Causes & Fix?

The parts that most often fix Kenmore Washer Won't Agitate - Causes & Fix are listed in the parts section of this guide. Match the part to your exact model and serial number before you buy.

Is Kenmore Washer Won't Agitate - Causes & Fix a DIY repair or do I need a technician?

Many fixes are DIY-friendly with basic tools, such as door switches, drain pumps, water inlet valves, thermostats, heating elements, and filters. Sealed-system, refrigerant, gas, or high-voltage work should go to a licensed technician for safety.

Kenmore Washer Won't Agitate - Causes & Fix

Kenmore Washer Won’t Agitate — What’s Happening

When your Kenmore washer won’t agitate, it means the wash basket is filling and draining normally but the agitator itself isn’t moving clothes back and forth during the wash cycle. This is a symptom, not a stored fault code. If your washer is showing an actual code like F7 E6 or F7 E5, that code points to a motor fault or shift actuator fault and requires a different repair path.

On most Kenmore 110-series top-loaders with a dual-action agitator, the top section of the agitator should rotate freely in one direction and drive the lower section in the other direction. When agitation stops working but the washer still spins and drains, the problem is usually mechanical wear inside the agitator assembly or an electrical fault in the drive system that prevents the transmission from shifting into agitate mode.

Jump to Fix

Most Likely Causes

Worn agitator dogs The small plastic cams inside the upper agitator wear down over time and stop gripping, so the top section spins freely in both directions instead of driving the lower agitator.
Stripped or damaged agitator splines The splines on the agitator shaft or inside the agitator hub crack or strip out, preventing the upper and lower sections from engaging mechanically.
Cracked agitator assembly or hub The plastic agitator body or hub can crack from age or overloading, breaking the connection between the drive shaft and the agitator.
Shift actuator failure On Whirlpool-platform Kenmore machines, the shift actuator moves the transmission between agitate and spin modes, and when it fails the washer may spin but not agitate.
Motor or motor control fault A failing drive motor or control board issue can prevent the motor from running in agitate mode even though it works for spin.
Transmission or drive system fault Internal wear or breakage in the transmission can stop the agitator drive while still allowing the spin basket to turn.

How to Diagnose and Fix

Verify your exact model number from the tag inside the washer and check whether the display shows any stored fault codes.
Enter diagnostic mode per your model’s service manual and retrieve any stored codes or run the automatic test cycle to see if the washer can command agitation.
Unplug the washer, remove the fabric softener dispenser cap (if present), and unbolt the agitator to lift it out of the tub.
Inspect the agitator dogs inside the upper agitator section for rounding, wear, or cracking, and check the splines on both the upper and lower sections for damage.
Rotate the top agitator section by hand to confirm it freewheels in one direction and locks in the other (correct), or freewheels both ways (failed dogs).
If the agitator parts look good and the washer shows a shift actuator or motor fault code, inspect the wiring harnesses to the motor and actuator for damage or loose connectors.
Use the manual test mode to command the shift actuator and motor through their functions and listen for actuator movement or motor response.
Replace the failed component (agitator dogs, actuator, or motor) and run a recalibration cycle if you replaced the shift actuator or motor control parts.

Parts You Might Need

Part	Notes
Agitator dog kit	Amazon \| Small plastic cams that fit inside the upper agitator, specific to your agitator style.
Agitator assembly (upper or lower section)	Amazon \| Needed if the splines or hub are stripped or cracked beyond the dog replacement.
Shift actuator	Amazon \| Required if diagnostic codes point to F7 E5 or actuator test fails.

If your appliance also shows a code on the display, these match this problem:

When to Call a Pro

Call a tech if your washer displays motor or shift actuator fault codes and you’re not comfortable with the recalibration procedure after part replacement. If the agitator and splines look fine but the machine still won’t agitate even in test mode, the problem is likely internal to the transmission or drive system and requires disassembly and parts that are usually not cost-effective for a DIY repair. Also call a pro if you’re unsure which platform or diagnostic procedure applies to your specific Kenmore model number.