Fixing Your Maytag Centennial Washer Not Agitating Issue

Is your Maytag Centennial Washer not agitating? We understand the frustration you may be experiencing and want to help you troubleshoot the issue. In this section, we’ll guide you through step-by-step solutions to get your washer up and running smoothly again.

Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s important to understand how the agitator works in your Maytag Centennial Washer. Knowing the purpose of the agitator and common issues that can lead to it not functioning properly can help you pinpoint the problem more easily.

• Maytag Centennial Washer not agitating can be frustrating, but there are solutions.
• Understanding how the agitator works is important for troubleshooting.
• Common issues include power supply problems, a worn-out drive belt, faulty motor coupling, and more.
• Always prioritize safety and consult a professional if needed.
• With persistence, you’ll have your washer up and running smoothly again.

Takeaways>

Understanding the Agitation Function in Your Washer

Before troubleshooting your Maytag Centennial Washer not agitating issue, it’s essential to comprehend how the agitator works in your washer.

The agitator is a central post with fins or blades that rotate back and forth during the wash cycle, allowing clothes to move around and create friction, which ultimately results in cleaning.

If your washer is not agitating, it could be due to a range of reasons, including:

• A broken drive belt
• A faulty motor coupling
• Malfunctioning agitator dogs
• A defective capacitor
• A problematic control board
• Or a worn-out lid switch

It’s imperative to recognize that the agitator’s function can impact the overall washing process. Hence, it’s critical to fix the agitator promptly to avoid more extensive damage to your washer.

Moreover, the agitator not functioning correctly can lead to your clothes not getting cleaned thoroughly. In some cases, it can even damage your clothes.

Next, we’ll examine common issues that can cause your washer to not agitate properly and guide you through troubleshooting.

Checking the Power Supply

If your Maytag washer is not working, the power supply may be the culprit. Before troubleshooting any further, check to see if the machine is receiving power.

First, ensure the washer is plugged in and the outlet is functioning correctly. Test the outlet by plugging in a different appliance or device. If the outlet is not working, check the circuit breaker to see if the switch has tripped.

If the outlet is functioning correctly, but the washer is still not turning on, check the power cord for any visible damage. If the cord appears damaged, discontinue use immediately, and contact a professional for repairs.

If the cord is in good condition, but the washer is still not functioning, remove the back panel to access the control panel. Check the wiring connections to ensure they are secure and tight. Loose connections can cause power disruptions and prevent the washer from working correctly.

Testing the Power Supply

Use a multimeter to test the power supply. To do this, set the multimeter to measure voltage and connect the probes to the power source. Check the voltage reading to see if it matches the manufacturer’s specifications.

If the voltage reading is not correct, the power supply may need to be replaced. Consult the manufacturer’s manual or contact a professional for assistance.

Examining the Drive Belt

If your Maytag washer is not spinning or agitating, it could be due to a worn-out or broken drive belt. Here’s how to check the drive belt:

1. Unplug your washer and locate the drive belt, which is located behind the front panel. You may need to remove screws to access it.
2. Examine the drive belt for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or fraying.
3. Try spinning the pulley on the motor. If the pulley moves, but the drum doesn’t, this indicates a loose or worn drive belt.
4. If the drive belt needs replacing, remove the old one and install a new belt, making sure it fits snugly and correctly.

Checking and replacing the drive belt is a relatively simple fix for common washer problems.

Inspecting the Motor Coupling

If none of the previous solutions have worked, it’s time to check the motor coupling. A faulty motor coupling can cause the agitator to malfunction and prevent your Maytag Centennial Washer from spinning or agitating properly.

Note: Before starting, be sure to unplug the washer and turn off the water supply.

To inspect the motor coupling:

1. Remove the cabinet or front panel of the washer, depending on the model.
2. Locate the motor, which is typically at the bottom of the washer.
3. Inspect the motor coupling for any signs of wear or damage.
4. If the coupling appears worn or broken, it will need to be replaced.

Here’s an image to help you locate the motor and motor coupling:

If you’re unsure about inspecting or replacing the motor coupling, it’s best to consult a professional.

Checking the Agitator Dogs

If examining the drive belt and motor coupling does not solve the problem, it’s time to check the agitator dogs. These components are small plastic pieces that engage with the agitator to create movement.

To inspect the agitator dogs:

1. First, unplug the washer from the power source.
2. Remove the agitator cap by prying it off with a flat-head screwdriver or your fingers.
3. Use a socket wrench to remove the bolt under the cap.
4. Lift the agitator out of the washer and place it on a flat surface.
5. Locate the agitator dogs, which are usually four small pieces around the agitator’s top.
6. Inspect the agitator dogs for any signs of wear or damage.
7. If damaged, use pliers to remove the old agitator dogs and replace them with new ones.
8. Reassemble the agitator and the washer in the reverse order of how you disassembled them.
9. Plug the washer back in and test it to see if the agitator is now functioning properly.

Checking the agitator dogs is a simple procedure that can fix the problem of your Maytag Centennial washer not agitating. If you’re still facing issues, move on to the next step in our troubleshooting guide.

Testing the Capacitor

If your Maytag washer is not working properly, the capacitor might be the problem. This component stores electrical energy and delivers it to the motor to start the agitator. A faulty capacitor can cause your washer to stop working altogether. Here’s how to test it:

1. Unplug your washer and locate the capacitor in the control panel.
2. Remove the wires from the capacitor.
3. Set your multimeter to the capacitance setting and touch the probes to the terminals of the capacitor.
4. The reading on the multimeter should match the capacitance value printed on the capacitor.
5. If the reading is significantly lower or higher, the capacitor is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Replacing the capacitor is a simple process that can usually be done on your own. However, if you’re not comfortable working with electrical components, it’s better to consult a professional.

Don’t let a faulty capacitor keep your Maytag washer from working properly. Follow these steps to test and replace the component, and your washer should be up and running in no time.

Verifying the Lid Switch

If your Maytag Centennial Washer is not agitating, it could be due to a malfunctioning lid switch. This safety feature prevents the washer from operating when the lid is open. However, if it’s not working correctly, it can also prevent the agitator from working, even when the lid is closed. Here’s how to check and troubleshoot the lid switch:

1. Unplug the washer and locate the lid switch, which is usually located at the back of the control panel.
2. Remove any screws or clips holding the control panel in place, and lift it to access the lid switch.
3. Disconnect the wires from the lid switch and use a multimeter to test for continuity.
4. If the lid switch does not have continuity when the lid is closed, it needs to be replaced.

If you’re not comfortable testing or replacing the lid switch yourself, it’s best to consult a professional. But if you choose to do it yourself, make sure to purchase a replacement switch that’s compatible with your Maytag Centennial Washer model.

Note: A malfunctioning lid switch can cause other problems in addition to the agitator not working. If you’ve noticed issues with your washer not filling, draining, or spinning, it’s worth checking the lid switch as well.

Problems with the lid switch are relatively common in washing machines, and it’s an easy fix once you’ve identified the issue. By troubleshooting each component systematically, you’ll be able to get your Maytag Centennial Washer back in working order again.

Checking the Control Board

If none of the previous troubleshooting methods work, the issue may lie with the control board. The control board is responsible for controlling the different functions of the washer, including the agitator. If it starts to malfunction, the washer may stop working entirely.

To check the control board, first, unplug the washer from its power source. Then, remove the control panel by unscrewing the screws on the back. Locate the control board and inspect it for any signs of burn marks or damage.

If the control board appears to be damaged, it will need to be replaced. You can order a new control board from a Maytag certified dealer or have a professional repair technician replace it for you.

It’s important to note that replacing the control board can be a complex process and should only be attempted by those with experience in repairing washers. If you’re not comfortable with performing this type of repair, it’s best to call a professional.

Conclusion

Don’t let a Maytag Centennial Washer not agitating issue stress you out! By following the troubleshooting methods in this guide, you can easily identify and resolve the problem. Remember, understanding how the agitator function works, checking the power supply, examining the drive belt, inspecting the motor coupling, checking the agitator dogs, testing the capacitor, verifying the lid switch, and checking the control board are all essential steps in the process.

It’s important to always prioritize safety and consult a professional if needed. With persistence, you’ll soon have your Maytag washer up and running smoothly again.

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