Hi. My 20 year old whirlpool fills up, but won't agitate. If I manually move to rinse, it will drain and go through a final rinse. I makes noise like something is loose. There is a slight overheating smell. I bought a motor coupling, but am not sure that is the problem. i also need help installing it if it is. Thanks

Lotta

May need a new v-belt. Or it could need a new wig-wag solenoid. The wig-wag controls the transmission changing from spin to agitate.

maryjo

Thanks, for the quick response, Lotta. I figured out how to take apart the washer and replace the motor coupling. The old one didn’t look too bad. It wasn’t in pieces like I expected it to be. Where is the v-belt located? My machine is not belt driven. Is the wig-wag solenoid part of the transmission? Thanks for your help

labman

Some older machines had a belt connecting the motor and different parts running all around the base of the machine. If yours had one, it would be very apparent if you have looked inside. If it will spin and drain, chances are the motor coupling is OK. If it doesn't agitate, it may have a bad solenoid. They are a cylinder mounted on the transmission in the center under the machine. They will have 2 wires going to them, and maybe a rod coming out to a lever. When the timer switches it on, the solenoid pulls the rod in and the lever shifts the transmission into the correct position. You could try pushing the lever with a screwdriver to see if the solenoid is the problem. It that shifts the washer into agitate, the solenoid could be bad, or the timer may not be giving it power. The rod from the solenoid may be pinned to the lever and the pin gone too. Do you have anything to check electrical power? It may take several posts to work this one out.

maryjo

This washing machine has no visible solenoid. I can't see two wires or a lever. The transmission is an enclosed unit. Should I be taking it apart to find the problem? thanks. I'm thinking timer?

labman

Removing the transmission and taking it apart, might be more of an adventure than you should tackle. I would try to figure out the timer first. There should be a diagram either on the back or inside. They are confusing. They will show if each switch worked by the plastic cam is closed or not. See if you can figure out which of the wires running to the motor and transmission should be hot in the agitation cycle. Make sure they are.

How? I came across the niftiest gadget for trouble shooting, a voltage detector. They work through the insulation of wires. There are several brands. I have a GB Instruments GVD-505A, less than $15 at Home Depot. Touch it to a hot wire, and the end glows red. Find the doodad that lights it on one side, and not the other, and you have the culprit.

polar

may need new motor

maryjo

Thanks for all your help. I bought a beautiful Whirlpool front loader . It is being delivered Saturday!! 19 years is just too old. Wish me luck!! MJ

applguy

Just make sure you don't use liquid soap in it. Eventually, the grey rubber door boot will begin to turn black with mold, the interior of the drain pump and the drain hose will turn black with mold, and the washer will begin to stink. I can tell when someone is using liquid detergent when I walk in the door. Hope you find this useful.

maryjo

Thanks for the advise, Applguy. I was told that if I leave the door ajar after use it will not mold. What do you think? How come this is so common with front loaders?