What Needs to Be Replaced When the Agitator on the GE Washing Machine Quits

Timer Controls

• Washers have lid switches that let the control panel know it’s safe to use the agitate and spin cycles. If the lid switch fails, the washer will not know to switch into those cycles.
  If your GE washer isn’t even attempting to agitate, but other cycles work when you select them, chances are the timer switch is malfunctioning. Washing machine cycles are determined by a timer inside the control panel. The timer is designed to switch to different parts of the cycle at preprogrammed times. If you have the know-how, you can test the timer controls with an ohm meter to see if you get resistance between each cycle selection.

Coupler

• The coupler is a plastic piece that links the motor to the transmission shaft, which drives the agitator. Over time, the coupler’s teeth can wear down and no longer grasp the transmission shaft to force the agitator to move. Your GE washing machine will attempt to agitate. Instead, you might hear a squealing sound because the motor is trying to rotate the transmission shaft but the coupler isn’t gripping it. You can replace the coupler by prying it free from between the motor and the transmission shaft.

Clutch

• Some GE washing machines use a clutch system instead of a transmission shaft to agitate the clothes. The clutch system works just like one in a car; it helps the washing machine motor switch speeds. As such, a clutch can also fail over time. If your GE washer has a clutch and you suspect it failed, take it to a technician for repair because a clutch is a complicated device that also controls speed for other machine functions.

Drive Motor

• The drive motor can spin in two different directions: one to operate the spin cycle and the other to operate the agitation cycle. It is possible for the motor to fail in the agitation cycle but not in the spin cycle. You can test this by setting the washer to the spin cycle and seeing if it operates. If it operates in spin but not in agitation, the motor might be burned out for the agitation cycle.