Agitator only going in one direction

The agitator is designed to “ratchet” and turn one way but not the other. If your clothes are being twisted, that is most likely a transmission problem where it tries to agitate and spin at same time

Sounds Like the agitator dogs are worn or broken. they are easy to change

1. Remove the Fabric Softener Dispenser (#1 on diagram)
   
2. Remove the Agitator Bolt. (#2 on diagram)
3. Replace the Agitator Repair Kit

There are 3 Lengths of agitator cams
If you go to http://www.appliancepartspros.com/partsearch/model.aspx?model_id=503228&diagram_id=28254127#d28254127

And Click on #20 on the Agitator, basket and tub Diagram
You can see pictures of the 3 lengths of cams order the one that matches your washer

first thing to check would be the agitator dogs on the agitator here is a video on how to replace the agitator dogs in a top load washer click here http://www.youtube.com/user/RepairClinic?v=0GQh8JLqVv8&feature=pyv&ad=5457341621&kw=agitator usually if the agitator is only spining in one direction this would be what you would have to replace if you have any further questions message me back and please remember when our chat has fully concluded to rank how this opinion has helped it allows me to continue helping others in similar situations in the future Thanks
Rick

What made you replace the motor? Sounds also like a transmission problem. You motor reversing in spin but gears for agitate stripped in gearbox. Double check motor/coupling alignment. Pull the motor back off and turn the gearbox drive shaft both directions. One direction makes the basket turn, the other direction makes the agitator turn. If the agitator does not move, the gear case is bad.

Hi,
If this a whirlpool brand washer, there are sone parts bad in the agitator it's self. These parts are called dogs and they make the agitator rachet so that the top half only goes one direction. Does this sound like what you are experiencing? If so, let me know and I can assist you further.

Thanks
Vic

Turned out to be a loose electrical connector near the motor.  Plug was re-connected and secured with a zip tie to prevent another disconnect.

In the agitator itself and there are ratchets that are called dogs. If you reach into the drum it will present itself because you be able to turn the agitator both directions, normally the agitator only turns freely in one direction. You can replace the dogs/ratchet by disassembling. If you take rinse dispenser off of the agitator you will see an insulator that you pull off and then you can see the dogs and a bolt that will allow you to take the agitator out.

Dear Whitworth,

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The agitator's movement back and forth is important for the cleaning of your laundry. If it doesn't function properly, your clothes won't be as clean as possible. If your agitator does not move, moves only in one direction or its movement is very weak, you will probably need to remove the agitator. Furthermore, in order to inspect the tub for leaks, the clutch assembly, the splines, or to remove the spin drum, you will have to remove the agitator.

The agitator is fastened to the agitator shaft and its movement is driven either by splines or a simple clutch assembly. The splines are usually plastic or rubber nubs on a cylinder that fits over the agitator shaft. If the nubs wear down, the shaft will not turn properly or it will turn weakly. If the agitator is moving in only one direction, the likely cause is the clutch assembly. The clutch has dogs that depress and pop up with each turn. If those dogs are worn, they will not engage properly and the agitator will turn only in one direction.
Various makes and models differ in how the agitator is removed. In some newer models, the agitator just lifts straight up and out. However, in most models you will have to do some combination of the following steps. First remove the fabric softener dispenser, if any. It should either lift or screw off. Next remove the cap. It may lift off, screw off or failing that, it may need to be pried off.
Beneath the cap some agitators are secured in place by a bolt. Use a socket wrench with an extension to remove that bolt. Some Maytags may have a screw near to the bottom of the agitator post that must be removed. Now try to lift the agitator straight up, possibly with a little back and forth rocking motion. Use caution when pulling, the agitator may come loose suddenly and hit you in the face or send you flying backward.
If the agitator is particularly stubborn, you can loop some rope under one side of the agitator at the bottom and then up over a broom handle. Now loop it again under the other side of the agitator and back up to the broom. Brace one end of the broom handle against the top of the washer and lift up on the other end. Double check that you have removed anything that may be securing the agitator in place. Do not use too much force or you may damage the washer cabinet, agitator or injure yourself.
Click here to order replacement parts.


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if you hold onto the top of the agitator stopping it from turning, and turn the "blades" at the bottom, does it make a ratcheting, clicky sound when you turn them opposite direction from each other

It may be the agitator directional cogs, aka agitator dogs. If you remove the top "cover" on the agitator, they're inside of there. They are 4 yellow/clear colored rubber pieces with little teeth. If the teeth are gone or worn, that is most likely your problem. Click here to see a picture, and part details.