[Mauduke]

The washer machine fills but won't agitate. When it's turned on, and the waters finished filling nothing turns, spins or agitates, it only hums. There was also a funny smell like something burned out. The motor was very hot. I looked at the motor coupling and that appeared fine. When i would try to manually spin the motor it would only make a quarter turn at most. No way can I afford a new washer. Could a blown capacitor cause this or would the motor most likely be broken since it wont spin? Ill have to borrow a multi-meter to test the capacitor first i think. Any ideas or insight would be appreciated.

[ApplianceJunk]

When i would try to manually spin the motor it would only make a quarter turn at most.

If you had the motor completely removed from the washer and were not able to freely spin the shaft then the motor is bad.

[Mauduke]

Thanks for the tip. I took the motor completely off and it did freely spin. Now I am not sure where to look next. The capacitor doesnt look burnt out but i havent checked it with a meter yet, still need to get one. Could there be another issue?

[ApplianceJunk]

I would try and run the motor with it sitting on the floor not connected to the pump or gear box. You will need to by pass the lid switch to run it with the cabinet off.

If the motor runs then you know it's ok and something else is binding so the motor can't turn. See if the water pump turns freely too.

[Mauduke]

Sweet, thank you so much for all the help. The problem ended up being in the pump. I have a 5 month old that has very small socks and one of her's somehow made its way into the pump and bound it up. I cleared it and it works perfectly now.

[Jtom]

Thanks for the post. My friend's machine had exactly the same symptom as yours, ie, won't agitate, won't spin, it just hums. I read your post and checked the pump etc, but in my case, those were all good. Then I did something crazy - I lightly tapped the capacitor with a screwdriver and Viola! the motor jumped to life. I did this 3 times, each time with the same result.

"Capacitor tapping" is not exactly a professional test, but in this case it worked. I happened to have an identical machine at my shop so I switched out the capacitor. My friend's machine is working perfectly now. I will order a new part for my machine.

I wanted to add to this post because no one was addressing your question about the capacitor. Maybe this will help someone else along the way.

By the way, can someone tell me how to test a capacitor the "right" way?