I have new symptoms ..so I'm going to post a new question....thanks for your help.

Is there any way to lift the lid and watch the agitator swish? It seems to me the agitator should go in both directions but when I turn it, it only goes in one direction.

A few months ago I got something stuck underneath it so would like to remove it so I can look underneath, but I can't get the fabric softener cap off. It looks like the softener dispenser just pulls up but I can't get it to budge...I'm afraid it's glued or something. Any ideas appreciated on that.

Thanks

Ok so if I understand your problem correctly, you say that it is not agitating (swishing) very strong and it is not spinning fast enough to dry the clothes out like it used to.
If that is so it may be the drive belt is worn out and slipping. Here is the part you need and this link includes a repair video.
Whirlpool WP27001007 Drive Belt - AppliancePartsPros.com

Sav405daww

It did wash my clothes....they were not quite as dry as normal but I live miles away from any repairman so I am wondering if it's something I might be able to fix myself.
I could tell right away that it was not swishing the clothes normally. :(

Thanks,
Cheryl