Whirlpool washer won't agitate

Washer Repair
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1

Brand: Whirlpool

Model Number: WTW5700XW2 (Cabrio)
Main Symptom: Won’t agitate
What happens & when: No agitation during wash cycle. It will agitate using “manual test” without clothes in tub. Tried replacing actuator and re-calibrating without sucess.

Error Code (if any):
Parts or tests already tried: Actuator
Photos / video link:

2

When the washer should be agitating, is it completely silent or does something else occur?

3

I hear the motor/agitator making noise but very little movement. Hope that helps.

4

Since it was operating properly in the diagnostic mode, and there is noise during an agitation cycle, it is very possible that the issue is electronic. When the diagnostic mode is activated and the error display mode is entered, are there any error codes present?

5

Sorry William, I should’ve included those codes earlier…F7 E6 & F7 E7

All of which point to the motor. Was hoping it was something else since the spin cycle works just fine. Thoughts?

6

I would suggest testing the motor to identify if it really has failed or if there is something else going on. With the power cord unplugged and the motor wire connection accessed and disconnected from the main harness, the white wire can be tested to the yellow wire and the red wire for resistance. Does it measure between 3.5-6 Ohms each test set?

7

Yes. When I measure resistance between the white wire/red wire and white wire/yellow wire, both readings show 4 ohms. I assume that is within range?

Another thing I noticed is when running the manual test to agitate, it will intermittently cut out if I pause the test, unlock/open up the lid, then close/lock the lid and start the process again. Could this whole issue be the lid switch??

8

The lid switch would not be an issue since the motor does operate, just not very much during agitation. Since the motor windings test good, and the motor is able to reach a proper spin speed, the issue is likely going to be with the main control. W10480126 Electronic Control Board | Genuine Whirlpool OEM In Stock

9

Thanks William. I swapped the main control board over a year ago with no success, if that tells you how long I’ve been dealing with this issue. I may just need to buy a new washer unless you have any final suggestions…

10

While it is an unlikely cause of failure, the capacitor is known for affecting the motor during agitation or spin. With the power cord unplugged for about 10 minutes, the belt and pulley shield can be removed along with the capacitor wires. An insulated screwdriver can be used to discharge the capacitor while wearing rubber gloves. The capacitor can then be tested for capacitance -l (- and it should measure between 48-52 uF. W10804664 Capacitor | Genuine Whirlpool OEM In Stock

11

I would say you need a splutch kit. Mine stripped gears

12

William: Looks like the capacitor is bad. Only reading 13.23 uF. Ordering a new one. Thanks for the tip.

Craig: Thank you for your advice as well. Going to order the splutch kit just in case.

Will report back what ultimately resolves this issue. Stay tuned…

13

Replacing the capacitor resolved my issue. My apologies for the delayed response.
Thank you William, for steering me in that direction.