Chosen Solution
My Maytag washing machine frequently gets stuck in the agitation mode. I have to manually stop it, and move it to the next cycle to get the rest of the wash cycle done. If I don’t catch it, it runs in the agitation cycle all day (or for who knows how long). Sometimes the next wash I do (same day) will work fine on its own. Maybe it has something to do with the size of the wash? (Small loads seem to work without a problem).
Hi @buzzcola, When it fails to move past the agitating wash cycle, does the cycle timer knob always stop at the same point in the wash cycle? When the washer is just agitating continually, can you hear if the washer cycle timer motor is still operating? The timer motor is behind the wash cycle timer knob on the control panel, so you may have to listen closely to hear it “humming” above the noise of the main washer motor. Does the cycle timer knob continue to advance normally if you manually step the timer knob one more click from where it had stopped i.e. wash cycle continues on through to rinse and spin cycles OK? If the answers to the above are Yes, then there may be a problem with the washer timer (supplier example only to show location of the part and its possible cost. See below for how to look for other suppliers with better prices) Since it is an intermittent problem it may just be a dirty contact inside the timer that is preventing it from stepping through the cycles correctly. You could try disconnecting the power from the washer and accessing the timer and liberally spraying the insides of the timer (through any convenient gap in the timer’s case) with a contact cleaner (example only) - ensure that you use a “contact cleaner” and not just a general “electrical cleaner” as they leave residual deposits on the contacts whereas the contact cleaner doesn’t. Note: Do not attempt to open the timer case as you will have cams and contacts everywhere. Allow the cleaner spray to dry (read the instructions on the label), reassemble the machine and reconnect the power to the machine and test if it now works OK. If it still fails it may be a faulty cog or cam in the timer motor assembly and unfortunately it cannot be repaired (no internal parts are available), it needs to be replaced. Search online for WPW10111389 to get results for suppliers that suit you best. FYI here is where to look for the model information label, unless it has fallen off of course ;-)
