Washer agitates as soon as it is turned on

you have worn dogs and they need to be replaced,remove the top of the agitator where you put the fabric softener,just pull it up,then pull up the cover and remove the 7/16 inch screw and sepatate the agitator,you can pull the whole agitator out of the washer and work on it and then replace the dogs,go here and you can see the parts and price http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-model/Whirlpool-Parts/Washer-Parts/Model-LSQ9549LW3/1198/0153200/W0312163/00003?blt=06&prst=&shdMod= and watch this video on how to change them out,hope this helps and GO PATRIOTSyou want the agitator cam kit part number 285809 and it's around 15 dollars. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GQh8JLqVv8

this is for the whirlpool washer,if you grab the top of the agitator can you spin it both ways without it grabbing,it should only spin one way,if you can spin it both ways you have bad dogs,the agitator cam kit part number is 285809 and it's around 13 dollars.pop off the center cap of the agitator,remove the 7 1/6 inch screw in the middle and pull off the top of the agitator to get at the dogs,you'll see them there are 4 of them,they waer down and the top of the agitator doesn't work.watch this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ensJz0h6wLM

Sounds like you might have bad agitator dogs. Remove the agitator cap, theres a 5/16th bolt that needs to be removed then the top of agitator comes off. The dogs are 4 little gears with teeth on them, when they get worn the top half of the agitator doesn't move.

So its agitating as soon as the water comes in? Try this put the washer into spin out cycle if it starts agitating while spinning you have a bad transmission. Also does this have a led light up control board or regular with a turn knob timer?

Sounds like a bad clutch.

Whirlpool has a split agitator design. The upper portion is called the auger, while the bottom is called the agitator. Between these components is a agitator cam assembly. This problem is commonly caused by worn agitator dogs on the agitator cam assembly. The following link explains what the dogs are and how to replace them:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r823955-replacing_agitator_dogs

The part number is included in the link provided. You can purchase replacements at appliancepartspros.com for about $5. For a little more you can purchase the entire cam replacement kit, which includes the cam, the thrust bearing, and the dogs. If the model number you listed this under is correct, the part number for the kit is AP3094543 and sells for about $11.

NOTE: You can refer to the excellent exploded view parts diagrams the web site has to offer for assistance. Whirlpool also recommends the application of a little grease on the thrust washer. The part number for their recommended grease is AP3098553.

If you have any questions about this repair, please let me know. I hope this helps you.

This assumes that you have a basic Kenmore / Whirlpool top load, direct drive, neutral drain (it doesn't spin until the pump removes most of the water) machine.

First, see the Sears parts site for your washer:
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action

Enter your model number and you'll see a list of major sub-components with diagrams and parts.

There are two "bolts" for the agitators (assuming that you have the basic split system) The bottom agitator turns back and forth and the top section only turns one way.

The top section (when you remove the cap) usually has a plastic 1/2" square drive bolt.

If you remove the bolt and top section of the agitator, you should see a second 5/16" stud. under the stud is a rubber washer.

The first thing I'd do is pull both parts of the agitator and look at the splines inside of the lower agitator and the splines on the transmission agitator shaft. If either of them is worn / broken, your washer won't agitate. Also make sure that the two pronged "washer" is in place on the transmission agitator shaft and that the clip that holds it in place is fit.

If the splines are OK, I'd carefully put the lower agitator back on. Check the condition of the rubber washer on the stud. Install the stud and do not over-tighten.

Put the top agitator on tighten the 1/2" bolt carefully. Don't over-tighten.

Beyond that, you may be looking at a clutch or transmission problem.

This assumes that you have a basic Kenmore / Whirlpool top load, direct drive, neutral drain (it doesn't spin until the pump removes most of the water) machine.

First, see the Sears parts site for your washer:
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action

Enter your model number and you'll see a list of major sub-components with diagrams and parts.

There are a number of Series 80 design washers. You'll need the actual model number to better check for the problem.

First, I'd remove the top agitator (as you've already done), then I'd remove the main agitator.

Under it you will see a clip and what Whirlpool calls a "washer". The "washer has two prongs, one fits into the main agitator shaft drive and the other fits in the lower agitator. If one or the other of the prongs is broken, the agitator most likely wont. I'd also look inside the main agitator to see if the ridges are broken off.

I'd then start the washer on it's smallest cycle and see if the main agitator shaft turns back and forth. If it doesn't and the washer goes through it's drain and spin cycles, the problem is likely in the transmission itself with what they call the agitate gear and / or agitate cams.

Please see the Whirlpool / Kenmore PDF document on installation, maintenance and operation of direct drive washers.

https://secured.whirlpool.com/Service/SrvTechAdm.nsf/2cd44500d572193285256a45004fd9d6?OpenView&Start=1

This is a Whirlpool document with parts lists for their commercial washers (basically the same as the consumer models)

If the problem is in the transmission, although it looks complicated, it really isn't that bad if you have a moderate level of mechanical ability.

Hi,
The problem that your washing machine is not agitating, you will need to check certain things.
Please check the timer to see if it is in good working order or not. Next you will need to check the motor and the motor switch. On some of the newer washers the door switch also controls the motor.
If the motor starts running after the washer has filled to the selected level, but the agitator doesn’t move, you will need to check the following parts.
The agitator dogs. They are located inside of the agitator clothes mover. You will need to remove them and check to see if they are in need of been replace.
The clothes mover. This part is the top part of the dual action agitator. Its job is to move the clothes from the top of the spin drum to the bottom part of the agitator.
You will also have to check the inside of the clothes mover to make sure that the gear like cuts are not worn out.
However another problem could be a broken motor coupler.
Thank you for contacting Fixya.com

Hi, Do you know if the lower half of the agitator is working? THere is a dog kit that might need replaced in the agitator to get the top half to work. If neither half agitates, there is probably a transmission issue. Start the washer with no laundry in it and see if either sections of the agitator work.
I hope this helps you.

Vic