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If the bottom agitates and not the top, the problem is likely the 4 "agitator dogs" designed to allow the top agitator to turn only one way.
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.
and you'll see a list of major sub-components with diagrams and parts.
Look at the section on the Sears site for Agitator, basket and tub.
See the part "Dog, agitator "
Remove the fabric softener unit, lift the top agitator cap (use a screwdriver) and you should see a plastic part in the center of the top agitator with a 1/2" square drive.
Remove the drive and lift off the top agitator. Turning it over you should see the 4 "dogs", replace these and the top agitator should turn in one direction only.
Replace the 1/2" drive, the cap and fabric softener unit and the top agitator should work.
Also see the following illustrated description of the above.
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.
Basic top load, direct drive Whirlpool / Kenmore washers with two piece agitators use "agitator dogs" to allow the top section of the agitator to turn in one direction only.
If the bottom agitates and not the top, the problem is likely the 4 "agitator dogs" designed to allow the top agitator to turn only one way.
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.
The top section of a two part agitator is designed to turn only one way. If the "agitator dogs" in it are worn, it wont agitate either way.
Look at the section on the Sears site for Agitator, basket and tub.
Remove the fabric softener unit, lift the top agitator cap (use a screwdriver) and you should see a plastic part in the center of the top agitator with a 1/2" square drive.
Remove the drive and lift off the top agitator. Turning it over you should see the 4 "dogs", replace these and the top agitator should turn in one direction only.
Replace the 1/2" drive, the cap and fabric softener unit and the top agitator should work.
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.
Also see the Whirlpool / Kenmore installation and operations manual for top load direct drive washers.
The Whirlpool / Kenmore top load direct drive washer uses an agitate shaft from the transmission with splines on its' top that fit into slots in the agitator. If the slots in the agitator are damaged / worn, the washer may not agitate.
Remove the fabric softener dispenser, remove the top agitator cap (a short screwdriver works well), and you'll see a 1/2" square drive bolt. Use a 1/2" socket extension to remove the bolt, pull up on the top agitator and carefully turn it over. You should see four plastic "dogs" that allow the top agitator to turn one way only. If they are worn, they are easily replaced.
After removing the top agitator, you should see a bolt (I think it's 5/8").
Carefully remove the bolt and the rubber washer under it and the main agitator should come off. You'll see the top of the transmission agitator shaft with it's splines. Check them and the slots inside the main agitator.
If the splines on the transmission agitator and main agitator are OK, the washer spins and drains and the timer moves through its' cycle, the problem points to an agitate gear in the transmission itself.
See the parts PDF for the transmission.
Replacing the gear in the transmission is a bit complicated (and messy) but it's a lot less expensive than a $170 transmission.
If you decide that you want to work on the transmission (it's not really that hard) post another question on Fixya and I or someone else should be able to walk you through it.
Pop the top off the agitator. There is a slot for a flat screwdriver on the top side.
Remove the 7/16 bolt.
Pull the agitator apart.
Replace the agitator dogs inside the top part.
Parts about $5.00.at any appliance parts store.
Pull the fabric softener cap off, next pull the top cap off the agitator. Then remove the 7/16 bolt in the center of the agitator. Then you can remove the top part of the agitator.
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