I think my daugther's retainer is stuck under the agitator. How can I get it off to check?

With no model number it is impossible to be precise. First check the easy (and cheap) possibilities. The agitator has small plastic pawls (dogs) inside the upper agitator half that ratchet around the notched ring on the lower agitator half. You can see these if you pull the fabric softener cup, remove the agitator retainer bolt and lift off the upper agitator assembly. Agitator dogs (a set of 4) should be $4 to $6. (This assumes your model has a two piece agitator.)

Otherwise, is is likely the neutral assembly is broken or stuck. A small part, but difficult to access - located between the outer tub and transmission top. This type of repair is beyond many folks having limited tools and knowledge.

I have the same problem with clothing getting trapped under the agitator. Strings from Hoodies, apron strings, bra straps be caught under it all the time. There is a gab between the agitator and the tub. I have owned the machine for about 3 months, I like it in all other respects but this is crazy!! I have never had a machine that did this. GE needs to address this and fix this issue. It is NOT a matter of making sure your pockets are empty before washing, anything that is thin such as a strap or a string gets caught!! I would think twice about buying this machine if you are looking to purchase it. I don't think this machine will last as long as my others, and I don't think I would recommend this machine due to this very annoying issue.

Remove the top plastic piece & remove the
agitator retaining nut

It is not the best of designs.

Sometimes, clothes will get stuck at the bottom when the agitator dogs are worn out. Check to see if the upper part of the agitator is working during the wash cycle. If it isn't, the clothes stay at the bottom and just move horizontally, not from the bottom to the top. The clothes then get stuck in the gap between the lower agitator vaens and the bottom of the agitator. This is a very easy repair, you need only a socket wrench set (SAE) with an extension.

http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Agitator-Repair-Kit/2744

You can also buy the dogs (pawls) by themselves in a pack of four for about $5.

When I first saw this agitator set-up, I asked myself, 'What were they thinking of?'.

Good luck.

WEll, hard to know with no brand specified, but usually the agitator can be removed by unscrewing a retainer bolt, typically under some cap at the top of the agitator itself.

pop the top off the agitator and remove the bolt holding this on. pull sharply on the agitator from the bottom, as this may be a li'l tough, careful you don't hit your face with it on removal.

Under this is a retainer with three 'dogs' on it. Replace these with new available at appliance parts store in your area. When placing back into the agitator, you need to be sure they don't fall out, so place the retainer on the handle end of a long screw driver or the like, the place the agitator over the top. Reinstall agitator and top and it should work.
Best luck to you on your repair
Joe

does it have the dual agitator

Have to unbolt agitator to remove.

on the old type you turn the centre top to unscrew it. pull up the agitator and replace the same way

You'll need to remove the agitator.


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