When your Montgomery Wards washer won't agitate, the agitator repair kit is the most likely cause. These components can wear out, strip, or break, leaving the washer agitator not working even though the transmission may still move. Next, inspect the drive block or bell, which connects the transmission shaft to the agitator. A worn or damaged drive block can allow the shaft to move while the agitator barely moves or does not move at all. A failed lid switch assembly can also prevent the washer from agitating or spinning, so test the switch for continuity with the lid closed. Make sure the lid is fully closed and that nothing blocks the lid strike from engaging the switch or latch. If those parts are working, inspect the motor coupling for cracks or breakage, especially after an overloaded load, then check the drive belt for looseness or damage. These are common causes when a washing machine is not agitating. Before ordering, enter your Montgomery Wards washer model number to find the exact replacement part for your specific machine.
If the washer won't agitate, replacing the agitator repair kit may solve the problem. The kit contains the agitator components that are most likely to wear out and/or fail. If any of the parts are worn out, stripped, or damaged, replace the kit.
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02 - Montgomery Wards Washing Machine Drive Block or Bell
The drive block connects the washer transmission to the agitator. If the drive block is worn out, the transmission shaft will still move back and forth, but the agitator will only move slightly or will not move at all. Inspect the drive block for damage. If the drive block is worn out, stripped, or damaged, replace it.
03 - Montgomery Wards Washing Machine Lid Switch Assembly
On some models the lid switch assembly prevents the washer from both spinning and agitating when the lid is open. If the lid switch assembly fails, the washer will not spin or agitate. To determine if the lid switch assembly is defective, use a multimeter to test the lid switch for continuity. If the lid switch does not have continuity when the lid is closed, replace it.
On most top load machines the washer will not agitate or spin without the lid being fully closed. Close the lid after loading the washer and ensure there are no obstructions preventing the lid strike from connecting to the lid switch or latch.
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05 - Montgomery Wards Washing Machine Motor Coupling
The motor coupling connects the motor to the washer transmission. If the washer is overloaded, the motor coupling will fail in order to protect both the motor and transmission. The motor coupling can also fail due to normal wear. Inspect the motor coupling to determine if it is broken. If the motor coupling is broken, replace it.