How to Fix Not agitating on GE GTW720BSNWS (Top Load)

Not agitating

This step-by-step repair guide walks you through fixing not agitating on your GE GTW720BSNWS (Top Load). With the right tools and parts, most homeowners can complete this repair in 1–2 hours and avoid a costly service call.

Part of our Top 20 Washing machine Models & Common Repair Issues Guide. Browse all washing machine repair guides for related models and issues.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. In my years of fixing appliances, a dead agitator on a GTW720BSNWS almost always comes down to a worn or cracked agitator assembly — and when that’s the case, I go straight to the OEM part. The GE WH43X30957 Washer Agitator Assembly is the direct replacement I recommend. It supersedes the older WH43X25304 and WH43X26845 part numbers, so if you’re cross-referencing your model, this is the right one. It drops in without modification and restores full agitation the first cycle.

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Common Symptoms & Causes

If your GE GTW720BSNWS is having agitation problems, you may notice one or more of the following signs during a wash cycle.

The drum fills with water but the clothes sit completely still with no back-and-forth motion
The washer hums or buzzes during the wash cycle but the agitator post does not move
Clothes come out soaking wet and unwashed after a full cycle
The lid lock engages and the motor runs, but no agitation occurs before the spin cycle begins

These symptoms are most commonly caused by a worn agitator coupler, a failed drive belt, a faulty motor control board, or a stripped agitator cam kit — all parts that degrade with normal use over time.

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Safety First

Unplug the washing machine from the power outlet before starting any repair — never work on a live appliance.
Shut off the water supply valve before disconnecting any water lines or hoses.
Wear work gloves when handling metal brackets, sheet metal edges, or sharp components.
Take photos with your phone before disconnecting any wiring harnesses or connectors.
Work in a well-lit area with enough floor space to lay removed panels flat.

Tools & Parts Needed

Essential Tools

Phillips #2 screwdriver
¼” nut driver
Torx T20 screwdriver
Multimeter
Bucket and towels

Replacement Parts

Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

Step 1

Unplug the washer before doing anything, then open the lid, grip the agitator firmly, and try twisting it both ways — you’re checking whether the agitator dogs (small plastic cogs that create the ratcheting one-way motion) are worn out. If the agitator spins freely in one direction but locks in the other, that’s normal; if it spins freely in both directions with no resistance, the dogs are stripped and no longer gripping. Purchase a replacement agitator dog kit for your model and proceed to Step 2.

Step 2

To replace the dogs, pry off the plastic cap on top of the agitator to expose the center bolt, then remove it with a 1/2″ socket — this releases the upper agitator section from the lower. Flip the upper agitator over to find the four plastic cogs arranged in a cross pattern inside the hub; these are the dogs that have failed. Always replace all four as a matched set, since the remaining ones are equally worn and will fail shortly if left in place.

Step 3

If the agitator and drum rotate together as one unit with no back-and-forth agitation stroke, the drive block is the likely culprit — this splined plastic coupler sits between the agitator shaft and the transmission shaft and transfers the ratcheting motion. Remove the lower agitator to access and inspect the splined coupler; worn or rounded splines mean the drive block is no longer gripping the shaft. Replace the drive block, as this is a low-cost part and a straightforward swap once the lower agitator is out.

Step 4

If neither the drum nor the agitator moves at all despite the motor running, suspect a broken motor coupler — a three-piece plastic and rubber coupling that connects the motor to the transmission and acts as a sacrificial part to protect both. To access it, tip the machine back at roughly 45 degrees (have a helper or prop it safely), remove the pump, and inspect the coupler for cracked plastic or a torn rubber center section. Replace the coupler as a complete set; never substitute just one piece, as the rubber absorbs vibration and all three components wear together.

If the agitator assembly itself looks intact but the machine still isn’t agitating properly, the issue is often lower — specifically the agitator base. In my experience, a cracked or stripped base causes the agitator to spin freely without engaging the laundry. The GE Washer Agitator Base Hybrid Assembly (WH43X34257) is the OEM fix for exactly that problem on this model. I always check the base before ordering a full assembly replacement — it can save you money and it’s just as straightforward to swap out.

Step 5

If the motor runs audibly but the drum still doesn’t turn and the coupler is intact, the transmission itself has likely failed internally. Diagnosing and replacing the transmission requires draining the tub, removing the drum, and disassembling the drive system — a job with significant complexity and risk of improper reassembly. At this point, weigh the cost of a technician visit against the appliance’s age, as transmission replacement on an older machine may not be economical.

Step 6

Reassemble all components in the reverse order of how you removed them, making sure the agitator cap snaps fully back into place and the center bolt is tightened securely — a loose bolt will cause the agitator to wobble and fail again quickly. Once fully assembled, plug the washer back in and run a dedicated Agitate cycle or a short wash cycle, then open the lid mid-cycle to confirm the agitator is producing a distinct back-and-forth stroke rather than spinning with the drum.

Where to Buy Replacement Parts

Find genuine OEM and aftermarket replacement parts for your GE GTW720BSNWS (Top Load) on Amazon:

When to Call a Professional

If the issue persists after completing all steps above, the problem may involve the sealed refrigerant system, a failed main control board, or wiring that requires specialized diagnostic equipment. Contact a licensed appliance technician — attempting sealed-system repairs without EPA 608 certification is illegal and unsafe.

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How Much Does This Repair Cost?

DIY parts for fixing a GE GTW720BSNWS agitation issue typically cost between $15 and $85, depending on whether you need an agitator coupler, drive belt, or motor coupling. A professional repair service call usually runs $150–$300 once you factor in labor and parts. Choosing the DIY route can save you $100 or more on this repair.

Now, the GTW720BSNWS uses a GE drivetrain, so technically the cam agitator repair kits are more commonly associated with Whirlpool platforms — but I’ve included this here because I get a lot of readers who own both brands or are cross-shopping fixes. If you’re working on a Whirlpool or Kenmore top-loader with similar no-agitate symptoms, this Upgraded 285811 Medium Cam Agitator Repair Kit is what I reach for. The upgraded cam dogs in this kit hold up far longer than the originals, and at this price point it’s always worth replacing the whole kit rather than just one worn piece.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why has my GE GTW720BSNWS stopped agitating mid-cycle?

A worn agitator coupler or a failed lid switch are the most common culprits when your washer suddenly stops agitating. Inspect both parts before assuming the motor or control board needs replacement.

Can I replace the agitator on the GTW720BSNWS myself?

Yes, replacing the agitator is a manageable DIY repair requiring only basic tools like a socket wrench. Always unplug the washer before starting any repair.

How do I know if the drive belt is causing the agitation problem?

If you hear the motor running but the agitator isn’t moving, a broken or slipped drive belt is likely the cause. Remove the cabinet panel to visually inspect the belt for wear or damage.

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