Amana NTW4516FW (Top Load) – Agitator dogs worn Repair Guide

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🔩 Agitator dogs worn Repair Guide for Amana NTW4516FW (Top Load)

💡 Don’t panic! Agitator dogs worn on your Amana NTW4516FW (Top Load) is a common issue that many DIY enthusiasts can fix themselves. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the repair process step by step.

📋 What You’ll Need

  • Agitator dog kit
  • Agitator removal tools

    • ⚠️ Safety First

    Before you begin, always:

    • Unplug the washing machine from power
    • Turn off water supply valves
    • Allow the machine to cool down if it was recently running
    • Have a clean, well-lit workspace

      • 🔧 Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

      ⚡

      🔧 Step 1: Test agitate action

      1. Open the washer lid completely until it rests against the back wall or support.
      2. Look inside the tub and locate the agitator – the white or almond-colored plastic column rising approximately 12 inches from the center of the tub bottom.
      3. Grasp the top of the agitator with both hands, one on each side.
      4. Push down firmly on the agitator with approximately 10-15 pounds of pressure while simultaneously attempting to rotate it clockwise, then counterclockwise.
      5. Observe the movement: the agitator should have approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch of rotational play in both directions before engaging, then feel solid resistance when the drive mechanism catches.
      6. Release the agitator and verify it returns to center position within 1-2 seconds.
      7. Close the lid and select the Normal wash cycle on the control panel.
      8. Press Start/Pause to begin the cycle.
      9. Wait approximately 45-60 seconds while the washer fills with 3-4 inches of water.
      10. Open the lid once water filling stops – the cycle will automatically pause on this model.
      11. Watch the agitator for 5 seconds after opening the lid to see if it continues rotating (it should stop immediately when lid opens).
      12. Close the lid and observe the agitator through the next 30 seconds of operation.
      13. Verify the agitator rotates back and forth with strong, deliberate strokes, completing approximately 1 full stroke (left to right and back) every 2-3 seconds.
      14. Listen for grinding, clicking, or scraping sounds during agitation – normal operation produces a low humming noise from the motor and gentle water swishing.
      15. Press Start/Pause to stop the cycle, then turn the cycle selector knob to Off/Reset position.
      16. If the agitator fails to move, moves weakly, makes grinding noises, or rotates continuously without reversing direction, proceed to Step 2 for disassembly and repair.

      🛠️ Step 2: Check for one-direction spinning

      1. Plug the washer back into the electrical outlet.
      2. Turn the cycle selector knob clockwise to the “Normal” wash cycle position (you’ll feel it click into place).
      3. Pull the knob outward approximately 1/4 inch until you hear a click—this starts the wash cycle.
      4. Listen for the sound of the motor engaging and water beginning to fill the tub (this takes 30-45 seconds).
      5. Wait 2-3 minutes for the washer to complete its initial fill cycle.
      6. Watch the agitator (the white plastic post in the center of the tub) as it begins moving.
      7. Observe whether the agitator rotates in both clockwise AND counterclockwise directions, or only in one direction:
      8. If the agitator only spins one direction, push the cycle selector knob inward to stop the cycle.
      9. Turn the cycle selector knob counterclockwise to the “Spin” cycle position.
      10. Pull the knob outward to start the spin cycle.
      11. Observe the inner tub (the perforated metal basket) as it attempts to spin.
      12. Note whether the tub spins at high speed (normal) or struggles to rotate, makes grinding noises, or stops entirely.
      13. Push the knob inward to stop the cycle and unplug the washer from the wall outlet.

      ⚙️ Step 3: Replace dog kit if needed

      1. Locate the dog kit assembly on the agitator shaft – it sits inside the top half of the agitator you just removed, approximately 2 inches down from the top opening.
      2. Grip the lower agitator base (still in the washer) with one hand and pull straight up with firm, steady pressure – it requires 15-20 pounds of force to overcome the splines.
      3. Set the lower agitator on your work surface with the splined shaft pointing upward.
      4. Examine the dog kit components inside the lower agitator barrel – you’ll see 4-6 white or beige plastic dogs (ratcheting pawls) arranged in a circle around the center shaft, each approximately 1 inch long with teeth on the curved edge.
      5. Use a flathead screwdriver (1/4-inch blade width) to pry out the retaining ring that holds the dogs in place – insert the screwdriver tip under the wire ring at any point and lift upward.
      6. Remove all dogs and inspect them – replace if teeth are worn down more than 1/8 inch, cracked, or if any dog moves sluggishly in its slot.
      7. Clean the dog housing cavities with a dry cloth, removing any detergent residue or fabric fibers.
      8. Place each new dog (part number 285770) into its respective slot with the toothed edge facing clockwise when viewing from above.
      9. Position the new spring underneath the dogs – the spring has a circular wire design that fits in the groove below all dog positions.
      10. Press the retaining ring back into its groove using your thumbs, working around the circumference until the ring seats completely in the channel with an audible snap.
      11. Test the assembly by rotating the inner cam clockwise – dogs should engage and click; rotating counter-clockwise, dogs should release smoothly without binding.
      12. Reinstall the lower agitator onto the agitator shaft, aligning the splines, and push down firmly until it bottoms out.

      🔩 Step 4: Test agitator operation

      1. Plug the washer power cord back into the 120V wall outlet.
      2. Turn the water supply valves (located on the wall behind the washer) clockwise to the fully open position.
      3. Open the washer lid completely until it rests against the back panel.
      4. Rotate the cycle selector knob (located on the control panel at the top center of the washer) to the “Normal” wash cycle position—you’ll feel it click into place.
      5. Pull the cycle selector knob straight out approximately 1/4 inch until you hear a click—this starts the fill cycle.
      6. Watch the tub fill with water for 30-45 seconds until the water level reaches approximately 4 inches deep, covering the bottom of the agitator.
      7. Observe the agitator closely—it should begin rotating back and forth in a clockwise/counterclockwise motion within 60 seconds of water reaching the 4-inch level.
      8. Count the agitator strokes—it should complete approximately 65-75 back-and-forth oscillations per minute, with each stroke rotating roughly 180-200 degrees in each direction.
      9. Listen for a smooth, rhythmic sound from the transmission—normal operation produces a low humming noise with no grinding, clicking, or excessive rattling.
      10. Push the cycle selector knob back in to stop the cycle after observing 10-15 complete agitation strokes.
      11. Rotate the cycle selector knob counterclockwise to the “Spin” position, then pull it out again.
      12. Watch the agitator—it should stop moving and the basket should begin spinning clockwise within 15-20 seconds as the water drains.
      13. Push the knob in after 10 seconds of spin cycle, then rotate it back to the “Off” position (all the way counterclockwise).

      đź“‹ Step 5: Verify proper washing

      1. Close the washer lid and ensure it latches completely – you’ll hear a distinct click when the lid lock engages.
      2. Turn the cycle selector knob clockwise to the “Normal” wash cycle position, which is typically the first detent position after the 12 o’clock mark.
      3. Press the Start button once – located on the control panel approximately 3 inches from the right edge.
      4. Listen for the fill valve activation – you should hear water flowing into the tub within 5-10 seconds of pressing Start.
      5. Open the lid after 30 seconds to observe the water level – water should be entering from two spray nozzles at the top center of the basket, creating a circular spray pattern approximately 8 inches in diameter.
      6. Allow the washer to fill for 2 minutes, then check that water reaches approximately 4-6 inches deep in the tub bottom for a Normal load setting.
      7. Close the lid and wait 15 seconds – the agitator (center post) should begin moving in alternating clockwise/counterclockwise motions, rotating approximately 180 degrees in each direction.
      8. Open the lid to stop the cycle, then observe the agitator auger (the spiral section at the top of the agitator) – it should move independently from the lower agitator base when you manually push it clockwise.
      9. Close the lid again and let the wash cycle run for 3 minutes, then open the lid and verify clothes would be fully submerged and moving freely.
      10. Turn the cycle selector knob clockwise to the Spin position (typically at the 4 o’clock position).
      11. Close the lid and press Start – within 30 seconds you should hear the motor speed increase and the basket should begin spinning, reaching maximum speed within 2 minutes.
      12. Open the lid – the basket should stop spinning within 3-5 seconds, confirming the lid switch safety mechanism functions correctly.

      đź’ˇ Pro Tips

      Take photos as you disassemble components – they’ll be invaluable when putting everything back together. If you encounter resistance or something doesn’t seem right, stop and reassess rather than forcing it.

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