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

Not agitating

In this step-by-step repair guide, I’m going to help you fix the not agitating issue on your GE GTW720BSNWS (Top Load). With the right tools and parts, most homeowners can complete this repair in 1–2 hours and save themselves 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.

Throughout my years of fixing appliances, a dead agitator on a GTW720BSNWS almost always points to a worn or cracked agitator assembly. When that’s the case, I always opt for the OEM part. The GE WH43X30957 Washer Agitator Assembly is the direct replacement I recommend. It supersedes the older WH43X25304 and WH43X26845 part numbers, making it the right choice for your model. It drops in without modification and restores full agitation on the first cycle.

Common Symptoms & Causes

When your GE GTW720BSNWS is having agitation issues, you might notice one or more of the following signs during a wash cycle:

• The drum fills with water, but the clothes remain 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 typically caused by a worn agitator coupler, a failed drive belt, a faulty motor control board, or a stripped agitator cam kit — all parts that wear down with regular use.

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

• Agitator repair kit (dogs/cogs)
• Drive block
• Transmission
• Socket set

Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

Step 1

First, unplug the washer. Open the lid, grip the agitator firmly, and try twisting it both ways — you want to check whether the agitator dogs (the 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 need replacement. Purchase a replacement agitator dog kit for your model and move on 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 likely the 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 easy to 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. This three-piece plastic and rubber coupling connects the motor to the transmission and serves as a sacrificial part to protect both. To access it, tip the machine back at a 45-degree angle (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 looks intact but the machine still isn’t agitating properly, the issue is often lower — specifically the agitator base. I’ve found that a cracked or stripped base can cause the agitator to spin freely without engaging the laundry. The GE Washer Agitator Base Hybrid Assembly (WH43X34257) is the OEM fix for this problem on this model. I always check the base before ordering a full assembly replacement — it can save you money and is 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 task with significant complexity and the potential for improper reassembly. At this point, consider the cost of a technician visit versus the appliance’s age, as replacing the transmission on an older machine might not be economical.

Step 6

Reassemble all components in reverse order, ensuring that 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 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, not just spinning with the drum.

Where to Buy Replacement Parts

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

• GE GTW720BSNWS agitator repair kit WH43X10037
• GE top load washer drive block replacement WH01X10461
• GE washer transmission replacement WH38X10011

When to Call a Professional

If the issue persists after completing all steps above, the problem may involve a failed main control board, a worn drive motor or bearing assembly, or wiring that requires specialized diagnostic equipment. At that point, it’s best to contact a licensed appliance technician — and make sure to shut off both the hot and cold supply valves before any work that opens the fill circuit.

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. Opting for 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 often associated with Whirlpool platforms — but I include this here because I frequently hear from 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 recommend. The upgraded cam dogs in this kit last much longer than the originals, and at this price point, it’s always a good idea to replace the whole kit instead of just one worn piece.

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. Be sure to inspect both parts before concluding that the motor or control board needs replacing.

Can I replace the agitator on the GTW720BSNWS myself?

Absolutely, replacing the agitator is a manageable DIY repair that requires only basic tools like a socket wrench. Just remember to 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. You’ll need to remove the cabinet panel to visually inspect the belt for wear or damage.

Recommended Products

Here are the parts and tools I recommend for this repair, based on compatibility and customer reviews:

• Universal Top Load Washer Drive Belt – Replacement Part WH01X10302, Compatible with GE Washing Machine
• WH01X10302 Washing Machine Washer Belt Compatible with GE WX05X10102 WH01X10353 AP3968432 PS1482278 (The Washer Belt is 37-1/4″ Long, 6 Ribs)
• WH01X10302 Washing machine drive belt Compatible with GE AP3968432 PS1482278 AP3968432 PS1482278 WH01X10353

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The Agitator Assembly That Fixes Most No-Agitate Calls on This Model

When the GTW720BSNWS stops agitating, nine times out of ten it’s the agitator assembly itself wearing out — the dogs inside lose their grip on the drive block, and the whole mechanism just spins uselessly. This is the first part I pull when I walk up to one of these machines with that complaint.

What works

• Direct fit on the GTW720BSNWS — no adapter games or sketchy fitment; it bolts straight down and aligns with the drive block without forcing.
• Includes the hybrid design that GE moved to on these machines, so you’re not going backward to an older failure-prone version.
• Installation is genuinely simple — disconnect the old one, pull the shaft, drop the new assembly in place, and you’re done in under 15 minutes if you’ve already got the tub accessed.

What doesn’t

• If your actual problem is a failed drive block or transmission, this won’t help — and the only way to know for sure is to manually turn the agitator shaft by hand before you order it.
• You do have to access the tub, which means draining the machine first and removing the top panel — it’s not a five-minute fix if this is your first time inside a washer.

The most common mistake I see is someone ordering this part before actually checking whether the agitator turns freely by hand — I’ve had customers call back saying they replaced the assembly only to find the drive block was stripped, which should have been diagnosed first. Before you commit, grab the agitator cap, pull straight up, and try rotating the shaft; if it won’t turn at all or spins without resistance, grab the GE WH43X30957 Washer Agitator Assembly and get started.

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