Washer fills with water but will not agitate or tumble, drum does not move during wash portion of cycle.

Safety first: Unplug the washer before accessing the bottom or rear. Moving parts can start unexpectedly if power is applied.

Step-by-step:

• Listen for motor: During the wash portion, listen for humming or clicking. A humming motor with no movement often indicates a jam or failed motor.
• Check belt (front-load): Remove the rear panel and inspect the drive belt. Replace if broken or badly worn.
• Check motor coupler (older top-load): Tilt the washer back, remove the cabinet or rear panel, and inspect the plastic/rubber motor coupler between motor and transmission. Replace if cracked or broken.
• Inspect shift actuator (newer top-load): On Maytag vertical modular washers, the shift actuator on the transmission controls agitation/spin. If it clicks repeatedly or is noisy, replace the shift actuator.
• Test motor: If mechanical parts are intact but the motor does not run, the motor or motor control board may be faulty and require replacement.