W11481722 Genuine OEM Whirlpool Washer Shift Actuator
The W11481722 is a genuine Whirlpool OEM shift actuator (gear case) for Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, Crosley, and Kenmore top-load washers. Mounted at the bottom of the washer, this component does two jobs in one assembly: it physically shifts the transmission between modes by moving an arm on the cam assembly, engaging and disengaging either the basket or the agitator/washplate depending on what the cycle calls for, and it houses the tachometer that reports drum speed back to the control board throughout the cycle.
Rated 120V, 60Hz, with a 6-pin wire connector for a direct plug-in fit. Because this single part handles both mechanical shifting and speed sensing, a failure here can produce a range of symptoms depending on which function is affected: the washer may fail to spin or agitate properly, get stuck in one mode without transitioning to the other, or the control board may throw an error code related to a lost tachometer signal or improper basket engagement. It directly replaces AP6990751, W10597177, WPW10597177, W11237117, W11398781.
Quick Answer
The W11481722 Genuine OEM Whirlpool Washer Shift Actuator fixes Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, Crosley, and Kenmore top-load washers that won't spin or agitate properly, get stuck in one mode, or throw a tachometer/basket-engagement error code. 120V, 60Hz, 6-pin connector. Replaces AP6990751, W10597177, WPW10597177, W11237117, W11398781. This part also contains the tachometer — a single failure here can affect both cycle shifting and speed sensing at once.
Common Problems This Part Fixes
- Washer won't spin
- Washer won't agitate
- Washer gets stuck in one mode and won't transition between agitate and spin
- Error code related to a tachometer signal or basket engagement
- Basket doesn't engage or disengage correctly during the cycle
- Cycle stalls partway through as the control loses accurate speed feedback
Cross Reference Information
Part numbers can change over a product's lifecycle as manufacturers update designs or release new appliance models. For your convenience, we've included any known superseded, alternate, or cross-reference part numbers that match this item.
Replaces Part Numbers
This washer shift actuator directly replaces the following OEM and cross-reference part numbers:
W11481722, W10597177, WPW10597177, W11237117, W11398781, AP6990751, AWP45140, EAP16221077, PD00067016, PS16221077
If your part number is not listed above, contact our support team before ordering and we will verify compatibility.
Compatibility
This shift actuator is compatible with select Whirlpool top-load washers, and also fits select Maytag, Amana, Crosley, and Kenmore washers built on the Whirlpool platform, including model numbers such as:
- WTW5100HW1, WTW5100HC1, WTW6120HC1
- WTW4616FW3, WTW4655JW2, WTW4715EW0, WTW4715EW2
- WET4027HW2, WETLV27HW3, WGT4027HW0, WGTLV27HW0
- NTW4516FW0, NTW4516FW2, NTW4516FW4, NTW4519JW2
- NTW4601BQ1, NTW4605EW0, NTW4611BQ1, NTW4615EW0, NTW4631BQ1, NTW4635EW0, NTW4651BQ1, NTW4655EW0, NTW4701BQ1, NTW4705EW0, NTW4750BQ1, NTW4755EW0
- Crosley VAW3584GW0, VAW3584GW1, VAW3584GW2
- Kenmore 110-series models (110.xxxxx)
Note: Always verify your full model number before ordering, since Whirlpool uses several different shift actuator designs across its washer lineup. Contact our support team with your model number if you're unsure.
Key Features
- Genuine Whirlpool OEM part — factory-specified shifting mechanism and tachometer calibration
- Combines two functions in one assembly: transmission mode shifting and drum speed sensing
- Resolves "won't spin," "won't agitate," "stuck in one mode," and "tachometer error code" symptoms
- Rated 120V, 60Hz
- 6-pin connector for a direct plug-in electrical fit
- Direct drop-in replacement — mounts to the original gear case position
- Replaces W10597177, W11237117, W11398781, WPW10597177, and W10625252
- Compatible with Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, Crosley, and Kenmore top-load washers
- Genuine OEM replacement — guaranteed fit, materials, and performance
Product Specifications
| Part Number |
W11481722 |
| Part Type |
Washer Shift Actuator (Gear Case) |
| Condition |
Genuine OEM |
| Brand |
Whirlpool |
| Location |
Bottom of the washer, in the gear case |
| Function |
Shifts transmission between agitate/wash and spin modes; houses the tachometer |
| Voltage |
120V |
| Frequency |
60 Hz |
| Connector |
6-pin |
| Material |
Metal |
| Repair Difficulty |
Moderate — gear case access required |
| Quantity |
1 shift actuator |
| Compatible Brands |
Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, Crosley, Kenmore |
Installation Notes
⚠️ Unplug Washer Before Starting — Note Cam Position Before Removal Disconnect power at the outlet or shut off the circuit breaker before beginning. Wear work gloves. Access to the shift actuator is through the gear case at the bottom of the washer, which typically requires tipping the washer back or removing surrounding panels per your model's service instructions to reach it. Photograph the wiring harness connection and the actuator's mounting position before disconnecting anything. Disconnect the 6-pin wiring harness connector from the old actuator, remove its mounting screws, and pull it free from the gear case. Install the new W11481722 in the same position, secure the mounting screws, and reconnect the 6-pin harness connector fully. Reassemble any panels removed for access, restore power, and run a full test cycle through both agitate and spin to confirm the washer shifts between modes correctly with no error codes. Tools needed: Phillips or nut driver screwdriver, work gloves.
Frequently Asked Questions
My washer is stuck in one mode — it will either agitate or spin, but not both. Is this the shift actuator?
Yes, this is a classic symptom of a failed shift actuator. This part is what physically moves the arm on the cam assembly to switch the transmission between agitate/wash mode and spin mode. If it fails, the washer can get mechanically stuck engaging only one of those two functions, since the shifting mechanism itself is no longer moving the cam correctly.
My control board shows a tachometer error. Why would that be the shift actuator and not something else?
Because this single part combines both the mechanical shifting function and the tachometer that reports drum speed to the control board, a failure inside the actuator can knock out the speed-sensing function even if the shifting mechanism is unaffected, or vice versa. A tachometer-related error code is a direct signal that this component — not a separate sensor — is the likely cause.
Is this a difficult repair?
It's a moderate repair, since accessing the gear case at the bottom of the washer typically requires tipping the unit back or removing surrounding panels, depending on your specific model. It's within reach for a confident DIYer with basic hand tools, but budget more time than a simple top-panel swap.
Is this an OEM or aftermarket part?
This is a genuine OEM part, manufactured by Whirlpool to factory specifications — guaranteed fit, materials, and performance. It matches the original shifting mechanism, tachometer calibration, and 6-pin harness configuration of the shift actuator originally installed in your washer.
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