Shifter Operations
The shifter (sometimes referred to as the mode shifter or actuator) in a top-load washer plays a critical role in determining whether the washer is in agitation mode (for washing) or spin mode (for extracting water).
This style shifter itself actually serves multiple purposes. It works to shift the unit from wash to spin, but it also has an optical sensor on it that tells the control board how fast the gearcase is turning.
The red circle points you toward the shifter arm itself. This arm sits in the cam ring, and pulls the cam into position for either spin or agitation.
The RED arrow. The metal teeth rotate the agitator. The pulley wheel has teeth that attach to that. When the basket drive gear is lifted, only this moves when the motor moves. So, we get agitation.
The BLUE arrow. The plastic teeth move the tub. When the basket drive gear is lifted, the teeth on it do not engage with the drive pulley. When the shifter drops that down, the teeth on the basket drive gear engage with the drive pulley, and BOTH the agitator and the basket spin.