I have a Kenmore model 417.99570140 stack unit with the dryer over the top. The washer agitates all throughout the regular wash cycle; while filling, while draining, and while spinning. On the Delicates and PermPress cycles, the machine stops after the wash water is pumped out.
I replaced the timer but the machine continues to have the same problem. No change.
Not fimular with mod# some kens are made by frigidare. Does yours have a white plastic wash basket? If it is a frigidare, alot have trans problems, but just a guess
Bettyboop
If I were you I'd get a second opinion from appguy, he's fimular with frigidare trans replacement, I haven't done one for 20 yrs. I work full time on whirlpool products, till march when I retire, yahooooooooo Bettyboop
Pull front panel off and remove belt from tranny pulley. Turn tranny pully one way, then the next, have someone watch the agitator. If it allways agitates=bad tranny.
I took the front panel off and turned the transmission housing both directions. I decided to run a load through the machine with the panel off to see how it worked and now it is working fine. The only thing I can figurw is that something in the transmission was stuck and my turning it somehow fixed it.
One question. How does the transmission know when to agitate versus spin? Does it have to do with the direction of motor rotation? Just curious.
I looked to me like replacing the transmission would be a major undertaking.
I have determined that the transmission is the problem. It looks like I will need to remove the tub to get to the tranny. My first question is how do I remove the agitator? I have worked on some other machines where the agitator simply popped off with a good tug. I tried that but didn't want to get too agressive with it since it is plastic.
I have looked for some repair manuals but there does not seem to be much on Frigidare.
Agitates all the time 
