Agitator/Washplate won't spin during wash cycle.

Within the past two weeks we have been experiencing problems with our Maytag Bravo top load washer. Usually the agitator/wash plate will move during the Sensing cycle and then of course during the Wash cycle. Unfortunately this is not happening so the clothes appear to just sit there during the Wash cycle. However the agitator/wash plate will later move as it should during the Spin cycle, but sounds not right. I have attempted to do a wash without anything in it and of course the agitator/wash plate works as it should during all cycles but it is spinning at warped speed (not sure if that's because it's empty or what). It's like a full load of clothes is preventing it somehow. Of course that's not the only issue, when it's all done, the clothes are still very wet to the point they need to be hand wrung to get the excess water out. I have attempted to remove the wash plate with no luck. I was able to remove the center cap on the wash plate that protects the bolt, and then was able to remove the bolt, the issue is actually getting the wash plate up. It acts stuck like there is something else holding it down, but according to some YouTube videos I saw it should be able to lift right up. I want to see what is going on under the wash plate to see if something (fabric, string, etc) is keeping it from spinning as it should during the Sensing and Wash cycle. I feel like this is an easy fix and was given a quote of $100 just for a service repairman to just walk in our door, not even touch the washer. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to have to buy a brand new washer after not even owning this one for 2 years.

via Agitator/Washplate won't spin during wash cycle.
by jengreen