Hi Kerrie,
If this model is like mine and has the "Magic Clean" lint filter, it is supposed to be self-cleaning. It is a filter ring that is located under the tub and you would have to remove the casing, agitator and the tub to replace it. Maybe it could be cleaned without removing everything -- just taking the casing off to gain access to the filter. Replacing the filter plate ($14-$17) would also require installing a new tub seal gasket ($40). I'm presently debating whether I want to do this. I think I'm going to take my own advice and just try to inspect it and clean the filter and whatever else might have accumulated around it.
Good luck. Hope this helped.
bklee
August 2009