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Kenmore washers are popular among consumers and for good reason. They are relatively reliable machines, but at the same time have their own problems.
The good news is that when they do have problems it’s generally easy enough to fix yourself.
So, rather than spend money on a repairman, check our information below for symptoms and fixes on your Kenmore washing machine.
If Kenmore Washer Won’t Spin, Check:
Lid Switch (top load machine)
Your Kenmore washer will not spin if the lid switch is faulty.
This is a safety feature, to prevent accidents when somebody wants to stick his hand while washer is spinning.
To check this you’ll use a
Drive Belt
Drive belt connects the motor and transmission. So, Conduct inspection on the drive belt and make sure it’s tight enough.
If it is loose on the pulley or broken, you’ll need to tight the belt or replace it.
Motor Coupling (top load machine)
The motor coupling connects your washer’s motor to the transmission.
When the washer is overloaded, the coupling will fail on purpose to protect the motor and transmission.
It can also fail from normal use over time, if you find that it’s broken you’ll need to replace it.
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Motor Control Board (some newer models)
This control board provides the motor with power. When the motor control board is faulty, the washer will not work properly, if it works at all.
First, you’ll want to check the board for any components that are burned. Then you’ll need to ensure the board is supplying power. If you can’t find that it’s sending power to the motor, it will need to be replaced.
transmission Clutch (top load machine)
The clutch is the part that makes connection between the tub and the transmission. It works to assist the tub with gradually gaining proper speed.
If it becomes worn out, the clutch will prevent the tub from being able to spin. This part is not repairable and will need to be replaced. A clutch kit is available on Amazon for around $15-30, depending upon your model number. Double check before ordering.
Rotor And Stator Assembly
The rotor and stator work together to create an electromagnetic field that’s strong enough to spin the tub in both directions.
The magnets inside the rotor can become damaged, and when this happens the washer won’t spin. You’ll need to access this part and inspect it for damage to determine if you need to replace it.
The stator contains windings that can become damaged. Inspecting these for any type of defect will tell you if the stator needs to be replaced.
Amazon carries a Kenmore Washer Rotor Stator sensor for around $35. Double check parts and model number before ordering.
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If Kenmore Washer Makes Loud Noises, Check:
Drum Bearing
There is a bearing mounted in the center of the outer tub. This bearing helps make sure the inner tub spins smoothly.
Replacing this part is one of the more complicated fixes, and most people suggest that you replace the bearing and outer tub at the same time.
A most common issue when bearing seal is worn out and water starts leaking through.
Rusted bearings on the tub will make noise, kinda when airplane taking off.
Drive Pulley
When the drive pulley becomes cracked, bent, loose, or worn out it can make your washer loud. You’ll need to remove it from the machine and inspect it.
If you notice that it’s defective or damaged, it will need to be replaced.
Drive Belt
Over time the drive belts will become worn out. When this occurs the belt ends up breaking and causes the machine to make loud noises.
You will need to visually inspect the drive belt and if its broken, replace it. Amazon carries them for around $10. Click here.
Clutch
Aside from making the washer not spin, a failing clutch can also make the machine loud during or just after the spin cycle.
A failing clutch will make grinding metal to metal noise.
Again, this part cannot be fixed, so you’ll need to repair it.
Drain Pump
If the loud noise is occurring while your machine is draining, it’s probably the drain pump. This can mean it’s either clogged or faulty.
To determine if this is your problem you’ll need to access the drain pump and clear it of all debris. If the pump is free from debris but still noisy, you’ll need to replace it.
If Kenmore Washer Won’t Agitate, Check:
Drive Block or Bell (top load machine)
The drive block connects the agitator to the washer’s transmission. If the drive block becomes worn out, the transmission shaft will still move, but the agitator won’t.
You’ll need to inspect the drive block to see if it has any damage. If it’s stripped, damaged, or worn out, replace it.
Drive Belt
If the drive belt is broken or loose from the pulley, the machine won’t agitate. Check the belt for damage, and replace if needed.
Motor Coupling
This coupling connects the washer’s transmission and motor. If you overload your machine, this coupling will fail by default to protect the transmission and the motor.
You’ll need to inspect the part to see if it’s broken and needs to be replaced.
If Kenmore Washer Won’t Drain, Check:
Drain Pump Or Hose
The drain pump or drain hose can become blocked by debris. To determine if this is your problem you’ll need to remove the drain and see if there’s any debris.
If you find obstructions be sure to clean the pump and the hose to make sure they are free of clogs.
While you have the drain hose off make sure it’s not damaged in any way. If you find damage replace the hose.
Coin Trap or Filter
Some Kenmore washers feature coin traps to catch small objects before they reach the pump. This part needs to be clean and free of debris to ensure your washer is draining correctly.
Simply remove the trap and thoroughly clean it.
If Kenmore Washer Shakes or Vibrates, Check:
Shocks
Eventually the shocks in your washer can wear out. They are important as they prevent the washer from shaking and vibrating.
Locate the shock absorbers on your machine and check them for damage. If you find that one is damaged, replace it. Also keep in mind that when you replace one you should consider replacing them all to ensure they get equal wear.
Suspension Rod
Your machine may have one or more broken suspension rods. These rods also help dampen any movement from the tub during the wash cycle.
To check the rods, inspect them to see if there are any visible damages. If you find that one is broken, simply replace it. A suspension rod replacement kit is less than $30 on Amazon.
Counter Balance Spring
There may be at least one counterbalance spring broken on your washer. These springs work just like the shocks and suspension rods.
When a counter balance spring breaks, your tub becomes unbalanced. This will cause the washer to vibrate and shake during cycles.
You will need to inspect these springs to see if any of them are broken. Replace as needed. Also remember to check the frame where the spring attaches. If there is rust on the frame, replace that as well. $7 and up on Amazon.
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Leveling Leg
The leveling legs are important for keeping your machine balanced. Check each leg to make sure they are in the correct position.
If you find one that’s not secure, simply adjust it and lock in place.
If Kenmore Washer Is Filling Slow, Check:
Water Inlet Valve
This valve opens during the wash cycle to allow water to fill the machine. If this valve is faulty, the water may fill slow, or not at all.
Also keep in mind that this valve requires good water pressure to work right. So, first check that your water pressure is adequate.
If this is not the problem, clean the screens inside the valve hose connection ports. If the problem persists, replace the valve.
Low Water Pressure
Sometimes the water pressure at homes is too low. The water inlet valve requires 20 psi at minimum to work correctly.
If Kenmore Washer is Leaking, Check:
Drain Pump
The drain pump can begin leaking water if it’s damaged, cracked or some of the hoses connected to get loose.
You cannot repair this part, so you will need to replace it. Starting around $25 on Amazon.
Tub bearings Seal
The tub seal can become torn, thus causing water to leak from around the seal. When this happens you run the risk of water leaking into your tub bearings.
If this occurs, the tub bearings will fail. So, when you find the tub seal leaking it’s a good idea to replace that and the bearings at the same time.
Kenmore washer troubleshooting guide…
Drain Hose
Check the drain hose on your washer to ensure it’s not leaking. The most common place for a leak is between the pump and back of the machine.
Inspect the hose for leaks, and replace if needed. Amazon has them for around $15.
Water inlet valves
This is probably the most common issue related to water leaking.
You need to open the top cover of the washing machine and check inlet valves on the back of the machine to make sure they are not leaking.
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My Kenmore Elite 700s 110.29133410 reaches the rinse/spin cycle and then just slowly spins. After several minutes it stops and drains the water. Never rinses the clothes nor spins them dry. Then get “LF” code.
LF error code – there is no water entering machine
We have a series 100. The washer is leaking, from the bottom, when it is full. It doesn’t seem to be agitating when in wash cycle, but does spin out and drain.
I have a Kenmore 500 top load washer. My daughter overloaded it the other day and it stops like so many times during they load. I have to slam the lid for it to start again. Nothing like babysitting the washer so it’ll finish it’s cycle.
Ours is a Kenmore 600 series, model 110.27132413. I noticed I wasn’t getting hot water for a few weeks. My husband was slow to get to it. Last week, at the end of the load, some water had leaked from the the bottom, (it appeared to be coming from the bottom.) He looked a the book, but can’t open the machine. Three questions: Do you have any idea what could be wrong? How does he open the machine? Why no hot water?
Older Kenmore Elite washer, filled with water, failed drain and spin cycle.
I replaced the timer, after i manually emptied water, tried machine again, it filled as should but failed to drain or spin again. Now when i try to move the dial to different settings it does nothing, makes a slight sounds but nothing mechanical. I checked that the lid switch was making connection but not sure its working.
Sounds like lid switch issue. Check continuity of that switch with a multimeter
I have a Kenmore Series 600 Model 110.27102310, Type 588-20, that won’t drain.
I checked the drain hose and its clear. Does this model have a Drain Filter for me to check for clogging? I can’t locate it.
Thanks.
THis model doesn’t have a drain pump filter.
If the drum full of water, drain it first as much as you can. Then, lift the front a little bit to lean on the back wall. Look underneath and you will see a drain pump with black hose attached to it.. Unfortunately, I don’t have exact instructions or video for you model, but maybe this video will help somehow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8_TzloPCwY
My kenmore series 500 washer gets stuck in the spin cycle. It won’t go to complete and let the lid unlock. I can cancel out but if I dont cancel, it will just spin again and again. can you help?
Whats the model number of your washer?
I have a front-load (model: 796.41029900) that worked fine until a few nights ago. We tried to use it, and it would not power on. I’ve eliminated the outlet/circuit breaker by changing outlets and plugging in a lamp (lamp works). Any ideas?
Lid lock light is on but lid is NOT locked. Washer will not start operating. How can I over ride the lid lock?
I have a Kenmore Electronic 90 Series Washer that will only run in the heavy duty cycle. I don’t know if it is the motor or the control panel. Could you please tell me if the motor has two sets of windings that run high and low? is it all controlled by the control panel….. any troubleshooting that I might try? checking for voltages or resistance with a multimeter? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
What is the model number?
I have a two to 3 month old kennmore washer top load with agitator. sometimes my husband folds a towel after using and drops it folded in washer. after the load is washed and ready to put in dryer, I find towel still folded making me feel like my washer is not washing my clothes or agitator not working. Is that a problem with new washers
I have Kenmore Series 600 with the steam function. Sheet was caught around agitator, soon after quit spinning. Replaced clutch. Worked fine for a week. Now clothes are soaked at end of cycle and the Normal Cycle used to say 54 mins now says 34 mins. The Rinse & Spin say 130 mins used to be 22. Sears technician was stumped and just recalibrated.
I have a kenmore elite top load washer that is not advancing to the spin/drain cycle on its own. It will spin/drain if we manually put it into this mode though. Any idea what may be wrong?
I have a Kenmore 600 series washer and today it stopped working. It will full but not spin or drain. It’s definitely not the lid switch. It doesn’t seem to have a belt either. Any thoughts?
Whats the model number of your washer?
Where do I find that?
it should be behind the washer
Hi, we have a 8-9 year old kenmore elite front loading washer. When it finished its last load, when we opened it up, smoke came out of the drum and it smelled like burning rubber. Is this common
Drum bearings are bad (you will excessive drum movements up and down) and thus Drum is touching the rubber seal
I have a Kenmore 402-49032013 washer. Side load. I found a piece of the
door boot seal in the wash. I was about 0.25 in by 8 in, and came off the inside area near top. Have tried to run wash cycles. Does not leak, but runs to a spin cycle with 7 minutes left and stays in spin forever. Have to turn power off. Clothes seem clean and are spun pretty dry. No error message.
Any idea of the fix
I have a kenmore 110.26002012 washer that I keep getting an error light. I can continue the wash cycle if I wait for the the light to go out and then pause and restart, but that takes forever. Thought it might be the motherboard or the capacitor, but upon looking underneath to replace the capacitor I noticed some oil on the belt protector. Is this worth fixing or time to buy a new one??
You need to run diagnostic mode to see whats the problem and what causing this error. Service manual located inside the washer between drum and front panel on the left side
I filled my kenmore washer with water. I raised the lid long enough to get so e washing powder. When I got back the water had drained out . When I press the start button it just makes a grinding sound as though it’s about to spin. What do I need to do? Does it have to complete the whole cycle?
I have a Kenmore 700 series Washer that the Keypad lights up but will not allow you to select water temp or anything else. It just makes a noise Start button lights up but will not start washer. No error messages.
1. keypad shorted
2. Control board failed
I have a Kenmore Elite Smartwash QuietPak9. I often get F02 error which means too much soap.. I have to unplug and rerun the wash. I have checked the filter in the front of the machine, it’s clean. I pulled the drain hose from the wall it’s dirty but not clogged that I can tell. What else can I do to help the washer drain more effectively?
Check the water pressure sensor and especially the hose connected to it.