Kenmore Washer Troubleshooting Guide

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.

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 multimeter to check for continuity in the switch. If there is none, replace the switch.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 multimeter to check for continuity in the switch. If there is none, replace the switch.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.