As is true of all appliances, Kenmore washing machines will not last forever. At some point, they may stop working – and there are many reasons that can be the case. Consider some of the most common issues involved in these washers not working, and their most common causes.
Kenmore Washers Not Filling with Water
If the issue is that a Kenmore washer does not fill with water, then there may be a clogged inlet screen. To check, put a bucket under the hoses so that it can catch leftover water, then unplug the washer. Turn off the water supply. Take the water hoses off the back of the washer and look at the screens inside the inlet ports. If they are clogged with sediment, clean them with a toothbrush. Reattach them and see if this has fixed the problem.
If the problem persists, then there may be an issue with the water pump. Take a look at the connecting hoses on the water pump to ensure they are not clogged. When they are disconnected, check the water pump to see if there are obstructions there.
Kenmore Washers That Will Not Drain
If the washer does everything but does not drain at the end, then the issue is likely a faulty or clogged water pump. To troubleshoot, turn off the power and water supply to your washer. Find the water pump by looking at your manufacturer’s owner’s manual. Look at the belt if it is a belt drive. If it is a newer model, it is likely a direct drive that uses a motor coupler. Inspect that for damage.
It’s also possible that water isn’t draining due to a broken lid switch. To check this issue, open the lid of your washer and look for the protruding plastic pieces around the switch. If they are broken, then may prevent the mechanism from engaging correctly. If they are intact, insert a straw into the lid switch hole on the washer while the lid is open. If you hear a click, then the switch is working. If not, then it is faulty and should be replaced.
A Kenmore Washer That Won’t Work Because the Door Won’t Open
If the Kenmore washer is front-loading, then its door automatically locks when it is washing. If the washer senses that the water hasn’t drained, then the door will not unlock. If this is the case, look for clogs in your water pump as we described above. You can also check your washer’s drain hose to see if there are obstructions. Finally, set your drain cycle again and let it run. Once the cycle is complete, if you have fixed the problem then the door will unlock.
