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  1. Repair
  2. Kenmore Elite
  3. Washer not working

Kenmore Elite washer not working

Common reasons your Kenmore Elite washer is not working

The most common reasons your Kenmore Elite washer is not working are a jammed door lock assembly, malfunctioning electronic control board or a defective timer.

  • 45%

    45% of the time it's the
    Door Lock Assembly

  • 38%

    38% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 10%

    10% of the time it's the
    Timer

  • 7%

    7% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Most common repairs needed to fix a Kenmore Elite washer

    Door Lock Assembly Replacement

    When a washer door lock assembly is jammed, you may encounter difficulty in opening or closing the washer door. The door may not latch properly, leading to issues in starting or completing a wash cycle. The washer might display an error code indicating a door lock problem. During operation, the door lock may make unusual clicking sounds or fail to engage, preventing the washer from starting. Additionally, if there is a malfunction, the door lock indicator light may not illuminate as expected. Users might notice water remaining in the drum even after the wash cycle has finished, indicating a potential problem with the door lock assembly preventing proper drainage.


    Electronic Control Board Replacement

    A malfunctioning electronic control board can lead to various failures in a washer. This is because the board serves as the brain of the washer, controlling crucial components such as the water valve, drive motor, drain pump, and cycles. If the electronic control board fails, the washer may not power up or display the cycle status. Additionally, it might fail to fill, agitate, spin, or drain. In some cases, a shorted board may emit a burning smell.

    Timer Replacement

    A defective washer timer can exhibit various erratic behaviors, impacting the normal operation of the washing machine. The timer might stall or not progress through the different stages of the cycle, causing the washer to get stuck at a particular point. A malfunctioning timer may also prevent the washer from starting or stopping, or cycles may pause unexpectedly. You might also hear unusual sounds or clicks coming from the timer’s internal cams and gears.

    What to expect when you experience a Kenmore Elite washer not working issue

    How is the not working problem fixed?

    Correcting most not working problems usually involves replacing the door lock assembly, electronic control board or timer. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

    Sears Home Services recommendations for a washer that is not working

    When the washer is not working it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of washer failures.

    What to look out for with a washer not working diagnosis

    Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your washer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

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    Repair Washer Resources

    Title image for blog article "How Does a Pressure Transducer Work?"
    5 min readDec. 05

    Learn how a pressure transducer works to detect water level in a washing machine.

    Title image for blog article "How Does a Top Load Washing Machine Work?"
    10 min readDec. 04

    Learn how a top-load washing machine works and how to use and maintain the washer.

    Title image for blog article "How Does a Mixing Valve Work?"
    6 min readNov. 26

    Learn how a mixing valve works to control water temperature in a washer.

    What's the Reason Behind My Washer Drum Being Loose and Banging Around image
    6 min readNov. 18

    Learn why your washer drum is loose and banging around and get professional advice on fixing it. Contact Sears Home Services for a reliable repair service.

    Glossary Terms

    Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

    A washing machine pedestal is a platform that raises the washer off the ground, providing easier access to the appliances and often includes additional storage space such as drawers.

    A washer tub is the interior part of a washing machine where clothes are placed for washing, typically made of stainless steel, plastic, or porcelain-coated metal, designed to hold water and withstand the agitation or spinning during the wash cycle.

    Fabric softener is a laundry additive used to soften and freshen clothing, reduce static cling, and make fabrics feel smoother.

    Additional possible Kenmore Elite washer symptoms you may experience

    • Kenmore Elite washer won't drain
    • Kenmore Elite washer not turning on
    • Kenmore Elite washer not spinning
    • Kenmore Elite washer not draining
    • Kenmore Elite washer no power
    • Kenmore Elite washer leaking from bottom
    • Kenmore Elite washer leaking