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Kenmore Washer Stuck on Wash Cycle or Won’t Start Wash Cycle

Kenmore is generally a durable and reliable washing machine brand distributed by Sears to various residential and commercial customers. You shouldn’t have an issue getting the system to go through the cycles unless you overload the washer with too much heavy laundry. However, what do you do if the washer suddenly stops after the wash cycle?

If the Kenmore washer gets stuck on the wash cycle, a temporary fix would be to manually spin the basket. This issue is likely the result of a faulty timer, water line valve, or lid switch. Meanwhile, check the line fuse or user control and display board if the washer won’t start the wash cycle.

Woman in red tshirt preparing laundry to be washed in washing machine

Is your Kenmore washer having trouble with the wash cycle? Keep reading as I explain the most likely causes of this issue, how to repair the problem without the help of a technician, and what replacement parts you’ll need to get the washer up and running again.

What To Do if Kenmore Washer Stops After Wash Cycle

Woman reaching inside door of washing machine

Did your Kenmore washer suddenly stop working after the wash cycle? Fixing the washer is one thing, but having baskets’ worth of wet laundry stuck inside your spinner is another. After all, you can’t take your clothes out to dry if they’re still damp and dirty.

To avoid making a mess of your laundry, try to get the washer running again—even if it’s just temporarily. A quick fix would be to force the system to switch to the rinse cycle by spinning the basket with your hand. Lighten the load first to make things easier on the washer.

This trick might take a couple of tries. However, if there’s no severe underlying issue as to why your washer isn’t switching to the rinse cycle, it should work normally.

After washing your clothes, make sure to unplug the machine. There’s a good chance that the system will keep running unless you unplug it from the power source if the washer won’t switch to the rinse and spin cycles as it should.

If the trick doesn’t work, you’ll have no choice but to leave your wet clothes in the spinner. Of course, you can also go old school and wash your clothes by hand if you’re really in a rush and need fresh clothes.

Probable Reasons Why Your Kenmore Washer Is Stuck on Wash Cycle

Hand pulling out wet laundry out of washing machine

There are multiple reasons as to why a Kenmore washer might be stuck on the wash cycle. Issues could range from a simple laundry overload to a series of malfunctioning parts. To help homeowners get their washer working again as quickly as possible, I’ve narrowed down the most probable causes:

Delayed or Skipping Timer

A delayed or faulty timer is the most common and probable reason why a Kemone washer might get stuck on the wash cycle. This issue is often the result of carbon buildup.

The electrical system produces heat, and this heat slowly accumulates as soot, grime, and sludge on the timer system. Timer carbon buildup bears a similarity to the soot found in chimneys.

Once the carbon accumulates to the point that the timer can no longer come in direct contact with the camshaft, your washer will start skipping and missing cycles. Most washers show issues during the wash cycle since this is the first part of the process.

If you’re looking for a quick, temporary fix, opt to clean the buildup. You don’t necessarily have to get rid of every single soot stain. Just make sure that the timer can properly connect with the camshaft so the system can go through the necessary cycles.

However, I do not recommend this as a long-term solution. If you want your washer to work normally again, you’ll have to replace the entire washer timer. A part replacement might cost more upfront, but unless you address the root cause of the issue, soot and carbon will continue to accumulate on the timer.

For best results, make sure you use a high-quality replacement part. I strongly recommend ReplacementPartsUSA Washer Timer. It’s a durable, high-grade non-OEM replacement part that perfectly matches most Kenmore washer models.

Damaged Lid Switch

Does your Kenmore washer stop working after the two-minute rest cycle? Try slamming your lid a few times. If your washer runs normally after you do this little trick, there’s a good chance that you have a loose lid switch.

Having a defective washer is unfortunate, but repairing a damaged lid switch is much easier and less expensive than getting a new timer. Even a lid switch replacement won’t set you back by more than $10 to $20.

To get started with the inspection, open the back of the washer’s control panel. You’ll likely see multiple screws holding it up. Next, lift the panel and tighten the lid switch as hard as you can. If the washer starts working, then your job is done, and you can close the panel. However, if the washer’s still stuck in the wash cycle, you’ll have to replace the lid switch.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a high-grade option, try the MAYITOP Washer Lid Switch. It’s a durable, easy-to-install aftermarket replacement part that fits most Kenmore washers.

How To Fix Kenmore Washer That Won’t Start Wash Cycle

Washing machine door open with a hand holding a wrench

Unfortunately, homeowners dealing with a Kenmore washer that won’t even start with the wash cycle have it worse. There are multiple likely causes for this issue—these include:

Unlocked Door

Before you take apart your Kenmore washer, check the door first. If a washer’s door is not properly closed and locked, the system won’t start running. It’s a simple yet commonly overlooked issue.

First, see if there’s anything blocking the door lock. Perhaps the piece of cloth or thread that’s preventing the lock from hooking into the latch properly.

Next, inspect the washer door. If there’s nothing jammed between the lock, inspect the entire washer door to identify the cause of the issue. At worst, you might have to get a new washer door.

Blown Washer Line Fuse

The line fuse prevents the washer from overloading during power spikes. A blown or tripped fuse might cause the washer to stop working, but at least it’s a sign that your appliance’s safety system’s working properly.

When inspecting the line fuse, you first need to check the electrical output. Use a multimeter to gauge continuity. If the reader detects that electricity cannot pass through the wires, you have blown a fuse on your hands, so it’s time to get a replacement.

However, before you install the new fuse, I strongly suggest doing a full routine checkup. Try to see what caused the power spike. Bear in mind that fuses do not blow by themselves, but rather, they need an external force to overpower them with electricity. Unless you pinpoint the issue, your new fuse might simply blow as well.

Pro Tip: Are you not sure how to start the part replacement? The BTNTVEN fuse line replacement kit comes complete with every newbie DIYers and handymen need to completely replace their washer’s fuses.

Damaged User and Control Board

Another simple yet commonly overlooked issue to watch out for is a damaged user and control board. First, check the display board. See if the screen’s connected to the power source, and if it still has a proper display.

Next, check the buttons. Try pressing all the buttons to see how the system would react. If your user and control board’s busted, you can expect some buttons to produce weird, unusual sounds.

For the part replacement, you’ll have to look for the specific user and control board of the Kenmore washer you have. Refer to the instruction manual, take note of the product code, then look it up online.

Kenmore Washer Not Washing

When your Kenmore washer is not washing, a common issue could be a malfunctioning drive belt. To resolve this, first, unplug the washer and access the drive belt. Inspect it for damage or slippage; if you find any issues, replace the belt to restore proper washing functionality.

If your Kenmore washer isn’t washing, it may be due to a clogged or malfunctioning water inlet valve. To fix this, disconnect the washer from the power source, inspect the inlet valve for blockages or defects, and clean or replace it as needed to ensure a steady flow of water during the wash cycle.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on March 11, 2021.

A faulty door latch or switch can also prevent the washer from starting a wash cycle. If the door isn’t securely latched or if the switch is malfunctioning, the washer won’t initiate the washing process. To address this, unplug the washer, check the door latch and switch for any damage or defects, and replace them if necessary to enable proper washing.

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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on March 11, 2021.

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