Kenmore Washing Machine: motor not starting properly

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore washing machine motor not starting properly? You may notice the washer fails to agitate or spin, despite power being on. Common issues include faulty control boards, door switch problems, or blown fuses. Identifying the root cause is essential for effective repair.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore washers often use Sears-branded control and safety assemblies; door/lid switches and control boards are common failure points for start issues.

Possible Causes

Faulty control board or motor control circuitry

How to Identify: Washer receives power, display lights but motor doesn’t start; no error codes; board may show visible damage or lack of voltage to motor terminals on multimeter testing.

Part: Electronic control board / motor control board

Door/lid switch or latch issue preventing motor activation

How to Identify: Top-load lid or front-load door not fully latching or switch not registering closed – washer won’t start motor; check for continuity with multimeter.

Part: Door/lid switch / latch assembly

Blown thermal fuse or line fuse

How to Identify: No start condition with no motor activity; testing fuse continuity with multimeter shows open circuit.

Part: Thermal fuse / line fuse

Power supply/interruption to motor

How to Identify: Washer has no power to motor because outlet has no power or breaker is tripped; external power issues present. (修理诊所

Part: Power cord, outlet circuit, breaker

Drive belt/motor coupling failure

How to Identify: Motor may hum or try to start but drum doesn’t rotate; belt visibly worn or broken. (iFixit

Part: Drive belt / coupling

DIY Solutions

Check door/lid switch and latch

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, multimeter
  1. Unplug the washer.
  2. Open the washer cabinet to access the door/lid latch assembly.
  3. Visually inspect for broken or misaligned parts.
  4. Use a multimeter to test continuity of the lid switch; replace if open when closed.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected before opening the washer.

Inspect and replace drive belt or motor coupling

Advanced 45-90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, wrench set, multimeter
  1. Unplug the washer and remove back or bottom panel.
  2. Locate drive belt or motor coupling between motor and drum assembly.
  3. Check for wear, breakage, or slipping.
  4. Replace the belt/coupling if damaged.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power and avoid touching other components.

Professional Repairs

Replace electronic control board or motor control board

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

Replace thermal fuse/line fuse and address underlying cause

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

When to Call a Professional

Motor makes unusual sounds or emits burning smell
Electrical components (control board/motor control) suspected faulty
Fuses repeatedly blow after replacement

Preventive Maintenance

  • Periodically check door/lid switch operation: Start/motor engagement issues due to worn latch/switch
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Inspect drive belt condition annually: Motor-to-drum coupling failure
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine Motor not starting properly?
Common causes include a faulty control board, door switch issues, blown fuses, or power supply interruptions.
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine Motor not starting properly myself?
Check the door/lid switch for issues, or inspect and replace the drive belt or motor coupling if needed.
How much does it cost to fix Motor not starting properly?
Professional repairs typically range from $150 to $350 for control board replacements and $50 to $150 for fuse replacements.
When should I call a technician for Motor not starting properly?
Consider calling a technician if DIY solutions seem complex or if the issue persists after basic troubleshooting.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty motor switch causing intermittent power to the motor
  • Worn out or damaged drive belt preventing proper motor engagement
  • Electrical issues such as a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker affecting power supply

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the motor switch. Disconnect the washer from power, remove the control panel, and test the motor switch with a multimeter. If faulty, replace it with a new one.

  2. Check and replace the drive belt. Disconnect power, remove the back panel, and inspect the belt for wear or damage. Replace it if necessary.

  3. Inspect the electrical system. Check the fuse box for blown fuses or tripped breakers. Replace any blown fuses and reset tripped breakers.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Help Diagnose Kenmore Washing Machine?

Community Discussions

Motor making a sound like it's starting over and over

The motor switch may be failing, causing the motor to rapidly switch between start and run mode.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

User Comments (0)

Share your experience or solution below.

Be the first to comment!