Kenmore Washing Machine: not agitating, not stopping filling, spinning with lid open
What is this symptom?
Is your Kenmore washing machine not agitating, continuously filling with water, and spinning even with the lid open? These symptoms suggest issues with the lid switch, water level pressure switch, or potentially the control board. Understanding these problems is crucial for effective troubleshooting.
Important Tips for Kenmore Models
- Kenmore top‑load machines commonly use a lid switch and pressure switch system controlling agitation and fill; these are frequent failure points.
- Direct drive Kenmore models may have stator/rotor kits in drive assembly affecting agitation/spin.
Possible Causes
Faulty lid switch or lid switch actuator preventing proper cycle control
How to Identify: Washer spins with lid open or doesn’t agitate even when lid closed; no continuity on tester; mechanical actuator worn.
Part: Lid switch / Lid switch actuator
Failed water level pressure switch causing continuous filling
How to Identify: Washer continues to fill beyond correct water level; pressure tube clog or switch fails to cut inlet valve power.
Part: Water level pressure switch
Faulty water inlet valve sticking open
How to Identify: Water flows into washer even when not commanded; valve does not close when power removed.
Part: Water inlet valve
Broken or worn agitator parts (agitator dogs or drive block)
How to Identify: Agitator moves loosely/free or does not transmit motion from drive system while spin still functions.
Part: Agitator internal parts
Drive system failures (belt, motor coupling, stator/motor)
How to Identify: Washer hums but does not agitate; spin may still occur depending on direct‑drive vs belt; belt wear visible.
Part: Drive belt / Motor coupling / Motor or stator
Control board or timer malfunction sending incorrect signals
How to Identify: Unusual machine behavior, multiple functions fail concurrently; multimeter testing shows erratic outputs.
Part: Control board / Timer
DIY Solutions
Test and Replace Lid Switch Assembly
- Disconnect power to washer.
- Access lid switch (under lid or behind top panel).
- Use multimeter to test continuity of lid switch while actuated; if no continuity, replace switch.
- Reassemble and test washer operation.
Check and Replace Pressure Switch/Air Hose
- Turn off power and water to washer.
- Locate pressure switch and attached air hose.
- Inspect hose for clogs, cracks or disconnected fittings.
- Test switch with multimeter for proper continuity changes with pressure.
- Replace faulty pressure switch or hose as needed.
- Reassemble and test fill behavior.
Inspect Water Inlet Valve
- Unplug washer and shut off water valves.
- Remove rear panel to access inlet valve.
- Test valve coils for resistance; if valve sticks open replace it.
- Reattach hoses and panel, restore power and water, test.
Inspect Agitator and Internal Components
- Disconnect power and access agitator.
- Remove agitator to inspect agitator dogs, drive block.
- Replace worn or broken parts.
- Reassemble and test agitation.
Next step
Choose the next step for not agitating, not stopping filling, spinning with lid open
Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.
Most relevant component to inspect
Door or Lid Switch
Detects whether the appliance door or lid is safely closed before operation.
- Typical part-only price
- $15 - $55
- DIY difficulty
- Medium
- Estimated time
- 20-45 mins
Where can I find the model number?
Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.
Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.
Other parts options
Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.
Pressure Switch
Detects the water level inside the tub and signals when to start or stop filling.
Water Inlet Valve
Controls the flow of hot and cold water into the appliance.
Drive Belt
Transfers rotational power from the motor to turn the drum or tub.
Model-compatible Washing Machine parts
Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.
Optional routine care
Maintenance supplies
These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.
Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets
Routine tub-cleaning supplies for residue and odor control. They do not repair a mechanical, drainage, or electronic fault.
Braided Washer Inlet Hoses
A maintenance replacement option for visibly worn external fill hoses. Verify thread size, length, and hot/cold connection requirements.
Washer Drain Hose Holder
Helps secure an external drain hose at the standpipe. It does not correct an internal pump or control fault.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.
Professional Repairs
Replace Drive Belt, Motor Coupling, or Motor
Control Board/Timer Replacement
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Regularly inspect lid switch and clean contact areas: Lid misdetection issues
Frequency: annually -
Inspect pressure hose and switch for clogs: Continuous filling problems
Frequency: annually
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine not agitating, not stopping filling, spinning with lid open?
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine not agitating, not stopping filling, spinning with lid open myself?
How much does it cost to fix not agitating, not stopping filling, spinning with lid open?
When should I call a technician for not agitating, not stopping filling, spinning with lid open?
Community Analytical Insights
Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions
Common Issues Reported by Users
- Faulty lid switch preventing proper operation
- Malfunctioning water level control switch causing continuous filling
- Broken or worn drive belt affecting agitation and spinning
User Suggested Solutions
-
Check and replace the lid switch. To do this, unplug the washer, locate the lid switch (usually near the hinge), test it with a multimeter for continuity, and replace if faulty.
-
Inspect and replace the water level control switch. Unplug the machine, locate the switch (often found under the control panel), check the hose for blockages, and replace the switch if it fails to function correctly.
-
Examine the drive belt for wear or breakage. Unplug the washer, remove the access panel, check the belt's condition, and replace it if necessary.
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
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Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
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