Kenmore Washing Machine: not completing cycle

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Kenmore washing machine is not completing its cycle, you may experience interruptions during washing, rinsing, or spinning. This can be frustrating, especially when the power is on and there are no user interruptions. Common causes include drainage issues, a malfunctioning lid switch, or an unbalanced load. Understanding these issues can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Error codes on some Kenmore models can indicate specific component failures; check model manual for codes if displayed.

Possible Causes

Drainage failure (clogged hose or pump)

How to Identify: Water remains in drum, cycle halts at or before spin, slow or no draining

Part: Drain hose, drain pump

Door lock/lid switch malfunction

How to Identify: Cycle stops shortly after start, machine won’t go into spin; clicking noise missing when door is closed

Part: Door lock assembly or lid switch

Unbalanced load

How to Identify: Stops during agitation or spin; heavy items on one side; uneven drum movement

Part: Drum load distribution (not a part but usage issue)

Water inlet valve issue

How to Identify: Cycle stalls during fill or rinse; low water level indications; prolonged fill times

Part: Water inlet valve/screens

Control board or timer fault

How to Identify: Intermittent or unexplained stoppages without flooding or load imbalance; error codes (if supported

Part: Control board/timer module

DIY Solutions

Clear Drain Hose and Pump Filter

Moderate 30-45 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, bucket, gloves
  1. Unplug washer and turn off water.
  2. Locate and disconnect drain hose; check for kinks or clogs; clear debris.
  3. Open pump access and remove debris from pump filter.
  4. Reassemble and run rinse cycle to test.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power and water are off before accessing components.

Redistribute Load and Reduce Size

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Stop machine and open door.
  2. Redistribute laundry evenly around drum.
  3. Remove excess items if overloaded.
  4. Restart cycle.

Inspect and Test Lid Switch/Door Lock

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter
  1. Unplug washer.
  2. Access lid switch/door lock assembly.
  3. Test switch for continuity with multimeter.
  4. Replace component if faulty.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before electrical checks.

Professional Repairs

Replace Water Inlet Valve

Estimated Cost: $50 - $120

Control Board or Timer Replacement

Estimated Cost: $120 - $300

Drain Pump Replacement

Estimated Cost: $60 - $150

When to Call a Professional

Burning smell or smoke during operation
Repeated unexplained stops after basic troubleshooting
Error codes indicating internal component faults

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean drain pump filter: Drain clogs that can halt cycles
    Frequency: every 3 months
  • Ensure balanced loads: Unbalanced load‑related stops
    Frequency: Every wash

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine not completing cycle?
Common causes include drainage failure, lid switch malfunction, or an unbalanced load.
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine not completing cycle myself?
You can clear the drain hose, redistribute the load, or inspect the lid switch for continuity.
How much does it cost to fix not completing cycle?
Professional repair costs range from $50 for a water inlet valve to $300 for control board replacement.
When should I call a technician for not completing cycle?
Consider calling a technician if DIY solutions fail or if you suspect a complex issue like control board failure.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

65%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty door latch or door lock mechanism preventing the cycle from completing.
  • Malfunctioning control board causing erratic cycle behavior.
  • Clogged drain pump or hose leading to drainage issues.

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the door latch or lock mechanism. Ensure the door is securely closed and the latch engages properly. If damaged, replace it with a new part.

  2. Check the control board for any visible damage or burnt components. If faulty, replace the control board with a compatible part.

  3. Inspect and clear any blockages in the drain pump or hose. Remove the drain pump and clean it thoroughly. Ensure the hose is free of kinks or clogs.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Kenmore Top Load Washer won’t complete a cycle. It just keep...

Community Discussions

won’t complete a cycle, keeps restarting at drain & spin

The switch/locking mechanism needed to be replaced.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

User Comments (0)

Share your experience or solution below.

Be the first to comment!