Kenmore Washing Machine: not filling, lid not locking, cycle interruptions

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore washing machine not filling with water, lid not locking, or experiencing cycle interruptions? These issues can stem from a faulty lid switch, water inlet valve failure, or control board problems. Understanding the potential causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore washer lid lock light flashing and lid not locking often tied to lid switch assembly failures
  • Kenmore washers use water level pressure switches that can clog and misreport water level, causing fill issues

Possible Causes

Faulty lid switch or lid lock assembly preventing cycle progression or fill

How to Identify: Lid does not lock securely, lid lock light may flash, washer does not proceed past sensing or fill stage, continuity test fails.

Part: Lid switch / lid lock assembly

Water inlet valve failure or clog leading to no/poor water fill

How to Identify: No water enters the washer when cycle starts, hoses supplying water are open but no flow, or slow fill detected.

Part: Water inlet valve

Faulty water level pressure switch or air tube obstruction

How to Identify: Washer won’t recognize correct water level; may fill indefinitely or not proceed to agitation; pressure switch tests open/short incorrectly.

Part: Water level pressure switch / air tube

Control board or timer failure causing cycle interruption

How to Identify: Washer fills but stops before agitation; no progression when controls appear correct; reset doesn’t help.

Part: Main control board / timer assembly

Loose or damaged wiring/connectors affecting safety interlocks and sensors

How to Identify: Intermittent operation, error codes, lid lock light flashes without clear mechanical issue, visible loose connections.

Part: Wiring harness/connectors

DIY Solutions

Check and secure lid closure and latch

Easy 5-10 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Ensure washer lid is fully closed and free of obstructions.
  2. Inspect lid strike and latch area for debris and clean if necessary.
  3. Attempt a test cycle to confirm lid lock engagement.

Inspect and clean water inlet screens and hoses

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: adjustable wrench, bucket
  1. Turn off water supply to washer.
  2. Disconnect water supply hoses and inspect inlet screens.
  3. Clean screens if debris is present and reattach hoses securely.
  4. Turn water back on and test fill.
⚠️ Safety First: Turn off water supply before disconnecting hoses

Test lid switch continuity

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdriver
  1. Unplug washer and access lid switch assembly.
  2. Use a multimeter to test continuity of lid switch with lid closed.
  3. Replace switch if continuity fails.
  4. Reassemble and test machine.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before access

Check water level pressure switch and air tube

Moderate 20-40 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, compressed air if available
  1. Unplug machine and locate pressure switch tube.
  2. Remove and inspect air tube for clogs or kinks.
  3. Blow air gently to clear obstruction and reattach.
  4. Test washer operation.
⚠️ Safety First: Power off before handling internal parts

Professional Repairs

Replace water inlet valve

Estimated Cost: $40 - $100

Replace control board or timer assembly

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Replace lid lock or lid switch assembly

Estimated Cost: $20 - $60

When to Call a Professional

If testing and parts replacement does not restore proper fill or cycle progression
If internal wiring or control board appears damaged
If you are not comfortable performing electrical component testing

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean water inlet filters regularly: Fill issues due to debris clogging
    Frequency: every 3-6 months
  • Check lid hinge and latch alignment: Lid lock engagement problems
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine not filling, lid not locking, cycle interruptions?
Common causes include a faulty lid switch, water inlet valve failure, and control board issues.
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine not filling, lid not locking, cycle interruptions myself?
Check lid closure, inspect water inlet screens, test lid switch continuity, and check the water level pressure switch.
How much does it cost to fix not filling, lid not locking, cycle interruptions?
Professional repair costs range from $20 to $200 depending on the issue, such as replacing the lid switch or control board.
When should I call a technician for not filling, lid not locking, cycle interruptions?
If DIY solutions fail or if you're uncomfortable with electrical components, it's best to consult a technician.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

80%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty lid switch preventing the lid from locking and stopping the cycle
  • Clogged or kinked water supply hoses causing intermittent filling
  • Defective water inlet valve not allowing water to fill properly

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the lid switch. Unplug the machine, locate the lid switch, and test it with a multimeter. If defective, replace it with a new one.

  2. Check the water supply hoses for kinks or clogs. Disconnect the hoses and inspect for blockages. Clean or replace as necessary.

  3. Test and replace the water inlet valve. Disconnect the power, locate the valve, and check for continuity with a multimeter. Replace if faulty.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Kenmore Washer model 110.20022012 broken (again), lid not lo...

Community Discussions

lid not locking, cycles not moving forward, intermittent filling

Replacing the lid switch is recommended based on error codes.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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