If the washer will fill and drain, but won't agitate or spin, you may have a broken motor coupling. The noise of the motor engaging, lack of agitation and ability to still drain are the usual symptoms. This is a common fail item with this model washer through normal wear and tear. Newer versions of the coupler are more resilient and resist breaking. The following link explains how to replace one:
http://www.fixya.com/support/r385250-replacing_motor_coupling_kenmore_top
The motor coupling is located between the drive motor and the transmission and takes the place of a drive belt. They do wear out and can break. The replacement part number is included in the link I provided and is an improved upgraded coupling that is more resilient. It should last longer. If you have questions, or require additional assistance, please let me know. I hope this helps you.
A replacement coupler can be purchased on line at appliancepartspros.com for about $11. Just use the part number in the link and "Search by Part Number" for your search criteria.
Now...a washer that fills and doesn't do anything, or stops right after the wash cycle and then does not advance to the rinse cycle and drain is commonly caused by a lid switch malfunction. The lid switch is usually mounted under the washer top casing, on the right hand side on most top load models. It is activated by a plastic piece on the lid (called a "Lid Strike") through a small hole on the rim of the wash tub opening. In many cases the lid strike breaks off the lid, or the lid switch becomes loose and no longer makes contact. Inspect the lid to make sure the lid strike is still intact, and then inspect the mounting screws (adjacent to the small opening on the wash tub rim) and make sure they are snug. If you determine the switch to be defective, the following link explains how to replace one:
http://www.fixya.com/support/r385198-replacing_lid_switch
If the switch requires replacement, a new one can be purchased on line at searspartsdirect.com, pcappliancerepair.com, repairclinic.com, appliancepartspros.com. Just use your model number as your search criteria. All these sites offer competitive pricing, so shop all them for the best price.
Take note of your symptoms:
1. Washer fills, may or may not agitate, will not advance to the rinse cycle, and will NOT drain - lid switch.
2. Washer fills, does NOT agitate or spin, but WILL drain - motor coupling.
If you still have questions, please let me know. If the suggestions I have listed do not match your washer symptoms, please post back and elaborate more on what the washer is/is not doing. That way I can provide you with better assistance. I hope this information is helpful to you.
@soberjo: The cost of a lid switch runs about $25 to $35 at the sites I had provided. I also provided a link that explains step-by-step how to replace the switch. Why did this cost you over $100?
By the way...the model number is "LSQ8543JQ1" You have the second digit listed as a "5" instead of an "S".
@tammy_1411: If you have the same model washer, you should hear a clicking sound as you open and close the lid. If you do not hear anything, make sure the lid strike is still intact. This is a small plastic piece located on the washer lid that activates the switch through a small hole as you lower the lid. If the lid strike is broken or missing, the lid switch will not activate. You should be able to use a screwdriver to push down on the switch through the lid strike hole and get it to work if the switch is good. Another common problem is the lid becoming warped from storing heavy items (such as detergent bottles) on top of it. If all these steps still don't solve your problem, replace the switch.
If the switch IS good, how did you determine this? The only other thing that can cause these symptoms would be a defective timer. The timer is a more expensive option than the lid switch, so I would double check your symptoms just to be sure.
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Are you sure the lid switch is ok? Mine was broke. you really have to get in there and look at the switch with a screwdriver ... Mine was caused by my room mate dropping the lid down....cost of repair.. over $100.00
machine stops at spin cycle...already check lid switch and its fine!! what else can it be?
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