20 Most Recent Kenmore 3.5 cu. ft. King Size Capacity Top Load Washer Questions & Answers

The water inlet valve solenoid is probably faulty. You can check it using a multimeter or ohm meter for continuity to see if it is faulty. The solenoid is most likely faulty on the cold water side. Here is a picture of the inlet valve solenoid assembly. Hope this helped and best wishes.

It appears your dual inlet water valve has failed in this instance.

For replacement parts - head on over to PartSelect.com or RepairClinic.com and enter in your full model number for a full parts listing.
I recommend both sites because ...


FixYa has no affiliation with either site - I have been using and recommending them for years - trouble free.

PartSelect has a great schematic database for locating the part on your unit and great "testimonials" for each part that often times includes HOW-TO information.
RepairClinic has pictures of each part they sell and also a great how-to and troubleshooting for basic repairs.


If your unit has never been serviced - there should still be an original service manual enclosed in plastic taped to the inside of the shell.
In the service manual are Error codes, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting steps you can follow.


Anything too complicated or beyond your scope should be handled by a professional.

If you think you want to tackle the repair - and have gotten stuck on a step - reply to your question and I will be glad to help you out.




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It sounds like you may have a broken motor coupling. This is the most common cause of the symptoms you are describing. Whirlpool manufactured top loaders (such as Kenmore) use a motor coupling in place of a drive belt and are known as "direct-drive" systems. No agitation, or spinning, associated with a grinding noise are the usual symptoms. The washer should still have the ability to drain, however.

The following link explains how to access the coupler and replace it, if necessary:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3574231-replacing_a_motor_coupling

The part number is included with the instructions I provided. Replacement parts (if required) can be purchased at any of the following websites:

searspartsdirect.com
pcappliancerepair.com
appliancepartspros.com
repairclinic.com

All these sites are reputable and offer great service with competitive pricing, so shop and compare. The first three sites I listed also include helpful exploded view parts diagrams to assist you in locating and properly identifying the parts you need. If you do not wish to order parts on line, use the part numbers I provided and go to your nearest appliance parts retailer. The coupler is usually sold as part of their in-store inventory. The average cost of a motor coupling is only about $15.

A secondary cause would be a failed gearcase (transmission). I would recommend checking the motor coupling first, however. If the coupler is still intact, please let me know. I can give you guidance on how to replace the gearcase, if necessary.

If you have any questions, or if the symptoms I describe do not match the problem you are experiencing, please post back with your complete MODEL NUMBER and let me know. I hope this helps you.

This assumes that you have a basic Kenmore / Whirlpool top load, direct drive, neutral drain (it doesn't spin until the pump removes most of the water) machine.

First, see the Sears parts site for your washer:
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action

Enter your model number (###.######) and you'll see a list of major sub-components with diagrams and parts.

Following is a description of how to release the console.

http://www.american-appliance.com/catalog/newsdesk_info.php?newsPath=16&newsdesk_id=137

This is a Whirlpool PDF on how these washers operate.

https://secured.whirlpool.com/Service/SrvTechAdm.nsf/2cd44500d572193285256a45004fd9d6/f7e2147fa98b28cf85257122007475cb/$FILE/L-55.pdf


It also has a troubleshooting guide.

Most washer today use automatic temp. control fill valves. If water is too cold the control might mix in some hot to bring up to a preset temp. The same is true when control set for hot. For energy savings cold water will be mixed in to maintain a semi hot temp. Check with manufacture just to be sure.

yes there is a water inlet valve . it is the blue valve your water hoses connect to on the rear of the washer, they get sediment built up inside and get stuck , cost $26.50 from Repairclinic.com just go to site .find parts,then type in your model#

This assumes that you have a basic Kenmore / Whirlpool top load, direct drive, neutral drain (it doesn't spin until the pump removes most of the water) machine.

First, see the Sears parts site for your washer:

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action

Enter your model number (###.######) and you'll see a list of major sub-components with diagrams and parts.

Look in the section for the motor, pump gearcase and you'll see the Motor Coupler.

Kenmore / Whirlpool top load, direct drive washers use a "Motor Coupler" between the motor and transmission.

It's used as a fail safe device and consists of three parts.

Two of the parts are the same, plastic units with three prongs that fit on one of the motor output shafts and the other on the transmission input shaft. Between them is a rubber piece with six holes.

The power from the motor is transmitted through the rubber piece to the transmission.

The other shaft on the motor directly drives the pump.

If the motor coupler is broken, or worn, the motor may not be able to send full power to the transmission for agitating or spinning. The clicking that you hear could be the plastic prongs hitting each other.

See the following for how to remove the cabinet, pump, motor and motor mounting plate to inspect and replace the motor coupler.

http://www.american-appliance.com/catalog/newsdesk_info.php?newsPath=16&newsdesk_id=137

If the coupler looks damaged, it's a relatively easy fix.

Pry the plastic pieces from the motor and transmission. Some people use a claw hammer but I've found that using a small (6 inch) pry bar works well.

Carefully fit the plastic pieces over the motor and transmission shafts and press them in place (Use a 1/2" of larger socket to put pressure equally around the pieces.

Put the rubber piece on the transmission plastic piece.

Replace the motor mounting plate.

Carefully line up the plastic prongs on the motor based plastic piece to the three un-used holes in the rubber piece. If they don't line up right, the coupler could be damaged.

Mount the motor, don't forget the two screws, put the pump back on the motor and use its' clips.

Put the cabinet back on, don't forget to plug the lid switch back in and re-mount the console.

Most likely, the belt broke. There is no real easy way to check it, other than crawl beind it and remove the lower rear cover. The belt should be very obvious, going from the motor to the transmission, in the center of the machine.

The back panel is not removeable. The entireshell must be removed - exposing the rear of the machine.

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post model number please

If the setting is only hot and cold, there will be no
warm water coming out. At warm setting if it is
present, it should give you warm water.