- 1). Check the breaker panel for a tripped breaker. If you locate a tripped breaker, flip the breaker to the "on" position and try to start the washing machine again. If resetting the breaker does not work or if the breaker is not tripped, move onto the next step.
- 2). Inspect the electrical outlet for your washing machine to verify the appliance is plugged in completely. Unplug the washing machine and plug a known working appliance into the outlet. If the appliance does not work, the outlet is defective, and the washing machine works. If the appliance works, the outlet works properly, so you will need to move onto the next step.
- 3). Lift up the lid on your top-loading washer and locate the lid switch. If the lid switch is defective, the washing machine will not respond to any commands, and it will seem like the machine has no power. To test the switch, pry the switch cover off of the doorjamb with a screwdriver then pull the switch out of the machine. Take note of which wire connects to which terminal on the switch. Pull the wires off of the terminals. Set a multimeter to "Ohm" then place the leads of the multimeter onto the terminals. If the reading remains zero, the switch is defective. If the multimeter reads any other value, the switch works properly. At this point, contact Sears as the issue is likely inside of the control panel.
- 1). Inspect the couplers on each end of the water hoses that connect the washing machine to the water shut-off valves. Each coupler has a rubber o-ring washer inside that can wear out and cause leaking. Look for water around these connections.
- 2). Inspect the water shut-off valves for leaking water. Often the valve will malfunction and cause leaking.
- 3). Slide the washing machine away from the wall and run a cycle. As the washing machine fills up, inspect the water pump for leaking. In most cases, if the pump leaks, it leaks from the hose coupler or bulkhead.
- 4). Inspect the drain hose as the washer spins out the water. The hose could have a hole in it, or it could leak where it couples to the drainage pump.
- 1). Inspect the washer settings to ensure you have selected the correct water setting. The knob has an indentation that you can feel when you turn it. If the knob is set between these indentations, it will not trigger water production. If this does not correct the problem, move onto the next step.
- 2). Turn off the water shut-off valves then remove the hoses from the back of the washing machine with a pair of pliers.
- 3). Place the end of each hose into a bucket and turn on the water shut-off valves one at a time. If water does not come out, the valve is frozen. If water comes out, the shut-off valves work properly; reconnect the water hoses, turn on the valves and move onto the next step.
- 4). Locate the water inlet valve. This pump forces water into the machine. With the machine on, listen for faint humming. If you hear no humming, inspect the electrical connection to the inlet valve to ensure the valve is plugged in. If not, plug it in and try the washing machine again. If this does not correct the issue or you hear a faint buzzing sound, the inlet valve may be defective. Disconnect the hoses from the valve with a screwdriver. Remove the mounting screws that hold the unit in place and install a new inlet valve. Secure the hoses to the new valve and reconnect the electrical wires. This should correct the issue. However, if it does not, contact Sears as the issue is likely with the control panel.
- 1). Inspect the lid switch as noted in Section 1, Step 3. A faulty lid switch can prevent the washing machine from going into spin mode if the machine thinks the lid is open.
- 2). Pull the drain hose out of the standpipe and inspect it for clogs. If necessary, disconnect the drain hose from the pump on the back of the machine with a screwdriver and blow compressed air through it. Lint can cause a blockage that could slow or stop drainage.
- 3). Inspect the wiring harness that connects to the pump to ensure it is connected. If the harness is loose, reconnect it to the pump and try the "Spin" cycle again. If the machine does not drain water, move onto the next step.
- 4). Set the machine on "Spin" and listen to the pump. If you hear grinding or squealing, the pulley on the pump is frozen. This is not a serviceable part, and you must replace the pump with a new one. If you do not hear any odd noises and the machine still does not drain water, contact Sears.
Will Not Power On
Water Leaking From Machine
Will Not Fill Up
Will Not Drain
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