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Kenmore washer not turning on
Common reasons your Kenmore washer is not turning on
The most common reasons your Kenmore washer is not turning on are a malfunctioning electronic control board, broken motor or an inoperative power supply board.
52% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
18% of the time it's the Motor
16% of the time it's the Power Supply Board
14% of the time it's the Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a Kenmore washer
Electronic Control Board Replacement
A malfunctioning electronic control board can lead to various failures in a washer. This is because the board serves as the brain of the washer, controlling crucial components such as the water valve, drive motor, drain pump, and cycles. If the electronic control board fails, the washer may not power up or display the cycle status. Additionally, it might fail to fill, agitate, spin, or drain. In some cases, a shorted board may emit a burning smell.
Motor Replacement
A broken washer motor will prevent the spin basket from rotating or agitating, and can also cause a variety of other issues that affect the washer’s ability to function properly. Signs that the motor is wearing out include unusual noises during operation, such as grinding or squealing sounds. The washer may also exhibit erratic spinning or agitation, with clothes not being properly rinsed or still soaking wet after the spin cycle. Additionally, a worn-out motor may lead to the washer not completing its cycles, stopping abruptly, or not starting at all. Burnt smells or overheating around the motor area can be indicative of internal problems. In some cases, visible damage to the motor itself may be apparent.
Power Supply Board Replacement
If the power supply board is inoperative, the washer will not power up. This is because the power supply in a washer connects the incoming power from the cord to the components inside. A defective power supply may fail to protect the washer from power surges, potentially causing damage to electronic components like the electronic control board. If your washer is not powering up, it is recommended to have a Sears Home Services professional inspect it.
Why will my Kenmore washer not turn on?
While a defective electronic control board is the number one component failure that typically causes a Kenmore washing machine to have no power, you shouldn’t overlook basic troubleshooting steps before condemning the control board.
Follow these basic troubleshooting steps that may restore power to your Kenmore washer.
1. Check the electrical outlet for power
Make sure that the washing machine power cord is fully plugged in.
If you find the power cord fully plugged in, check the electrical outlet for power. Plug a nightlight or small appliance into the outlet to see whether it has power.
If the nightlight doesn’t work, reset the house breaker for the outlet.
If the outlet is still dead after resetting the breaker, have an electrician fix the electrical outlet.
2. Examine the power cord
If the outlet has power, unplug the power cord and check it for damage. If the power cord is frayed, cut or damaged, replace it.
3. Reset the electronic control board
If you found no problems with the power cord, leave it unplugged for a few minutes then plug it back in to restore power to the washer.
The electronic control board may reboot and reset so the washer works properly.
If the washer is still dead, move on to the next troubleshooting step.
4. Unplug the washer and check control board wiring
Loose or disconnected wiring can sometimes prevent the washing machine from powering up.
Unplug the power cord and remove the top washer panel or open the control console to check wiring connected to the control board.
Checking wiring on a Kenmore top-load washer
Here’s a video that shows how to open the control console on a common Kenmore top-load washing machine:
Reconnect any loose wiring, reassemble the washer and see if it powers up.
If the washer is still dead after reconnecting loose wiring or you found wiring intact, replacing the electronic control board may fix the washer. It's best to have a service technician check the washer and replace the control board if it's bad.
If you choose to replace the control board yourself, follow the steps in the above video to replace the control board. On many Kenmore top-load washers, you’ll need to enter the diagnostic mode and calibrate the washer after replacing the control board as shown in the video.
Checking wiring on a Kenmore front-load washer
Follow the steps in this illustrated guide to access the electronic control board in a Kenmore front-load washing machine: How to replace the machine control board in a front-load washer.
Reconnect any loose wiring and reassemble the washer. If the machine still won’t power up, you may need to replace the electronic control board.
A faulty user interface control board or a number of other issues can prevent a front-load washer from powering up. It’s best to have a service technician examine and repair a front-load washer to find the exact cause of the power failure before replacing the control board on your own.
What to expect when you experience a Kenmore washer not turning on issue
How is the not turning on problem fixed?
Correcting most not turning on problems usually involves replacing the electronic control board, motor or power supply. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a washer that is not turning on
When the washer is not turning on it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of washer failures.
What to look out for with a washer not turning on diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your washer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
No lights or activity in a Kenmore washer suggest deeper fuse or wiring trouble. Simple breaker resets can’t correct a true power block. Rather than stacking laundry endlessly, consult washing machine repair service near me. Restoring power ensures your Kenmore meets daily demands.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Glossary Terms
Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.
A washing machine pedestal is a platform that raises the washer off the ground, providing easier access to the appliances and often includes additional storage space such as drawers.
A washer tub is the interior part of a washing machine where clothes are placed for washing, typically made of stainless steel, plastic, or porcelain-coated metal, designed to hold water and withstand the agitation or spinning during the wash cycle.
Fabric softener is a laundry additive used to soften and freshen clothing, reduce static cling, and make fabrics feel smoother.