[ecocarlisle]

Hi,

We have a Kenmore top load connected to the dryer. I'm not sure how old the machine is. It fills with water but then will not agitate...most of the time. If we fill with additional water (more than the wash load indicator is set to) then the washer will agitate.

There is a burning smell. I can't tell if it comes from the control panel or the guts of the machine. When the machine doesn't agitate the control panel seems to make a humming noise for approximately 45 seconds and then the humming stops and the washer stops. We can turn the knob to spin and the washer will release all of the water. When the agitator is not working either is the rinse. Only spin works.

So for now, we "trick" the washer by filling it with more water than the load is set to.

Also, the other day we accidentally washed a large cardboard puzzle piece. We found remaining chunks in the washer and removed them. However, I'm wondering now if this has something to do with the problem we're now having. Could the cardboard be stuck inside the agitator?

Please help.
Jon

[PS Staff - Sheila]

Can you please provide you model number?

[ecocarlisle]

Originally Posted by PS Staff - Sheila

Can you please provide you model number?

The only model number I could locate was that found in the attached dryer:
417-90812990

[PS Staff - Sheila]

Does this happen on all the different water levels or just the highest setting?

It sound like it is the water level switch that is causing your problem.

The puzzle piece would not cause this problem.

Here is a link to the parts of your washer/dryer model 417-90812990.

[ecocarlisle]

Originally Posted by PS Staff - Sheila

Does this happen on all the different water levels or just the highest setting?

The issue disappeared! Of course, now we are putting less clothes in and filling the washer to the highest water level.

I read on a different forum that the threads inside the agitater can become worn...could this be it?

[PS Staff - Sheila]

The splines in the agitator can become worn but you will not get a burning smell.

If you were over loading the washer the belt may have been starting to burn.