[Leverett]

My top-loading Kenmore washing machine will fill with water, and spin & drain, but doesn't agitate on any cycle. The only sound I hear when it's supposed to be agitating, is the ticking timer. The timer moves through the cycles, but the agitator isn't working.

If the motor is shot - is that relatively easy to replace? I've replaced the motor couplings a couple of times, so I know how to access it.

What brand would you recommend for my next washing machine (which may be very shortly).

Thanks so much,

Darlene

[PS Volunteer - Appguy]

Need a meter to check timer output voltage.

[ApplianceJunk]

Hi,

Could be a bad connection on the motor harness plug.

Like in this video.

Video: Bad Motor Connection

Your sears washer is a direct drive washer made by whirlpool for sears.

Check out this video to see how to get to the motor.

ApplianceJunk.com Video

[Leverett]

Originally Posted by ApplianceJunk

Hi,

Could be a bad connection on the motor harness plug.

Like in this video.

Video: Bad Motor Connection

Your sears washer is a direct drive washer made by whirlpool for sears.

Check out this video to see how to get to the motor.

ApplianceJunk.com Video

ApplianceJunk,

You're a genius - it was the motor harness plug. When I pushed it in, the agitator started working.

But now, should I replace the motor harness plug? I don't want to have to take the cover off the washer every week to twiddle the plug.

Do you have a video on replacing the motor harness plug?

Thanks so much,

Darlene

[PS Volunteer - Appguy]

I usually just inspect all pins for burnt marks. Usually find none and just push in the ends of the pins to make a better connection.

[Leverett]

Originally Posted by PS Volunteer - Appguy

I usually just inspect all pins for burnt marks. Usually find none and just push in the ends of the pins to make a better connection.

Thanks, I'll try that because the agitator won't work unless I twiddle the motor harness connector. And I shouldn't keep doing that because that will ruin the motor.

I contacted Sears Canada (I live in Canada) and got a quote of $279 for a new connector - they won't sell just one replacement wire.

So I have decided to start looking around for a new washing machine. I have repaired this Kenmore lemon too many times, and this is the last time. Is there a washing machine you would recommend? How are the new Tromm steam washers? I want a reliable washer.

Thanks so much,

Darlene

[PS Volunteer - Appguy]

You can contact a local appliance store and ask if you can remove a wiring harness from a junked washer! Worth a try and i would keep the splices to a minimum by getting the whole harness.