How to fix Kenmore70 series washing machine that won't drain?

Here is what I have found with mine (I was having the same problem, TWICE!):
When the spin cycle is supposed to start, it made a noise for about ten seconds and then sounded like it turned off...In my case, I had a sock (both times) stuck in my pump. The pump was easy enough to check by pulling the washer out from the wall and then tipping it back. There was a white piece that two hoses connected to. The pump is only connected to the washer by two clips that easily pop off with a flat headed screw driver. You can use a pair of pliers to undo the clamps on the hoses. Once the hoses are off, you can see wether or not there is something stuck in there.

Take note: It is best to drain as much of the water out of the washing machine using a bucket or any other container that will hold water prior to doing this as it will save your back and floor.
Also: Before removing the two hoses from the pump, have a bucket ready to catch the extra water.

If you do NOT hear the brief noise before the washer shuts off, then it is probably your lid switch.

Good luck!

Leon Justin
January 2006

Hello,

My apoligies for typing quickly and not going looking at my post thouroughly. The part I was refering to is a lid switch. This is the switch that the door comes down on to make contact to run the washer during spin. Once you open the lid the washer will stop spinning. It is a safety feature. It is also a common thing for it to break. So, if your washer washers ok, but when it gets to the drain/spin mode goes completely dead, the lid switch is what I would check out. Perhaps the mechanism of the switch is broken or the switch is electronicly broke. Read page 41 and look at the post that says "80 kenmore series how to take top off" for directions on how to get the waher open. These Whirlpool made Kenmores are fairly easy to work on as the whole cabinet comes off in one piece. If you don't have an ohmeter to test the switch for continuity you can bypass the switch using a piece of wire but make sure you unplug the machine first. If you bypass the switch and your washer starts spinning,you found your problem. Hope this helps.

JP
November 2005

hmmm... (renie replying to JP - new to the site, not sure how it works)
part way through the rinse cycle, it just clicks and everything stops. it doesn't even sound like it is TRYING to drain. what's an LIS switch and is this something i can do or do i have to face the music and pay for someone to come in and assess and hopefully fix it?

renie
November 2005

Hello,

What does it do instead of draining? Do you hear any noises like the motor trying to go? Possibly, a bad lis switch if the washer is dead when you try to drain the washer.

JP
November 2005