If the washer and agitator works, but the tub won't empty itself, I found the problem to be the lid switch in my Kenmore top loader. Go to this web site: http://applianceguru.com/forum2/15160.html, to see great directions on getting to the lid switch. I had to pull off (snap-on)corner plastic covers on the control panel, remove screws on each side under the covers, and fold the panel back over the rear side. After disconnecting an electrical connector in the middle near the back (on top), the whole casing rotates forward so you can remove/replace the lid switch. It was all plain vanilla.
Bill B.
November 2009