Lid Switch

Washer Repair
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1

How can I "fix" the lid switch on my Kenmore washer?

It started out as us having to lift the lid switch to make the washer continue in the rinse or spin cycle.

I checked the lid switch with an ohm meter and found it good. Rather that take a chance, I replaced the lid switch. The new one worked fine for about a month.

I have tried "holding" the switch in place but it’s does the same thing.

When it goes into either the rinse or spin cycles somebody has to be there to open and close the lid. Once that is done the machine works great.

I might also add that I have replaced the pump and the temp/level switch.

I might also add that this design for the lid switch is very, very poor.

Any ideas on how to make a permanent repair?

Thanks in advance
Bob
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Updated symptoms:

I by-passed the lid switch altogether to see if the switch was good or not. I did it two ways: 1) I made a jumper wire for the harness. 2) I plugged the switch back in and held it in my hand.

The machine does the same thing.

Put clothes in machine, add detergent, close lid and wait. When machine starts, it washes fine then it makes a noise like something is not engaging. If you open and close the lid the machine continues on the cycle. When it reaches the rinse cycle it does the same thing. Open and close the lid and machine continues until cycle is finished.

The coupler is the new and improved version with the metal inserts. I have physically removed the pump and motor to inspect/replace the coupler.

Somebody give me a direction to go in to repair this machine. We bought the machine in April of 2010.

Thanks again
Bob[/COLOR]

3

Okay, sounds like maybe the lid switch was a problem but your replacement fixed that.

What is probably happening here is that your timer is not pausing after the machine drains. These models have a neutral drain so the machine is not spinning with a full load of water. When the water is drained out the timer pauses the motor. This causes the transmission to shift into reverse and start the spin cycle. When you open and close the lid you are manually causing the pause and causing the transmission to shift.

You will need to replace the timer, that should fix it.

4

Or maybe your just not waiting long enough. It should drain without spinning for a full 2 minutes regardless of how long it actually takes to drain. After the 2 minute drain, motor should pause and start again for spin while continuing to drain.

Eric