Kenmore Washing Machine Heating [Issues & Solutions]

If you are having issues with your Kenmore washing machine heating, don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. This detailed guide explains the causes of these issues and gives you steps on how to fix them…

Kenmore Washing Machine Heating Not Working — How To Fix

If your Kenmore washing machine heating isn’t working, here are the issues to look for…

1. Damaged Heating Element

To replace a damaged heating element in your Kenmore washing machine, follow the steps below…

Front Loaders

Take the following steps to replace the heating element in your front loader Kenmore washing machine…

Step 1. Disconnect your washing machine from the outlet, then turn the water supply faucets off in order to prevent electrocution and leakage.]

Step 2. With someone assisting you, move your washing machine forwards a bit to get more working space.

Step 3. With your Philips screwdriver, loosen the bolts at the back of the machine securing top panel. Pull the top panel backwards a few inches, then lift it off the cabinet.

Step 4. Disconnect the water supply hoses from the ports at the back of the machine (keep a rag nearby to clean any leaks).

Step 5. With your screwdriver, loosen the bolts at the back of the control panel. Slide the soap tray out of the housing. Release the tray from the dispenser by pressing the little tab inside.

Step 6. Take out the two screws next to the dispenser’s opening. Carefully pry the control panel off the cabinet. Disconnect the wire harness from the control panel, then set the panel aside.

Step 7. Open the pump filter access panel, then pull the emergency drain hose out of the retainers.

Step 8. Loosen the two screws securing the pump filter housing using a Philips screwdriver. Pull the housing out of the cabinet, then set it aside.

Step 9. Take out the single screw at the bottom of the front panel. Open your washing machine’s door, then take out the retaining wire securing the door boot seal using a flat-blade screwdriver.

Step 10. Peel the door boot seal off the door opening. Reach into the machine behind the front panel, then disconnect the door lock wire harness.

Step 11. Using a Philips screwdriver, loosen the six screws at the top of the front panel. Carefully lift the front panel off the cabinet and set it aside.

Step 12. Pull your washing machine’s drain hose out of the standpipe. With someone helping you, tip your washing machine backwards carefully and set it on the floor.

Step 13. Disconnect the wires attached to the heating element at the lower front portion of the tub (ensure that you note where each connector goes).

Step 14. Loosen the bolt holding the heating element to the housing using a 10mm socket wrench. Pry the heating element out of the housing using a flat-blade screwdriver.

Step 15. Discard the heating element, then prepare the new one for installation by taking it out of its packaging.

Step 16. Slide the new heating element into the housing at the bottom of the tub. Secure the heating element by applying the 10mm bolt.

Step 17. Plug each wire connector into its appropriate terminal on the heating element. Carefully lift your washing machine onto its feet.

Step 18. Lift the front panel and mount it back on the cabinet. Apply the screws at the top of the front panel using a Philips screwdriver.

Step 19. Tighten the single screw at the bottom of the front panel. Put the pump filter housing back into the cabinet, then apply the two screws using a Philips screwdriver.

Step 20. Close the pump filter access panel. Open your washing machine’s door. Reach into the cabinet, then connect the wire harness to the door lock.

Step 21. Carefully fit the door boot seal around the front panel. Using your flat-blade screwdriver, fit the retaining wire around the seal.

Step 22. Plug the wire harness back into the control panel. Snap the panel onto the front of the cabinet, then apply the two screws at the back.

Step 23. Apply the two screws next to the dispenser’s opening. Push the soap tray back into the housing.

Step 24. Place the top panel on the cabinet, then push it forwards. Apply the screws at the back using your Philips screwdriver.

Step 25. Reconnect the HOT and COLD water supply hoses to the corresponding ports at the back of the machine.

Step 26. Plug your washing machine’s power cord back into the outlet, then turn the water taps on. To ensure that the issue has been fixed, try running a wash cycle.

Dryers

To replace the heating element in your Kenmore dryer, follow the steps below…

Step 1. In order to avoid any chances of electrocution, it is advised that you disconnect your appliance from the outlet before starting this repair.

Step 2. Take out the screws at the back of the machine securing the top panel using a Philips screwdriver. Pull the panel backwards a few inches, then lift it off the cabinet.

Step 3. Loosen the screws at the back of the control panel using your screwdriver. Pry the panel off the mount, then set it on top of the cabinet.

Step 4. Loosen the bolts holding the control panel bracket to the front of the cabinet. Pull the bracket out of place, then disconnect the door switch wire connector. Set the panel bracket on top of the cabinet.

Step 5. Open the door of your dryer. With your screwdriver, loosen the two lower screws near the door opening.

Step 6. Carefully lift the front panel off the cabinet and set it aside. Disconnect the light assembly wire connector at the top of the front bulkhead, then detach the moisture sensor wire connector at the bottom of the bulkhead.

Step 7. Using your Philips screwdriver, take out the bolt holding the air duct to the blower assembly. Loosen the screws holding the front bulkhead to the cabinet. Carefully lift the bulkhead and air duct assembly off the cabinet, then set it aside.

Step 8. Carefully reach underneath the drum. Push the idler pulley inwards to release the tension on the drive belt. Unhook the belt from the idler pulley and motor pulley.

Step 9. Carefully lift the drive belt and drum out of the cabinet, then set them aside. Disconnect the wire harnesses attached to the heating element (ensure that you take note of where each plug goes).

Step 10. Detach the wires connected to the rear high-limit thermostat (note where each wire goes). Loosen the screws holding the heating element assembly to the cabinet. Take the element off the machine, then discard it.

Step 11. Prepare your new heating element for installation by taking it out of its packaging.

Step 12. Mount the new heating element on the cabinet, then tighten the screws using your Philips screwdriver. Plug the wire connectors into the appropriate terminals on the new heating element.

Step 13. Plug the connectors into their corresponding terminals on the rear high-limit thermostat.

Step 14. Carefully guide the drive belt and drum into the cabinet. Reach underneath the drum, then loop the drive belt around the idler pulley and motor pulley in a zig-zag formation.

Step 15. Slowly rotate the drum by hand to ensure that the belt is properly aligned. Lift the front bulkhead and mount it on the cabinet. Secure the bulkhead by applying the screws.

Step 16. Apply the nuts to secure the air duct to the blower assembly. Plug the moisture sensor and drum light connectors back in.

Step 17. Carefully lift the front panel and mount it on the cabinet. Open the door of your machine, then use your Philips screwdriver, to tighten the two lower screws.

Step 18. Push the control panel back into place, then reconnect the door switch wire connector. Secure the control panel bracket to the cabinet by applying the screws with your Philips screwdriver.

Step 19. Snap the control panel back onto the cabinet, then apply the screws at the back to secure.

Step 20. Place the top panel on the cabinet, then push it forwards. Tighten the screws at the back to secure the panel.

Step 21. Plug your washing machine’s power cord into the outlet. To ensure that the issue has been fixed, try running a wash cycle.

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2. Damaged Rear High-Limit Thermostat (Dryers)

To replace a damaged rear high-limit thermostat in your Kenmore dryer, follow the steps below…

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Step 1. Ensure that your washing machine is disconnected from the outlet before starting this repair in order to avoid any chances of electrocution.

Step 2. Go to the back of the machine, then use a Philips screwdriver to take out the bolts holding the top panel. Pull the panel backwards a few inches, then lift it off the cabinet.

Step 3. Take out the bolts at the back of the control panel. Pry the panel off the mounting bracket, then set it on the cabinet.

Step 4. Loosen the screws holding the control panel bracket to the front of the machine. Reach into the space under the bracket, then disconnect the door switch wire harness.

Step 5. Move the control panel bracket out of place, then set it on top of the cabinet. Open your machine’s door, then loosen the bolts at the lower section of the panel. Carefully lift the front panel off the cabinet and set it aside.

Step 6. Disconnect the moisture sensor wire connector at the lower section of the front bulkhead. Take out the screw holding the air duct to the blower assembly.

Step 7. Disconnect the light assembly wire connector at the upper section of the front bulkhead. Take out the screws securing the front bulkhead to the cabinet using your Philips screwdriver.

Step 8. Carefully lift the bulkhead off the cabinet and set it aside. Reach underneath the drum, then push the idler pulley inwards. Unhook the drive belt from the motor pulley and idler pulley.

Step 9. Lift the belt and drum out of the cabinet carefully, then set them aside. Disconnect the wires attached to the rear high-limit thermostat on the heater assembly (be sure to note where each wire goes).

Step 10. Loosen the screws holding the thermostat to the heater assembly using your Philips screwdriver. Take the thermostat off and discard it.

Step 11. Prepare your new thermostat for installation by taking it out of its packaging. Mount the new high-limit thermostat on the heater assembly, then tighten the screws using your Philips screwdriver.

Step 12. Plug each wire into its appropriate terminal on the new thermostat. Lift the drum and belt, then carefully guide them into the cabinet.

Step 13. Reach into the cabinet underneath the drum, then loop the drive belt around the idler pulley and motor pulley in a zig-zag formation. Try rotating the drum by hand to ensure that the belt is properly aligned.

Step 14. Mount the front bulkhead back onto the cabinet, then apply all the bolts using your Phillips screwdriver. Secure the air duct to the blower assembly by tightening the screws.

Step 15. Plug the moisture sensor and light assembly wires back in. Lift the front panel and mount it on the cabinet. Open the door, then tighten the screws on the front panel.

Step 16. Lift the control panel mounting bracket and push it back into place. Plug the door switch wire back into place. Secure the mounting bracket by applying the bolts.

Step 17. Snap the control panel back onto the cabinet, then tighten the bolts at the back using your Philips screwdriver.

Step 18. Mount the top panel on the cabinet, then tighten the screws at the back. Reconnect your dryer to the power outlet, then try running a cycle to ensure that the issue has been fixed.

3. Faulty Blower High-Limit Thermostat (Dryers)

If your Kenmore washing machine heating isn’t working, it could be that the blower thermostat has failed. Follow the steps below to replace this part…

Step 1. Make sure to disconnect your dryer from the outlet before starting this repair in order to prevent electrocution.

Step 2. Go to the back of your washing machine, then take out the screws holding the top panel to the cabinet using a Philips screwdriver. Lift the panel off the cabinet, then set it aside.

Step 3. Take out the bolts at the back of the control panel. Pry the panel off the mounting plate, then set it on top of the cabinet.

Step 4. Loosen the screws holding the control panel bracket to the front of the cabinet. Reach under the bracket, then disconnect the door lock wire connector.

Step 5. Pull the control panel’s mounting bracket out of place, then set it on top of the control panel.

Step 6. Open the door of your dryer, then loosen the bolts at the lower section of the door using a Philips screwdriver. Carefully lift the front panel off the cabinet and set it aside.

Step 7. Disconnect the drum light and moisture sensor wire connectors at the upper and lower sections of the front bulkhead.

Step 8. Loosen the bolts holding the front bulkhead to the cabinet. Take out the screw securing the air duct to the blower assembly. Lift the bulkhead assembly off the cabinet carefully, then set it aside.

Step 9. Reach under the drum, then unhook the belt from the motor pulley and idler pulley. Lift the drum and belt out of the cabinet, then set them aside.

Step 10. Detach the wires attached to the blower high-limit thermostat (ensure that you take note of where each plug goes).

Step 11. Loosen the screw holding the thermostat to the blower assembly. Discard the thermostat, then prepare the new one for installation by taking it out of its packaging.

Step 12. Mount the new thermostat on the blower assembly, then tighten the screw to secure it. Plug the wires into the new thermostat.

Step 13. Lift the belt and drum, then carefully guide them into the cabinet. Reach under the drum and loop the belt around the idler pulley and motor pulley in a zig-zag formation.

Step 14. Mount the front bulkhead on the cabinet, then tighten the screws to secure it. Plug the drum light and moisture sensor wire connectors back in.

Step 15. Mount the front panel on the cabinet, then use your Philips screwdriver to apply the screws near the door opening.

Step 16. Put the control panel mounting bracket back in place. Plug the door lock wire connector back in, then use your screwdriver to apply the screws to secure the control panel bracket.

Step 17. Snap the control panel onto the front of the machine. Using your screwdriver, tighten the screws at the back.

Step 18. Mount the top panel on the cabinet, then apply the bolts at the back. Reconnect your appliance to the outlet, then try running a cycle to ensure that the issue has been fixed.

4. Faulty Thermal Fuse (Dryers)

To replace a faulty thermal fuse in your Kenmore dryer, follow the steps below…

Step 1. Disconnect your washing machine from the outlet in order to prevent electrocution.

Step 2. Loosen the bolts at the back of the machine holding the top panel. Slide the panel backwards a few inches, then lift it off the cabinet.

Step 3. Use your Philips screwdriver to loosen the bolts at the back of the control panel. Pry the panel off the mounting bracket, then set it on top of the cabinet.

Step 4. Loosen the screws holding the control panel’s mounting bracket. Reach into the space above the front panel, then disconnect the door switch wire harness. Pull the mounting bracket out of place, then set it on top of the cabinet.

Step 5. Open your washer’s door. Using your screwdriver, loosen the two screws beneath the door opening. Carefully lift the front panel off the cabinet.

Step 6. Disconnect the drum light wire harness at the top of the front bulkhead. Detach the moisture sensor wire connector at the bottom of the bulkhead.

Step 7. Take out the screws holding the front bulkhead to the cabinet using a Philips screwdriver. Carefully lift the bulkhead off the cabinet, then set it aside.

Step 8. Reach under the drum, then unhook the drive belt from the idler and motor pulleys. Carefully lift the drum assembly out of the cabinet, then set it aside.

Step 9. Note the positioning of the wires attached to the thermal fuse at the side of the cabinet, then disconnect each one.

Step 10. Loosen the screw holding the thermal fuse to the cabinet. Take the fuse out of the machine, then discard it.

Step 11. Prepare your new dryer thermal fuse for installation by taking it out of its packaging. Mount the new fuse on the cabinet, then apply the bolt with your Philips screwdriver.

Step 12. Plug the wires into the terminals on the new thermal fuse. Lift the belt and drum, then carefully guide them into the cabinet.

Step 13. Reach underneath the drum, then loop the drive belt around the two pulleys in a zig-zag formation.

Step 14. Carefully mount the front bulkhead on the cabinet. Plug the moisture sensor and drum light wire connector back in.

Step 15. Place the front panel on the cabinet, then apply the Philips screws near the door opening. Push the control panel’s mounting bracket into place, then plug the door switch wire connector.

Step 16. Apply the screws to secure the control panel mounting bracket. Snap the control panel assembly onto the cabinet, then apply the screws at the back using a Philips screwdriver.

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Step 17. Place the top panel on the cabinet, then tighten the screws at the back using your screwdriver. Plug your washing machine’s power cord into the outlet, then try running a cycle to see if the issue has been fixed.

5. Damaged Thermistor

Follow the steps below to replace a damaged thermistor in your Kenmore washing machine…

Front Loaders

Take the following steps to replace a damaged thermistor in your front loader Kenmore washing machine…

Step 1. Disconnect your washing machine from the outlet before starting this repair in order to prevent electrocution.

Step 2. Take out the bolts at the back of the machine securing the top panel using your Philips screwdriver. Pull the panel backwards a few inches, then lift it off the machine.

Step 3. Pull the detergent tray out of the housing, then press the little tab inside to release it completely.

Step 4. Using your Philips screwdriver, loosen the two screws next to the dispenser’s opening. Take out the bolts at the back of the control panel. Pry the panel off the mount.

Step 5. Using needle-nosed pliers, release the thermistor wire retainer from the frame. Snap the control panel back onto the cabinet, then apply the screws at the back.

Step 6. Tighten the two screws next to the dispenser opening, then push the soap tray back into the housing.

Step 7. Using your Philips screwdriver, loosen the bolts holding the thermistor to the top of the tub. Disconnect the thermistor’s wire connector, then set it aside.

Step 8. Prepare your new washing machine thermistor for installation by taking it out of its packaging.

Step 9. Place the new thermistor at the top of the tub, then apply the bolts to secure it. Plug the thermistor’s wire harness back in.

Step 10. Snap the thermistor’s wire retainer into the slot on the front bracket. Place the top panel on the cabinet, then apply the screws at the back using a Philips screwdriver.

Step 11. Plug your washing machine’s power cord back into the outlet, then try running a cycle to see if the issue has been fixed.

Top Loaders

Follow the steps below to replace the thermistor in your top loader Kenmore washing machine…

Step 1. Disconnect your washing machine from the outlet and turn the water taps off in order to prevent water leakage and electrocution.

Step 2. Using a pair of pliers if needed, disconnect the water supply hoses from the ports at the back of the machine (some water may spill out, so it is advised that you keep a rag nearby).

Step 3. Carefully tip your washing machine forwards and set it on the floor (if needed, get someone to help you).

Step 4. Disconnect the thermistor wire harness at the bottom of the tub. Loosen the bolt holding the thermistor to the tub using your Philips screwdriver. Take the thermistor off the tub, then discard it.

Step 5. Take your new washing machine thermistor out of its packaging. Mount the new thermistor on the tub, then apply the screw.

Step 6. Plug the wire harness into the thermistor. Carefully lift your washing machine back onto its feet.

Step 7. Reconnect the HOT and COLD water supply hoses to their corresponding ports at the back of the machine (ensure that the hoses are properly secured in order to prevent leakage).

Step 8. Plug your washing machine’s power cord back into the outlet, then turn the water supply taps on. To make sure everything works properly, try running a cycle.

Dryers

To replace the thermistor in your Kenmore dryer, take the following steps…

Step 1. Prevent any chances of electrocution by disconnecting your appliance from the outlet before starting this repair.

Step 2. Go to the back of the machine, then loosen the screws holding the top panel using your Philips screwdriver. Slide the panel backwards a few inches, then lift it off the cabinet.

Step 3. With your Philips screwdriver, take out the screws at the back of the control panel. Pry the control panel off the mounting bracket, then set it on top of the cabinet.

Step 4. Loosen the screws holding the control panel’s mounting bracket to the front of the cabinet. Reach in and disconnect the door switch wire harness. Pull the control panel mounting bracket out of place, then set it on top of the cabinet.

Step 5. Open your washing machine’s door, then use your screwdriver to take out the bolts at the bottom of the door opening.

Step 6. Carefully lift the front panel off the cabinet, then set it aside. Disconnect the moisture sensor wire connector at the bottom of the front bulkhead.

Step 7. Disconnect the light assembly wire harness at the top of the front bulkhead. Take out the screws holding the front bulkhead to the cabinet. Lift the bulkhead off the machine and set it aside.

Step 8. Reach underneath the drum, then push the idler pulley inwards to release the tension on the drive belt. Unhook the belt from the motor pulley and idler pulley. Carefully lift the belt and drum out of the cabinet, then set them aside.

Step 9. Disconnect the wire harness attached to the thermistor on the blower housing. Using your Philips screwdriver, loosen the bolt holding the thermistor to the cabinet. Pull the thermistor out of place, then discard it.

Step 10. Prepare your new washing machine thermistor for installation by taking it out of its packaging. Mount the new thermistor on the cabinet, then apply the screw using a Philips screwdriver.

Step 11. Plug the wire harness into the new thermistor. Lift the drum and belt, then carefully guide them into the cabinet.]

Step 12. Reach underneath the drum, then loop the belt around the two pulleys in a zig-zag formation. Try rotating the drum by hand to ensure that the belt is properly aligned.

Step 13. Mount the front bulkhead on the cabinet, then tighten the screws using your Philips screwdriver. Plug the moisture sensor and drum light wire connectors back in.

Step 14. Carefully mount the front panel on the cabinet, then use your Philips screwdriver to apply the screws near the door opening.

Step 15. Push the control panel’s mounting bracket back into place, then reconnect the door lock wire assembly. Apply the bolts to secure the mounting bracket.

Step 16. Snap the control panel onto the cabinet, then apply the screws at the back with your Philips screwdriver.

Step 17. Place the top panel on the machine. Apply the bolts at the back to secure the panel. Plug your machine back into the outlet, then try running a cycle to ensure that everything works properly.

Kenmore Washing Machine Overheating — Solved

If your Kenmore washing machine is overheating, here are the issues to look for…

1. Damaged Blower Wheel (Dryers)

If your Kenmore dryer blower wheel is damaged, it will cause the machine to overheat. Follow the steps below to replace this part…

Step 1. In order to prevent any chances of electrical damage, it is advised that you disconnect your washing machine from the power outlet before starting this procedure.

Step 2. Go to the rear of your machine, then loosen the bolts securing the top panel using a Philips screwdriver. Pull the top panel backwards about an inch or so, then lift it off the cabinet.

Step 3. Use your screwdriver to take out the bolts at the back of the control panel. Pry the panel off the front of the machine, then set it on top of the cabinet.

Step 4. Loosen the nuts holding the control panel bracket to the front panel. Reach into the space under the bracket, then disconnect the door lock wire harness. Pull the control panel’s mounting bracket out of place, then set it on top of the cabinet.

Step 5. Open the door of your machine. With your Philips screwdriver, loosen the screws at the lower section of the door opening. Carefully lift the entire front panel off the cabinet, then set it aside.

Step 6. Reach underneath the front bulkhead, then disconnect the moisture sensor wire harness. Disconnect the drum light wire connector from the top of the bulkhead.

Step 7. With your screwdriver, loosen the bolts securing the bulkhead to the cabinet. Lift the bulkhead off the machine and set it aside.

Step 8. Carefully reach into the cabinet underneath the drum, then push the idler pulley inwards. Unhook the drive belt from the motor pulley and idler pulley.

Step 9. Carefully lift the drive belt and drum out of the cabinet, then set them aside. Take out the screws holding the blower housing cover plate using a Philips screwdriver. Take the plate off and set it aside.

Step 10. Reach into the cabinet and secure the motor shaft with a pair of pliers. Loosen the blower wheel bolt using a 1/2 inch socket wrench. Pull the blower wheel off the shaft, then discard it.

Step 11. Prepare the new dryer blower wheel for installation by taking it out of its packaging. Place the blower wheel on the motor shaft, then apply the bolt using a 1/2 inch socket wrench.

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Step 12. Put the blower housing plate back on, then tighten the Philips screws to secure. Lift the belt and drum, then guide them into the cabinet.

Step 13. Reach underneath the drum, then loop the drive belt around the motor pulley and idler pulley in a zig-zag formation. Rotate the drum by hand to ensure that the belt is properly aligned.

Step 14. Mount the front bulkhead on the cabinet, then secure it by applying the screws. Plug the moisture sensor and drum light wire connectors back in.

Step 15. Mount the front panel on the cabinet. Using your Philips screwdriver, tighten the screws near the machine’s door opening.

Step 16. Push the control panel mounting bracket back into place. Reconnect the door switch wire harness. Tighten the bolts to secure the control panel bracket

Step 17. Snap the control panel onto the cabinet, then use your Philips screwdriver to apply the bolts at the back.

Step 18. Place the top panel on the cabinet, then push it forwards. Secure the panel by applying the bolts at the back. Reconnect the appliance to the outlet, then ensure that the issue has been fixed by running a cycle.

2. Overloaded Or Burnt Motor

Your Kenmore washing machine will start to overheat if the motor is overloaded. In order to prevent this, it is advised that you not overfill the drum with clothes. Follow the steps below to inspect your washing machine motor for damage…

Front Loaders

To inspect the motor in your front loader Kenmore washing machine, follow the steps below…

Step 1. Ensure that your washing machine is disconnected from the outlet before starting this procedure in order to prevent damage.

Step 2. Go to the back of the machine, then loosen the bolts holding the rear access panel using a Philips screwdriver. Pry the panel off the machine and set it aside.

Step 3. Carefully unhook the drive belt from the motor pulley and drive pulley. Set the belt aside. Note the positioning of the wires attached to the motor at the bottom of the tub, then disconnect each one.

Step 4. Loosen the bolts holding the drive motor to the bottom of the tub using a 13mm socket wrench. Carefully lift the motor out of the cabinet.

Step 5. Carefully inspect the motor for any burn marks or smells. If the motor is damaged in any way, it will need to be replaced.

Step 6. Once you are satisfied that the motor is in good condition, remount it at the bottom of the tub, then apply the mounting bolts to secure it.

Step 7. Plug each wire harness into the appropriate terminal on the motor. Loop the drive belt around the motor pulley and drive pulley (ensure that the grooved side of the belt is facing inwards).

Step 8. Mount the rear panel back on the cabinet, then tighten the screws using your Philips screwdriver. Plug your washing machine back into the outlet, then try running a cycle to ensure that the issue has been fixed.

Top Loaders

To inspect the drive motor in your top loader Kenmore washing machine, follow the steps below…

Step 1. Prevent any chances of electrocution and water leakage by turning the water supply faucets off and disconnecting the power cord from the outlet before starting this repair.

Step 2. Using pliers, disconnect the water supply hoses from the ports at the back of the machine (it is advised that you keep a rag nearby to clean any leaks).

Step 3. Pull your washer’s drain hose out of the standpipe. Carefully tip the washing machine forwards, then set it on the floor (if needed, have someone assist you).

Step 4. Loosen the bolts holding the belt guard to the bottom of the machine using a nut-driver. Take the guard off and set it aside.

Step 5. Unhook the drive belt from the two pulleys, then set it aside. Detach the wire harness from the motor assembly.

Step 6. Loosen the bolts holding the drive motor to the mounting plate using a 13mm socket wrench. Carefully lift the motor off the machine.

Step 7. Carefully inspect the motor for any signs of burn marks or smells. If you notice any damage to the motor, replace it.

Step 8. Once you are satisfied that the motor is in good condition, remount it on the plate, then apply the bolts.

Step 9. With the grooved side turned inwards, loop the drive belt back around the motor pulley and transmission pulley. Plug the wire harness into the motor.

Step 10. Put the belt guard back on, then tighten the screws to secure it. Carefully lift your washing machine back onto its feet.

Step 11. Reconnect the water supply hoses to the appropriate ports at the back of the cabinet (ensure that the hoses are properly attached in order to prevent leakage).

Step 12. Reinsert your washer’s drain hose into the standpipe. Turn the water supply taps back on, then plug your washing machine’s power cord into the outlet. Try running a cycle to see if the overheating has stopped.

For detailed steps on how to test your washing machine’s motor, read this article: Kenmore Washing Machine Motor.

Dryers

To inspect the drive motor in your Kenmore dryer, follow the steps below…

Step 1. Disconnect your dryer from the outlet before starting this procedure in order to prevent any chances of electrocution.

Step 2. Carefully move your washing machine forwards a bit to get more working space. Loosen the bolts at the back of the machine securing the top panel using a Philips screwdriver.

Step 3. Pull the top panel backwards a few inches, then lift it off the cabinet. Loosen the screws at the back of the control panel.

Step 4. Pry the control panel off the cabinet, then disconnect the wire harness. Set the control panel aside.

Step 5. Disconnect the door switch and drum light wire connectors underneath the control panel mounting bracket.

Step 6. Open your washing machine’s door, then use a Philips screwdriver to take out the bolts at the lower half of the front panel. Loosen the bolts at the top of the front panel.

Step 7. Carefully lift the front panel off the machine, then set it aside. Unplug the moisture sensor wire connector at the bottom of the front bulkhead.

Step 8. Use your screwdriver to take out the bolts holding the control panel’s mounting bracket to the front of the machine. Take the bracket off the cabinet, then set it aside.

Step 9. Loosen the bolts holding the front bulkhead to the cabinet using your Philips screwdriver. Lift the bulkhead off the front of the machine and set it aside.

Step 10. Reach underneath the drum, then push the idler pulley inwards to release the tension on the drive belt. Unhook the drive belt from the motor pulley and idler pulley.

Step 11. Lift the belt and drum out of the cabinet, then set it aside. With your Philips screwdriver, loosen the screws holding the blower wheel cover to the assembly. Take the cover off and set it aside.

Step 12. Secure the motor shaft using a pair of pliers, then loosen the blower wheel nut using a 1/2 inch socket wrench. Pull the wheel out of the housing, then set it aside.

Step 13. Detach the wire harness attached to the motor assembly. With a flat-blade screwdriver, pry the front and rear retaining clips off the motor.

Step 14. Lift the motor assembly out of the cabinet. Carefully inspect the drive motor for burn marks or other signs of damage. If the motor is damaged in any way, replace it.

Step 15. Once you are satisfied that the motor is in good condition, remount it in the cabinet, then snap the two retaining clips on. Plug the wire harness back into the motor.

Step 16. Put the blower wheel back in the housing, then apply the bolt using a 1/2 inch nut-driver. Put the blower wheel cover back on, then tighten the nuts using a Philips screwdriver.

Step 17. Lift the belt and drum, then guide them back into the cabinet. Carefully reach underneath the drum, then loop the drive belt around the motor pulley and idler pulley in a zig-zag formation.

Step 18. Lift the front bulkhead and mount it back onto the cabinet. Secure the front bulkhead by applying bolts with your Philips screwdriver.

Step 19. Plug the moisture sensor wire connector back in. Mount the control panel bracket on the front of the machine, then apply the nuts with your screwdriver.

Step 20. Carefully mount the front panel on the cabinet, then tighten the screws at the top using your screwdriver. Open your washing machine’s door, then apply the bolts at the lower section.

Step 21. Reach into the space below the control panel mounting bracket, then reconnect the door switch wire harness and drum light wire harness.

Step 22. Plug the wire connector back into the terminal on the control panel. Snap the panel onto the cabinet, then tighten the bolts at the back with a Philips screwdriver.

Step 23. Place the top panel on the cabinet, then tighten the bolts. Plug your dryer back into the outlet, then try running a cycle to see if the overheating has stopped.

Note: Please keep in mind that all the steps in this article may vary a bit depending on the model of your washing machine.