If your Kenmore washing machine is not filling with water, don’t worry. In this detailed guide, we’ll be listing the causes of this issue and giving you steps on how to deal with it…
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Kenmore Washing Machine Is Not Filling With Water — Solution
If your Kenmore washing machine is not filling with water, here are the issues to look for…
1. Water Faucets Are Off
If your Kenmore washing machine is not filling, the first thing you should to is check to ensure that the water taps are fully opened. You also need to ensure that the supply hoses aren’t bent or kinked in any way, as thing could restrict water flow.
2. Clogged Water Inlet Filters
The next thing to check if your Kenmore washing machine is not filling is the inlet filter. Your washer has filters in the inlet ports at the back of the cabinet.
Over time, dirt from the water supply can accumulate in the filters and clog them. For detailed steps on how to clean the inlet filters in your washing machine, read this article: Kenmore Washing Machine Filter.
3. Failed Water Inlet Valve
Another thing that can prevent your washing machine from filling is a damaged water inlet valve. Follow the steps below to replace this part…
Front Loaders
Do the following to replace the inlet valve assembly in your front loader Kenmore washing machine…
Step 1. In order to prevent electrocution and water leakage, it is advised that you disconnect your washing machine from the outlet and turn the water taps off before starting this repair.
Step 2. Using a pair of pliers if needed, disconnect the HOT and COLD water supply hoses from the ports at the back of the machine (it is advised that you keep a rag nearby in case water spills).
Step 3. With a Philips screwdriver, take out the bolts at the back of the machine securing the top panel. Pull the top panel backwards a few inches, then lift it off the cabinet.
Step 4. Detach the wire connectors attached to the inlet valve assembly (make sure to note where each plug goes).
Step 5. Use a pair of pliers to release the retaining clamps holding the tubes to the valve assembly. Detach each hose from the inlet valve (ensure that you note where each one goes).
Step 6. With your Philips screwdriver, take out the nuts at the back of the cabinet securing the valve. Pull the valve assembly out of the cabinet, then discard it.
Step 7. Prepare your new washing machine water inlet valve for installation by taking it out of its packaging.
Step 8. Mount the new water inlet valve assembly on the cabinet, then tighten the screws at the back using your Philips screwdriver.
Step 9. Connect the inlet tubes to the appropriate ports on the new valve. Secure the hoses by sliding the retaining clamps into place.
Step 10. Plug each wire harness into its appropriate terminal on the inlet valve. Place the top panel on the cabinet, then push it forwards. Secure the panel by tightening the screws at the back.
Step 11. Connect the two water supply hoses to the appropriate ports at the back of the cabinet.
Step 12. Turn your washer’s water supply taps on, then reconnect the power cord to the outlet. Try running a cycle to ensure that the issue has been fixed.
Top Loaders
To replace the water inlet valve in your top loader Kenmore washing machine, take the following steps…
Step 1. Shut your washing machine’s water supply faucets and disconnect the power cord from the outlet before starting this repair in order to prevent electrocution and water leaks.
Step 2. Disconnect the two water supply hoses from the ports at the back of the machine (ensure that you keep a rag nearby to clean any leaks).
Step 3. Loosen the bolts holding the rear panel to the control panel assembly. Lift the panel off the cabinet and set it aside.
Step 4. Lift control panel assembly off the mounting base, then set it face-down on the cabinet.
Step 5. Note the positioning of the wires attached to the valve assembly, then disconnect each one.
Step 6. Use a pair of pliers to release the retaining clamps holding the inlet tubes to the valve assembly. Disconnect the tubes from the valve.
Step 7. Use your Philips screwdriver to take out the screws holding the inlet valve to the cabinet. Pull the valve assembly out of place, then set it aside.
Step 8. Take your new inlet valve assembly out of its packaging. Mount the new valve on the cabinet, then tighten the screws using your Philips screwdriver.
Step 9. Attach the inlet tubes to the appropriate ports on the valve assembly, then slid the retaining clamps into place to secure the connection.
Step 10. Plug each wire connector into its appropriate terminal on the new inlet valve. Lift the control panel and snap it onto the mounting base.
Step 11. Snap the control panel’s rear access plate back on, then tighten the screws. Connect the HOT and COLD water supply hoses to their corresponding ports at the back of the machine.
Step 12. Turn your washing machine’s water supply taps back on, then reconnect the power cord to the outlet. To ensure that the issue has been fixed, try running a rinse cycle.
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4. Damaged Water Pressure Switch
If your Kenmore washing machine is not filling, another possible cause is a damaged water pressure switch. Take the following steps to replace this part…
Front Loaders
Do the following to replace the pressure switch in your front loader Kenmore washing machine…
Step 1. Prevent any chances of electrocution by disconnecting your washing machine from the outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. Loosen the bolts at the back of the cabinet securing the top panel. Slide the panel backwards about an inch or so, then lift it off the cabinet.
Step 3. Detach the wire harness attached to the pressure switch on the cabinet. Loosen the bolt holding the switch to the cabinet using a Philips screwdriver.
Step 4. Take the pressure switch off the cabinet, then disconnect the pressure tube from it.
Step 5. Discard the old pressure switch, then prepare the new one for installation by taking it out of its packaging.
Step 6. Connect the pressure tube top the port on the switch. Mount the new switch on the cabinet, then apply the screw using your Philips screwdriver.
Step 7. Place the top panel on the cabinet, then push it forwards. Tighten the screws at the back of the washer using your screwdriver.
Step 8. Plug your washing machine back into the power outlet, then ensure that the issue has been fixed by running a wash cycle.
Top Loaders
Do the following to replace the pressure switch in your Kenmore top loader washing machine…
Step 1. Disconnect your washing machine from the outlet in order to prevent electrocution.
Step 2. Loosen the screws at the back of the machine securing the control panel’s rear cover. Pry the cover off the cabinet and set it aside.
Step 3. Lift the control panel off the mounting base, then set it face-down on the cabinet.
Step 4. Disconnect the wire connector from the pressure sensor. Use your Philips screwdriver to take out the bolts holding the rear panel to the cabinet. Lift the panel off the machine and set it aside.
Step 5. Pull the pressure tube off the port at the side of the tub. Lift the control panel and snap it back on the frame.
Step 6. Insert a putty knife underneath the top panel (this will release the locking clips). Carefully lift the top panel assembly and support it.
Step 7. Release the zip-tie holding the pressure tube to the wire bundle. Pull the pressure sensor and tube out of the cabinet, then discard them.
Step 8. Take your new pressure switch assembly out of its packaging. Pass the new pressure tube through the opening on the tub panel.
Step 9. Connect the new tube to the port at the side of the tub, then slide the retaining clamp into place to secure it.
Step 10. Secure the pressure tube to the wire bundle using a zip-tie. Lower the top panel and snap it onto the cabinet.
Step 11. Lift the control panel off the base, then set it on the cabinet. Snap the pressure switch assembly into place on the cabinet. Plug the wire harness into the switch.
Step 12. Snap the rear access panel onto the cabinet, then apply the screws using your Philips screwdriver.
Step 13. Lift the control panel and snap it back into place on the frame. Put the rear cover on the control panel, then tighten the screws.
Step 14. Plug your washing machine into the outlet, then ensure that the issue has been fixed by running a wash cycle.
5. Door Isn’t Locked
Your front loader Kenmore washing machine will not fill with with water unless the door is properly locked. If your machine isn’t filling with water, ensure that the door is firmly shut.
