Kenmore Washing Machine Motor [Problems & Proven Solutions]

This guide gives you all the steps you need to fix issues with your Kenmore washing machine motor…

How To Test Kenmore Washing Machine Motor — Solved

To test your Kenmore washing machine motor, read the following sections…

Drive Motor

Read on to learn how to your Kenmore washing machine drive motor…

Front Loaders

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

Step 1. Make sure to disconnect your appliance from the power outlet in order to avoid electrocution.

Step 2. Use a Philips screwdriver to take out the bolts at the bottom of the lower access panel. Lift the panel off the machine and set it aside.

Step 3. Go to the back of the machine, the pry the transit caps out of the slots on the rear panel.

Step 4. Loosen the bolts holding the rear panel to the cabinet using your Philips screwdriver. Lift the panel off the machine and set it aside.

Step 5. Carefully unhook the drive belt from the pulleys, then set it aside. From the front of the washer, disconnect the grounding wires and wire harness from the motor assembly.

Step 6. Go to the back of the machine, then disconnect the third grounding wire from the motor.

Step 7. Using a pair of needle-nosed pliers, release the wire harness retainer from the motor frame.

Step 8. Loosen the bolts securing the motor assembly to the bottom of the tub using a 13mm socket wrench. Carefully lift the motor off the tub assembly.

Step 9. Get a multimeter, then turn the dial to the ohms setting. Place the probes of the multimeter in the red terminals on the motor. For a working motor, you should get a reading of roughly 70 ohms.

Step 10. Insert the multimeter probes into the remaining terminals on the motor, and look for a reading between 1 and 8 ohms.

Step 11. If the readings are much higher or lower than the numbers stated above, the motor is damaged and needs to be replaced.

Step 12. Remount the motor assembly at the bottom of the tub, then secure it by applying the bolts using a 13mm socket wrench. Plug one of the grounding wires into the motor.

Step 13. Go to the front of the machine, then plug the main wire harness and two grounding wires back into the motor.

Step 14. Snap the lower front access panel onto the cabinet. Secure the panel by applying the bolts at the bottom using a Philips screwdriver.

Step 15. Loop the drive belt back around the drive pulley and motor pulley. Mount the rear access panel on the cabinet, then secure it by applying the Philips screws.

Step 16. Snap the plastic transit caps into the slots at the back of the machine. Plug your washing machine back into the outlet.

Top Loaders

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

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

Step 2. Pry the two end caps off the side of the control panel, then set them aside. Loosen the two screws holding the control panel to the cabinet using a Philips screwdriver.

Step 3. Lift the control panel and left it hang over the rear panel. Disconnect the lid switch wire connector on the top panel.

Step 4. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry out the retaining clips holding the rear panel to the cabinet. Tip the cabinet forwards, then carefully lift it off the assembly.

Step 5. With your flat-blade screwdriver, pry the upper and lower retaining clips off the drain pump. Slide the drain pump off the motor shaft.

Step 6. Disconnect the wire harnesses attached to the motor assembly (make sure to take note of where each connector goes).

Step 7. Loosen the bolts holding the upper and lower motor retaining clips using a 1/4 inch nut-driver. Carefully lift the motor assembly off the tub and set it aside.

Step 8. Get a digital multimeter, then turn the dial to the ohms setting. Place the probes of the meter in the red terminals on the motor. For a working motor, look for a reading of roughly 70 ohms.

Step 9. Insert the meter’s probes into the remaining motor terminals. If the reading is much lower or higher than these numbers, the motor is damaged and needs to be replaced.

Step 10. Once you’ve determined that the motor is in good condition, remount it on the machine, then snap the upper and lower retaining clips on. Secure the clips by applying the 1/4 inch bolts.

Step 11. Plug the wire harnesses into the appropriate terminals on the motor. Slide the drain pump onto the motor shaft, then snap the two retaining clips on.

Step 12. Lift the cabinet and carefully lower it onto the machine. Use your flat-blade screwdriver to push the two retaining clips into the slots at the top of the cabinet.

Step 13. Plug the lid switch wire connector back in. Lower the top panel and snap it on the cabinet. Secure the panel by tightening the screws with your Philips screwdriver.

Step 14. Snap the end caps onto the control panel. Plug your washing machine into the power outlet.

Dryers

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

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

Step 2. Pull the lint filter out of the top panel. Use a Philips screwdriver to take out the screws at the bottom of the filter opening.

Step 3. Insert a putty knife underneath the top panel (this will release the locking clips). Lift the top panel and support it.

Step 4. Using a small flat-blade screwdriver if needed, detach the door switch wire connector from the front panel.

Step 5. Using a 5/16 inch nut-driver, loosen the screws at the back of the front panel. Carefully lift the panel off the machine and set it aside.

Step 6. Reach underneath the drum, then take the drive belt off the motor pulley and idler pulley. Carefully lift the belt and drum assembly out of the cabinet.

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Step 7. Detach the wire harness attached to the motor assembly. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry the front and rear retaining clips off the motor assembly.

Step 8. Get two wrenches. Secure the motor shaft using one wrench, then use the other wrench to loosen the blower wheel from the shaft (some force may be required).

Step 9. Lift the motor assembly out of the cabinet. Get a digital multimeter, then turn the dial to the ohms setting.

Step 10. Place the probes of the meter in the two red terminals on the motor. For a working motor, look for a reading of roughly 70 ohms.

Step 11. Insert the meter’s probes into the remaining terminals on the motor, then look for reading between 1 and 8 ohms. If the reading is much lower or higher than these numbers, the motor needs to be replaced.

Step 12. If you’ve determined that the drive motor is in good condition, remount it on the support bracket in the cabinet.

Step 13. Using the two wrenches, secure the motor shaft, then tighten the blower wheel. Snap the two retaining clips back onto the motor.

Step 14. Reconnect the wire harness to the motor assembly. Carefully lift the drive belt and drum, then guide them into the cabinet.

Step 15. Loop the drive belt around the idler pulley and motor pulley in a zig-zag formation.

Step 16. Mount the front panel back on the cabinet, then apply the screws at the back using a 5/16 inch nut-driver.

Step 17. Lower the top panel back onto the machine. Use a Philips screwdriver to apply the two screws near the filter housing.

Step 18. Slide the lint screen back into the top panel’s opening. Reconnect your appliance to the electrical outlet.

Stator

To test your Kenmore washing machine motor stator, follow the steps below..

Front Loaders

Test your front loader Kenmore washing machine motor stator with the following steps…

Step 1. Make sure your washing machine is disconnected from the outlet before starting this procedure in order to prevent electrocution.

Step 2. Using a Philips screwdriver, take out the bolts at the back of the machine securing the rear access panel. Lift the panel off the machine and set it aside.

Step 3. With a 17mm socket wrench, loosen the bolt holding the rotor to the back of the tub. Carefully pry the rotor off the tub and set it aside.

Step 4. Use your screwdriver to take out the nuts holding the stator wire retainer and bracket to the back of the tub. Loosen the screw holding the stator’s grounding wire to the back of the tub.

Step 5. Take out the bolts holding the stator to the back of the tub using a 10mm socket wrench. Lift the stator off the tub.

Step 6. Disconnect the wire harnesses attached to the stator. Get a digital multimeter, then turn the dial to the lowest setting for ohms of resistance.

Step 7. Place the multimeter’s probes on the terminals of the stator, then look for a reading of roughly 9 to 10 ohms.

Step 8. If the reading is much lower or higher than these numbers, the stator will need to be replaced. If the reading came out all right, reconnect the wires to the stator.

Step 9. Remount the stator at the back of the tub, then secure it by applying the 10mm bolts.

Step 10. Use your Philips screwdriver to apply the grounding wire bolt. Secure the wire bracket and retainer to the tub by applying the nuts.

Step 11. If available, apply some blue thread-locking fluid to the rotor’s bolt. Secure the bolt to the rotor using a 17mm socket wrench.

Step 12. Lift the rear panel and snap it back onto the cabinet. Secure the rear panel by applying the Philips screws. Reconnect your washing machine to the power outlet.

Top Loaders

To test the stator in you top loader Kenmore washing machine, follow the steps below…

Step 1. Disconnect your washing machine’s power cord from the outlet in order to prevent any chances of electrocution.

Step 2. Pull your washing machine’s drain hose out of the standpipe. Turn the water supply faucets off in order to prevent leakage.

Step 3. Disconnect the water inlet hoses from the ports at the back of the machine (keep a rag nearby in case water spills).

Step 4. Tip your washing machine forwards carefully, then lay it on a support (get someone to help you if needed).

Step 5. Get a 24mm socket wrench and use it to take out the bolt holding the rotor to the bottom of the tub. Carefully pry the rotor off the stator, then set it aside.

Step 6. Loosen the bolts holding the stator to the bottom of the tub using a 10mm socket wrench. Lift the stator off the tub.

Step 7. Note the positioning of the connectors attached to the stator, then disconnect them.

Step 8. Get a digital multimeter, then turn the dial to the lowest setting for ohms of resistance.

Step 9. Place the multimeter’s probes on the stator terminals, then look for a reading of roughly 9 to 10 ohms. If the reading is much higher or lower than these numbers, the stator will need to be replaced.

Step 10. If the reading came out all right, reconnect the wires to the appropriate terminals.

Step 11. Remount the stator at the bottom of the tub, then secure it by tightening the 10mm bolts.

Step 12. Place the rotor over the stator. Secure the stator by tightening the 24mm bolt. Carefully lift your washing machine back onto its feet.

Step 13. Reinsert the drain hose into the home drain. Reconnect the COLD and HOT water supply hoses to the corresponding ports at the back of the machine.

Step 14. Plug your washing machine into the electrical outlet. Turn your washer’s water supply faucets back on.

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How To Replace Kenmore Washing Machine Motor — Solution

To replace your Kenmore washing machine motor, follow the steps below…

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Drive Motor

Take the following steps to replace your Kenmore washing machine drive motor…

Front Loaders

Do the following to replace the drive motor in your front loader Kenmore washing machine…

Step 1. In order to prevent any chances of electrical damage, make sure to disconnect your washing machine from the power outlet before starting this repair.

Step 2. Pull out the four plastic transit caps in the slots on the rear panel. Loosen the bolts holding the rear panel to the machine using a Philips screwdriver. Carefully lift the panel off the machine and set it aside.

Step 3. Carefully unhook the drive belt from the motor pulley and drive pulley. Disconnect the grounding wire attached to the motor.

Step 4. Go to the front of the machine, then loosen the screws holding the lower access panel using a Philips screwdriver. Lift the panel off the machine and set it aside.

Step 5. Disconnect the main wire harness from the motor assembly, then detach the two remaining grounding wires.

Step 6. Go back to the rear of the machine. Loosen the bolts securing the drive motor to the bottom of the tub using a 13mm socket wrench. Carefully lift the motor out of the tub and set it aside.

Step 7. Prepare your new washing machine drive motor for installation by taking it out of its packaging.

Step 8. Mount the new drive motor at the bottom of the tub. Secure the motor by tightening the 13mm bolts.

Step 9. Go to the front the machine and connect the main wire harness and two grounding wires to the motor.

Step 10. Go to the rear of the machine, then connect the third grounding wire to the drive motor.

Step 11. Loop the drive belt around the motor pulley and idler pulley (ensure that the grooved side of the belt is turned inwards).

Step 12. Mount the rear panel on the cabinet, then secure it by applying the Philips screws. Snap the transit caps back into the slots at the back of the machine.

Step 13. Snap the lower access panel onto the front of the machine, then secure it by applying the Philips screws.

Step 14. Plug your washing machine’s power cord back into the electrical outlet. To ensure that everything works properly, try running a cycle.

Top Loaders

To replace your top loader Kenmore washing machine motor, follow the steps below…

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

Step 2. Pry the two end caps off the sides of the control panel. Loosen the screws holding the control panel to the cabinet using a Philips screwdriver.

Step 3. Lift the control panel assembly, then let it hang over the rear panel. Detach the lid switch connector from the top of the cabinet.

Step 4. Pry the two retaining clips securing the cabinet to the rear panel using a flat-blade screwdriver. Carefully lift the cabinet off the machine, then set it aside.

Step 5. Use your flat-blade screwdriver to pry the upper and lower retaining clips off the drain pump. Slide the drain pump off the motor shaft.

Step 6. Using a 1/4 inch nut-driver, loosen the bolts holding the upper and lower retaining clips to the motor. Carefully lift the motor off the mount.

Step 7. Disconnect the wire harness attached to the motor. Take your new washing machine drive motor out of its packaging.

Step 8. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry the coupler cog off the old motor shaft. Transfer the cog to the new motor.

Step 9. Transfer the paper shield from the old motor to the new one. Pry the rubber feet off the motor and snap them onto the new one.

Step 10. Mount the new drive motor on the machine. Snap the upper and lower retaining clips onto the new motor, then secure the clips by applying the 1/4 inch bolts.

Step 11. Plug the wire harness into the motor assembly. Slide the drain pump onto the motor shaft. Snap the upper and lower retaining clips onto the pump.

Step 12, Carefully lift the cabinet and lower it onto the machine. Secure the rear panel to the cabinet by pushing the retaining clips into place.

Step 13. Plug the lid switch wire connector back into place. Lower the control panel and snap it onto the cabinet. Secure the panel by tightening the screws with your Philips screwdriver.

Step 14. Snap the end caps onto the control panel. Plug your washing machine back into the power outlet. To ensure that everything works properly, try running a wash cycle.

Dryers

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

Step 1. Disconnect the appliance from the outlet before starting this procedure in order to prevent electrocution.

Step 2. Pull the lint screen out of the opening at the top of the machine. Using a Philips screwdriver, take out the bolts next to the lint screen opening.

Step 3. Insert a putty knife underneath your dryer’s top panel to release the retaining clips. Lift the top panel and support it.

Step 4. Detach the door switch wire harness from the front panel (if needed, use a flat-blade screwdriver).

Step 5. Take out the bolts at the back of the front panel using a 5/16 inch nut-driver. Carefully lift the panel off the machine and set it aside.

Step 6. Reach underneath the drum, the unhook the drive belt from the motor pulley and idler pulley. Lift the drum and belt out of the cabinet carefully, then set them aside.

Step 7. Disconnect the wire harness attached to the motor assembly. Pry the rear and front retaining clips off the motor using a flat-blades screwdriver.

Step 8. Get two wrenches. Use one wrench to secure the front of the motor shaft, then use the other wrench to loosen the blower wheel attached to the rear shaft.

Step 9. Lift the motor out of the cabinet, then set it aside. Prepare the new drive motor for installation by taking it out of its packaging.

Step 10. Mount the new motor in the cabinet. Secure the front end of the motor shaft with a wrench, then tighten the blower wheel at the other end using the second wrench.

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Step 11. Plug the wire harness into the terminal on the new motor. Snap the front and rear retaining clips onto the motor assembly.

Step 12. Lift the belt and drum, then guide them back into the cabinet. Reach underneath the drum carefully, then loop the drive belt around the idler pulley and motor pulley.

Step 13. Mount the front panel on the cabinet, then tighten the screws at the back using a 5/16 inch socket wrench.

Step 14. Plug the door switch wire connector back into the front panel. Lower the top panel assembly onto the cabinet.

Step 15. Use your Philips screwdriver to tighten the screws next to the lint filter opening. Slide the lint filter into the housing.

Step 16. Plug your dryer into the electrical outlet. To ensure that the machine works properly, try running a cycle.

Stator

To replace the motor stator in your Kenmore washing machine, follow the steps below…

Front Loaders

Take the following steps to replace the motor stator 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. Using a Philips screwdriver, loosen the nuts holding the rear access panel to the cabinet. Lift the panel off the cabinet and set it aside.

Step 3. Loosen the bolt holding the rotor assembly to the back of the tub using a 24mm socket wrench. Pry the rotor off the tub and set it aside.

Step 4. Using your Philips screwdriver, loosen the screws holding the stator wire retainers and bracket to the back of the tub.

Step 5. Loosen the bolts securing the stator to the back of the tub using a 10mm socket wrench. Take the stator off the tub.

Step 6. Disconnect the wire harnesses attached to the stator. Discard the old stator, then prepare the new one for installation by taking it out of its packaging.

Step 7. Plug the wire connectors into the appropriate terminals on the new stator. Mount the stator at the back of the tub, then secure it by applying the 10mm bolts.

Step 8. Put the wire harness retainers and bracket back in place, then secure them by applying the Philips screws.

Step 9. Place the rotor assembly on the stator. Secure the stator by tightening the 24mm bolt.

Step 10. Mount the rear panel on the cabinet, then secure it by applying the Philips screws. Plug your washing machine’s power cord into the outlet, then ensure that everything works properly by running a cycle.

Top Loaders

To replace the motor stator in your Kenmore top loader washing machine, follow the steps below…

Step 1. In order to prevent electrocution or water leakage, disconnect your appliance from the outlet and turn the water faucets off before starting this procedure.

Step 2. Pull your washer’s drain hose out of the standpipe. Detach the COLD and HOT water supply hoses from the ports at the back of the machine (some water may spill, so keep a rag nearby).

Step 3. Carefully tip your washing machine forwards and place it on a support (get someone to assist you if needed).

Step 4. Use a 24mm socket wrench to take out the bolt holding the rotor to the bottom of the tub. Carefully pry the rotor off the machine and set it aside.

Step 5. Loosen the bolts securing the stator to the bottom of the tub using a 10mm socket wrench. Lift the stator off the tub.

Step 6. Disconnect the wire harness attached to the stator. Discard the stator, then take the new one out of its packaging.

Step 7. Plug the wire harnesses into the stator. Mount the new stator at the bottom of the tub, then secure it by tightening the 10mm bolts.

Step 8. Mount the rotor at the bottom of the tub. Secure the rotor by applying the 24mm bolts.

Step 9. Carefully lift your washing machine onto its feet. Reinsert the drain hose into the home drain.

Step 10. Reconnect the COLD and HOT water supply hoses to the ports at the back of the machine (make sure to secure both hoses properly in order to prevent water leakage).

Step 11. Turn your washing machine’s water supply taps back on, then plug the power cord into the outlet. To ensure that everything works properly, try running a cycle.

How To Replace Kenmore Washing Machine Motor Coupling — Quick Fix

To replace motor coupling in your Kenmore washing machine, follow the steps below…

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

Step 2. Pry the two end caps off the control panel, then set them aside. Loosen the bolts at each end of the control panel using a Philip screwdriver.

Step 3. Lift the control panel and let it hang over the rear panel. Disconnect the lid switch connector from the top of the cabinet.

Step 4. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, pry out the retaining clips holding the rear panel to the cabinet. Carefully lift the cabinet off and set it aside.

Step 5. Use your flat-blade screwdriver to pry off the two retaining clips securing the pump to the motor shaft. Slide the drain pump off the motor shaft.

Step 6. Disconnect the wire harness attached to the motor. Use a 1/4 inch nut-driver to loosen the bolts securing the upper and lower retaining clips to the motor. Carefully lift the motor off and set it aside.

Step 7. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry the coupler cog off the motor shaft. Pry out the second coupler cog and rubber isolator from the motor mount.

Step 8. Discard the old coupler pieces, then take the new ones out of the packaging. Push one of the new cogs onto the transmission shaft on the machine. Push the rubber isolator onto the cog.

Step 9. Push the second cog onto the motor shaft. Lift the drive motor and carefully remount it on the machine. Snap the lower and upper retaining clips onto the motor, then tighten the bolts using a 1/4 inch nut-driver.

Step 10. Slide the drain pump onto the motor shaft, then secure it by snapping the retaining clips on.

Step 11. Lift the cabinet and remount it on the machine. Use your flat-blade screwdriver to push the two retaining clips into the slots at the top of the cabinet.

Step 12. Plug the lid switch wire connector back in. Lower the control panel and snap it onto the cabinet. Secure the panel by applying the Philips screws.

Step 13. Snap the end caps onto the control panel. Plug your washing machine into the outlet, then ensure that everything works properly by running a cycle.