If your Kenmore washing machine smells, you’ve come to the right place. This in-depth guide will give you detailed steps on how to handle this issue…
Table of Contents
Kenmore Washing Machine Smells Burnt — How To Fix
If your Kenmore washing machine smells burnt, the following are issues to look for…
1. Burnt Control Board
If your Kenmore washing machine smells burnt, the first thing to do is inspect the control board for damage. Follow the steps below to do this…
Front Loaders
To inspect the control board in your front loader Kenmore washing machine, take the following steps…
Step 1. In order to prevent any chances of electrocution, ensure that your machine is disconnected from the power outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. Go to the back of the machine, then use a Philips screwdriver to take out the bolts securing the top panel. Slide the panel backwards about an inch or so, then lift it off the cabinet.
Step 3. Pull the dispenser inlet hoses off the slots on the steam generator. Using your screwdriver, take out the bolts holding the cross bar. Move the steam generator and cross bar aside.
Step 4. Use your screwdriver to take out the bolt securing the water pressure switch. Pull the switch out of place.
Step 5. Using needle-nosed pliers, release the control board’s wire harness retainers from the back of the cabinet.
Step 6. Use a Philips screwdriver to take out the bolts holding the control board to the cabinet. Pry the board off the cabinet, then pull it out.
Step 7. Pry the cover off the control board, then set it aside. Disconnect each wire harness attached to the control board (ensure that you note where each plug goes).
Step 8. Carefully inspect the control board for any burn marks or signs of damage. If the board is damaged in any way, you’ll need to replace it.
Step 9. Once you are sure that the control board is in good condition, plug each wire connector into its appropriate terminal on the control board.
Step 10. Snap the cover onto the control board. Mount the control board on the cabinet, then tighten the screws at the back to secure it.
Step 11. Use a Philips screwdriver to loosen the screws securing the rear access panel. Pry the panel off the machine and set it aside.
Step 12. Push the control board’s wire harness retainers into the slots on the cabinet. Snap the rear access panel back onto the cabinet, then tighten the bolts with your Philip screwdriver.
Step 13. Remount the pressure switch on the control board, then tighten the screw to secure it.
Step 14. Move the steam generator and cross bar back into place, then use your Philips screwdriver to apply the bolts.
Step 15. Mount the top panel on the cabinet, then push it forwards. Secure the panel by applying the screws at the back.
Step 16. Plug your washing machine back into the outlet, then try turning it on to ensure that the issue has been fixed.
Top Loaders
Do the following to inspect the control board in your top loader Kenmore washing machine…
Step 1. In order to prevent any chances of electrocution, ensure that you disconnect your washing machine from the outlet before starting this procedure.
Step 2. Use a Philips screwdriver to loosen the bolts securing the rear cover to the control panel. Take the cover off the machine and set it aside.
Step 3. Detach the control panel from the mounting base, then set it face-down on the cabinet.
Step 4. With your Philips screwdriver, take out the screws securing the control board cover. Pry the cover off, then set it aside.
Step 5. Detach the wires connected to the control board (ensure that you note where each plug goes).
Step 6. Loosen the bolts securing the board assembly to the control panel. Pry the board off the panel.
Step 7. With a flat-blade screwdriver, pry the control board and display board apart. Carefully inspect the control board for burn marks or signs of damage. If the control board is damaged in any way, it will need to be replaced.
Step 8. If you are certain that the board is in good condition, snap it back onto the display board. Place the two boards on the control panel, then apply the screws.
Step 9. Plug each connector into its appropriate terminal on the control board. Snap the cover onto the control board, then use your screwdriver to apply the bolts.
Step 10. Lift the control panel assembly, then snap it back into mounting base. Snap the rear cover onto the control panel assembly, then tighten the bolts with your Philips screwdriver.
Step 11. Reconnect your appliance to the electrical outlet, then try turning it on to see if the issue has been fixed.
Dryers
To inspect the control board in your Kenmore dryer, follow the steps below…
Step 1. Ensure that you disconnect your washing machine from the power 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 cabinet securing the top panel. Slide the panel backwards a few inches, then lift it off the machine.
Step 3. Take note of the positioning of the wires attached to the control board, then detach each one. Release the wires from the retainers on the board.
Step 4. Use your Philips screwdriver to take out the mounting bolt securing the control board. Slide the board sideways, then take it off the cabinet.
Step 5. Carefully inspect the control board for burn marks or signs of damage. If you notice any damage to the board, you’ll need to replace it.
Step 6. Once you are sure that the control board is in good condition, remount it on the cabinet, then apply the screws to secure it.
Step 7. Plug each wire connector into its appropriate terminal on the control board. Secure the wires in the retainers on the board.
Step 8. Remount the top cover on the cabinet, then use your Philips screwdriver to apply the bolts at the back.
Step 9. Plug your appliance back into the electrical outlet. To ensure that the burning smell is gone, try turning your washer on.
2. Burnt Drive Motor
The next thing to check is the drive motor if you perceive a burning odour. Follow the steps below to do this…
Front Loaders
Inspect the drive motor in your front loader Kenmore washing machine with the following steps…
Step 1. Ensure that you disconnect your appliance from the outlet in order to avoid any chances of electrocution.
Step 2. With a Philips screwdriver, loosen the nuts securing the rear access panel to the cabinet. Pry the panel off the machine and set it aside.
Step 3. Carefully unhook the drive belt from the drive pulley and motor pulley. Set the belt aside.
Step 4. Detach the wire harness connected to the motor. Loosen the bolts securing the motor to the bottom of the tub using a 13mm socket wrench.
Step 5. Carefully lift the drive motor out of the cabinet. Inspect the motor for any burn marks or signs of damage. If the drive 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 secure it by tightening the bolts with your socket wrench.
Step 7. Reconnect the wire harness to the drive motor. With the grooved side turned inwards, loop the drive belt around the drive pulley and motor pulley.
Step 8. Snap the rear access panel onto the cabinet, then use your Philips screwdriver to apply the screws.
Step 9. Plug your appliance back into the outlet, then try turning it on to ensure that the burning smell is gone.
Dryers
Take the following steps to inspect the drive motor in your Kenmore dryer…
Step 1. In order to prevent any chances of electrocution, ensure that your dryer is disconnected from the outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. Move your machine forwards a bit to get more working space. Go to the back of the appliance, then take out the screws securing the top panel using a Philips.
Set 3. Pull the top panel backwards a few inches, then lift it off the cabinet. Use your screwdriver to take out the nuts at the back of the control panel.
Step 4. Pry the panel off the cabinet, the detach the wires plugged in. Set the control panel aside. Disconnect the drum light and door switch wire connectors at the top of the front panel.
Step 5. Open the dryer’s door, then use your Philips screwdriver to loosen the two screws at the bottom of the opening.
Step 6. Take out the screws at the top of the front panel. Carefully lift the front panel off the cabinet, then set it aside.
Step 7. Detach the moisture sensor wire harness at the bottom of the front bulkhead. Loosen the screws securing the control panel mounting bracket, then take it off. Use your Philips screwdriver to take out the bolts securing the bulkhead to the cabinet.
Step 8. Carefully lift the bulkhead off the drum and set it aside. Reach underneath the drum, then push the idler pulley inwards (this releases the tension on the drive belt).
Step 9. Unhook the drive belt from the idler pulley and motor. Lift the belt and drum out of the cabinet carefully, then set the aside.
Step 10. Use your Philips screwdriver to take out the bolts holding the blower wheel cover. Take the cover off the assembly.
Step 11. Using a 3/8 inch socket wrench, take out the bolt holding the blower wheel to the housing. Pull the wheel out and set it aside.
Step 12. With a flat-blade screwdriver, pry the front and rear retaining clips off the motor. Detach the wire harness connected to the drive motor.
Step 13. Lift the motor out of the cabinet. Inspect the drive motor for burn marks or any other signs of damage. If the motor is damaged in any way, you’ll need to purchase a new one.
Step 14. Once you are certain that the motor is in good condition, reinstall it in the cabinet. Snap the two retaining clips onto the motor.
Step 15. Plug the wire harness into the motor. Push the blower wheel back into the housing, then apply the bolt to secure it.
Step 16. Place the cover on the blower wheel, then apply the nuts using a Philips screwdriver.
Step 17. Lift the belt and drum, then carefully guide them into the machine. Reach under the drum then hook the belt onto the motor pulley and idler pulley in a zig-zag formation.
Step 18. Lift the front bulkhead and remount it on the drum. Secure the bulkhead by applying the Philips screws.
Step 19. Reconnect the moisture sensor wire harness at the bottom of the front bulkhead. Place the control panel’s mounting bracket on the cabinet, then apply the screws.
Step 10. Lift the front panel, then carefully mount it on the machine. Use your Philips screwdriver to apply the screws a the top of the front panel.
Step 11. Open the dryer’s door, then tighten the screws at the bottom of the opening. Plug the drum light and door lock wire harnesses back in.
Step 12. Reconnect the wires to the control panel. Snap the panel onto the mounting bracket, then use your Philips screwdriver to tighten the screws at the back.
Step 13 Place the top panel on the cabinet, then push it forwards. Use a screwdriver to apply the nuts at the back.
Step 14. Move your washing machine back into place, then plug the power cord into the outlet. Try turning your machine on to ensure that the issue has been fixed.
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3. Burnt Stator
If your Kenmore washing machine uses a stator, you’ll need to inspect it if you are perceiving a burning odor. Here’s how to do this…
Front Loaders
To inspect the stator in your front loader Kenmore washing machine, follow the steps below…
Step 1. Ensure that your appliance is disconnected from the power outlet before starting this procedure in order to prevent any chances of electrocution.
Step 2. Using your Philips screwdriver, take out the nuts securing the rear access panel to the machine. Pry the panel off the machine, then set it aside.
Step 3. Take out the bolt securing the rotor to the back of the tub using a 17mm socket wrench. Carefully pry the rotor off the machine (this will require some effort).
Step 4. Detach the wires connected to the stator. With a 10mm socket wrench, loosen the screws securing the stator to the tub. Lift the stator off the machine.
Step 5. Inspect the stator carefully for any burn marks or signs of damage. If you notice any damage to the stator, you’ll need to replace it as soon as possible.
Step 6. Once you are sure that the stator is in good condition, plug the wire connectors back in.
Step 7. Mount the stator at the back of the tub, then secure it by applying the six 10mm bolts.
Step 8. Place the rotor on the stator, then tighten the 17mm bolt to secure it. Snap the rear access panel onto the cabinet, then apply the nuts with your Philips screwdriver.
Step 9. Plug your machine back into the electrical outlet. Ensure that the issue has been fixed by running a wash cycle.
Top Loaders
To inspect the stator in your top loader Kenmore washing machine, follow the steps below…
Step 1. Ensure that you disconnect your appliance from the power outlet and turn the water taps off before starting this repair in order to prevent leaks and electrocution.
Step 2. Pull your machine’s drain hose out of the standpipe. Using a pair of pliers if needed, detach the COLD and HOT water supply hoses from the ports at the back of the machine (some water may spill out, so ensure that you keep a rag nearby).
Step 3. Carefully tip your washing machine forwards, then set it on the floor. Take out the bolt securing the rotor to the bottom of the tub using a 17mm socket wrench. Pry the rotor off the machine and set it aside (this may require some effort).
Step 4. Detach the wires plugged into the stator. Take out the six bolt securing the stator to the tub using a 10mm socket wrench. Lift the stator off the machine.
Step 5. Carefully inspect the stator for any burn marks or signs of damage. If the stator is damaged in any way, you’ll need to purchase a new one as soon as possible.
Step 6. If you’re sure that the stator is in good condition, reconnect the wire harnesses. Mount the stator at the bottom of the tub, then apply the 10mm bolts.
Step 7. Mount the rotor over the stator, then secure it by tightening the 17mm bolt. Carefully lift your washing machine back onto its feet.
Step 8. Insert the drain hose into the standpipe. Reconnect the HOT and COLD water supply lines to the corresponding ports on the machine (ensure that each hose is properly attached in order to prevent leakage).
Step 9. Turn the HOT and COLD water supply taps back on, then plug the power cord into the outlet. Try turning your appliance on to see if the burning smell is gone.
4. Old Drive Belt
The final thing to check if your machine produces a burning smell is the drive belt. For detailed steps on how to replace the belt in your Kenmore washing machine, read this article: Kenmore Washing Machine Belt.
Kenmore Washing Machine Smells Bad — Solved
If your Kenmore washing machine smells bad, the following are ways to fix this issue…
1. Clean Dispenser
If your front loader Kenmore washing machine smells bad, you may need to clean the dispenser. The steps below show you how to do this…
Step 1. Prevent any chances of electrocution by disconnecting the appliance from the power outlet.
Step 2. Turn the water supply taps off to prevent leakage. Using a Philips screwdriver, take out the bolts securing the top panel to the cabinet.
Step 3. Slide the panel backwards a few inches, then lift it off the machine. Pull the soap tray out of the dispenser. Press the little tab in the tray to release it from the housing.
Step 4. Take the soap tray to a sink then use warm water and a soft brush to clean any accumulated detergent.
Step 5. Use your Philips screwdriver to loosen the nuts next to the dispenser opening. Move the dispenser assembly out of place.
Step 6. Using a pair of pliers, release the retaining clamp securing the outlet hose to the dispenser. Detach the hose from the dispenser.
Step 7. Release the retaining clamps securing the inlet tubes to the ports at the back of the dispenser. Detach the hoses from the assembly. Pull the dispenser out of the cabinet.
Step 8. Take the dispenser to a sink, then use a soft brush and warm water to thoroughly clean out any detergent residue.
Step 9. Once the dispenser is clean, reconnect the inlet tubes to the ports at the back. Slide the retaining clamps into place to secure the hoses.
Step 10. Connect the outlet hose to the port at the bottom of the dispenser, then move the retaining clamp back into place.
Step 11. Push the detergent dispenser back into place, then tighten the screws on the control panel to secure it.
Step 12. Slide the detergent tray into the dispenser. Mount the top panel on the cabinet, then push it forwards. Secure the panel by tightening the screws at the back. Reconnect your appliance to the outlet.
2. Clean Drain Pump
If your Kenmore washing machine smells, the next thing to do is clean the drain pump. Follow the steps below to do this…
Step 1. Disconnect your appliance from the electrical outlet before starting this procedure in order to prevent electrocution.
Step 2. Pry the pump filter access panel open. Rotate the pump filter knob, then pull it out of the housing (some water may spill out).
Step 3. Thoroughly clean out any dirt and debris that may have gathered in the filter and housing. Once the filter is clean, push it back into the housing, then close the access panel.
3. Clean Drum
If the methods above still didn’t resolve the issue, you’ll need to clean the drum. The steps below show you how to do this…
Step 1. Take out any clothes in your washer’s drum. Pour about 2 cups of white vinegar into the soap tray (you can put cleaning tablets in the drum if available).
Step 2. Connect your appliance to the electrical outlet, then turn it on. Turn the control knob to the Tub Clean option.
Step 3. Press the Start button, then wait for the cycle to complete. Once the cycle is completed, open the door of your machine.
Step 4. Use a rag to thoroughly clean the grooves off the door boot seal (dip the rag in some vinegar or bleach to help kill mould). Leave the washer’s door open for a few hours to help it air out.