If your KitchenAid washing machine motor is giving you trouble, you’ve come to the right place. This detailed guide shows you how to fix these issues…
Table of Contents
How To Test KitchenAid Washing Machine Motor — Solved
Follow the steps below to test your KitchenAid washing machine motor…
Drive Motor
If your KitchenAid washing machine uses a drive motor, the steps below will show you how to test it…
Front Loaders
Test the drive motor in your front loader KitchenAid washing machine by following the steps below…
Step 1. In order to prevent any chances of electrocution, ensure that you disconnect your appliance from the outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. Using a 1/4 inch nut-driver, take out the bolts at the front of the machine securing the lower front access panel. Pry the panel off the cabinet and set it aside.
Step 3. Pry out the plastic transit caps at the back of the cabinet, then set them aside. Loosen the bolts securing the rear panel to the cabinet using a 1/4 inch nut-driver.
Step 4. Pry the rear panel off the cabinet, then set it aside. Carefully unhook the drive belt from the motor pulley and drive pulley, then set the belt aside.
Step 5. From the front of the machine, disconnect the wire harness and grounding wire from the motor.
Step 6. Using a 13mm socket wrench, loosen the bolt securing the motor to the bottom of the tub. Carefully pull the motor out of the cabinet.
Step 7. Get a digital multimeter, then turn the dial to the ohms setting. Insert the probes of the meter into the two red terminals on the drive motor.
Step 8. For a working meter, you should get a reading between 69 and 72 ohms. Insert the probes into the remaining terminals, then look for a reading between 1 and 7 ohms.
Step 9. If the readings came out all right, remount the motor at the bottom of the tub, then secure it by applying the 13mm bolt.
Step 10. Plug the wire connectors back into the motor. Snap the lower front access panel back on the cabinet, then apply the bolts at the bottom using a 1/4 inch nut-driver.
Step 11. Go to the back of the machine, then loop the belt around the drive pulley and motor pulley. Remount the rear panel on the cabinet, then tighten the bolts.
Step 12. Snap the transit caps into the slots at the back of the cabinet. Plug your washing machine’s power cord back into the outlet, then try running a cycle to ensure that everything works properly.
Top Loaders
Test the drive motor in your top loader KitchenAid washing machine by following the steps below…
Step 1. In order to prevent leaks and electrocution, ensure that you disconnect your washing machine from the power outlet and turn the water taps off before starting this repair.
Step 2. Using a pair of pliers if needed, disconnect the COLD and HOT water supply hoses from the ports at the back of the machine (ensure that you keep a rag nearby in case water spills).
Step 3. Use pliers to release the retaining clamp securing the drain hose to the back of the cabinet. Detach the hose from the machine.
Step 4. Place some tape on the lid of your washing machine to secure it. Tip your washing machine backwards carefully, then set it on the floor.
Step 5. Using a 5/16 inch nut-driver, take out the bolts securing the belt guard to the bottom of the machine. Take the guard off and set it aside.
Step 6. Unhook the drive belt from the transmission pulley and motor pulley. Disconnect the wire harness attached to the drive motor.
Step 7. Get a digital multimeter, then turn the dial to the ohms setting. Push the probes of the meter into the two red terminals on the motor. For a working connection, look for a reading between 68 and 72 ohms.
Step 8. Insert the probes of the meter into the remaining terminals, then look for a reading between 1 and 7 ohms.
Step 9. If the readings came out all right, loop the drive belt back around the two pulleys (ensure that the grooved side of the belt is turned inwards).
Step 10. Plug the wire harness back into the motor. Put the belt guard back in place, then apply the bolts using a 5/16 inch nut-driver.
Step 11. With someone assisting you, lift your washing machine back onto its feet. Reinsert the drain hose into the standpipe.
Step 12. Connect the HOT and COLD water supply hoses to the ports at the back of the machine (ensure that each hose is properly attached in order to prevent leakage).
Step 13. Turn the water taps on, then plug the power cord back into the outlet. To ensure that the machine works properly, try running a wash cycle.
Dryers
Test the motor in your KitchenAid dryer by follow the steps below…
Step 1. Prevent any chances of electrocution by disconnecting your appliance from the power outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. With a 1/4 inch nut-driver (or Torx-20 screwdriver), loosen the bolts at the back of the machine securing the top panel. Slide the panel backwards about an inch or so, then lift it off the cabinet.
Step 3. Disconnect the control panel’s wire harness from the main control board. Use your nut-driver to take out the screws at the top of the control panel.
Step 4. Pry the control panel off the mounting bracket, then set it aside. Using a flat-blade screwdriver if needed, disconnect the door switch wire connector in the cabinet.
Step 5. Tip your machine backwards carefully, then place a support underneath (get someone to help you if needed). Loosen the screws at the bottom of the front panel.
Step 6. Take the support out from underneath the machine, then set the appliance back on its feet.
Step 7. Open the door of your dryer, then loosen the nuts at the bottom of the door opening. Take out the screws at the top of the front panel using your nut-driver.
Step 8. Lift the front panel off the cabinet, then set it aside. With your Torx screwdriver, take out the bolts securing the control board support plate to the control panel mounting bracket.
Step 9. Move the control board assembly out of place, then support it. Loosen the nuts securing the control panel mounting bracket. Lift the bracket off the machine and set it aside.
Step 10. Loosen the nut securing the lower support bracket under the duct. Detach the wire harness from the moisture sensor.
Step 11. Loosen the bolts securing the front bulkhead to the drum. Lift the bulkhead off the machine, then set it aside.
Step 12. 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.
Step 13. Lift the belt and drum out of the cabinet, then set them aside. Disconnect the wire harness from the drive motor.
Step 14. Get a digital multimeter, then turn the dial to the ohms setting. Push the probes of the meter into the two red terminals on the drive motor.
Step 15. For a working meter, look for a reading between 68 and 72 ohms. Insert the probes into the remaining terminals, then look for a reading between 1 and 5 ohms.
Step 16. If the meter’s readings came out all right, plug the wire harness back in. Carefully lift the belt and drum, then guide them, into the cabinet.
Step 17. Reach under the drum and hook the belt onto the idler and motor pulley in a zig-zag formation. Rotate the drum by hand to ensure that the drive belt is properly aligned.
Step 18. Lift the front bulkhead, then carefully mount it on the cabinet. Secure the bulkhead by tightening the bolts.
Step 19. Plug the moisture sensor wire connector back in. Put the lower support bracket in place, then apply the bolt.
Step 20. Place the control panel’s mounting bracket on the cabinet, then tighten the screws to secure it. Place the control board support back on the front bracket, then tighten the nuts.
Step 21. Lift the front panel, then carefully mount it on the cabinet. Use your Torx screwdriver to apply the bolts at the top of the front panel.
Step 22. Open the dryer’s door, then tighten the bolts at the bottom of the door opening. Plug the door switch wire harness back in.
Step 23. Carefully tip your washing machine backwards and support it. Tighten the nuts at the bottom of the front panel, then set the machine onto its feet.
Step 24. Plug the control panel wire connector back into the control board. Snap the panel onto the front of the cabinet, then apply the nuts at the top using your Torx screwdriver.
Step 25. Mount the top panel on the cabinet, then use your Torx screwdriver to tighten the bolts at the back of the panel.
Step 26. Plug your machine into the power outlet, then try running a cycle to ensure that it works properly.
Stator
If your KitchenAid washing machine uses a stator, follow the steps below to test it…
Front Loaders
Do the following to test the stator in your front loader KitchenAid washing machine…
Step 1. Ensure that you disconnect your appliance from the power outlet before starting this repair in order to avoid electrocution.
Step 2. Using a Torx-20 screwdriver, take out the bolts at the back of the machine securing the top panel. Slide the panel backwards a few inches, then lift it off the cabinet.
Step 3. Pry out of the plastic transit caps on the rear panel. Using your nut-driver, loosen the bolts securing the rear panel to the cabinet. Lift the panel off the machine and set it aside.
Step 4. Secure the rotor using a strap wrench. Using an 11/16 inch socket wrench, loosen the bolt securing the rotor to the back of the tub.
Step 5. Pry the rotor off the machine and set it aside (this may require some effort). Detach the wire harness connected to the stator.
Step 6. Using a T-40 Torx bit, loosen the bolts securing the rotor to the back of the tub. Lift the rotor off the machine.
Step 7. Get a digital multimeter, then turn the control knob to the lowest setting for ohms of resistance.
Step 8. Push the probes of the meter into the stator terminals. For a working connection, look for a reading of about 9 to 10 ohms.
Step 9. If the stator’s readings came out all right, remount it at the back of the tub, then apply the bolts to secure it.
Step 10. Plug the wire connector back into the stator. Place the rotor on the stator, then secure it by applying the 11/16 inch bolt.
Step 11. Place the rear panel on the cabinet, then tighten the Torx screws to secure it. Snap the transit caps into the slots at the back of the cabinet.
Step 12. Remount the top panel on the cabinet, then apply the screws at the back to secure it. Plug your appliance back into the outlet, then try running a cycle to ensure that everything works properly.
Top Loaders
Test the stator in your KitchenAid top loader washing machine by following the steps below…
Step 1. Disconnect your appliance from the outlet before starting this procedure in order to prevent electrocution.
Step 2. In order to prevent water leaks, turn the water supply taps off. Using pliers if needed, disconnect the water supply hoses from the ports at the back of the machine.
Step 2. Release the spring clamp securing the outlet hose to the port at the back of the machine. Detach the hose from the machine.
Step 3. With someone assisting you, carefully tip your washing machine backwards and set it on the floor.
Step 4. Insert a small screwdriver into one of the openings on the rotor (this will help jam it). Loosen the bolt securing the rotor using a T-30 Torx bit.
Step 5. Pry the rotor off the tub and set it aside (this will take some effort). Disconnect the wire harness attached to the stator at the bottom of the tub.
Step 6. Loosen the bolts securing the stator to the bottom of the tub using a 7mm socket. Lift the stator off the machine.
Step 7. Get a digital multimeter, then turn the dial to the ohms setting. Push the meter’s probes into the terminals on the stator. For a working connection, look for a reading of of about 9 to 10 ohms.
Step 8. If the stator’s readings came out all right, remount it at the bottom of the tub, then tighten the nuts to secure it.
Step 9. Plug the wire harness into the stator. Place the rotor on the stator, then tighten the bolt.
Step 10. Carefully lift your washing machine back onto its feet. Connect the drain hose to the port at the back of the cabinet, then slide the retaining clamp into place.
Step 11. Reconnect the COLD and HOT water supply hoses to the ports at the back of the machine (ensure that each hose is properly connected in order to prevent leaks).
Step 12. Plug your washing machine back into the power outlet, then turn the water taps on. Ensure that the machine functions normally by running a wash cycle.
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How To Replace KitchenAid Washing Machine Motor — Detailed Steps
Follow the steps below to replace the motor in your KitchenAid washing machine…
Drive Motor
Take the following steps to replace the drive motor in your KitchenAid washing machine…
Front Loaders
Here’s how to replace a drive motor in your front loader KitchenAid washing machine…
Step 1. Prevent any chances of electrocution by disconnecting your appliance from the power outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. Using a Torx screwdriver, loosen the nuts securing the lower front access panel. Pry the panel off the machine.
Step 3. Go to the back of the machine, then use your screwdriver to loosen the screws securing the rear panel to the cabinet. Lift the rear panel off the cabinet and set it aside.
Step 4. Unhook the drive belt from the motor pulley and drive pulley. From the front of the machine, disconnect the wires attached to the motor.
Step 5. Using a 13mm socket wrench, loosen the bolts securing the drive motor to the bottom of the tub. Carefully pull the motor out of the cabinet.
Step 6. Prepare the new drive motor for installation by unpacking it. Mount the new drive motor at the bottom of the tub, then secure it by tightening the 13mm bolts.
Step 7. Plug the wire harnesses into the new drive motor. Snap the lower front access panel onto the cabinet, then apply the screws using your Torx screwdriver.
Step 8. With the grooved side facing inwards, loop the drive belt around the motor pulley and drive pulley.
Step 9. Snap the rear access panel onto the cabinet, then tighten the Torx screws to secure it. Plug your washing machine into the power outlet, then try running a wash cycle to ensure that everything works properly.
Top Loaders
Follow the steps below to replace the drive motor in your top loader KitchenAid washing machine…
Step 1. In order to prevent water leakage and electrocution, ensure that your machine is disconnected from the outlet, and the water taps are turned off before starting this procedure.
Step 2. Go to the back of the machine, then disconnect the HOT and COLD water supply hoses from the ports at the back of the machine.
Step 3. Use pliers to squeeze the retaining clamp securing the drain hose to the back of the machine, then slide it out of place. Disconnect the hose from the cabinet.
Step 4. Put some tape on the lid of your washing machine to help secure it. With someone assisting you, tip your washing machine backwards, then set it on the floor.
Step 5. Take out the bolts securing the belt guard to the bottom of the tub using a 5/16 inch nut-driver. Take the belt guard off the machine and set it aside.
Step 6. Unhook the drive belt from the motor pulley and transmission pulley. Disconnect the wire harness attached to the drive motor.
Step 7. Using a 1/2 inch socket, take out the bolts securing the motor to the mounting plate. Lift the motor off the tub and set it aside.
Step 8. Prepare your new washing machine drive motor for installation by taking it out of its packaging.
Step 9. Mount the new motor at the bottom of the tub, then secure it by tightening the 1/2 inch bolts.
Step 10. Plug the wire connector into the new motor. Loop the belt around the motor pulley and transmission pulley (ensure that the grooved side of the belt is facing inwards).
Step 11. Put the belt guard in place, then tighten the nuts using a 5/16 inch socket wrench. Lift your washing machine back onto its feet.
Step 12. Peel the tape off the lid of your machine. Reconnect the outlet hose to the port at the back of the machine, then slide the retaining clamp into place using pliers.
Step 13. Reconnect the COLD and HOT water supply hoses to the ports at the back of the machine.
Step 14. Turn the water supply taps on, then plug the power cord into the outlet. Ensure that the appliance works properly by running a wash cycle.
Dryers
Replace the drive motor in your KitchenAid dryer by following the steps below…
Step 1. Ensure that your appliance is disconnected from the power outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. Use a screwdriver to take out the nuts at the back of the machine securing the top panel. Pull the panel backwards a few inches, then lift it off the cabinet.
Step 3. Disconnect the control panel’s wire harness from the main control board. Loosen the nuts securing the control panel to the mounting bracket. Pry the board off the bracket and set it aside.
Step 4. Take out the nuts securing the control board assembly to the control panel mounting bracket. Move the control board assembly out of place and support it.
Step 5. Disconnect the door switch wire harness from the control board. With someone assisting you, carefully tip your washing machine backwards, then support it.
Step 6. Using your nut-driver, loosen the nuts at the bottom of the front panel. Carefully set the machine onto its feet.
Step 7. Open the door of the machine, then loosen the nuts at the bottom of the opening. Loosen the screws at the top of the front panel. Lift the front panel off the machine, then set it aside.
Step 8. Take out the nuts securing the control panel’s mounting bracket to the front of the machine. Move the bracket out of place.
Step 9. Using your nut-driver, take out the bolt securing the lower support bracket to the bulkhead.
Step 10. Disconnect the moisture sensor wire connector from the front bulkhead. Use your nut-driver to take out the bolts securing the bulkhead.
Step 11. Lift the bulkhead off the cabinet, then set it aside. Reach underneath the drum, then push the idler pulley inwards to release the tension on the drive belt.
Step 12. Unhook the drive belt from the idler and motor pulleys. Lift the belt and drum out of the cabinet carefully, then set them aside.
Step 13. Use your Torx screwdriver to take out the nuts securing the cover to the blower wheel. Take the wheel off and set it aside.
Step 14. Secure the motor shaft using a 7/16 inch wrench. Using a 1/2 inch socket, loosen the blower wheel. Pull the wheel out of the blower housing and set it aside.
Step 15. Pry the wire harness off the drive motor (if needed, use a flat-blade screwdriver).
Step 16. Pry the front and rear retaining clips off the drive motor using your screwdriver.
Step 17. Lift the drive motor out of the cabinet, then set it aside. Prepare your new dryer motor for installation by unpacking it.
Step 18. Install the new motor in the cabinet, then snap the retaining clips on. Plug the wire harness into the new motor.
Step 19. Push the blower wheel back into the housing, then secure it by tightening the nut. Place the cover on the blower wheel, then apply the Torx screws.
Step 20. Guide the drum and belt back into the cabinet carefully. Reach under the drum, then hook the belt onto the motor and idler pulleys in a zig-zag formation.
Step 21. Slowly rotate the drum by hand to ensure that the belt is properly aligned. Lift the front bulkhead, then mount it on the cabinet. Secure the bulkhead by applying the nuts.
Step 22. Plug the moisture sensor wire connector back in. Put the lower support bracket in place, then tighten the nuts.
Step 23. Place the control panel’s mounting bracket on the cabinet, then tighten the nuts. Place the control board assembly on the bracket, then tighten the screws.
Step 24. Lift the front panel, then carefully mount it on the cabinet. Using your screwdriver, apply the nuts at the top of the panel.
Step 25. Open the door of your machine, then apply the screws at the bottom of the opening. Plug the door switch wire harness back in.
Step 26. Plug the control panel’s wire harness into the main control board. Snap the panel onto the mounting bracket, then tighten the nuts at the top to secure it.
Step 27. Mount the top panel on the cabinet, then push it forwards. Secure the panel by applying the Torx screws at the back.
Step 28. Plug your washing machine into the power outlet, then try turning the appliance on to ensure that everything works properly.
Stator
Replace a damaged stator in your KitchenAid washing machine by following the steps below…
Front Loaders
Follow the steps below to replace the stator in your front loader KitchenAid washing machine…
Step 1. In order to prevent any chances of electrocution, ensure that you disconnect your machine from the outlet before starting this procedure.
Step 2. Using a Torx screwdriver, take out the bolts at the back of the machine securing the rear panel. Lift the panel off the machine and set it aside.
Step 3. Secure the rotor using a strap wrench. With an 11/16 inch socket wrench, loosen the nut securing the rotor to the back of the tub. Pry the rotor off the machine and set it aside.
Step 4. Loosen the bolts securing the stator to the back of the tub using a T-40 Torx bit. Lift the stator off the machine.
Step 5. Disconnect the wire harness attached to the stator, then set the stator aside. Prepare your new washing machine stator for installation by unpacking it.
Step 6. Plug the wire connector into the new stator. Place the stator at the back of the tub, then tighten the nuts to secure it.
Step 7. Place the rotor over the stator, then apply the nut using your 11/16 inch socket wrench.
Step 8. Snap the rear access panel back onto the cabinet, then apply the bolts using a Torx screwdriver.
Step 9. Plug your washing machine back into the power outlet, then try turning the machine on to ensure that everything works properly.
Top Loaders
Replace a damaged stator in your top loader KitchenAid washing machine by following the steps below…
Step 1. Turn the water supply taps off, then disconnect the power cord from the outlet before starting this repair, in order to prevent electrocution and leakage.
Step 2. Using pliers, release the spring clamp securing the drain hose to the back of the cabinet. Detach the hose from the machine.
Step 3. Disconnect the COLD and HOT water supply hoses from the ports at the back of the machine (some water may spill out, so keep a rag nearby).
Step 4. Place some tape on the lid of your washing machine to help secure it. Tip your washing machine backwards carefully, then set it on the floor.
Step 5. Using a T-30 Torx bit, loosen the bolt securing the rotor at the bottom of the tub. Pry the rotor off the tub and set it aside.
Step 6. Using a 7mm socket, loosen the bolts securing the stator to the tub. Lift the stator off the machine, then disconnect the wire connectors.
Step 7. Prepare your new washing machine stator for installation by unpacking it. Plug the wire connectors into the new stator.
Step 8. Mount the stator at the bottom of the tub, then tighten the 7mm screws to secure it. Place the rotor on the stator, then apply the nut.
Step 9. Lift your washing machine onto its feet carefully. Reconnect the drain hose to the port at the back of the cabinet. Slide the retaining clamp into place to secure the connection.
Step 10. Reconnect the HOT and COLD water supply hoses to the corresponding ports at the back of the machine.
Step 11. Peel the tape off the lid of your machine. Plug the power cord into the outlet, then turn the water supply on. Ensure that the machine works properly by running a wash cycle.
