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The Kenmore 110 Series is an easy to use home Washing machine created by Kenmore.

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Why won't the spin cycle engage on my washing machine?

I have an older model Kenmore washer that was not agitating/spinning properly, and now seems to be agitating fine but the spin cycle won’t engage.

When there is nothing in the machine, it works fine, but when there is a large load in the machine, it gets “stuck” after draining and the spin cycle won’t start up.

We replaced the following:

  • agitator directional cogs (did not help)
  • direct drive motor coupling (this had fixed the issue of it not agitating/spinning two years prior but did not seem to make much difference this time)
  • clutch assembly (it is now agitating even during a large load but still won’t engage spin cycle)

Thing is that if we’re holding down the lid switch manually and watching the machine, it’ll agitate, drain, and looks like it’s going to start spinning, it makes the noise but doesn’t start spinning. We have to either close the lid and then lift it open and close it a second time or stop holding down the lid switch, give it a second, and then press down on it again for the spin cycle to start. The spin cycle WILL work, but it won’t start on it’s own - it needs to be “prompted”.

Any ideas on what is causing this and how to fix it? Could it be a transmission problem? The transmission seemed to have some oil on it when we replaced the clutch assembly and got a good look at it.

Thank you.

Jennifer

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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Cause 1

Lid Switch Assembly

The lid switch assembly prevents the washer from spinning when the lid is open. If the lid switch assembly fails, the washer will not spin. To determine if the lid switch assembly is defective, use a multimeter to test the lid switch for continuity. If the lid switch does not have continuity, replace it.

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Old post, but did you ever figure out the issue with your washer? I have the exact same symptoms with my washer. You can hear the motor turning, but spin will not engage. If you turn the cycle on/off with the main dial when it does this then spin works every time. I was doing some other maintenance on my machine and replaced the motor to transmission coupler as well as the clutch on the output shaft of the transmission. I would think if the door switch were the culprit then you would not hear the motor turn on at all and nothing would happen.

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2 Comments:

It was the lid switch as Mayer said. We replaced it and the washer worked fine after that.

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Awesome thanks Jennifer. I've had my door switch bypassed for the last 8 years. Looks like it is time to finally fix it for real. I appreciate the response.

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I have the exact same symptoms but I know the problem is not the lid switch. I’ve already changed the coupler, the clutch, and the transmission, and I confirmed the hub to shaft is not rusted away and is solid (tabs there, inside the slots, which are also not worn away). If I reach in and spin the tub a few times or stop/start the washer, then it will spin. But not on its own. Spins when tested cold or empty. Doesn’t spin if warmed up and empty (but already changed the transmission), so what else is there? The brake?

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1 Comment:

I have the same issue on my whirlpool washer but I don’t think I even have a lid switch- I can open and close as I please with no effect.

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Jennifer will be eternally grateful.
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