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The Kenmore Elite HE3 is a washing machine by Kenmore.

668 Questions View all

Why is the start button not working

so there are no errors and all the panel lights work. i checked the door switch and it is engaging as well. my question is, does the start button go bad and do i need to replace the display unit on the front of the machine or the ccu.

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3 Answers

Chosen Solution

Cause 1

User Control and Display Board

To determine if the user control and display board is defective, try pressing the buttons on the control panel. If some of the buttons work, but others do not work, the control and display board might need to be replaced. Additionally, if the display is not working, check the power to the user control and display board. If the user control and display board has power, but it isn’t working, replace it.

Cause 2

Timer

The timer is frequently misdiagnosed—before replacing the timer, first check all of the more commonly defective parts. To determine if the timer is defective, consult your washer’s wiring diagram and use a multimeter to test the timer for continuity.

Cause 3

Line Fuse

The line fuse blows if the washer circuits are overloaded. If the line fuse blows, the washer won’t start. To determine if the line fuse is at fault, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the fuse does not have continuity, replace it. In addition, you should investigate and resolve the problem that caused the fuse to blow. Check for shorted out components such as the wires, motor, or drain pump. If you don’t resolve the underlying issue, the new fuse will blow too.

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5 Comments:

In simple terms, all buttons display but start button won't activate. Would this still be fuse? If fuse, wouldn't display not work or does it have separate fuse?

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@goose4 Please unplug it for five minutes to allow it to reset and then tell us if you get any error codes or other responses.

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Earlier first thing i did few times hoping for reset . Same results all display selections work and light up but start button does not activate. Also removed top of machine all looks intact. Did unplug power connection to control board and back in, no change. Is it fuse?

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I'm having the same issue Randy did you get it sloved?

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I have a question if someone could answer. I have a Kenmore 100 and it doesnt have a pull start button. You press it. None of my cycle lights are on. I have unplugged the washer and tried to run a diagnostic test on it after I plugged it back up. I cant get it to do anything. Can anyone help me?

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I have the same/similar issue except the wash button activates after holding on for a long time. With each passing month, the time held increases. All other lights-buttons perform fine. The door latch seems fine.

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8 Comments:

Hi Jay -- did you ever get this fixed. I am experiencing the same issue

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Hi Jay & Michelle, I’m having same problem. Did ya get yours to work? It’s so annoying to hold start button sometimes works but mostly have to keep trying

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Yes I did. I believe what happens if the button over presses the switch bending the plastic housing. The plastic housing has become very brittle so I replaced the entire piece. Now I tell my family just lightly touch the button to start. No need to lean into it for pressure.

The fix was fast and simple.

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I am going thru same with a Kenmore 100 I have to push start 2 or 3 times if I push hard it works but after you do that it turns right back on??

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What is the part number for the piece you replaced? I found several and Sears site says it's discontinued.

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Mine does the same thing. I took apart the control board and switched the foam button piece with a button that I don't use, and it works every time. I've had to do this 3 times in the past 3 years, so I won't be buying Kenmore again.

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5 Comments:

Did you only switch the foam top part of the button?

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This worked for me. The start switch wouldn't activate but everything else did. The repairman told me I needed a new display board. I told him I'd think about it. After he left I switched out the Energy Saver foam pad with the Start Button pad and it works great. I cannot find anywhere to by the pads. Anyone find them online?

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I'm having the same problem right now, the power button has worn off and I need to replace it, but I know where to buy the replacement sponge foam.

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Where do you buy the foam

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I would like to know where to purchase the pad. I got this washer secondhand (for free). The previous owner says the unit was working before it left the house. I'm able to select the temperature, wash cycle, etc., but the start button doesn't work. I've done a factory reset twice. Now I have *two* washers that don't work. :-(

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Randy B Gossage will be eternally grateful.
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