Kenmore Washer Stops...Lid Switch? HELP!

14 years ago

I have a Sears Kenmore Washer form 2001. I think its Model: 11.20922990 / Automatic Washer, 3 speed with options and Speeds switch.

I posted a few weeks back that the wfe said it was stopping after filling and she'd have to manually turn it to get it going..ie drain. When I got home it was working fine. Well its acting up again.

I remember someone suggested the lid switch might be disloged or bad or not being activated because the part that activates it in the lid above it broke off.

Well, that pointy piece that activates it is still there. I banged on the lid a few times and sure enough it started running so I assume the switch is either bad or loose or something.

I am somewhat mechanical. Is this something I can replace or tighten down myself? Do we just junk the washer? Does anyone have any experience with this model and how specifically how I would go about fixing it.

I carefully pushed a screwdriver into the switch opening to try to take a peek (no sure what I was expecting to see!), anyway, I saw nothing but the screwdrive came out dirty..hair on it. Should I push one of the dust / hair removal clean out brushes in there to try to clean it out?

Thanks!

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Comments (9)

jdenyer232
14 years ago
Sure sounds like a bad lid switch to me. Remove the top of the machine and you will see the switch, there are usually a couple of screws with clips in the back, remove the screws and flip the top up. Once the top is off you will see how to remove and replace the switch. Lid switch is like $10-$15 or so. It is a very easy fix. Hope this helps.
dadoes
14 years ago
The model would be 110.20922990. The leading 110. indicates it's a Whirlpool-manufactured machine, as are all Kenmores of this design.

The top doesn't come off, the entire outer cabinet of the machine is removed to access the lid switch.

Per the parts diagram of the machine shown at http://www.searspartsdirect.com, it has the decorative trim hiding the console screws.

Photobucket Slideshow - Removing Console Trim & Screws

The lid switch is of course under the top. Get the part from Sears, linked above. Search your model number, find the lid switch listed on the "Top and Cabinet" diagram, item #11.

YouTube Video - Removing the Cabinet. Ignore the part about replacing the motor coupler, of course. When replacing the cabinet, make sure the slots on the lower rear corners of the cabinet fit onto the tabs on the machine's base. And don't forget to reconnect the wiring harness under the console.
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andrelaplume2
Original Author
14 years ago
wow..I will check all this out when I get home...as long as it comes apart easy and I can't mess anything major up..I will give it a try!
andrelaplume2
Original Author
14 years ago
awesome info guys. Now the piece I want will actually be in the housing correct? I assume it pops off...?
andrelaplume2
Original Author
14 years ago
sears does not make it easy...Is this what I need #3949238 for $35.16...or is it a piece of this thiing...also it shows smilar parts...confusing which one is required...plus it seams more expensive than described...maybe I am looking at the wrong theing....I went to the link, cut and pasted the model number, clicked on Top and Cabinet and did a search on: lid Switch....
dadoes
14 years ago
That is the correct part. 3949238 Lid Switch with wiring harness, $35.16. Ignore the similar items listed across bottom of the web page. The wires are tucked under the top, run to the terminal at the back where the connector beneath the control panel plugs in.

www.repairclinic.com and www.partselect.com have it listed at a little better price. You have to search again by your model number at other sources, the individual part numbers may be different per their numbering systems.
andrelaplume2
Original Author
14 years ago
I DID IT! Thanks for the video. It literally took 15 minutes. Well, it took another because I figured I'd clean things up a bit while it was apart. It worked for one load so far. I did notice thay one of the female plastic pieces that one of the two screws that held the switch in place was crakced off...maybe that was allowing the switch not to fully engage...not sure...I just put the new one on rather than trying to concote a way to salvage the old one.

THANKS!!!!!!
dadoes
14 years ago
See there! Washer repairs sometimes aren't all that difficult. :-)
speedlever
12 years ago
Doing a search for the very same issue on our 110.20922990 Kenmore washer and found this old thread. I just ordered the lid switch from RepairClinic for ~$36 with FedEx shipping.

I wish there was a published length for the actuator, but my actuator does not appear broken. So I will assume it's ok. If I press down hard on the lid where the actuator is located, the washer starts back up.

Here is a link that might be useful: Lid switch at RepairClinic