Can't get the back panel back on the whirlpool built kenmore top loading washing machine

I think you might have removed the back in error. This is a common mistake. Since you have the back off, you need to remove the cabinet as well to replace everything correctly. If you can attach the head to the back before pulling the cabinet away, this will save you some trouble later. Remove the head from the cabinet with the two screws on either side. Now pull forward, up and away. Now reattach the head to the back. The white or black hinges need to be inserted on the inside part of the panel, then onto the back side of the head. If they are still attached to the head itself, you need to remove them to get them onto the back first, then reattach to the head. This should leave the back and head as one unit and the cabinet should be another.

Now you can maneuver this back onto the slots that hold this piece in place on the bottom of the washer's base. There may or may not be screws down there where it attaches. Usually on the back of the base, there is a plastic stablizer that fits into the slot about one third of the way up the back panel. This will hold the back up to help get the cabinet back into place. If this is missing or broken, you will still be able to get the cabinet back on, it will be a little trickier tho.

Now you will see two little tabs on the base where they go into the front of the cabinet. There are two on the back of the base as well. You can straighten them with a small screw driver to make them perpendicular. Place the slots in the cabinet onto those tabs, then lower the cabinet onto the rear tabs. Pull the back panel towards you as you set the cabinet down, getting the strips on either side to align with the back and cabinet. Now reassemble anything that may be loose inside before lowering the head, such as hoses or electrical connections. Pull the head down, and set the 'hooks' into the top, and push back. Rescrew the head back onto the cabinet and you should be all set.

I hope this is sufficient for you to repair your machine correctly. If I've left anything out or it's unclear, I apologize but I think you should be ok :)

Joe