I need to open the top of my kenmore washer...

I I'm assuming you are taking about the body of the washer when you say casting? First Remove The Two end clips by Either Pulling on the Back Of The Clips. Now you should see two screws, remove them, pull console slightly towards you then flip it back. You will see two clips going into two slots, use a flat tip screwdriver. Insert it in the first section and push back towards the rear .pay attention to the removal as how to re installation. Also removed lid switch plus. .now open the lid lifting slightly at the back at the same time pulling the body off . Hope that helps.

There are two metal clips under the lid, about 3 inches in from the corners in front. You have to slip a flat screwcriver or a paint knife into the clip and push hard. Once the clip opens you can lift up the top of the washer. If you need to remove the tub, you have to first remove the cap from the top of the agitator. That will reveal a bolt that has to be removed in order to lift the tub out. I hope this helps.

This assumes that you have a basic Kenmore / Whirlpool top load, direct drive, neutral drain (it doesn't spin until the pump removes most of the water) machine.

First, see the Sears parts site for your washer:
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action

Enter your model number (###.########) and you'll see a list of major sub-components with diagrams and parts.

If it neither drains nor spins, the first thing to check is the Lid Switch. This prevents the machine from draining and spinning if the lid is open.

I assume that you cannot hear the motor trying to turn.

Following is a Whirlpool installation and maintenance PDF on top load, direct drive washers. It has a description of how to by-pass the switch.

It also has a troubleshooting guide.

https://secured.whirlpool.com/Service/SrvTechAdm.nsf/2cd44500d572193285256a45004fd9d6/f7e2147fa98b28cf85257122007475cb/$FILE/L-55.pdf

To bypass the switch, you only have to disconnect the power to the washer, remove the two plastic clips from the console, remove the two screws under the clips, tilt the console back, unplug the switch and using an short piece of insulated wire, jump the two outermost contacts on the connector coming from the console and plug the washer back in.

With the jumper in place, try to re-start the washer.

If it works, the Lid Switch is a relatively inexpensive part.

Sometimes on these you need to open the lid, remove the screws there first, then take the screws off the back. Try that.

First of all, unplug your washer. You will need to remove the console in order to get to the lid switch. The washer may have release tabs under the console at each front corner. Simply slide a putty knife straight in from the front at each corner and push in while lifting up. You should feel the release tabs push in and the console will pop up. If not equipped with this type of console, you may have a console that has removable end caps. They can be removed by gently prying up on the top of them from the rear on each side. You may have to use a small screwdriver for this. The caps should pop right off. Once removed, you will need to loosen a screw under each cap. Once you have the console loosened, carefully lift it up and lay it back over the rear panel of the washer in its resting position. Be careful not to damage the small plastic hinges that hold it in place. Now you will need to perform the following steps:

1. Under the console you will find the lid switch connector. Unplug the switch from the connector.

2. There will be two brass colored clips. You will need to remove these to remove the machine casing. Place a flat blade screwdriver straight down into the opening on top of the washer and into the groove of the clip. Push the screwdriver away from you while holding into the groove and the clip will release.

3. Open the lid of the washer and place your hand under the front rim of the opening (DO NOT grab the wash tub). Now pull the case from the frame by lifting from the back first.

You do not have to remove it all the way from the frame, just enough to gain access to the switch. All there is to the switch is a couple of screws holding it in and a ground wire. It's a pretty easy repair job. Some models will have the switch located on the right-hand side of the lid rim opening, while other models will have the switch located on the left-hand side near the lid hinge.

Once you've completed your switch installation, make sure you get the case back on the frame correctly by following these steps:

1. While looking down through the lid opening, place the front lip of the machine case UNDER the washer frame and start leaning it back onto the frame. There are four small cleats that must fit into four slots on the case or the washer will vibrate. Make sure the frame is seated properly, lean forward from the front of the washer, grasp both sides of the rear panel and pull towards the case. The rear panel should be seated and flush with the casing before inserting the retaining clips.

2. Insert the brass-colored clips into the slot on the washer rear panel first, and then push straight down into the opening on the top of the washer with some force. If you have the case seated correctly, the clips will snap back in.

3. Make sure you plug the connector from the console back into the lid switch receptacle BEFORE you reassemble the console. This is easy to forget.


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most often the lid swtch is out of alignment, less often the switch fails

with the lid open examine the underside of the lid for the plastic 'tooth' that is supposed to engage the switch, if broken or missing replace, test
with the lid open and the washer turned on, use a ballpoint pen to engage the switch plate in the hole at the right side of the lid
If the washer starts, adjust the switch position, test
If the washer does not start
remove the edge trims from the console
remove the screws from the lower corners of the console
slide consloe forward ~1/2 inch, flip up and over
ensure cable is connected to lid switch connector
try lid switch again with ball pen
if washer does not start the switch has failed,
remove metal retainer clips from rear of washer top, remember installed position, you have to put them back
lift washer case 1 inch slide forward, lay down, remove switch
replace
reassemble in reverse order, test

3-5 times a month, takes about 25 minutes, the switch costs $7.95+tax

The knobs do not have to be removed......

To access the lid switch, first lift the console by one of three ways.

• 1. The trim on either side can be pried off from the top, grasp and pull forward to expose to expose a screw.
• 2. Look in the back of the console, in each corner there will be a screw, unscrew until the console can be pushed forward.
• 3. insert a putty knife under each corner, push to release a latch.

With console lifted:
1. You will find a lid switch connector (white in color). Unplug the switch from the connector.

2. There will be two brass colored clips. Place a flat blade screwdriver straight down into the opening on top of the washer and into the groove of the clip. Push the screwdriver down and away from you and the clip will release.

3. Open the lid of the washer and place your hand under the front rim of the opening (DO NOT grab the wash tub). Tilt and slide cabinet forward to remove.

If you need further assistance, let me know
Regards,
reg501

The lid switch has failed. To replace lid switch;
REMOVE POWER, lift the console by removing the trim on either side. Grasp the top of the trim and pull forward to expose a screw. Remove both screws and lift console.

1. You will find a lid switch connector (white in color). Unplug the switch from the connector.

2. There will be two brass colored clips. Place a flat blade screwdriver straight down into the opening on top of the washer and into the groove of the clip. Push the screwdriver down and away from you and the clip will release.

3. Open the lid of the washer and place your hand under the front rim of the opening (DO NOT grab the wash tub). Tilt and slide cabinet forward to remove.

The lid switch can now be accessed and replaced.

If you need further assistance, let me know
Regards,
reg501

To access the lid switch, REMOVE POWER, lift the console by one of three ways.
1. Look in the back of the console, in each corner there will be a screw, unscrew until the console can be pushed forward.
2. The trim on either side can be pried off from the top, grasp and pull forward to expose to expose a screw.
3. insert a putty knife under each corner, push to release a latch. With console lifted:

1. You will find a lid switch connector (white in color). Unplug the switch from the connector.

2. There will be two brass colored clips. Place a flat blade screwdriver straight down into the opening on top of the washer and into the groove of the clip. Push the screwdriver down and away from you and the clip will release.

3. Open the lid of the washer and place your hand under the front rim of the opening (DO NOT grab the wash tub). Tilt and slide cabinet forward to remove.

To access the lid switch:
1.Remove the trim on either side by prying off from the top. Grasp the trim at the top and pull forward to expose to expose a screw.
2. You will find a lid switch connector (white in color). Unplug the switch from the connector.
3. There will be two brass colored clips. Place a flat blade screwdriver straight down into the opening on top of the washer and into the groove of the clip. Push the screwdriver down and away from you and the clip will release.
4. Open the lid of the washer and place your hand under the front rim of the opening (DO NOT grab the wash tub). Tilt and slide cabinet forward to remove.

If you need further assistance, let me know
Regards,
reg501
The FixYa Team