The washer won't go in to the spin or drain mode. i believe it to be the door switch because it was out of the hole located on top of the washer and laying loose there. i know when you open the door (top loading) and you're in the drain or spin mode it stops. how do i get to that switch to repair of replace it? i have estate Part#3954250 washer. thanks

see this causes and fix it. God bless you
Motor Coupling If the washer won't spin or agitate the motor coupling might have failed. The motor coupling connects the motor to the washer transmission. It is designed to fail if the washer is overloaded in order to protect both the motor and
Drive Belt If the washer won't spin or agitate, check the drive belt. If the belt is broken or if it isn't tight on the pulleys the washer won't spin or agitate properly.

Drive Motor If the washer won't spin or agitate the drive motor might be defective. This is not common. Check all of the other related parts to this symptom before replacing the motor. If the motor is visibly burned out or physically damaged, replace it.

Stator Assembly If the washer won't spin or agitate the stator assembly might be burned out. The stator is essentially one half of a motor, it interacts with the tub by creating a strong electro-magnet. If the stator burns out the washer won't spin or agitate. Check the stator for continuity. This part is often misdiagnosed.

Door or Lid Latch Assembly If the washer won't spin or agitate the lid switch assembly might be defective. This is a very common problem. The lid switch assembly can fail either mechanically or electrically. Test any electrical switches with an Ohm meter for continuity. The switches should have continuity according to their design.

Door Lock Motor and Switch Assembly If the washer won't spin or agitate the door lock assembly should be checked. The door lock can fail either mechanically or electrically. Test any switches on the door lock with an Ohm meter. The switches should have continuity according to their design.

Motor Control Board If the washer won't spin or agitate the motor control board might be defective. The motor control board provides power to the motor as well as direction and force. If the motor control board is defective the washer may not work at all or function properly.

Believe you are on right track would try door lock switch first easier to replace and most likely cause.

This is usually a door closed switch that is either a bad Lid switch It is number 11 on the diagram on this page http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-model/Kenmore-Parts/Washer-Parts/Model-11024032301/0582/0153200/K0403014/00001?blt=06&prst=&shdMod=

Hope this answers all your questions
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I am thinking if all works good except won't spin, it is your lid switch. Under your washer lid you will notice a peg of some sort that when lidnis closed goes into a slot/hole and that triggers the spin cycle. That is in lamens terms know as a safety idiot switch. It is designed so when the washer is spinning at those high speeds,na child or not to smart adult does not open lid and put hand in while spinning. SO, if switch goes out, of course it won't spin. Switch is cheap , under 20 bucks at any appliance parts store, and they even can tell you at store how to putnin yourself by showing on one of there washers on display. Let me know if I nailed it!! Thanks Mike

Check the lid switch or lid striker that operates the switch. lift the top lid and insert a pen or similar into the hole on the right hand side to operate the switch when in spin mode.
If not try shorting the switch temporary, the top part of the washer needs to be hinged back to gain access, to do this insert a flat blade 4" from each side at the seam with the front panel to release the clips, lid will now hinge back to give access to the internals, Isolate the supply and locate the lid switch on the underside of the top panel and remove the 2 wires and short out/ link together. test the spin cycle now should now work and also drain the machine (Draining only works when washer is spinning) If all ok obtain and install a new switch do not leave the switch shorted.
Note this switch only affects the spin and draining parts of the cycle.
Good luck

SOUNDS LIKE THE LID SWITCH IS DEFECTIVE, ITS A SWITCH THAT CONTACTS WHEN DOOR CLOSES, THEN RELEASES CONTACT WHEN DOOR OPENS. HAVE A PRO CHECK IT AND REPLACE OR BYPASS IT.............

press in clips each corner with putty knife and lift top remove screws bottom front panel slide panel down and off ..locate pump. turn washer to spin and switch on if faint hum felt at pump more than likely plugged with something if pump is running fine ck for something in drain lines..most washers i would say lid switch but on those i believe if switch was bad wouldn't aditate either ck by raising lid ..if agitates with lid raised ck lid switch if not switch ok

check the sensor switch located underneath the the top washer where the door closes , make sure contacts are clean (or align for magnetic SWITCH)

Most likely it is your top door safety switch, this switch is enguaged by a small plastic rod on the bottom of the top load door which goes thru a small hole on the top of the barrel shield, which inturn depresses a switch. Make sure that the switch is working propperly.