Kenmore 20702 Top Load Washer Problem

Hello, Thank You for using FixYa. I will be helping you today.Sounds like a failed motor coupler part number 285753. It connects the motor to the trans. You can lean the unit back to change this part. Remove the pump remove the motor and you will see it.
Thank You and please rate my answer if it was helpful..

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.

I assume that you mean after filling, it won't begin the agitate cycle.

If you can hear the motor but the agitator won't move, it could be the "motor coupling". (See the motor section of the Sears site. This coupling is a fail safe between the motor and transmission. If the plastic prongs break, or the rubber center piece wears out, the transmission cannot agitate the washer.

If you can't hear the motor, it could be a timer problem.

Try to manually move the timer to a spin position and see if the motor / transmission move. If they do, it is most likely a timer.

Bad/broken coupler/ http://www.davesrepair.com/DIYhelp/DIY285753.htm

You need a timer the motor contacts are probably burnt.

Do you hear the motor running but no agitator movement ? If so , then you have a bad motor/trans coupling .

check the lid switch if its ok
you have a problem with the timer
replace it

Leaks water...check the pump first. The fill valve and hoses may be the next step. See how to take apart info. With the use of plastic drain hoses on many machines today, this has become a common leak trouble maker. The drain hose can rub the wall or a pipe and this will rub a hole in the drain hose.
 

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12. Inglis, Whirlpool, Kenmore Direct drive washers - How to take apart - Cabinet off, cabinet on, checking or replacing a lid switch, replace the pump, replace motor coupling or motor.
    
13. Inglis, Whirlpool and Kenmore direct drive washer- useful parts breakdowns
    
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15. My direct drive washer will fill ok, agitates ok but when it comes to the spin and drain cycle the washer comes to a screeching halt...no spin, no draining and the timer stops, what's up?
    
16. My clothes have a whiting on them that looks like lint.
    
17. My washer has a funky odor
    
18. Noises
    
19. Ohm meter testing a motor capacitor
    
20. Slow water fills
    
21. The wash tubs on my direct drive washer are leaning to the right...why?
    
22. Timer stalls or missing cycles
    
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26. Washer Basics: Filling with water
    
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29. Washer will not spin
    
30. Washer sample wiring diagrams
    
31. Washer spins and agitates at the same time
    
32. Washer belts: If your belt on any washer looks like these, replace the belt(s).
    
33. Washer runs but wont agitate or spin
    
34. Washer won't run, agitate or spin
    
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Unplug machine, remove water pump and motor, behind the motor is a coupler, take broken parts to your local appliance parts store. Costs 16 bucks, replace the broken parts with new ones, reassemble machine. Never ever do a blanket/comforter in your machine again!!

If the timer cycles your lid switch is ok.
most likely: motor Switch (on Motor), condenser next to motor, motor itself, or wiring going from the time to the switch,

It is probably cost efficient to replace the unit rather than trowing parts at it .
AB