Question about Kenmore 43142 Front Load Washer
I have been doing laundry and when I started this wash, the water won't fill and it just makes that grinding sound it makes when it is draining. I've checked the water hoses and they aren't kinked, I've checked the drainage hose and it is where it's supposed to be. My washer has been working fine for over a year. Is this something that is just due to happen or is it something I can fix? I need my washer to work, I have 5 kids and a pile of laundry.
This usually shows an error code of 21. I've heard that this is partly because of poor pump design. Anyway, a few things to try: Start by taking the lower panel off the front of the machine. There should be 3 1/4 inch hex head screws. Now, look for the round thing about 3 inches in diameter with a horizontal plastic piece in the middle. This plastic piece unscrews (counterclockwise) to reveal a filter. Remove all the coins, buttons and other junk from this area and from the rubber hose that you can see after taking the filter out. You might also try removing the large rubber hose that connects to the pump and remove all the junk from it. It's a little tricky getting the hose clamp back on, so consider buying a screw type clamp to replace the original spring type clamp. Put everything back together and see if it works better now. If not, you may need to replace the pump assembly. Disconnect three hoses, then remove two 5/16 inch hex head screws (access from the bottom of the machine). Slide the pump assembly to the right and it will come out upward. My pump was bad-- it still ran but the electric motor part was full of water and detritus (junk). A new pump assembly should cost $60.00 or less -- it's the same assembly used in MAYTAG and some other brands, so you don't have to go back to Sears to get it. You should be able to get a replacement from your local repair shop. Reassemble with the new pump and, if you're lucky, it will work "good as new" for another six months or so.
Posted on Sep 25, 2007
Check to see your inlet water pipes are not clogged. Then see that your outlet drain pipe is approx 30 inches or more from the floor level. Your pump pumps the water up over the level into your wall drain or whatever. The water mark is usually marked somewhere at the rear of the machine. See that your inlet valve is closed before you check for your blockages; after you've fitted it back after cleaning, open your valve.
Posted on Jun 13, 2007
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