I have a Kenmore elite washing machine and when I power it on it goes on . then I push the start button and I hear a humming noise and the timer is flashing . Please help.

A number of issues could cause that.
Door switch contaminated.
Turntable motor contaminated.
Magnetron failed.
Capacitor failed.
Diode pack failed.
Pick one and investigate bearing in mind there are LETHAL voltages inside the case!!!

Betty,
When you replaced the motor, did you also replace the belt? If you had not said that you already replaced the motor, I would have suggested that the belt was broken.

WASHER WILL NOT START:

Power If your washing machine won't start, begin by looking at the power source. First of all, is the washing machine plugged in? If it is, has it tripped a circuit breaker or blown a fuse? Check and reset the breaker (or replace the fuse) if necessary.

Lid Switch The main control for the washing machine is the switch inside the lid. If this has stopped working for some reason, your washing machine won't start. It's not especially difficult to troubleshoot this on a washing machine. You might have to open the top to access the switch. With the power on, depress the switch and listen for a click. If you don't hear one, the switch MAY BE BAD and will need to be replaced. Confirm defectiveness with a multi meter checking for continuity OHMS. An open circuit reflects a bad switch..
If the switch works but the washing machine still won't start, check to see if your washing machine has a special fuse for the lid switch. It will usually be inside the control panel. If it's blown, you'll need to replace it before the washing machine will start.

Door Interlock The problem could be with the door interlock. If the lights come on but the machine won't start, this might well be the cause. This could either be down to the wiring that runs to the door interlock, or the door catch not activating the interlock itself.

Timer Knob Some models of washing machine use a mechanical timer knob and won't run until the water in the machine has filled to the selected level. If the knob doesn't line up properly with the graphics on the control panel, you can try to troubleshoot the washing machine problem by advancing the timer a little. When you've done this, pull it out a little way and see if the washing machine will start properly.

Push start switch may need to be tested with a multi meter for continuity OHMS should show a closed circuit when pushed in or turned on.
The start switch on some top load washers is often part of the timer and is activated by pulling out on the timer knob. Although not normally available as a separate part, the switch can be tested for continuity with a multi-meter. You will need to remove power from the appliance and then locate the correct timer contacts as noted on the wiring diagram. On some electronic controlled models, the start switch is a momentary contact type switch located on the control console. You can test this switch for continuity with a multi-meter when the push button is held in


Overheating If you've run several loads, one after another, without any problem but suddenly find your washing machine refuses to start, overheating could be the cause. The simple way to discover whether this is the problem is to give the machine ample time to cool down, say for a couple of hours, and then try it again. If it works fine, overheating has been the problem and you may have a motor with bad windings.
By the way my advice is free cuz God is good!


All washing machines use a motor that is responsible for spinning and agitating during the cleaning cycle. Many top load brands use a reversing motor which means the motor spins in one direction for agitating and another for spinning and draining. If the motor does not start, but makes a humming or buzzing noise then it may be defective. To verify if the motor is at fault, remove the drive and /or pump belts and then try to start the motor again. On direct drive models, you will have to disengage the pump and the direct drive coupling to the transmission. If the motor starts, then the problem is with the transmission or the pump and can be further diagnosed by reconnecting each one individually. If the motor does not start or continues to hum or buzz, then it will need to be replaced

Lastly CONTROL BOARD

If the control board does not provide the proper voltage to the drive motor, fill valve, drain motor or door lock then the washer may not start. The main control board on most washers is complicated and difficult to diagnose without proper test equipment and procedures. You can visually inspect the control for signs of electrical arcing or burned or damaged components on the board. You should use caution when replacing a control board as sometimes the burned components are caused by external component failures.

unplug it and wait for the machine to reset. You should hear some clicking noises. May take a while for it to reset.

lift the basket up and down by the front edge see if you can hear knocking noise and try turning the basket by hand see if you can hear metal to metal noise then it is the bearing...lot of things that could cause noise like unleveled machine, broken shocks etc. thx

Vicki, i think that clicking sound is ok when you press start. TRY THIS.
1. close door securely 2. press power after putting detergent.3 After making your selction for different levels eg hot,warm cold, press START.
usually these buttons are pretty reliable, GL

broken motor coupling

This is a A.C. hum that you are hearing. this is a warning sign. You are experiencing motor failure. the actual windings inside of the motor are losing their potential to hold an even current due to breakage. the shutdown is a safety feature built in the control panel to prevent electrical spark/fire.

Hello genny2626
Welcome,

You said,your 6 year old Kenmore elite top loader's wash plate doesn't seem to go through its proper motions. When the lid is closed and the washer has filled and the agitating cycle begins, you can hear a vibrating noise as if the plate is trying to move on the gentle cycle, but when the lid is opened, nothing has moved at all. The drain and spin work fine, and the machine goes through an entire cycle without error messages, but the clothes aren't clean. You said, you have heard a lot of horror stories of how expensive these washers are to repair, so would like an idea of what's wrong beforehand.

Here are a list of common vibration noises

Noisy, vibrating, off-balance

Is the washer level? Does the washer rock when pushed
against the corners?
The washer must be level. The front and rear feet must be in
firm contact with the floor. Check that the locknuts are
tightened. See “Level the Washer.”

Is the floor flexing, sagging or not level?
Flooring that flexes or is uneven can contribute to noise and
vibration of the washer. A ³⁄₄" (1.9 cm) piece of plywood under
the washer will reduce the sounds. See “Location
Requirements.”

Is the load balanced?
Evenly distribute the load in the washer basket and make
sure the height of the load does not exceed the top row of
basket holes. See “Starting Your Washer.”

Do you hear clicking or other noises when the cycle
changes from washing to draining or spinning?
When the drive system shifts or the washer basket settles
between cycles you may hear noises that are different from
your previous washer. These are normal washer noises.

Is the washer gurgling or humming?

Is the washer level? The wash load
should be balanced and not overloaded. The washer must be
level. The front feet should be properly installed and the nuts
tightened. Reset the rear leveling legs (if needed). See the
Installation Instructions.
Did you completely remove the yellow shipping strap with
cotter pins? See the Installation Instructions.
• Are the gears engaging after the drain and before spin, or
is the upper part of agitator clicking during wash? These
are normal washer noises.

Let me know if any of these are the solution!
Huuum

DOOR SWITCH