Kenmore top load washer starts agitating as soon as turned on (during fill cycle)must close lid til fill then close and let agitate.will go into spin cycle but water does not turn off sometimes

its suppose to start with lid down,the draining may be a faulty water level switch so this needs replaced.

there should be 2 or 3 springs that hold it, they mite have broke, take off back panel an check.

First, see the Sears parts site for your washer.

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/getModel!retrieve.pd?pop=true&modelNumber=110.23912100

Also see the Whirlpool (Kenmore) Service Manual for top load, direct drive washers.

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


The first thing I'd try is using a different cycle. If the washer works as it should, the problem points to the timer.

I'd also check to make sure that when replacing the switch, the connections to the timer haven't come loose.

Since you've replaced the Lid Switch, the motor has power for the drain and spin cycles.

These washers use a reversing motor. The motor turns one way for agitating and reverses for the drain and spin.

Since you cannot hear anything when it is supposed to be agitating, the problem does point to the timer or motor.

Please be carful as running the agitator without enough water will overheat and kick out the motor, however it should be ok when it resets itself.
Yes, the machine should stop agitating when you lift the lid so this too is part of the problem.
After looking at the print I can only suggest that the cam contacts in the timer ( contacts 12 and 14) that start the motor are burned and stuck together.
Quentin

If it agitates fine , with normal noise , drains with lid closed , then the problem is probably the transmission .

Get a higher quality appliance

Hello aksward,
Welcome to Fixya.

Here are some suggestions for any Kenmore washers

Let me know how it goes. I'm still thinking and searching my repair manuals!
Huuum
Please remember to leave a rating!

KENMORE ELITE TOP LOAD

Washer stops, won't fill, rinse or agitate


• Check the following:
Is the power cord plugged into a grounded 3 prong outlet?
Is the indicator on the Cycle Control knob properly lined up
with a cycle? Turn the Cycle Control knob to the right slightly
and pull to start.
Are the water inlet valve screens clogged?
Are both the hot and cold water faucets turned on?
Is the water inlet hose kinked?
• Does the water level seem too low, or does the washer
appear to not fill completely? The top of the agitator is
much higher than the highest water level. This is normal and
necessary for clothes to move freely.
• Has a fuse blown or is the circuit breaker open? If problem
continues, call an electrician.
• Are you using an extension cord? Do not use an extension
cord.
• Is the washer in a normal pause in the cycle? The washer
pauses for about 2 minutes during certain cycles. Allow the
cycle to continue. Some cycles feature periods of agitation
and soak.
• Is the washer overloaded? Wash smaller loads.
• Is the lid open? The lid must be closed during operation.
Washer will not agitate or spin with the lid open.

lid switch is broke lever probley broke off or screw holes broke out due to off balance load forcing tub over against switch lever

the lid switch is fine. check wiring and motor connections.it could also be a bad timer

Well, it sounds like you've done your homework. My first suspect would have been the agitator dogs too, but you said they were fine. Another likely suspect would have been the motor coupler, but you said the washer spins during the spin cycle. If the coupler was bad the unit would fill, but wouldn't agitate or spin. Plus, it would make an awful noise. I would have also suspected a clutch assembly, but you said the wash tub can spin. Normally, when the clutch goes bad, the drum won't spin, or spins slow. Another suspect could have been a bad lid switch, but the washer would have filled and stopped, without agitating or spinning. The only remaining suspect that I'm aware of is the gear case (transmission). Checking under the washer can give you some clues. Normally, when a gear case starts to go bad, they leak an amber colored oil. You may find puddles or drips under the washer. If you see no signs of oil the gear case could still be defective, however. But, before you go through all the trouble, double check the agitator one more time. Completely remove it from the tub and check the under side to ensure the grooves that grip the top of the gear case shaft have not been worn smooth. I hope this may have been some help to you.