I have an elite kenmore top load washer. With the lid closed the washer will fill with water, but the wash or spin cycle will not start unless the lid is gently pushed down on the upper left side of the lid where the little plastic ball connects the lid the washer. Thank you. Brenda

Fill setting has to be adjusted and the belt is slipping on the spin cycle and not generating enough centrifugal force to get the water out.

sounds like the lid switch is not working

The most likely failure is the water level pressure switch or a failed lid switch. If the washer will drain and spin then it's not a failed lid switch. If it will not drain and spin the likely failure is the lid switch.

The water level switch (pressure switch) has 3 wires attached to it, V (violet), P (Pink) and a T (tan) wire. When the tub is empty of water, contact V&P are closed to allow the tub to fill with water. Once the water level reaches the desired setting, contact V&P opens and then contact V&T closes to start the motor agitating. So, with this said if you were to unplug the washer and remove the wires from the water level pressure switch and test to see if terminals V&T is closing by using an ohm meter would indicate if the contact is closed or not.

You may have 2 defective parts.
First,make sure the hot and cold water hoses are connected correctly and both turned on.
If the water fill problem is the same,the water temp switch is bad.
The not filling after the wash cycle could be a bad lid switch.
Set the machine for SPIN and turn it on.
If it does not spin,replace the lid switch.

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

sounds like a timer problem

it sounds like a bad lid switch if it will not drain or spin,the switch controls that-mike

check the lid switch some washers will fill and was with the lid open but will not spin, if the lid is closed manually actuate the lid switch or bypass it electrically, or replace it.

you have a bad timer.

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.