My Kenmore Elite top loading washer won't start unless i slam the lid.

You will need to replace the lid switch. Here is a link to the part you need.

Hi from retired Englishman in SW France,

There is likely to be a problem with either the lid solenoid/lock or the 'lid closed' sensor requiring a service engineer's attention I suggest. Sorry ;-0(

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Thanks and good luck!
John C

HI THERE, IT SOUNDS AS IF YOUR PUMP IS BLOCKED, NOT WORKING OR SOMETHING MORE SERIOUS. START BY CHECKING THE PUMPS IS NOT BLOCKED, LOOSE CHANGE NORMALLY CAUSES THIS AND IS RELATIVELY EASY TO FIX.

Finding the pump on the Kenmore Elite top load washer is a fairly easy project that can be done in about a half hour. The Kenmore Elite is part of the GE line of appliances and shares many of the same interior mechanical parts and systems. The Kenmore Elite is a very streamlined exterior cabinetry design, but the interior can be accessed by removing just a few screws in order for you to locate the water pump.
things you'll need:

• Screwdriver

1. • 1

     Unplug the electrical cord of the Kenmore Elite top load washer from the electrical outlet before attempting to locate the pump.
     

   • 2

     Remove the end caps on the control console of the dryer by pressing in on the caps with your thumbs and pulling the caps forward to unfasten them.
     

   • 3

     Unfasten the screws on the ends of the control console in the front with a screwdriver and tilt the console back so that it rests on the back hinges.
     

   • 4

     Unplug the top lid switch from the rear of the lid that sits underneath the control console, pulling the switch straight up off the metal prongs by hand.
     

   • 5

     Pry the metal clips that sit on the top lid up with a screwdriver, lifting the clips to unlatch the top and pull the top lid cover off the washer base, setting it aside.
     

   • 6

     Locate the water pump at the base of the washing machine on the top of the motor shaft.
     

   • 7
     

   • take the cover off the pump and remove any blockage or debris.
     

thanks and good luck

iain



Read more: How to Find the Pump on a Kenmore Elite Top Load Washer ' eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_6304872_pump-elite-top-load-washer.html#ixzz1LQ4bdiFZ

It sounds like the lid switch is faulty. The washer has a lid switch that checks to see if the lid is open, if lid is open the washer will not start the wash cycle. Check/replace the lid switch and you should be back in business.

Hi,
Lid switch has gone bad...
Problems with a washing machine not spinning or not draining are often interrelated..

If you are having a problem with your top load washer then check out thistip...

Washing Machine does not Pump or Spin


If you are having problems with your front load washing machine then checkoutthis tip...

Front Load Washing machine not draining and or not spinning


heatman101

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.

Newer model Whirlpool / Kenmore washers use a Lid Switch as a safety device. Unless the switch senses that the lid on the washer is closed, the washer will neither agitate nor spin.

Older models only used the switch during the spin cycle.

Try to bypass the Lid Switch by removing the Console and jumping the two outermost pins on the switch.

Following is a description of how to release the console for access to the pins.

http://www.american-appliance.com/catalog/newsdesk_info.php?newsPath=16&newsdesk_id=137

This is a Whirlpool PDF on how these washers operate. It has a diagram on jumping the switch as well as a detailed section on how the transmission works.

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


It also has a troubleshooting guide.

To bypass the switch, you only have to disconnect the power to the washer, tilt the console back, unplug the switch and using an short piece of insulated wire, jump the two outermost contacts on the connector coming from the console and plug the washer back in.

Following is a description of how to gain access to the console and how to remove the cabinet if necessary.

http://www.american-appliance.com/catalog/newsdesk_info.php?newsPath=16&newsdesk_id=131&osCsid=913ba652cd504fb162f87d892bcb427b

With the jumper in place, try to re-start the washer.

If it works, the Lid Switch is a relatively inexpensive part.

sounds like your lid switch is bad

Hi,
This is most certainly caused by a faulty micro switch on the lid. Have the switch checked out and replaced if need be.

Best wishes,
Graemevm

replace the lid switch, or check the connections it might even be your pusing rod for activating the switch

check the lid switch it is on the top under the lid it may have cracked and fell off