[jj @ home]

Kenmore Elite washer model 110-26942505. Will fill with water, spin and rinse, but will not agitate, low hum.

Have check motor coupling, pump is free of debris. How do you determine if this is a start capacitor or timer issue, or something else?

Thanks for any/all advice.

[fairbank56]

Are you sure about that model number? Could be water level pressure switch. Line voltage for agitate mode is through that switch. After washer is full, pull plug and open control panel. Disconnect wiring from pressure switch and jump the violet and tan wires together. Re-connect power to see if it will agitate.

Eric

[jj @ home]

Originally Posted by fairbank56

Are you sure about that model number? Could be water level pressure switch. Line voltage for agitate mode is through that switch. After washer is full, pull plug and open control panel. Disconnect wiring from pressure switch and jump the violet and tan wires together. Re-connect power to see if it will agitate.

Eric

the correct model # is 110-26942502. I'll test the water level pressure switch as outlined & advise. thxs.

[jj @ home]

Originally Posted by jj @ home

the correct model # is 110-26942502. I'll test the water level pressure switch as outlined & advise. thxs.

Eric, bypassed the water level switch as suggested, unfortunately machine did not agitate, it simply went into the humming phase (hums for 30 secs, stops for 30 and starts humming again).

I don't know if the start capacity can be tested if it's removed (I can take it out but don't have tools to test). Wondering if a appliance parts store can test a start capacitor b4 I purchase another one..... Any advice is appreciated! JJ

[fairbank56]

Since it spins ok, I would say that the capacitor is ok. It is only used for starting the motor. The motor reverses direction from agitate to spin via timer contacts so the timer is a possibility. The best way to troubleshoot this is to take voltage measurements at the motor. This is how you find voltage drops due to bad connections. Another option is to remove the motor, set it on the floor still hooked up, place your foot on it and try agitate mode. You'll need to bypass the lid switch after removing the cabinet to do this test. If it runs ok on the floor, try turning the gearcase input shaft by hand in the CCW direction for agitate while someone observes the agitator. If it's really tight, there may be something caught under the agitator or other problems. Another possiblity is the speed switch if this washer has one.

Eric