Video & Articles: Appliance & Equipment RepairWhirlpool/Kenmore Top-Load Direct Drive Washer Won't Start? #661600

Whirlpool/Kenmore Top-Load Direct Drive Washer Won't Start? #661600

03:54
This video provides step-by-step repair instructions for replacing the drive motor on a Whirlpool/Kenmore top-loading washing machine. The most common reasons for replacing the drive motor are when the washer won't start, is making loud noises or won't spin or agitate.

All of the information for this drive motor replacement video is applicable to the following brands:
Whirlpool, Kenmore, Roper, Estate, Maytag, Inglis, KitchenAid, Amana, Crosley, Admiral

Tools needed: flathead screwdriver, Phillips head screwdriver, hex socket, hammer, putty knife

Step By Step Instructions

1
As with any repair, be sure you’ve unplugged the appliance before beginning.
2
Your first step is to move the control panel out of the way.
3
To do this, remove the screws found at either end.
4
On some models these screws may be located in the rear panel or they may be covered by plastic end caps.
5
Pull the end cap off from the top to access the screw.
6
Remove both screws and rotate the panel up.
7
Some models use clips instead of screws to secure the control panel.
8
Insert a putty knife between the control panel and the cabinet to release the clips.
9
Now, unplug the wire connector and snap out the spring clips using a flathead screwdriver.
10
Tilt the cabinet toward you, slide forward and remove.
11
You’ll need to remove the pump first to access the motor.
12
Unsnap the retainer clips and wiggle the pump off of the motor shaft.
13
Move it to the side.
14
Detach the motor wiring harness.
15
Next, remove the two screws from the motor retainer clips
16
Snap off the bottom clip.
17
Since the motor is heavy, support it with your hand as you snap off the top clip.
18
Now, pull the motor out.
19
Remove the drive coupler’s isolator and cog from the motor shaft.
20
Be aware you may need to use force to successfully remove the cog.
21
You’re now ready to install the new drive motor.
22
Transfer the four rubber grommets from the old motor onto the new one.
23
Place the isolator onto the cog attached to the gear case drive shaft.
24
Carefully push the removed cog onto the new motor shaft until it is flush against it.
25
Line up the prongs on the cog with the holes in the isolator and slide the motor into position.
26
Reinstall the retainer clips and screws.
27
Reconnect the motor wire harness.
28
Align the motor shaft with the pump and slide the pump on.
29
Reinstall both pump clips.
30
You’re now ready to reinstall the cabinet.
31
The front edge of the cabinet slides underneath the base frame.
32
Use your foot to push it into position.
33
Align the two notches in each side of the cabinet with the tabs on each side of the base frame.
34
Now ease the cabinet to match up with the rear panel.
35
Reinstall the spring clips.
36
Reattach the wire connector.
37
Rotate the control panel down and lock the clips into place or reinstall the two screws.
38
If applicable to your model, replace the end caps by aligning the tab with the slot at the bottom and snapping the cap into position.
39
You’re now ready to plug the appliance back in to make sure it’s functioning properly.
Description
This video provides step-by-step repair instructions for replacing the drive motor on a Whirlpool/Kenmore top-loading washing machine. The most common reasons for replacing the drive motor are when the washer won't start, is making loud noises or won't spin or agitate.

All of the information for this drive motor replacement video is applicable to the following brands:
Whirlpool, Kenmore, Roper, Estate, Maytag, Inglis, KitchenAid, Amana, Crosley, Admiral

Tools needed: flathead screwdriver, Phillips head screwdriver, hex socket, hammer, putty knife
Step-By-Step Instructions
1
As with any repair, be sure you’ve unplugged the appliance before beginning.
2
Your first step is to move the control panel out of the way.
3
To do this, remove the screws found at either end.
4
On some models these screws may be located in the rear panel or they may be covered by plastic end caps.
5
Pull the end cap off from the top to access the screw.
6
Remove both screws and rotate the panel up.
7
Some models use clips instead of screws to secure the control panel.
8
Insert a putty knife between the control panel and the cabinet to release the clips.
9
Now, unplug the wire connector and snap out the spring clips using a flathead screwdriver.
10
Tilt the cabinet toward you, slide forward and remove.
11
You’ll need to remove the pump first to access the motor.
12
Unsnap the retainer clips and wiggle the pump off of the motor shaft.
13
Move it to the side.
14
Detach the motor wiring harness.
15
Next, remove the two screws from the motor retainer clips
16
Snap off the bottom clip.
17
Since the motor is heavy, support it with your hand as you snap off the top clip.
18
Now, pull the motor out.
19
Remove the drive coupler’s isolator and cog from the motor shaft.
20
Be aware you may need to use force to successfully remove the cog.
21
You’re now ready to install the new drive motor.
22
Transfer the four rubber grommets from the old motor onto the new one.
23
Place the isolator onto the cog attached to the gear case drive shaft.
24
Carefully push the removed cog onto the new motor shaft until it is flush against it.
25
Line up the prongs on the cog with the holes in the isolator and slide the motor into position.
26
Reinstall the retainer clips and screws.
27
Reconnect the motor wire harness.
28
Align the motor shaft with the pump and slide the pump on.
29
Reinstall both pump clips.
30
You’re now ready to reinstall the cabinet.
31
The front edge of the cabinet slides underneath the base frame.
32
Use your foot to push it into position.
33
Align the two notches in each side of the cabinet with the tabs on each side of the base frame.
34
Now ease the cabinet to match up with the rear panel.
35
Reinstall the spring clips.
36
Reattach the wire connector.
37
Rotate the control panel down and lock the clips into place or reinstall the two screws.
38
If applicable to your model, replace the end caps by aligning the tab with the slot at the bottom and snapping the cap into position.
39
You’re now ready to plug the appliance back in to make sure it’s functioning properly.

Applicable Product Model

Parts Needed
Recommended Tools and Accessories
Cleaner
Cleaner
$7.62
Total$0.00

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