How do you remove the outside of a washing machine.

[Ron Cliburn]

I have a Kenmore Washing machine that is about 15 years old. I believe the switch that turns it OFF when the drum is spinning is broken. The problem is that it washes just fine but will not go into the drain and rise cycle. The same thing happens when you leave the door open so I thought maybe the switch is broken.

I removed the screws holding the safety switch and the switch fell between the drum and the outside of the machine. Someone showed me how to remove the outer sheet metal of the machine but I don't recall how. I think they removed 2 screws and flipped the control part backwards and I'm lost after that.

If you can give me any advice, even telling me where to go (web site maybe) I would really appreciate it.

Not that is matters or that anyone cares but my problems never come in ones. If I can't fix it.....Heck, if I can't fix it I have no idea what I'll do. Wash the clothes in tub I guess.

Thanks for any advice provided. I will still search the net for helpful web sites incase I get kill filtered in this group.

RC

[JC]

I usually use the "parts" illustrations in the owners manual.If you don't have the manual, I think you can get one off the internet by going to Sears, or maybe Kenmore web sites.

[BobK207]

The old Kenmore my folks had allowed the machine top to be jerked forward & tilted up & open.

Open the lid & grab the front inner rim of the lid opening, jerk the top forward & slightly upward,. Some spring catches will release & allow you to pivot the top up & back. This will allow access to some interior parts, at least on their machine, this is how the lid switch was accessed.

If the switch is still attached to the wires maybe you can retrieve it.

The machine top can be propped open, just don't let it go over backwards (the weight of the control panel assembly can pull it over)

HTH

Smiitty's suggestion of bypassing the switch is possible but not advisable if you have non-tech folks using the machine.

In the old days many machines only shutdown upon lid opening in the spin stage & I even remember machines w/o a safety switch.

cheers Bob

[DT]

OK, if your machine is made by Maytag and is their direct drive model (my Kenmore is), here is what you do:

Remove the two screws in the lower corner of the backsplash.

Tilt the backsplash panel upwards.

There will be two spring clips holding the base to the back. Stick a screw driver in the first 'loop' and pry it backwards to pop each clip out.

The entire base will now pivot forward and can be pulled off to access the switch. They stock replacement switches at Sears Repair Centers if you have one nearby, otherwise go to Sears.com and order it online. Any decent appliance repair center will also have them, it's a universal switch that covers a lot of models.

Here is a how-to link, click on "Removing the cabinet..."

This is also a good time to check the plastic clutch dogs which break over time. Pop the top off the agitator and look in to see if there are any broken pieces. A kit to replace the dogs is about $9.00.

[Stormin Mormon]

I think I know the type of machine you have. Two screws. Flip control panel up and out of the way. Under the control panel, about in inch in from each edge, you'll find two very heavy duty metal clips. These clips pry out, big screw driver to pry on them. And then the sheet metal for the washer tilts forward, and out.

The lid switch is no longer atached, but you'll have to have five hands and a bit of skill to swing the sheet metal back on, atach the new lid switch, and so on.

[Stormin Mormon]

The other part to replace is the coupler, between the motor and the rest of the mechanism. I've had to replace those for friends.