April 20, 2023

Washer repair guides

Don’t let your laundry pile up from a broken washing machine—check out these easy-to-follow repair guides and videos for replacing parts such as water valves, electronic control boards and drive motors. Our repair guides and videos cover basic washer repair procedures described in Frigidaire, LG, Whirlpool, GE and Kenmore washer repair manuals.

Find maintenance and DIY troubleshooting tips in the repair help section to keep your washer running smoothly and efficiently. Our error code charts can help you fix problems with Kenmore, Frigidaire, Whirlpool and other brands of washers. Search your model number to find the complete list of replacement parts for your washer and order the part you need.

washer

Repair guides for Repair guides common to all washers

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your washer.

How to replace a tiller recoil starter
May 01, 2013

How to replace a tiller recoil starter

The recoil starter spins the engine when you pull the starter rope, and the rope retracts when released. If the recoil s…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Repair guides for top-load washers

How to replace a water inlet valve on a vertical modular top-load washer
January 01, 2016

How to replace a water inlet valve on a vertical modular top-load washer

If the water inlet valve on your vertical modular top-load washer isn't controlling the flow of water into your washing …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace the water temperature switch on a direct-drive top-load washer
January 01, 2016

How to replace the water temperature switch on a direct-drive top-load washer

Replace the water temperature switch on your direct-drive top-load washer if the water temperature is wrong.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the water level pressure switch on a direct-drive top-load washer
January 01, 2016

How to replace the water level pressure switch on a direct-drive top-load washer

Replace the water level pressure switch on your direct-drive top-load washer if the washer overfills or doesn’t fill.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the motor coupler on a top-load washer
July 01, 2013

How to replace the motor coupler on a top-load washer

If the washer drains but won’t agitate or spin, the motor coupler might have broken to protect the drive motor from dama…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
How to replace the clutch assembly in a top-load washer
July 01, 2013

How to replace the clutch assembly in a top-load washer

If the washer spins when the basket is empty but not when the basket is full, the problem could be the clutch assembly. …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
How to replace the drive block on a top-load washer
July 01, 2013

How to replace the drive block on a top-load washer

The drive block rotates the spin basket. If the basket wobbles or rattles in the spin mode because the drive block is wo…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
How to replace the agitator dogs in a top-load washer
July 01, 2013

How to replace the agitator dogs in a top-load washer

If the top of the agitator moves both ways instead of just one, replace the agitator dogs, using the steps in this repai…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the spin basket in a top-load washer
July 01, 2013

How to replace the spin basket in a top-load washer

If the spin basket on your top-load washer is damaged, you can replace it with a new one. Just follow these step-by-step…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace the water inlet valve on a direct-drive top-load washer
July 01, 2013

How to replace the water inlet valve on a direct-drive top-load washer

Replace the water inlet valve on your direct-drive top-load washer if the washer fills when unplugged or won't fill at a…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the basket drive in a top-load washer
July 01, 2013

How to replace the basket drive in a top-load washer

If the washer screeches or squeals in the spin mode and the basket won't spin smoothly, replace the basket drive, follow…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
How to replace the clutch band in a top-load washer
July 01, 2013

How to replace the clutch band in a top-load washer

If the washer spins when the basket is empty but doesn’t spin when the basket is full, a worn-out clutch band could be t…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
How to replace the drive motor in a top-load washer
July 01, 2013

How to replace the drive motor in a top-load washer

The drive motor creates the rotation that turns the spin basket and agitator. If those components won't budge, replace t…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace the drain pump in a top-load washer
July 01, 2013

How to replace the drain pump in a top-load washer

If there's water in your washer at the end of the spin cycle, the drain pump could be faulty. If the drain and drain ho…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace the gear case in a top-load washer
July 01, 2013

How to replace the gear case in a top-load washer

If the washer won't spin or agitate with the motor running, replace the gear case, following the steps in this repair gu…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
How to replace the lid switch in a direct-drive top-load washer
July 01, 2013

How to replace the lid switch in a direct-drive top-load washer

Replace the lid switch if it doesn't detect the position of the lid.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the timer in a direct-drive top-load washer
July 01, 2013

How to replace the timer in a direct-drive top-load washer

Replace the timer if it doesn't advance or work properly.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace the shifter assembly in a top-load washer
July 01, 2013

How to replace the shifter assembly in a top-load washer

The shifter motor switches the washer's drive motor between the agitate and spin modes. If your washer's basket won't bu…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace the electronic control board on a top-load washer
July 01, 2013

How to replace the electronic control board on a top-load washer

The electronic control board is a major component that orchestrates the washer's functions. These instructions explain h…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace the lid switch/lock assembly on a top-load washer
July 01, 2013

How to replace the lid switch/lock assembly on a top-load washer

If the lid switch or lid lock fails, many top load washers won't run. You can install a new switch/lock assembly—this re…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less

Repair guides for front-load washers

How to replace a water inlet valve on a front-load washer
January 01, 2016

How to replace a water inlet valve on a front-load washer

The water valve assembly is the gatekeeper for water entering your front-load washer. You can replace it yourself, follo…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace the door boot on a front-load washer
January 01, 2016

How to replace the door boot on a front-load washer

If your washer leaks from under the door panel, replace the rubber door boot if it's torn.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
How to replace the door lock assembly on a front-load washer
January 01, 2016

How to replace the door lock assembly on a front-load washer

If your front-load washer won't start because the door won't lock, replace the door lock assembly if it's defective.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a motor control board on a front-load washer
July 01, 2013

How to replace a motor control board on a front-load washer

The motor control board makes sure the motor spins in the right direction and at the right speed. You can install a new …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace the user interface board in a front-load washer
July 01, 2013

How to replace the user interface board in a front-load washer

Follow these steps to replace the user interface board in your front-load washer if the buttons or lights are broken.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace the drain pump on a front-load washer
July 01, 2013

How to replace the drain pump on a front-load washer

Follow these steps to replace the drain pump if it's not removing water from the washer.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace the direct-drive motor on a front-load washer
July 01, 2013

How to replace the direct-drive motor on a front-load washer

These instructions show how to replace a beltless drive motor that attaches directly to the washer spin basket.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
How to replace the machine control board in a front-load washer
July 01, 2013

How to replace the machine control board in a front-load washer

If the machine control board is completely dead or won't activate the washer components properly, replace it by followin…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less

Most common symptoms to help you fix your washers

Choose a symptom to see related washer repairs.

Main causes: broken lid switch or lid lock, bad pressure switch, broken shifter assembly, faulty control system...

Main causes: lack of electrical power, wiring failure, bad power cord, electronic control board failure, bad user interf...

Main causes: leaky water inlet valve, faulty water-level pressure switch, bad electronic control board...

Main causes: water heater failure, bad water temperature switch, faulty control board, bad water valve, faulty water tem...

Main causes: no water supply, bad water valves, water-level pressure switch failure, control system failure, bad door lo...

Main causes: worn agitator dogs, bad clutch, broken motor coupler, shifter assembly failure, broken door lock, suspensio...

Main causes: unbalanced load, loose spanner nut, worn drive block, broken shock absorber or suspension spring, debris in...

Main causes: clogged drain hose, house drain clogged, bad drain pump, water-level pressure switch failure, bad control b...

Main causes: bad lid switch or door lock, bad timer or electronic control board, wiring failure, bad water inlet valve a...

Effective articles & videos to help repair your washers

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your washer.

How to use your washing machine efficiently

How to use your washing machine efficiently

Find tips for using your washing machine efficiently to save energy and help reduce utility bills....

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier....

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect....