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Kenmore Washer Fills Slowly or Will Not Fill at All

The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Washer fills slowly or will not fill at all are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the top of the page.

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Most Frequent Causes for Washer fills slowly or will not fill at all

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Cause 1Control Board

Since a washing machine control board provides voltage to nearly all of the washer's electrical components, a faulty board may not be sending power to the inlet valve to open it and allow water to fill the tub. You can inspect the board for signs of burning or a shorted-out component. You can also use a multimeter to test for incoming power to the inlet valve after reviewing the appliance's wiring diagram. If no voltage is present when the washer is in the fill cycle, it's likely the control board is defective and will need to be replaced.

Parts
Cause 2Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve opens to allow water to enter the washing machine. If the water inlet valve is defective, the wash may fill slowly or not fill at all. The water inlet valve requires sufficient water pressure to function properly. First, check the water pressure to determine that it is adequate. If the water pressure is adequate, try cleaning the screens inside the water inlet valve hose connection ports. If the washer still fills slowly, replace the water inlet valve.

Parts
Cause 3Low Water Pressure from House Supply

The home water pressure might be too low. The water inlet valve requires at least 20 psi to function properly. Check the water pressure to the valve to determine if it is sufficient.

Cause 4Pressure Switch

The washing machine pressure switch has a tube attached to the side or the bottom of the tub. As water enters the tub, air pressure increases in the tube which will cause the pressure switch to interrupt voltage to the water inlet valve stopping the water flow once sufficient water has filled the tub. If the pressure switch is defective, it may prematurely shut off the voltage to the inlet valve resulting in the washer filling too little or not at all. After referring to the appliance's wiring diagram to identify the switch's terminals, you can use a multimeter to test the pressure switch for appropriate electrical continuity. Blowing into the attached tube should interrupt or restore continuity. If it does not, you'll know the part is faulty and will need to be replaced.

Parts
Cause 5Clogged Screens in Fill Hose or Water Inlet Valve

All water valves have filter screens to prevent particles from clogging it up, or worse yet preventing the valve from closing. For added protection and easier access, some fill hoses may have screens added to the hose washers/gaskets where the fill hose connects to the homes hot or cold shut-off valve. The screens in the water valve and hoses should be checked and cleaned if necessary. Unplug the machine. Turn off the water supply valves. Get a bucket to catch the remaining water in the hoses. Unthread the hoses from your machine and check to see if there is a clog in the filter. A simple cleaning may do the trick to get your washer working again.

Cause 6Clutch

Clutch

Parts
Cause 7Door Lock

The door lock secures the washer door shut during operation. Once the washer door is closed, the washer can begin operating. If the washer door is not latched shut, the door switch prevents the washer from operating. If the door lock is defective, the washer may stop mid cycle. The door lock can fail either mechanically or electrically. Inspect the door lock for damage. If the door lock is damaged or does not latch properly, replace it. To determine if the door lock has failed electrically, consult your washer’s diagram and use a multimeter to test each of the door lock switches, if applicable, for continuity. If one of the switches does not have continuity, replace the switch.

Parts
Cause 8Door Latch

The door latch secures the washer door shut during operation. Once the washer door is closed, the washer can begin operating. If the washer door is not latched shut, the door switch prevents the washer from operating. If the door latch is defective, the washer may stop mid cycle. The door latch can fail either mechanically or electrically. Inspect the latch for damage. If the latch is damaged or does not latch properly, replace it. To determine if the door latch has failed electrically, consult your washer’s diagram and use a multimeter to test each of the door latch switches, if applicable, for continuity. If one of the switches does not have continuity, replace the switch.

Parts
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