April 19, 2023

DIY top-load washer repair

Whether your top-load washer won't start or it won't drain and spin the load, we have the troubleshooting help you need to get the washer fixed.

Choose a symptom below to figure out what's wrong with your washer. Refer to our top-load washer error codes and step-by-step washer repair guides for help replacing your washer's broken part. Get DIY tips and tricks for repairing and maintaining your top-load machine on our washer articles and videos page.

To find the owner’s manual or a complete list of replacement parts for your top-load washer, search for your model number.

Top-Load Washers

Repair guides for top-load washers

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 machine, follow these step-by-step instructions to replace the valve.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
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 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 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 damage. Follow these steps to replace a broken motor coupler.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
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 repair guide.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
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 worn out, replace the drive block following these directions.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
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 the problem. These instructions show how to replace the clutch band.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
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 guide.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
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 hose are clear, you can follow these instructions to replace the drain pump.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
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, following the steps in this repair guide.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
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 instructions.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
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. These steps explain how to replace it.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
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 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 the drive motor using these step-by-step instructions.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
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 how to replace the electronic control board in a top-load washer.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
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 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 repair guide shows you how.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
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 budge, the shifter could be the problem. Follow these steps to replace it in less than 45 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
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 all.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Articles and videos for top-load washers

June 16, 2023

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.

January 26, 2023

3 Laundry Stain Removal Hacks – Tested

3 Laundry Stain Removal Hacks – Tested

Find out whether 3 common laundry stain removal hacks actually work.

September 02, 2022

See examples of washer repair training from the Sears Technical Institute

See examples of washer repair training from the Sears Technical Institute

See the type of washer training that Sears Techs get in the Sears Technical Institute training.

August 30, 2022

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.

August 19, 2022

Are DIY appliance repairs safe?

Are DIY appliance repairs safe?

Find out how to stay safe when repairing your appliances.

August 11, 2022

Tapping into a new feature in the Search Bar on Sears PartsDirect

Tapping into a new feature in the Search Bar on Sears PartsDirect

Learn about a new feature added to the Search Bar on Sears PartsDirect

August 09, 2022

Should I get a top-load or front-load washer? -- A fresh new look at this topic

Should I get a top-load or front-load washer?  -- A fresh new look at this topic

Get help in deciding whether to buy a front-load or top-load washer.

July 21, 2022

How to remove control parts and the lid switch on a Maytag Atlantis III top-load washing machine

How to remove control parts and the lid switch on a Maytag Atlantis III top-load washing machine

Learn how to open the console and remove control parts from a Maytag Atlantis III top-load washer.

July 12, 2022

How to replace the timer and control parts on an Amana top-load washer

How to replace the timer and control parts on an Amana top-load washer

Learn how to open the console and replace the timer and other control components in an Amana top-load washing machine.

June 29, 2022

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.

January 04, 2022

How to troubleshoot Maytag Centennial washer problems

How to troubleshoot Maytag Centennial washer problems

Learn how to troubleshoot and fix your Maytag Centennial washing machine

October 11, 2019

Troubleshooting a top-load washer that won't drain or spin video

Troubleshooting a top-load washer that won't drain or spin video

Learn how to troubleshoot and fix your top-load washer if it won’t drain water or spin.

September 26, 2019

Keeping your smart appliances secure from hackers

Keeping your smart appliances secure from hackers

Find out how to protect your smart appliances from malevolent invasions by hackers.

July 06, 2017

How to calibrate a washer after a repair video

How to calibrate a washer after a repair video

Calibrate some washers models after replacing the control board, drive motor, motor capacitor or tub suspension springs.

August 25, 2016

Kenmore top-load washer uE and UE error codes

Kenmore top-load washer uE and UE error codes

Learn what to do when your Kenmore washer displays the eE and UE error codes.

August 25, 2016

LG top-load washer uE and UE error codes

LG top-load washer uE and UE error codes

Learn what to do when your LG washer displays the eE and UE error codes.

March 01, 2016

Troubleshooting a direct-drive top-load washer that won't fill video

Troubleshooting a direct-drive top-load washer that won't fill video

Learn the possible reasons that your washer won't fill and how to fix it when you find the problem.

June 01, 2015

How to troubleshoot flashing lid lock errors on a vertical modular washer video

How to troubleshoot flashing lid lock errors on a vertical modular washer video

This video shows how to troubleshoot flashing lid lock light errors on your vertical modular washer.

November 28, 2014

How to display error codes on vertical modular washers (VMWs) video

How to display error codes on vertical modular washers (VMWs) video

Learn how to enter diagnostic mode and view the error codes for Kenmore and Whirlpool vertical module washers (VMWs).