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.
Repair guides for top-load washers

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.

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

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

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.

If the top of the agitator moves both ways instead of just one, replace the agitator dogs, using the steps in this repair guide.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Replace the water inlet valve on your direct-drive top-load washer if the washer fills when unplugged or won't fill at all.
Articles and videos for top-load washers

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

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

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

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

Find out how to stay safe when repairing your appliances.

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

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

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

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

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

Learn how to troubleshoot and fix your Maytag Centennial washing machine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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