How to read Kenmore washer model numbers?
Kenmore washer model numbers are read left to right: the first 3 digits identify the manufacturer that built the washer for Kenmore, the next group identifies the base design series, and the final digits show feature or production variations. For your Kenmore Elite washer model 11027032602, the 110 prefix is the key manufacturer identifier.
What each section of the model number tells you
Most Kenmore washer model numbers follow this pattern:
- Prefix (first 3 digits): manufacturer code (for example, 110)
- Middle digits: base model or platform family (design series)
- Ending digits: version details such as feature package, color code, or production change
We use the full model number to match the correct parts list, diagrams, and troubleshooting info.
Why the full model number matters for parts
Small digit changes can mean different components, even when the washer looks the same. Using the complete model number helps ensure compatibility for common repairs such as:
- Drain problems (often tied to the drain pump or drain hose routing)
- Lid not locking or not starting (lid lock and switch issues)
- Excess vibration or off-balance spinning (suspension system wear)
- Basket drive issues (hub and basket engagement)
If you are ordering parts for this washer, match them to 11027032602 exactly, not just “110.2703”.
Quick examples (how to interpret what you see)
| What you see on the tag | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 110.2703# | Base series with a color/variant placeholder | Use the full number from the tag for parts |
| 11027032602 | Full model identifier | Use this for parts lookup and manuals |
| 110.2703 (partial) | Incomplete model reference | Confirm the remaining digits before ordering |
Where to find the model number on the washer
Check the model and serial tag on the washer cabinet (commonly under the lid area or along the rim). Then compare it to the model shown in the owner's manual.
Why it matters
Kenmore model numbers are the fastest way to identify the correct manufacturer-built platform and avoid ordering the wrong lid lock, drain pump, or suspension parts for your exact washer configuration.
Last updated: February 2026
How to force a Kenmore 11027032602 Elite washer to drain?
To force your Kenmore Elite washer model 11027032602 to drain, cancel the current cycle and run Drain & Spin. On this model, pressing STOP twice cancels and drains; then you can select DRAIN & SPIN and press START (the lid will lock and unlock during the process). See the owner's manual for the exact button sequence and indicator lights.
Fast steps to drain (control panel method)
- Press STOP twice to cancel the cycle and drain the washer.
- Press POWER.
- Press DRAIN & SPIN.
- Press START.
- Wait for the cycle to finish; the lid unlocks when the spin is complete.
If it still will not drain
A no-drain problem is usually a restriction (hose) or a drain pump issue.
- Check the drain hose for kinks, crushing, or a clog at the standpipe.
- Make sure the drain hose is not shoved too far down the standpipe (it can siphon or restrict flow).
- If you hear the pump humming but water does not move, inspect for a blockage at the pump.
- If the washer is completely dead or stops mid-cycle, reset power by unplugging for 1 minute, then retry Drain & Spin.
- If the lid will not lock, the washer may refuse to drain/spin; inspect the washer lid lock WPW10619844.
What to check first (quick comparison)
| Symptom | Most likely cause | What we check first |
|---|---|---|
| Hums but no draining | Pump jam or blockage | Pump inlet/outlet and hose path |
| No pump sound | Control, wiring, or lid lock issue | Lid lock status, then harness connections |
| Drains slowly | Partial clog or restricted hose | Drain hose routing and standpipe |
| Stops with water in tub | Cycle interruption | Run STOP twice, then DRAIN & SPIN |
Why it matters
Standing water can cause odor, redeposit soil on clothes, and strain the drive system during a restart. Getting the washer to drain correctly also helps you confirm whether the issue is a simple hose restriction or a failing drain component like the pump-water W10536347.
Last updated: February 2026
How to reset Kenmore washer model 11027032602 top loader?
To reset your Kenmore Elite washer model 11027032602, we recommend a simple power reset: turn the washer off, unplug it for 1 minute, then plug it back in and press POWER. For many control glitches, this restores normal operation without changing any settings in the cycle.
Quick reset options (start here)
Try these in order:
- Power reset: Unplug for 1 minute, plug back in, then press POWER.
- Cancel and restart a cycle: Press STOP twice to cancel and drain, press POWER, choose a cycle, then press START (this is the closest thing to a “cycle reset” in the manual).
- Clear a stuck cycle: If the washer seems paused, allow up to 2 minutes for normal pauses during certain cycles.
- Lid check: Close the lid fully; the washer will not run with the lid open.
- Drain and spin reset: Press STOP twice, press POWER, select DRAIN & SPIN, then press START.
For the exact button behavior and cycle steps for model 11027032602, follow the sequence in the owner's manual.
If the washer still will not run after a reset
A “reset” helps with control hiccups, but it will not fix a failed part. These are the most common causes to check next:
- Lid not locking (suspect the lid lock)
- Slow drain or no drain (suspect a drain restriction or drain pump)
- Slow fill (suspect kinked hoses or clogged inlet screens)
- Overload or severe out-of-balance load
- Drain hose installed too low, causing siphoning (fills and drains repeatedly)
Common symptoms and what they point to
| What you see | What it usually means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t start, lid won’t lock | Lid lock issue | Inspect lid strike and consider washer lid lock WPW10619844 |
| “Ld” or long drain | Drain problem | Check hose for clogs; consider pump-water W10536347 |
| “LF” or long fill | Fill problem | Straighten hoses; clean inlet screens |
Why it matters
Resetting correctly prevents lost additives and wasted time. The manual’s STOP/POWER/START sequences also ensure the washer drains safely before restarting a cycle.
Last updated: February 2026
Is Kenmore 11027032602 Elite high end?
Yes. The Kenmore Elite 11027032602 is positioned as a higher-end Kenmore washer because it includes premium performance features like a stainless steel basket, higher spin speeds for better water extraction, and software designed to sense and correct off-balance loads (features typically found in upper-tier machines). See the owner's manual for the full feature list.
What makes this model “high end” in real use
These are the kinds of features that separate the Elite line from basic washers:
- Stainless steel basket: corrosion resistant and supports higher spin speeds to reduce drying time.
- Vibration control design: spring damper struts and balance rings help minimize vibration.
- Off-balance sensing: operating software detects and helps correct unbalanced loads.
- Force filter wash/rinse system: filters and recirculates wash and rinse water to help keep grit from redepositing.
- Delay start: lets you load and start later (up to 9 hours).
Quick comparison: Elite vs. basic top-load washers
| Feature | Kenmore Elite 11027032602 | Typical basic top-load washer |
|---|---|---|
| Basket material | Stainless steel | Porcelain-coated steel or plastic |
| Vibration control | Enhanced (struts + balance rings + software) | Basic suspension |
| Water handling | Filter/recirculation system | Standard fill and drain |
| Spin performance | Higher-speed extraction | Lower-speed extraction |
Why it matters
Higher-end features usually mean better cleaning consistency, less vibration during spin, and shorter dryer time because more water is extracted in the washer.
If you are evaluating value or planning repairs
Even premium washers need maintenance over time. For this model, common repair categories we see include:
- Drain and water removal issues (consider the pump-water W10536347)
- Lid not locking or cycle not starting (consider the washer lid lock WPW10619844)
- Excessive shaking or off-balance spinning (consider the suspension W10820048)
- Basket drive wear symptoms (consider the hub basket W10820039)
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth repairing a Kenmore washing machine?
Yes, repairing a Kenmore Elite washer like model 11027032602 is worth it when the problem is a common, replaceable part (drain pump, lid lock, suspension) and the washer is otherwise in good condition. It is usually time to replace when multiple major drive or tub components are failing at once.
Quick way to decide (our rule of thumb)
Use these checks to make a clear repair vs. replace call:
- Repair when the issue is isolated (won’t drain, won’t lock, off-balance) and the tub and drive system are sound.
- Repair when the estimate is under about half the cost of a comparable new washer.
- Repair when you can fix it with a single part and basic tools.
- Replace when you have repeated leaks, heavy corrosion, or multiple failures close together.
- Replace when the washer is extremely noisy in spin and you also see signs of bearing or shaft wear.
For model-specific safety and service guidance, follow the cautions in the owner's manual.
Common repairs that are usually worth it on this model
These are frequent, targeted fixes that often restore normal operation:
- Not draining or draining slowly: check the pump-water W10536347
- Lid won’t lock or cycle won’t start: check the washer lid lock WPW10619844
- Excessive shaking or banging: check the suspension W10820048
- Basket issues (slipping, poor spin): inspect the hub basket W10820039
Typical cost-to-benefit comparison
| Symptom | Likely area | Repair complexity | Usually worth it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Won’t drain | Drain pump, hoses, clamps | Low to medium | Yes |
| Won’t start/spin, lid error | Lid lock, wiring | Low to medium | Yes |
| Constant off-balance | Suspension, basket hub | Medium | Yes |
| Loud roar in spin plus leaks | Bearing/shaft plus tub work | High | Often no |
Why it matters
A focused repair can extend the life of your Kenmore washer and avoid the cost and hassle of replacement. The key is confirming you have a single, fixable failure instead of a chain of wear issues (tub, bearing, drive, and leaks together).
Last updated: February 2026





