How do I turn off the control lock on my Kenmore Elite washer?
On the Kenmore washer model 11026912690, you turn Control Lock off by pressing and holding the same button that turns it on for about 3 seconds. The console typically labels that key with wording like “Control Lock” or “Hold 3 seconds.” See the 11026912690 owner's manual for the exact button on your control panel.
- Make sure the washer is powered on.
- Look for a button labeled Control Lock or text that says Hold 3 seconds.
- Press and hold that button for 3 seconds.
- Release the button when the lock indicator light turns off (or the display changes).
- Try selecting a cycle and starting the washer to confirm the controls respond.
These quick checks solve most “stuck lock” situations on Kenmore top-load washers:
- Press and hold longer: hold the key for a full 5 seconds.
- Pause and retry: wait 10 seconds, then press and hold again.
- Reset power: unplug the washer (or switch off the breaker) for 1 minute, then restore power and try again.
- Check for a jammed knob or key: make sure no button is physically stuck.
- Confirm you are using the correct key: some panels use a specific option key (not Start) to toggle the lock.
Control Lock is designed to prevent accidental cycle changes, especially during agitation and spin. If it is on, the washer can appear “dead” even though power is present, which can lead to unnecessary part replacement.
| What you see | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| “Control Lock” light on | Controls are disabled | Hold the Control Lock key 3 seconds |
| Controls do not respond | Lock is on or panel needs reset | Power reset, then hold key again |
If the lock will not toggle after the steps above, the issue is usually in the console controls or timer circuit. You can look up replacement parts for model 11026912690 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to unclog drain hose on Kenmore washer?
To unclog the drain hose on your Kenmore washer model 11026912690, unplug the washer, remove as much water as possible from the tub, then disconnect and clear the drain hose and pump inlet for socks, lint, and debris. Reassemble and test a drain and spin cycle.
- Unplug the washer to prevent electric shock.
- Turn off both water supply valves.
- Protect the floor with towels; keep a shallow pan handy.
- If the tub is full, bail water out or use a wet/dry shop vacuum at the standpipe.
- Review access and panel removal details in the 11026912690 owner's manual.
- Check the standpipe first: Make sure the household drain is not backing up (a clogged standpipe can look like a washer problem).
- Access the drain path: Pull the washer forward and locate the drain hose where it connects to the home drain and where it connects to the pump.
- Clear the hose:
- Remove the hose from the standpipe and inspect the end for lint buildup.
- Disconnect the hose from the pump and look for obstructions.
- Flush the hose with hot water; use a small drain snake or long zip tie to pull out debris.
- Check the pump inlet and impeller area: Many clogs sit right at the pump inlet. If the pump is jammed, replacement is often the reliable fix.
- Reinstall and test: Reconnect clamps securely, restore power, then run a drain/spin to confirm strong flow.
| Symptom | Most likely cause | Part to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Hums but won’t drain | Pump jammed or failed | Washer drain pump WP3363394 |
| Drains slowly | Partial clog in hose or pump inlet | Hose cleaning; inspect pump |
| Fills but won’t advance | Drain issue affecting timer progression | Inspect drain path; timer only after drain is verified |
A restricted drain hose or a jammed drain pump can prevent proper draining and spinning, leaving clothes wet and putting extra strain on the drive system. Clearing the blockage early helps prevent repeat clogs and reduces wear on components.
We list model-matched replacement parts for Kenmore 11026912690 on this page; you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the life expectancy of a Kenmore washer?
A Kenmore washer typically lasts 10 to 15 years. For the Kenmore 11026912690 (a classic top-load, agitator-style design), it’s common to see 15 to 20 years with normal household use and timely repairs; heavy use and overloading shorten that.
- Light use (1 to 3 loads/week): 15 to 20 years
- Average use (4 to 7 loads/week): 10 to 15 years
- Heavy use (8+ loads/week): 7 to 12 years
- Frequent overloading or unbalanced loads: cuts lifespan significantly
These are common wear items on older Kenmore top-load washers; replacing them often restores normal washing and spinning.
- Agitation problems (clothes not moving well): agitator dog 80040
- No spin or loud grinding during agitation/spin: coupling 285753A
- Weak spin, burning smell, or slipping during spin: clutch 285785
- Won’t drain or leaves water in the tub: washer drain pump WP3363394
- Off-balance shaking or banging: washer suspension spring WP63907
- Use the correct water level and avoid packing the basket tight.
- Keep loads balanced (mix items, do not wash one heavy item alone).
- Turn off water supply valves if the washer will sit unused for long periods.
- If you see slow filling, clean the inlet screens; a failing valve can be replaced with inlet valve 285805.
- Follow cycle and temperature guidance in the owner's manual.
| What you’re seeing | Most likely area | Typical next step |
|---|---|---|
| Agitator “ratchets” but won’t pull clothes through | Agitator dogs | Replace agitator dog 80040 |
| Motor runs but washer won’t agitate/spin | Motor coupling | Replace coupling 285753A |
| Drains slowly or not at all | Drain pump or hose | Inspect/replace washer drain pump WP3363394 |
| Loud mechanical noise in spin, oil leak underneath | Gear case | Inspect drive system; gear case replacement may be needed |
Washer life expectancy is mostly about mechanical wear (drive system, clutch, pump) and load stress (overloading, chronic unbalance). On a durable platform like the Kenmore 11026912690, replacing a few key parts can add years of reliable service.
If you’re ready to repair, you can order model-specific replacement parts from the parts list for Kenmore 11026912690, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to read Kenmore washer model numbers?
Kenmore washer model numbers use a prefix plus additional digits to identify the design and exact version. For Kenmore model 11026912690, the 110 prefix identifies the manufacturing source used for many Kenmore top-load platforms; the remaining digits narrow it to your exact build.
Most Kenmore washer model numbers break into three sections:
- Prefix (first 3 digits): identifies who built the washer for Kenmore (example: 110)
- Base model digits (middle group): identifies the core platform and major component family
- Suffix digits (ending group): identifies version details such as console, minor revisions, or feature packages
| Section | Example from 11026912690 | What it tells us |
|---|---|---|
| Prefix | 110 | Manufacturer source/platform family |
| Remaining digits | 26912690 | Exact model variation for parts match |
On Kenmore top-load washers like 11026912690, the model and serial tag is commonly located:
- Under the lid (along the rim of the opening)
- On the top frame near the tub opening
- On a label easiest to read with the lid open
For the exact location and labeling details, use the 11026912690 owner's manual.
Using the complete model number helps us match the correct diagrams and parts because small version changes can affect fit.
- Prevents wrong-part returns
- Ensures electrical and mechanical compatibility
- Speeds up troubleshooting and repair planning
If you are ordering common wear items for this washer, examples include the coupling 285753A and the washer drain pump WP3363394. You can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Kenmore washers can look similar across series, but internal parts like the gear case, clutch, timer, and inlet valve can vary by suffix.
Last updated: February 2026





