What are the parts of a washing machine called?
A Kenmore washer like model 11028802890 is made up of a few main systems: the wash system (tub and agitator), the drive system (motor and coupling), the drain system (pump and hose), and safety controls (lid switch). Together, these parts fill, wash, drain, and spin.
Main washer parts and what they do
- Wash basket and outer tub: hold clothes and water during the cycle
- Agitator: moves clothes through water and detergent for cleaning
- Drive motor and drive coupling: create and transfer power for agitation and spin
- Gear case and clutch: control how the washer shifts into agitation and spin
- Drain pump: removes water from the tub during drain and spin
- Water inlet valve: lets hot and cold water into the washer
- Lid switch: helps prevent spinning when the lid is open
- Suspension springs: help control tub movement and reduce vibration
Common part names you will see for this model
Use these names when you are matching symptoms to parts or ordering replacements:
| What you notice | Part name you will see | Example from this model |
|---|---|---|
| Washer will not spin or stops when lid opens | Lid switch | Washer lid switch WP3949238 |
| Washer will not drain or drains slowly | Drain pump | Washer drain pump WP3363394 |
| Motor runs but washer will not agitate/spin | Motor coupling | Coupling 285753A |
| Agitator “ratchets” or does not move clothes well | Agitator dogs/cam | Agitator dog 80040 |
Where to confirm the exact part names
Your Kenmore documentation lists operating and installation details that help you identify systems and components (electrical requirements, hoses, leveling, and setup). Use the 11028802890 owner's manual to match what you are seeing to the correct assembly before ordering.
Why it matters
Knowing the correct part name speeds up troubleshooting and prevents ordering the wrong item. For example, a “won’t drain” complaint usually points to the drain system (pump, hose, or installation), while a “won’t spin” complaint often involves the lid switch, clutch, coupling, or gear case.
Last updated: January 2026
How to hard reset a Kenmore Elite washer?
A “hard reset” on the Kenmore washer model 11028802890 is simply a power reset: unplug the washer (or turn off the breaker) for about 1 minute, then restore power and restart the cycle. This clears many temporary control or cycle glitches.
Recommended reset steps (safe and simple)
- Press the timer knob in to stop the washer (if it is running).
- Unplug the power cord from the outlet (or switch the washer circuit breaker off).
- Wait 60 seconds.
- Plug the washer back in (or turn the breaker back on).
- Select a cycle and pull the timer knob out to start.
- If the washer was mid-cycle, run a short cycle to confirm normal agitation, drain, and spin.
For normal stop and restart operation on this model, follow the steps in the 11028802890 owner's manual.
If the washer still will not start or spin
A reset will not fix a failed safety switch, drain problem, or drive issue. These checks narrow it down fast:
- Lid not closing or no click: suspect the lid switch.
- Hums but will not drain: check for a clog or a failing pump.
- Agitates poorly or not at all: inspect the motor coupling and agitator components.
- Won’t spin, smells hot, or slips: check the clutch.
- Shakes or bangs excessively: check suspension springs and leveling.
Helpful model-matched parts to consider:
| Symptom | Common part to check | Part anchor |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t run/spin with lid closed | Lid switch | Washer lid switch WP3949238 |
| Won’t drain | Drain pump | Washer drain pump WP3363394 |
| Motor runs but no agitation/spin | Motor coupling | Coupling 285753A |
Why it matters
Power resets clear temporary timer or control interruptions, but repeated “needs a reset” behavior usually points to an underlying issue (lid switch, drain pump restriction, or a worn drive component). Fixing the root cause prevents mid-cycle stops and protects the drive motor.
Last updated: January 2026
How to unclog drain hose on Kenmore washer?
To unclog the drain hose on your Kenmore washer model 11028802890, unplug the washer, drain any standing water, then remove and flush the drain hose to clear lint or debris. Reinstall the hose fully onto the drain connector and secure the clamp to prevent leaks (see the 11028802890 owner's manual).
Safety and prep
- Unplug the washer.
- Turn off both water faucets.
- Keep towels and a shallow pan ready.
- Expect water to spill when the hose comes off.
- Avoid sharp tools that can puncture the hose.
Steps to unclog the drain hose
- Pull the washer forward and locate the drain hose connection at the bottom rear.
- Use pliers to squeeze the clamp and slide it back.
- Twist the hose back and forth while pulling it off the drain connector.
- Flush the hose with running water; push out lint with a flexible brush or small drain snake.
- Reinstall: twist and push the hose onto the drain connector until it reaches the ribbed stop; move the clamp into position over the marked clamp area.
If it still will not drain
- Straighten kinks and avoid crushing the hose behind the washer.
- Keep the drain hose outlet no higher than 96 inches above the floor.
- Make sure the hose is not sealed or jammed tightly into the standpipe; it needs an air gap.
- If the hose is clear, check the washer drain pump WP3363394 for a jam or failure.
Symptoms and what to check first
| Symptom | Most likely cause | First check |
|---|---|---|
| Drains slowly | Lint clog or kink | Flush hose, remove kinks |
| Won’t drain, pump hums | Pump jam/failure | Hose, then pump |
| Cycle stuck draining | No air gap, tight standpipe fit | Adjust hose fit |
Why it matters
A clogged or kinked drain hose can cause “won’t drain/won’t spin,” wet loads, and leaks. Correct hose routing and a secure clamp connection protect floors and help the washer complete the drain and spin cycle.
Last updated: January 2026
What does DE2 mean on a Kenmore washer?
On Kenmore washer model 11028802890, DE2 is a door or lid related display code that shows up when the washer is not sensing a safe-to-run condition. The fastest path to a fix is to confirm the lid is closing correctly and that the lid safety circuit is working.
What to do first (safe, quick checks)
- Press Pause/Cancel and restart the cycle.
- Open and close the lid firmly; listen for a distinct click at the lid switch area.
- Remove items that can keep the lid from closing (bulky bedding, overfilled load).
- Unplug the washer for 1 minute, plug it back in, then try Drain/Spin.
- If the tub is full of water, run a drain first; a no-drain condition can stop the cycle and trigger related codes.
Most common cause on this style of Kenmore washer
This model uses a lid safety circuit to prevent agitation and spin with the lid open. If the washer will not agitate or spin and the code returns, the most common repair is the lid switch.
- Replace the washer lid switch WP3949238 if the switch does not click, tests open, or works intermittently.
Quick decision table
| What you notice | What it usually points to | What we recommend |
|---|---|---|
| Fills, then stops before agitate or spin | Lid not being sensed as closed | Check lid closure and switch click; test lid switch |
| Works sometimes, fails other times | Worn switch or loose actuator alignment | Inspect alignment; replace lid switch if inconsistent |
| Won’t drain and stops mid-cycle | Drain restriction or weak pump | Check drain hose and pump for blockage |
Why it matters
The lid safety circuit is a required protection feature; when it does not signal correctly, the washer stops to prevent unsafe spinning. Restoring reliable lid detection gets normal wash and spin operation back.
For model-specific operating and troubleshooting steps, use the 11028802890 owner’s manual.
Last updated: January 2026





