Kenmore Model 80 Washer continues to pump out, even after water is drained

[JohnS]

Model Number: 110-28872890
Brand: Sears Kenmore
Age: More than 10 years

Today, the washer will fill and agitate, and initially drain without a problem. But the washer continues to run the pump even after the water has drained, and I can hear it 'running dry'. If I manually move the stage-selector knob to Spin, it will continue and complete the load as normal. It seems like there's a float or water level sensor awry, but I can't find anything in its manual or online about that.

Background: approx. 4 weeks ago, I replaced the water pump with no apparent problems. I replaced this pump because the washer would not drain, it would simply buzz and eventually stop. In the 4 weeks since, it's been working normally until today. We also have very hard water, if I knew what part was involved... it might be a matter of clearing off some scale.

[Doc Ryan]

So the washer is draining out the water, but it doesn't start spinning?

[JohnS]

You are correct, the washer successfully drains but won't start the Spin.

However I can manually advance it to Spin on the stage selector, and it will Spin as normal.

[Doc Ryan]

These washers have a neutral drain transmission. This means that when the washer goes into the spin cycle, it will drain the water out first without the tub spinning. Then the timer will pause for a short amount of time, and then when it kicks back in, it will start spinning the tub. It sounds like your washer might not be pausing to engage the tub to start spinning?

[JohnS]

After futzing with it further... I think the lid switch is getting iffy. I've put a collar on the actuator to make a more secure connection, and the washer longer needs intervention to complete its loads.

I think a hit-or-miss switch might explain a lot, and I forsee replacing the switch in the near future.

[Doc Ryan]

I think you might be on the right track. It is common for these lid switches to act intermittently when they are starting to fail. Let me know if or when you confirm the lid switch was the cause of the problem.

This is the lid switch for your washer:

Lid Switch Assembly - 3949238