My Kenmore Elite Catalyst washer Model #11020096992 is now five years old. I have had nothing but problems with this supposed "top of the line" product. We probably could have purchased another washer or two by now. The most recent problem is that it won't drain during the rinse and spin cycle. I have to turn the washer off and let it cool down for about a half hour, then run the rinse and spin cycle. There is also a burning smell. Any help or ideas would be appreciated.

theosmith

I've been trying to research the same problem. I found an older post where Applguy recommends looking at the timer, as Whirlpool had a known problem,and the timer affects how a couple of motor windings are energized. My problem is that my washer has one of those new electronic interfaces, so it doesn't have a timer, per see, I think. Also, the circuit board isn't indicating errors, so I'm not sure what the problem is now. I've replaced the motor once already, so I don't believe that that is really the root problem.

Good luck, please post if you find a solution

Equally frustrated w/ Kenmore Elite Catalyst

Brittgee

After I posted this, I also got a very loud noise at the end of the spin cycle. I was told that it was probably the motor and was advised to spend the repair money on a new washer. I couldn't even donate this washer to anyone - too expensive to repair. I never got any error messages either. I have now bought a new washer from Costco (even though it is a Whirlpool) it has a 2 year warranty and dials, but it's washes the clothes just fine! Hope you can solve your problem, mine just kept repeating - not worth fixing in the long run.

classactdesign

Hey, I have the same problem...the washer got to the rinse cycle and nothing... can you imagine that? I have had mine in storage for 2 years because I was tired of getting it fixed, but didn't have the heart to throw the %$^&**() thing out. The last repair quote I got was about $500.00 for a new board. So, I sent the motherboard to http://www.pcbr.biz/ and had it repaired for 125.00. I put the board back in and now it spins and fills with water, but still does not drain when it gets to the drain cycle. Any suggestions, or should I jst toss the %$()*)& thing and buy another elcheapo washer....I will NEVER buy anything else Whirpool.!!

Brittgee

I chose the new washer after checking out Consumer Reports. I would not have bought anything from Kenmore or Whirlpool, but I feel that it is the Catalyst model that is the problem.

cyber_rigger

I just got through fixing mine.

Mine is a Kenmore Elite with the mechanical timer.
I also had the burning smell.

The burning smell was from fried electrical switch contacts in the mechanical timer.

Here is my theory on the failure.
The brake for the spin cycle is too strong and gets stuck.
The motor stalls at spin startup and fries several contacts in the timer.
The charred contacts no longer work.

HOW I FIXED IT (for me)

1. I fixed the timer:

I took the timer apart and scraped clean the charred contacts
(very difficult, not recommended).
I recommend buying a new timer instead, about $100.


2. Then I weakened the brake so it would not stick:

I pulled the agitator, then the gearbox/motor.
Attached to the bottom side of the tank is the brake.
It's a drum brake, similar to a car brake.
I shortened the brake spring about 1/4".

3. I put everything back together (at least 5 times).


The spin takes a few extra seconds to stop but it works (so far).

Warning, this modification may make a dangerous machine.
Use this information at your own risk.

Brittgee

I ended up buying a new washer, hope yours continues to work. That fix would have been too much for me to do anyway.

cyber_rigger

Thanks for your original post. It helped me diagnose my washer.
Seeing the same symptoms again (burning smell, loud noise at end of spin)
made me realize that this could be a design problem
and NOT normal wear and tear.
My washer also made a loud screeching, shaking stop (when it did spin).
This made me suspect the brake was locking.

After shortening the brake spring, mine now makes a soft quiet stop.