I have a kenmore washer model #4174112000 that worked up until the final spin. Now it does not spin at all. I've been told that it could be the lid switch assembly or the timer switch. First I need to know how to open it up. Does anyone know about this particular model. It is approximately 8 yrs old.

Yafaroo - I need to know if the washer works in other settings and not in the spin setting only. IF IT IS COMPLETEY OUT OF ORDER THEN IT IS A VERY GOOD CHANCE
THAT THE LID SWITCH IS EITHER OUT OF ADJUSTMENT OR IS DEFECTIVE:: TRY these tests on the lid switch first:: FIRST THING TO DO IS TIO DISCONNECT THE WASHER POWER CORD AT THE WALL RECEPTICAL:: OK <NOW YOU WILL NEED A VOLT OHM METER TO DO THE TEST WITH ::THE BEST PLACE TO GET ONE IS IN THE ELECTRICAL DEPT. AT Lowe's OR HOME DEPOT:: GET ONE THAT WILL HANDLE UP TO AND INCLUDING , 220VOLTS A/C,:: TO remove the top of the washer use either a strong putty knife or a common screw driverAnd about 1inch below the top in the joint push or tap into the crack a little ways then lift the top up. . The lid switch is easy to spot ,it will either be a button or a on a leaver that is anchored to the front pannel;
#2- Loosen the two screws that the switch is anchored with; :: There are two wires hooked to the switch, disconnect them . Turn the meter on and set meter to RXIscale - Where you took the wires off ,clip the meter probs ,one to each terminal, WATCH THE METER READINGS <IF THE READINGS ARE ( ZERO ) THEN THE SWITCH IS GOOD < IF THE READING IS HIGH THEN IT IS DEFECTIVE< REPLACE :: #3- TO TEST TO SEE IF THE SWITCH IS BROKEN DO THE FOLLOWING :: With your finger you can actuate the switch by
Reaching under the splash GUARD WATCH METER, IT must read" ZERO" Using your fingers going under the splash shield you can adjust the switch with your fingers , moveing a little at a time . In between each MOVE OF THE SWITCH RETIGHTEN THE SCREW ENOUGH TO HOLD IN PLACE WHILE YOU TEST TO SEE IF THE SWITCH IS BEING HIT RIGHT To do this you wioll have to open and close the lid a few times ::: Good luck and GOD BLESS ::F.B.E.PS LET ME KNOW IF THIS SOLVES YOU PROBLEM ; F.B.E.
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Thanks Flying Blue Eagle. The first time it failed, it stopped working at the final spin (and you could hear the machine humming but no spin). The next time I tried, it only filled with water and stopped working. I turned the switch a bit and I guess it landed on one of the drain cycles which it did. So I guess it fills with water but does not agitate; it drains but will not spin. I am buying the lid switch assembly today.

Yafaroo - Since I read this last part of today's post , HERE is something that could be your trouble ; Today you said that it would Fill with water and would drain the tub sand that's all ::SO NOW the other problem you posibly have ;;;
#1- ON some washer ,there are ( 2 ) TWO SOLENOIDS <THAT CONTROL THE ( AGITATOR AND THE SPIN CYCLES ) Some washers do not have them ' BELOW IS WHERE THEY ARE AT AN HOW TO TEST THEM :
#1a- UNPLUG THE WASHER AT THE WALL RECEPTICAL;; MAKE SURE NOTE - MAKE SURE THAT THE WATER IS OUT IOF THE WASHER TUB:: HAVE SOMEONE TO HELP YOU AND LAY IT OVER ON TO ITS FRONT SIDE :: NOW REMOVE THE BOTTOM COVER AND SET ASIDE ;; #1b- GET the volt-ohm meter and set to RX100 scale :: #1c- Disconnect a wire from the solenoid , AND CLIP ONE OF THE METER PROBS TO EACH ONE OF THE WIRE TERM(NALSof the solenoids . Watch the meter readingsings
#1D- IF THE METER READS 250 to 1000 ohms:: The solenoids ,ARE GOOD --IF THEY READ HIGHER THEN THEY ARE DEFECTIVE AND BOTH WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED:::
IF you want to check this out first you need to because if you open the pakage on the swutch ( LID ) You won't be able to return it , That is on all ELECTRICAL PARTS ;;; Good Luck and stay safe even 110 is unforgiveing, GOD BLESS;; LET ME KNOW HOW YOU COME OUT ::: F.B.E.