Kenmore Washer: Smells Like Burning
A burning smell often means a slipping or seized drive belt, or an overheating motor. Add a photo of your Kenmore Washer in the box below: the Triage Profile says what it is, how urgent it is, and who to call.
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In the next five minutes
Safe first steps, before the call. Nothing here needs a tool.
Smoke or flames: get everyone out and call 911.
No smoke or flames? Stop the washer and switch off its breaker; don’t touch a hot or melted plug.
Don’t use it again until it’s checked, and keep people away from it.
Everything else about this problem
Is it an emergency?
Is a burning smell from a Kenmore washer an emergency?
Treat it as urgent. Turn it off and unplug it or switch off its breaker, and do not use it again until the cause is found. If you see smoke or flames, or smell gas, get everyone out and call 911.
Symptoms & causes
A burning smell from your Kenmore washer, especially during agitation or spin cycles, often indicates a mechanical or electrical issue. Common culprits include a slipping or worn drive belt, an overloaded motor overheating, or a foreign object caught in the pump or drum causing friction. Less frequently, it could point to an electrical short in the motor windings, capacitor, or wiring, which presents a significant fire hazard.
Tools & parts
You'll need a basic screwdriver set (Phillips and flathead) and a socket wrench set to access internal components like the motor and drive belt. A multimeter is crucial for testing electrical components such as the motor capacitor or checking for continuity in wiring. If the drive belt is worn, a replacement Kenmore drive belt will be necessary.
Safety first
Immediately unplug the Kenmore washer from the electrical outlet and turn off both hot and cold water supply valves before attempting any inspection or repair. Be aware of potential electrical shock hazards from capacitors that can store a charge even after unplugging, and never work on the machine with power connected. Avoid placing hands near moving parts like the motor or drum, and always wear appropriate safety gloves to prevent cuts or scrapes.
When to call a pro
If the burning smell persists after checking the drive belt and pump, or if you detect visible smoke or sparks, it's time to call a professional technician. Complex electrical issues, such as a failing motor winding, a faulty main control board, or a short circuit within the internal wiring harness, require specialized testing tools and expertise. A technician can safely track down and replace expensive components like the main drive motor or troubleshoot intricate electrical faults that pose a fire risk.
Questions people ask
Is it safe to continue using my Kenmore washer if it smells like burning?
No, it is not safe to continue using a washer that smells like burning. This indicates a serious underlying issue, potentially an electrical short or an overheating motor, which could lead to a fire hazard.
How do I check the drive belt on my Kenmore washer?
To check the drive belt, you'll typically need to remove the front or back panel of your Kenmore washer, depending on the model. Once exposed, inspect the belt for fraying, cracks, or signs of slippage and ensure it has proper tension.
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What it is, how urgent, who to call
Add a photo of your Kenmore Washer in the box at the top. The Triage Profile says what it is, how urgent it is, and who to call.