A Kenmore 110-series top-load washer that stops in the middle of a cycle is giving you a symptom with a short list of causes, and the point at which it stops tells you which to look at. Because the 110 prefix means Whirlpool built it, the same logic applies as on a Whirlpool top-loader. A stop during the fill suggests a water supply problem. A stop during the wash with the water still in suggests the washer is waiting to sense the load, soaking by design, pausing for suds, or has lost its signal from the lid switch.
The checks in more detail
A stop at the start of the spin with water in the tub points to a drain problem or an unbalanced load, and a stop after the spin suggests the control is waiting for the lid or has finished. Start with the lid, because a switch that does not feel the lid close stops the motor. Lift and close the lid firmly and see whether the washer resumes; look for a bent lid, a broken hinge or a lid switch actuator that is loose.
Then check the load. A heavy or lopsided load can cause the washer to stop and try to rebalance, so open the lid, spread the clothes evenly and restart. Make sure the washer is level, because a rocking washer triggers the same behavior. An unbalanced load is the usual cause of a mid-cycle stop on this platform. Next look at foam and water. A Sud or Sd message means the control has detected excess suds and is pausing to add rinses, so check the detergent dose.
Confirm that both taps are fully open and that the hoses are not kinked; a washer that waits for water seems to have stopped. If water remains in the tub, the drain hose may be kinked or the pump may be clogged: look for a hose behind the washer that is crushed. If the washer stops at random and the lid, load, foam, water and drain are fine, the control or the motor may be overheating or failing, which a technician diagnoses. Unplug the washer for five minutes to reset the control and note exactly when it stops next time.
Differential
Likely causes of “Kenmore 110-series top-load washer stops, pauses or powers off mid-cycle”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A lid switch that does not feel the lid
What separates it The washer stops when the lid is touched
How to confirm Close the lid firmly and inspect the actuator
- 2
An unbalanced load
What separates it It stops at the spin
How to confirm Spread the clothes
- 3
Excess suds
What separates it A Sud or Sd message appears
How to confirm Lower the detergent dose
- 4
A water supply or drain problem
What separates it It stops during the fill or with water in the tub
How to confirm Check taps, hoses and the pump
- 5
A control or motor fault
What separates it It stops at random
How to confirm Technician check
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The stage at which it stops
- Whether the lid switch clicks
- Whether a Sud or Sd message shows
- The full 110 model number
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedNote when it stops
ReversibleFill, wash, drain or spin.
Check the lid
ReversibleClose it firmly.
Rebalance the load
ReversibleSpread clothes evenly.
Check for suds
ReversibleAnd measure the dose.
Check taps and hoses
ReversibleBoth fully open.
Reset the control
ReversibleUnplug for five minutes.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Where it stops
- The stage names the cause: fill, wash, drain or spin.
- The lid switch
- It stops the motor when the lid lifts, and a loose actuator can do the same with the lid down.
- Balance
- The washer retries a bad spin and may stop with a signal if it cannot balance.
- Foam
- Sud or Sd pauses the cycle to rinse, which looks like a stop.
- Reset
- Unplug for five minutes.
- Service
- Quote the 110 model number from the label; Whirlpool parts fit.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Do not force the lid while the basket turns
- !Unplug before checking hoses behind the washer
- !Call a technician if it stops at random after the checks
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does my washer stop with water in it?+
It may be soaking, sensing the load, clearing suds or waiting on the lid or drain.
Is the lid switch the problem?+
It is a common cause.
Can an unlevel washer cause it?+
Yes.
Should I unplug it?+
Yes, to reset the control.
When should I call a technician?+
If it stops at random after the checks.