How to Test Front-Loading Kenmore Washer Motors

Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet to disconnect the electrical supply. Pull the washer away from the wall to give yourself enough room to work behind it.

Remove the 12 hex-head screws securing the back panel to the washer cabinet Pull the back panel away from the appliance cabinet and lean it against a wall. Keep all of the removed screws together.

Locate the drive motor in the lower right corner of the washer cabinet. Unhook the drive belt from the motor pulley

Unplug the wiring harness connectors from the drive motor terminals. Pull on the connectors only to avoid damaging the wires.

Turn on the multi-meter and set it to the RX1 setting to measure the resistance of the drive motor. Touch the meter's probes to the drive motor terminals; a reading of "0" indicates a functioning motor.

Touch one of the multi-meter probes to the metal motor housing and touch the other probe to one of the drive motor terminals. Repeat the test, touching the meter's probe to the second drive motor terminal. The multi-meter shouldn't register a reading for either of the tests in this step.