Kenmore
Stalled Drive Motor
Softener emits a constant humming noise but does not move through cycles
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Seized rotor, Overloaded motor due to jammed gears, Failing motor windings, Control board holding motor energized
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Unplug immediately to prevent motor overheating. Shut off water and bypass the softener.
Step-by-step checks:
- 1. Check rotor movement:
- Remove the valve cover and attempt to rotate the rotor by hand.
- If it is seized, inspect for debris or damaged seals.
- 2. Inspect gears:
- Check for jammed or broken gears in the drive assembly.
- 3. Replace motor:
- If the rotor moves freely but the motor hums and does not turn when powered, replace the drive motor.
- 4. Control board:
- If the motor remains energized continuously, the control board may be faulty and require replacement.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
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