Kenmore Series 70 Washer attempts to drain instead of wash

[thesociologist]

My parents have a Kenmore Series 70 (on front) top load washer. When you set it on a time and pull the switch out it attempts to drain instead of wash. What is the most likely problem?

 

[handyman1962]

When you say "drain instead of wash" do you mean the washer will to the proper water level and then the washer instead of agitating will go into the drain mode with the pump working the water out of the tub or do you mean with the washer filling, it drains out at the same time so it never really fills up?

 

[thesociologist]

My parents gave up repairing the machine and bought a new one.

Thanks for responding.