Why does a Kenmore washer not finish the cycle?

no
some cycle the agitator during the fill cycle to get better distribution of the clothes as it is filling and then shut of the water and proceed to the wash cycle
have a technician check out the program board

We have this exact problem. The repair guy told us it would be over $400 to replace the whole control panel. So for now we set a timer for 1 hour and if you are standing at the washer when it finishes you can open the door to prevent it from restarting. Until we get a new washer this is what we will do.

When the cycle doesn't advance, it's probably the timer or a cold-water supply problem:
It's the timer, if your washing machine fills with water and begins agitating, but the timer never advances--or if the washer is in a spin cycle and the timer won't advance. Then you need to replace the timer.

if you are saying that the washer finishes the load of clothes and timer goes to off and water is filling the tub after this then you have a bad water valve on the back of the washer.disconnect the water lines and change out the valve

sadly its the gear box have it replaced if the machine is old replace the washer as the gear box is a very expensive repair

good luck

Timer is defective. Your unit has a netural drain. When finished agitating, the shuts down and then starts up reversing to drain and spin. On the initial reverse start, the water drains without the transmission spinning. After a timed period 3-4 minutes, the timer is supposed to pause, stopping the motor for a few seconds. When the motor stops again, the transmission shift to the spin cycle and when the timer resumes power tothe motor it should spin. You are doing the same thing when you lift the lid...stopping the timer and then the tranny shifts and when you set the lid down, the washer spins. Replace the timer.......

washer door not locking

When you look at the timer schematic it has a time reference showing agitation doesn't start until fill is completed. Sounds like switches 5, 5a and 16, 16a are stuck. You need that timer replaced.

It's not your exact model but does have some good information about the possible causes.
http://www.shopyourway.com/questions/1099421

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