The most common cause of the problem you are experiencing is a lid switch malfunction. Symptoms may include, filling and stopping on the intial fill cycle, stopping right after the wash cycle, not advancing to rinse or spin cycles, and a wash tub that will not drain.
The lid switch is usually mounted under the washer top casing, on the right hand side on most top load models. It is activated by a plastic piece on the lid (called a "Lid Strike") through a small hole on the rim of the wash tub opening. In many cases the lid strike breaks off the lid, or the lid switch becomes loose and no longer makes contact. Inspect the lid to make sure the lid strike is still intact, and then inspect the mounting screws (adjacent to the small opening on the wash tub rim) and make sure they are snug. If you determine the switch to be defective, the following link explains how to replace one:
http://www.fixya.com/support/r3557193-replacing_a_lid_switchOn some models, the lid switch is located under the top casing by one of the lid hinges. You will know if you if you have this type of switch, because It does not have a lid strike and the small hole on the right hand side of the wash tub will not be present. This switch is actuated (toggled) by a rod on the lid hinge. With this type of switch, if you locate it and it can be toggled by hand, you may only need to adjust the actuator by bending it slightly.
NOTE: You do not have to drain or bail the water from the washer tub to perform this repair. Once a defective lid switch is replaced, the washer should drain normally.
A replacement lid switch (if required) can be purchased at any of the following web sites:
searspartsdirect.com
pcappliancerepair.com
appliancepartspros.com
repairclinic.com
The average price is about $20 - $30 if you perform the repair yourself. Prices differ between sites so shop and compare. If the model number is correct, the part number for a replacement switch is 3949247.
IMPORTANT: It is strongly recommended that you replace the lid switch if defective. However, if you need to use the washer in the interim while awaiting parts, you can by-pass the switch by following these steps:
1. UNPLUG washer.
2. Unplug the lid switch connector from the timer and remove switch.
3. Cut the white plug off the end of the old lid switch, leaving about two inches of wire on the plug.
4. Cut the ground wire (usually green in color) flush.
5. Take the remaining two wires and splice them together.
6. Take this plug and plug it back in to the timer.
You have now by-passed the lid switch. Caution needs to be exercised when operating the washer without a lid switch. Make sure you turn the timer off before opening the lid to stop the washer.
NOTE: Keep this by-pass plug in your toolbox for future reference if you ever experience lid switch problems again.
If you have questions, or need additional assistance, please post back and let me know. The lid switch is a very simple repair that you can easily perform without the assistance of a repairman.
If this advice does not help you enough, repairclinic.com has a Repair Manual you can order to assist you with all your repairs. The part number is 1170635 and is priced at about $20. Searspartsdirect.com also has a repair manual for about the same price. Part number 4314044L. I hope this information is helpful to you.