Washer stopped mid-cycle. When I attempted to resume, there was a continuous clicking noise. I couldn't cancel the cycle after restarting it, and had to unplug the washer.
At first I thought the belt that turns the basket had broken or slipped off, and that the clicking was a loose belt slapping around. I learned how to activate the diagnostic cycle, and everything seemed to work (including the basket spinning). So I started a load of clothes, and the failure repeated as before. Info online suggested the problem might be that it was failing to drain.
I cleaned out external drain hose, but it was clear. I cleaned out the debris filter just before the drain pump. A couple items were in there, but not enough to explain the problem. I concluded the pump itself had failed.
I found a video on Appliance Parts Pros' YouTube channel showing how to replace the drain pump motor on a similar but newer model. There were a lot of steps just to get access to the motor.
At first, I didn't have much success finding specific information for my model. I couldn't even access my washer's model number because it's on a tag behind the door, and the washer refused to unlock the door since it was unable to drain. The model number shown in my manual didn't seem to match anything online. (Sears-Kenmore Elite HE3 front loading washer model 110.461970205515.)
To clean out the drain pump filter, I had removed a panel from the front. So I could see the drain pump assembly (confirming that mine was much easier to access than the ones in the newer models I'd seen in the repair videos). Using a camera with a flash, I was able to capture the part number stamped on the pump assembly. That was almost an exact match for the one on the APP website. Based on the photos, it was clearly the same part. The product page led me to the correct repair video.
I ordered the part. It arrived quickly (even though I'd chosen the standard shipping). The instruction sheet was missing, but the customer service folks sent me a PDF right away. It turns out I didn't actually need it because the APP video was comprehensive.
Taking my time, I replaced it in about an hour. I just needed a Torx screwdriver and a pair of pliers to squeeze the hose clamps. I had a small LED working that helped me see what I was doing.
I tested with the diagnostic program (which exercises all the main functions in just a few minutes). Right now, the clothes that had been locked inside for several days are being washed again.
This was totally worth doing. Even if we decide to replace the washer in the near future, I like having the time to shop around rather than buy something just because we need it now.