Washer Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom

Check

Washer does not work and makes no noise

• Check that the washer is plugged in securely

• Check the circuit breaker or fuse box

• Test the outlet for current

• Check that the water supply valves are turned on

• Inspect the filter screens

• Test for overheating

• Test the water level switch

• Test the timer control

• Test the lid switch

• Test the water inlet valve

• Inspect the water pump

• Test the centrifugal switch

• Test the motor

Washer does not work but it does make noise

• Check that the water supply valves are turned on

• Inspect the filter screens

• Test for overheating

• Inspect the water pump

• Test the water inlet valve

• Test the motor

No water is entering the wash tub

or no hot water
or no cold water

• Check that the water supply valves are turned on

• Inspect the water supply hoses for kinks

• Check the filter screens

• Test the water level switch

• Test the water temperature switch

• Test the timer control

• Test the water inlet valve

The water fills the wash tub too slowly

• Check that the water valves are turned on full

• Check the water pressure at the tap

• Check the filter screens

• Test the water inlet valve

The tub does not fill with enough water

• Test the water level switch

• Check that the drain hose is positioned roughly as high as the top of the inner tub

The water overflows the wash tub

• Test the timer control

• Test the water level switch

• Inspect the air tube for damage

• Test the water inlet valve

Water drains out during the wash or rinse cycle

• Check the drain control lever

• Test the drain control coils

• Check the cam bar

• Test the timer control

Wrong temperature of water is used

• Water supply hoses may be reversed

• Hot or cold water supply valve may be turned off

• Water supply hose may be kinked

• Check water inlet valve

Water drains out while it is filling

• Check the drain hose, it should be at least as high as the top of the wash tub, about 38 inches.

• The drain hose must sit loosely in the house drain. Do not seal the air gap around the drain hose or a siphon will occur.

• Check the drain control lever

• Test the drain control coils

• Check the cam bar

Water drips into the wash tub when the washer is off

• Replace the water inlet valve

Water does not drain out of the wash tub

• Inspect the drain hose for kinks

• Test the timer control

• Test the lid switch (some models)

• Inspect the water pump

• Inspect the drive belt (belt drive only)

• Inspect the motor coupler

Water is leaking onto the ground

• Inspect the water supply connections

• Inspect the drain hose

• Inspect the water pump

• Inspect outer tub for cracks or corrosion

• Inspect the tub seal

• Inspect the tub bearing

Agitator does not move

• Test the lid switch

• Inspect the motor coupler

• Inspect the drive belt (belt drive only)

• Inspect under the washer for soot (clutch)

• Test the motor

• Inspect the pulley

• Test the transmission

• Inspect the agitator

• Inspect the pump coupling

• Test the water level switch

Agitator movement is weak or moves in only one direction

• Inspect the agitator

• Inspect the motor coupler

• Inspect the drive belt (belt drive only)

• Inspect under the washer for soot (clutch)

• Test the motor

• Inspect the pulley

• Test the transmission

• Inspect the pump coupling

Drum does not spin

• Test the lid switch

• Test the timer control

• Test the centrifugal switch

• Test the water level switch

• Inspect the motor coupler

• Inspect the drive belt (belt drive only)

• Inspect under the washer for soot (clutch)

• Test the motor

• Inspect the pulley

• Test the transmission

Clothes are too wet after spin cycle

This may be a spin problem or a drain problem

Drain:

• Make sure the drain line is clear

• Check the drain hose for a partial blockage

• Inspect the water pump

Spin:

• Test the lid switch

• Test the timer control

• Test the centrifugal switch

• Test the water level switch

• Inspect the motor coupler

• Inspect the drive belt (belt drive only)

• Inspect under the washer for soot (clutch)

• Test the motor

• Inspect the pulley

• Test the transmission

Cycle does not advance

• If the washing machine fills with water and begins agitating, but the timer does not advance, the timer probably needs to be replaced

• If the timer does not advance while the washer is in a spin cycle, the timer probably needs to be replaced

• If the timer does not advance during the rinse cycle, check whether water has filled the tub, if not, it is likely cold water related. Check the cold water supply valve, check the supply hose for kinks, check the filter screen and check the water inlet valve

Burning or electrical smell

• Unplug the washer

• Locate the source of the odor then read the instructions in the related section

Foul or stale odor coming from washer or clothes

• Check that the drain line is clear

• Check the drain hose for kinks or blockages

• Check pump for blockages

• Check for build up of soap in the outer tub

• Check for article of clothing stuck in the outer tub

Noisy or vibrates too much

• General tips

• Balance the load

• Level the machine

• Inspect the water pump for a blockage

• Inspect the coupling

• Inspect the transmission

• Adjust the drive belt tension

• Check the motor bearings

• Check the drum brakes

Goes out of balance too often

• General tips

• Balance the load

• Level the machine

• Inspect the water pump

Clothing is damaged

• Inspect agitator for cracks or rough spots

• Inspect for rust spots