The Virtual Repairman's Appliance Help

alexkiefer · Guest

My washer has stopped working. The only cycle that works is the last spin cycle. When it's turned on, just buzzes quietly until the dial is turned to the spin cycle. My father-in-law believes is the timer, but he's a gas man, not a whirlpool man. I'd like a second opinion before i go spend the hundred bucks on a timer. Thanks.

Alex

Virtual Repairman · Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 5:48 am Post subject: Washer stopped

Hi Alex;
For the machine to run on only one portion of the cycle indeed points to a potential timer issue, but lets rule out one other possibility or two before we condemn the timer completely.

For the unit to fill and agitate, the contacts inside the water level switch must be closed in a certain manner. There are 3 terminals on this control, and only 2 are closed at a given time. Your wiring diagram (in the control panel) will show you the switch connections as they are stamped on the switch, and you must have an OHM meter to test the switch for continuity between the 2 contacts on this control which are designated as "empty" on the diagram. These contacts allow the machine to fill and agitate. If the water level switch proves to have the correct continuity as shown on the diagram, then you can assume the timer is bad.

We already know the lid switch is good, or the unit would not spin.

Alexkiefer · Guest

I'm very unfamiliar with wiring diagrams. I did use an OHM meter and tested the three contacts. Two in combination did work, however I can't tell from the diagram which two should and which shouldn't. Any suggestions?

Virtual Repairman · Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 4:58 am Post subject: washer problem

I would go ahead and replace the timer.

[email protected] · Guest

well. timer is in and still the same problem. So does that mean I have to try a new water level switch? By the way, the model on my washer is LXR7144EQ0.

Virtual Repairman · Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 4:55 pm Post subject: Washer stopped

Before you replace the water level switch, let's review what is happening again so there is no chance of getting the signs wrong here.
You state that when you set the unit to fill, nothing happens?

Have you checked both water lines to make sure they are not completely clogged up? If the machine can't fill, then it won't do anything else but spin.

Try changing the water temp settings to see if it responds on a different temperature or not. (Hot, warm or cold)

If no water enters, then the water valve may need cleaning out or could be bad, but it is very unlikely that this would happen all of a sudden, and for all temperature. Usually, the hot or the cold side will fail one at a time.

It may be wise to remove the cabinet per our instructions here to inspect the 4 wires to the water valve and the motor to see if any are worn or broken.