Appliance Service Information

Service Information For Appliance Repair Professionals

Washing Machine Repair Information

Washing Machine Repair Information

Find the washing machine repair information by selecting the appropriate link below.

Error
Codes Common Problems
Settings Basic Operation

Washing Machine Repair Information: Error Codes

Washing Machine Repair Information Error Code Display Procedures

Choose the washing machine brand below for error code information.

AdmiralAEGAmanaAnovaCaloricCrosleyElectroluxEstateFrigidaireGeneral ElectricHaierHardwickHotpointIKEAInglisJenn-AirKenmoreKitchenAidLGMagic ChefMaytagModern MaidNorgeRoperSamsungSearsWestinghouseWhirlpoolZanussi

Washing Machine Repair Information: Basic Operation

In order to properly diagnose a malfunctioning washing machine we must first have a basic knowledge of how a normally functioning washing machine works. Although different models may have many different settings and will not function exactly the same, they all preform the same three basic cycles.

The Wash Cycle

After the user has selected the desired settings and started the washer, the wash cycle begins. Some models will spin the tub to determine the size to the load. The washer will then fill with water through the soap dispenser (if applicable) to the desired level. After the desired water level is reached the tub will agitate the contents for the desired amount of time.

The Rinse Cycle

After the wash cycle is complete the wash water will drain completely before the rinse cycle begins. Some models may spin the continents for a short period before starting the rinse cycle. During the rinse cycle the washer will fill with cold water to the proper level and agitate the contents for a desired amount of time. Wash settings may affect the water level as well as the agitation time. Some models with Quick or Speed wash settings will not fill but add cold water on top of the contents, while draining and slowly spinning the tub.

The Spin Cycle

After the rinse cycle is complete the wash water will drain completely before the spin cycle begins. The wash tub will agitate or spin slowly back and forth to attempt to balance the load. The washer will then begin to spin faster, monitoring the load for balancing. If the washer senses the load is within balance it will proceed to spin to the full speed selected. Wash settings will affect the maximum spin speed. If the washer detects the load is too far out of balance to initiate the high speed spin, it will add water, agitate and drain in an attempt to balance the load. If the washer is unable to balance the load after a predetermined amount of attempts, it will abort the high speed spin and may set an error code.

Washing Machine Repair Information: Settings

Below is a list of common washing machine settings and their usage information.

Active Wear

Usage: Medium to lightly soiled athletic wear items or synthetic fabrics.

Bedding

Usage: For bulky and large items.

Brilliant Whites

Usage: For white fabrics.

Bulky Items

Usage: Water-resistant, bedding and bulky items, such as large coats, mattress pads, and bath mats.

Casuals

Usage: Casual clothes, lightly soiled office wear.

Cold Wash

Usage: Dark coloured fabrics and mixed loads.

Colors / Darks

Usage: For brightly coloured or dark coloured casual garments.

Deep Clean

Usage: Sturdy fabrics with heavy soil.

Delicates

Usage: Lingerie and special care fabrics with light soil.

Drain and Spin

Usage: Drains water and spins at selected speed.

Heavy Duty

Usage: For sturdy, fabrics and heavily soiled garments.

Jeans

Usage: Jeans with medium to light soil.

Normal

Usage: For most fabrics including cottons, linens, and normally soiled garments.

Permanent Press.

Usage: For wash-and-wear, synthetic fabrics, and lightly to normally soiled garments.

Precise Fill

Usage: Automatically fills with the correct amount of water for the size and type of load.

Rinse and Spin

Usage: Use for loads that need rinsing only.

Steam / Sanitize

Usage: To kill off any bacteria in your clothing.

Super Speed / Quick Wash

Usage: Normal or lightly soiled loads.

Towels / Sheets

Usage: Towels and Sheets.

WaterProof

Usage: For waterproof or water-resistant items.

Whites

Usage: Whites and household linens.

Washing Machine Repair Information: Common Problems

The Washing Machine Will Not Turn On

Possible Causes:
  • Wash Timer
  • Main control board
  • User interface board
  • Wiring or connection between the main and user interface board
  • Outlet connection
  • Power cable
  • Noise Filter
  • Inverter board
  • Internal wire harness

The Washing Machine Will Not Start

Possible Causes:

  • Lid or door switch
  • Water level sensor or hose
  • Water from previous cycle has not completely drained
  • Wash Timer
  • Main control board
  • User interface board
  • Wiring or connection issue
  • Insufficient water supply to the washer
  • Water supply hose is plugged
  • Water valve screen is plugged
  • The water valve is defective
  • The dispenser of fill nozzle is plugged

The Washing Machine Will Not Fill With Water

Possible Causes:

  • Lid or door switch
  • Water level sensor or hose
  • Water from previous cycle has not completely drained
  • Wash Timer
  • Main control board
  • User interface board
  • Wiring or connection issue
  • Insufficient water supply to the washer
  • Water supply hose is plugged
  • Water valve screen is plugged
  • The water valve is defective
  • The dispenser of fill nozzle is plugged

The Washing Machine Will Not Agitate

Possible Causes:

  • The lid or door switch is faulty
  • The washer transmission is seized
  • Something is stuck under the agitator or wash plate
  • The washer drive motor capacitor is faulty (the washer will also not spin)
  • The washer drive motor is faulty (the washer will also not spin)
  • The Wash Timer is faulty
  • The motor control board is faulty
  • The agitator dogs or bell are worn out
  • The agitator or wash plate are worn out
  • The washer transmission is faulty
  • The drive belt is off or broken (the washer will also not spin)
  • The washer tub is seized (the washer will also not spin)
  • The tub shaft or spider is broken (the washer will also not spin)

The Washing Machine Will Not Drain

Possible Causes:

  • The drain cartridge is plugged
  • The drain hose is plugged
  • The hose between the wash tub and the drain pump is plugged
  • The drain pump is jammed
  • The drain pump is faulty
  • The Wash Timer is faulty
  • The main control boards faulty
  • Wiring or connection issue

The Washing Machine Will Not Spin

Possible Causes:

  • The lid or door switch is faulty
  • The washer tub bearings are seized
  • Something is stuck between the inner and outer tub
  • The transmission brake is stuck on
  • The washer drive motor capacitor is faulty (the washer will also not agitate)
  • The washer drive motor is faulty (the washer will also not agitate)
  • The Wash Timer is faulty
  • The main control boards faulty
  • The motor control board is faulty
  • Wiring or connection issue
  • The drive clutch is worn out
  • The drive belt is off or broken (the washer will also not spin)

The Washing Machine is Leaving Marks On Clothing

Possible Causes:

  • The drum has collected grease or residue from previous loads
  • Contaminants in the water supply
  • Over use of liquid fabric softener
  • Not selecting the fabric softener option when using liquid fabric softener

Additional information is available if needed on the Appliance Repair Technical Support page of this website.

The information contained in this website is provided for informational purposes only. ApplianceServiceInfo.com does not guarantee the information to be correct or give a proper diagnosis of any appliance. Always take proper safety precautions when installing or repairing any major appliance.