[vpapahen]

My washer stopped spinning, it drains, and there was no light on the motor. Checked the in line fuse and discovered that it was defective. Could I temporary try a 10 amp. Thermal Fuse from Radio Shack before ordering the OM part, just to make sure that the fuse was the only problem, and not the motor, as I read in one of your blog that said, if the fuse was blown, the motor would be defective also.

[sidfink43]

We never recommend using anything but the right part. The fuse protects the electrical components in this machine, don't mess with it.

On the plus side I don't know why the motor would also be bad. Go ahead and replace the fuse and see if that fixes things.

[vpapahen]

I replaced the fuse with the OEM part, checked all connections and saw the steady green flashing light on the inverter. Turned on the machine, it filled with water but did not start. I checked to see if the light was still on but it was off. I rechecked the fuse and it was blown again. It is apparent that there is a short somewhere, what could be the problem?. Your help would be appreciated.

[vpapahen]

Further checks were made and noticed that the green light on the inverter board displayed a continuous steady flash, no pause to indicate a code. I slipped the belt off the motor pulley, energized the motor bypassing the fuse, there was a humming sound from the motor,but the pulley did not spin. Manually it spun freely. Your conclusion is appreciated.

[sidfink43]

My conclusion, I was wrong, not the first time and unfortunately not the last time.

This does sound like the motor is the issue. The problem could be that the motor has malfunctioned, is pulling too much current and is blowing the fuse.

[vpapahen]

Thanks for your help, I will shop around for a motor, or go for a different brand washer as this problem seems prevalent on GE washers.

[vpapahen]

I made further on line research and discovered that my machine shows signs that the problem could be a defective capacitor. Such as That it fills, drains, does not agitate, Motor hums loudly, tries to start, but sluggish. and blows the fuse. My question is,(1) Is the starter capacitor available to purchase as a replacement on the Inverter. (2) If not, Is the Inverter sold separately. Purchasing a complete motor when only the capacitor is defective is ridiculous.

[sidfink43]

There is not a separate capacitor on the inverter. Here's how the thing works.

The inverter/motor assembly receives 120 VAC,
which the inverter converts to approximately 340
VDC. The inverter then uses pulse width modulation
(PWM) to supply the motor with an AC varying
frequency to control speed.

Sorry, but GE produces only the motor/inverter as a replacement part. If there are a couple of locally owned appliance repair companies, or used appliance dealers in your area you may be able to get a used unit.

[vpapahen]

Thanks for your input, and advise which is more affordable.