[Joseph A Stanko]

Our Kenmore front loading washer failed to spin on the final spin cycle. I followed the diagnostic procedures and retreived the above error code, E59, no tach signal in 3 seconds. The instructions said to first make various resistance measurements on the motor. I tested the three windings and found low resistance as expected. However the measurement of the resistance in the motor tachometer circuit between pins 4 & 5, was also low, whereas the instructions said "if it is not in the 105 to 130 ohm range, replace the motor". I ordered one from Appliance Parts Pros and they had it to me in one day! Before installing it, I checked the resistances on the new motor and found them to be identical to the original! I expected the higher, called for resistance in the tach circuit.
Am I making a mistake somewhere, or could there be an error in the diagnostic instructions? I am hesitant to install the new motor, when it does not seem to be giving the correct resistance value. Any suggestions?

[Simon / APP Team]

Hi.

I think you should install a new motor and see if that will fix it.
You can return it to APP even if you installed it.
If the problem still exists check the connector plugs at the motor control and main board, replace the motor control board.

Simon.

[Joseph A Stanko]

Dear Simon,

Thank you for replying. I followed your advice and cleaned the contacts on the motor, where the 5-pin cable from the motor controller board plugs in, but the motor still does not budge during the spin diagnostic test.
I then took the new motor, cleaned its contacts, and plugged the 5-pin cable into it and ran through the diagnostic tests. It showed no response either.
I then removed the plug to the motor and tested the AC voltage in succession between pins 1-3, 2-3, and 1-2 which supply the motor windings (I think). The meter only budged a little in the during the diagnostic tests--no where near the 120 v (?) expected. Seems like no electrical power is being applied to the motor?
Do you think I should go ahead and order a new motor controller board and return the new motor? Also I had a further thought on the interpretation of the original E59 code. From what I have read, the tachometer leads, 4 and 5, to the end shaft of the motor produce an impulse to send back to the controller board to tell it the motor speed. So when the mc board doesn't receive anysignal within 3 seconds, it must assume the motor shaft is not turning or that the tach sensor is bad. What do you think?
Joseph A. Stanko

[Joseph A Stanko]

Originally Posted by Simon / APP Team

Hi.

I think you should install a new motor and see if that will fix it.
You can return it to APP even if you installed it.
If the problem still exists check the connector plugs at the motor control and main board, replace the motor control board.

Simon.

Dear Simon,

I am so excited. Got the washer working again. Your last suggestion above worked! In anticipation of having to order a new motor control board, after eliminating the motor as the problem, I figured I better try taking it out to see if I hit any unanticipated obstacles. It came out prettry easy, one hold down screw, and two plastic feet through the bottom. Once I got it out and opened the hinged door to see the connection, I noticed one connector dangling. I thought I may have dislodged it taking the unit out. It was a connector that slide onto contacts on the edge of the control board. After making this connection and with the board outside the back of the washer, I put it through the diagnostic cycle again, and lo and behold, the drum tosssed and spun at the appropriate points. I was elated! I put the mcb unit back in and put all the panels back on and ran a test load. It was so sweet to see those clothes tossing a turning once again and with the water being spun out of them so completely on that last spin!
Thank you so much for your helpful comments(particularly about checking for any faulty contacts on the board). Thanks to Appliance Parts Pros for establishing this repair forum. I have learned a lot from all the posts. Best wishes to others still trying to resolve their issues. You just have to take it one step at a time under the guidance of you "Pro's".
Joseph A. Stanko

[bleonard]

also glad to see you got your machine back up and running with a simple fix. the only thing i see is that when i was checking the pins 1-2, 1-3, 2-3 i was checking for ohms and it measured exactly like it was suppose to, 6 ohms each, and the 4-5 was the 120 ohms. now checking the 1, 2, and 3 to ground, i got weird voltages which ended up being the problem.

hopefully you will not have to use this info. but good luck anyway

[Simon / APP Team]

Hi.

Congratulations on the good job done and thank you for shearing with us useful information.

Simon.