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mitchellhein  
#1 Posted : Monday, December 26, 2011 7:57:50 AM(UTC)
mitchellhein

Rank: Member

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Joined: 12/26/2011(UTC)
Posts: 3

I'm so glad people are willing to share and help on forums like these.

We have an old Kenmore Series 90 Washer that is exhibiting odd behavior.
The water for dispensing the detergent and softener works just fine.
However, once in a while (not every time), the washer will skip the fill cycle entirely, and go immediately to agitate.

It may do this on the initial fill cycle, or on the fill cycles between rinses.
Sometimes it fills... sometimes it doesn't.
Lately, it fails more than it fills...
Any thoughts one what to check first, second, third?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you could offer.
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sidfink43  
#2 Posted : Monday, December 26, 2011 5:03:47 PM(UTC)
sidfink43

Rank: Advanced Member

Groups: Senior Expert
Joined: 3/29/2009(UTC)
Posts: 11,699

It can be a couple of things, but the most likely is the water level switch. It is an air pressure activated switch, and it may be sticking in the off position, in which case it is telling the control unit that the water is at the proper level and to start agitating.

Try replacing that switch and see if that does not improve things. While you are at it, blow out the tube that connects the switch to the tub.
mitchellhein  
#3 Posted : Thursday, December 29, 2011 7:29:59 PM(UTC)
mitchellhein

Rank: Member

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Joined: 12/26/2011(UTC)
Posts: 3

I checked the "Flood Switch" (part 388663) with a continuity checker, and it looks like the contacts have welded up. There is contact made all the time, even if there's no water in the tank. (even if I pull off the airlines.)

Sears has informed me that the part in question is obsolete, and there's no replacement specified. Luckily, I've found two of them on a popular internet marketplace (used), and both are on their way to me.

I'll let you know if that fixes it.
I expect it will.

Thanks for the prompt reply. =)
sidfink43  
#4 Posted : Friday, December 30, 2011 5:21:08 AM(UTC)
sidfink43

Rank: Advanced Member

Groups: Senior Expert
Joined: 3/29/2009(UTC)
Posts: 11,699

Great, let us know what happens and good luck.
mitchellhein  
#5 Posted : Wednesday, January 4, 2012 3:39:38 PM(UTC)
mitchellhein

Rank: Member

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Joined: 12/26/2011(UTC)
Posts: 3

Well, I found I've been barking up the wrong tree.

The "Flood Switch" and the "Water Level Switch" are NOT the same thing.

I knew that the "Water Level Switch" was supposed to be normally open, and when it gets to the correct level, it closes the contacts to begin agitation.

The "Flood Switch" looks very similar to the "Water Level Switch", but it has only two electrical terminals (not three), and it is normally closed. It opens up to prevent overfilling of the tub.

It turns out my "Flood Switch" (plus the two used ones I bought) all work just fine. My "Water Level Switch" might be the culprit, although the washer has begun working again (oddly). I'm planning on acquiring a "Water Level Switch" (so I can have one on hand) as I still haven't replaced any parts, and normally that won't fix the problem for long.

At the moment, both my washer and my wife are agitating up a storm.
We'll see which one stops first.
sidfink43  
#6 Posted : Wednesday, January 4, 2012 5:50:23 PM(UTC)
sidfink43

Rank: Advanced Member

Groups: Senior Expert
Joined: 3/29/2009(UTC)
Posts: 11,699

Ok great, let us know if things change.
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