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Dubont  
#1 Posted : Saturday, January 30, 2016 3:53:25 PM(UTC)
Dubont

Rank: Member

Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/30/2016(UTC)
Posts: 3

Hello,

I'm new to the site and I have been doing minor repairs for a few years, but I'm now stuck with a problem where I need a little assistance. About two years ago, my Kenmore 80 Series Washer started having a problem. Often, it would cut off mid cycle so I figured it was a bad timer. I replaced the timer and still had the problem. I started looking around and found it to be a bad lid switch. At the time, we had a full load of clothes soaking wet. I didn't have time to wait for a part so I did a quick bypass of the switch and everything worked beautifully.

Until now.

While washing a load, I heard a loud pop from the control board and saw light gray smoke coming from behind the timer. :eek: Upon inspection, I see that the wires and connector for the lid switch are completely scorched. It also looks as if one of the wires completely split and is fully exposed. I've attached a photo to show the damage.

Now, I'm not sure how to go about this repair. Do I need to just replace the lid switch+wires? Or will I need to replace the scorched connector on the washer itself as well? Also, I have a Kenmore 70 series in the basement that works fine, so could I take parts from it to repair the 80 series? I greatly appreciate any help and input I can get. Thank you. :(
Dubont attached the following image(s):
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sidfink43  
#2 Posted : Saturday, January 30, 2016 4:50:45 PM(UTC)
sidfink43

Rank: Advanced Member

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

Without being there to see and test I cannot tell you what might be salvaged and can only strongly, and I do mean strongly, urge you to replace all of the wiring that is in this circuit. Also examine the timer to make sure nothing has shorted out or been damaged and check any other wiring that may have been next to where the short occurred.

Obviously the lid switch wiring, which is always live, shorted out big time, so also check the grounding and make sure that everything is safe.
Dubont  
#3 Posted : Saturday, January 30, 2016 5:40:44 PM(UTC)
Dubont

Rank: Member

Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/30/2016(UTC)
Posts: 3

Oh thanks for the reply. Looking at the wires around the short, everything looks fine other than some slight discoloration on the 3 way connect from the Spin Speed switch to the timer.

I was considering using the whole lid switch setup from my older model. Grab the connectors, wires, switch everything and completely change it out from the current one. Would that be possible or should I look into getting a whole new setup for the 80 series?

Also, with the chance of something else being damaged and slipping past me during the repair, would it be safer to just put it to the side for a bit and use the older 70 series?

I just don't want to cause any fires because of a slight oversight.
sidfink43  
#4 Posted : Saturday, January 30, 2016 5:47:09 PM(UTC)
sidfink43

Rank: Advanced Member

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

If the connectors are the same you can certainly use the lid switch from your old machine. Part of my volunteer work is to test and repair appliances donated to the Thrift Shop of a non-profit and we do that all the time.

Also, there is only a low risk of starting a fire because there is really nothing to burn but you should not leave the machine alone until you are absolutely sure it is safe. Some extra grounding may well be in order to be safe.

The main thing you need to do is to determine the cause of the short, although many times that just cannot be done and so you end up replacing wires and hopefully eliminate the problem. So go ahead and repair and replace any damaged wiring, see what happens and keep an eye on things for least a few weeks if not longer.
Dubont  
#5 Posted : Saturday, January 30, 2016 6:10:49 PM(UTC)
Dubont

Rank: Member

Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/30/2016(UTC)
Posts: 3

Thanks for the confirmation. I wanted to make sure it was possible before attempting to replace a newer part with an older model and just causing more problems. I will start messing around with it and will be back with any more questions.

As for the short, it looks like the tan wire to the left of the connector is loose from the clip inside the connector. So far, that's all I see as to any potential causes without testing everything.

Again, thanks for the quick and informative replies.
sidfink43  
#6 Posted : Sunday, January 31, 2016 4:26:16 AM(UTC)
sidfink43

Rank: Advanced Member

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

Ok good, just watch things for a while and you should be all set.
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