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Joined: 9/10/2009(UTC)
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Maytag WU482 s/n 151915
Well the detergent cup quit working. Repair books from the library implicated the bimetal. I ordered BIMETAL AP4111544 (901011) which installed fine but did not solve the problem.
The bimetal is being energized during the appropriate part of the cycle (125v measured to ground). I didn't try to measure the current, but can if this would help diagnose. After checking for juice, I unscrewed the bimetal and tried disconnecting & reconnecting the leads - I could not see any sign of movement of the bimetal arms, which need to pull away from the cam to release the cup.
Any suggestions on what to try next would really be appreciated. I'd like to get a few more years out of this unit if I can, I may have to move before too long. Machine does a fine job on the dishes, although it is loud. Also, any hints on when these were made? It came with the house (over 12 years ago). I replaced the belt several years ago, other than that it just soldiers on.
Thanks,
Greg
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Rank: Member
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Joined: 9/10/2009(UTC)
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For everyone who has taken a look at this, thank you - appreciate your interest.
The bimetal device is wired in series with the main motor. I'm wondering if the resistance/impedance of the motor has changed, thus changing the voltage or current going thru the bimetal. Are there any simple VOM tests I can do to check the health of the motor? It still runs fine and sounds normal.
The motor has it's own "run" circuit. The detergent cup bimetal circuit tees into the the motor run circuit such that the bimetal current has to flow through the motor to get to ground. The bimetal circuit forms a parallel path from L1 to the motor (only when the timer calls for cup release), with the other side of the motor connected to L2 [per the Maytag wiring diagram I found inside the unit]. Hope that makes sense...
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Rank: Member
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Joined: 10/3/2009(UTC)
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Ok, this may be too obvious, if the door locks into place, but there is free play on it (it doesn't snap back) then the spring could be broken. Sounds like you've done a lot of work already and probably would have noticed that already, tho. I have a WC-282 bought new in Feb 90. From the parts diagram, the front looks nearly identical, so the vintage is probably a couple of years newer than mine. It's had issues over the last few years (door spring is sprung, noisy,etc.), tonight heard something like a snapping belt on the last rinse and now no draining. You mentioned a belt replacement - was that difficult?
Cheap workaround - My detergent cup is DOA, too - I just use the multi-cycle tablets (get a bucket at Costco when they're on special) pop one in at go and you're done!
Good luck & wish me some, too!
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Rank: Member
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Joined: 9/10/2009(UTC)
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Hi, and thanks for your reply. It's time to give an update...
Turns out I was being too impatient when I thought the new bimetal wasn't working. Instead of watching it and expecting it to snap open right away, I just let it chug thru it's cycle, and the bimetal popped open a few minutes into that part of the cycle...during this time the motor kind of "winds up" a little faster as it's getting everything into motion again. I guess it just takes a little while for the bimetal to heat up/warp and release the cam. I've run a couple loads now and it seems to be working OK...hopefully this is problem solved!
The bimetal kit I bought (p/n in first post) had a new cam, spring, bimetal, etc. It was easy to install other than having to disassemble two layers of the door to get to it.
Belt replacement wasn't bad - I just had to remove the lower front trim panel, and snake hands/arms thru the awkward opening. Give it a shot.
Thanks also for the comment about vintage. My unit came with the house...the sellers weren't bragging about a new dishwasher in '97. So maybe it is an early-mid 90's unit.
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Rank: Member
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Joined: 10/3/2009(UTC)
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Glad the info helped you out (a little) and your dispenser is working, too! Thanks for the encouragement about the belt - popped that on there (and fixed the door spring with some pliers while in the neighborhood) now working just like the bad ol days!
Till next time!
Cheers!
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Rank: Member
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Where did you get he bimetal - many places sell it now only with the complete soap assembly for $75
tmike
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