GE GTW685BSL0WS stopped spin halfway due to balance issue

Washer Repair
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1

GE
GTW685BSL0WS
Stopped spin halfway to balance itself
4 months ago

Despite replacing the suspension rods and the lid lock assembly myself, the unit is still failing to complete a cycle. It consistently stops halfway through the spin cycle, claiming the load is out of balance regardless of the load size.

Diagnostic Results & Findings:
I have run several service mode tests, but I am hitting a wall with a persistent Fault Code 7 (Lid Lock Failure/State). Here is the breakdown of my troubleshooting:

The Problem: The washer stops mid-spin, indicates an out-of-balance state, and I often have to manually switch it to “Drain & Spin” to finish (balance issue is still ongoing but dry enough to put in dryer).

Test 1 is blank - -

Fault Code 7: This remains active in Test 2. I have tried clearing it via Service Mode 16 and the “lid open/close 6 times in 12 seconds” method, but it will not clear.

Test 13 (Calibration): I attempted to run calibration to fix the balance issues, but the Rinse light just blinks, and it won’t proceed because of the active Code 7.

Test 3 (Lid Lock): Resulted in the 2 + Pause light and 10 + Lock Lid light.

Test 14 (Spin test): This test actually passed, which is confusing given the persistent Code 7.

Test 10 (Shifter Position): The water filled two-thirds of the tub, and the control panel lights remained solid after blinking through each cycle from ‘Spin’ back to ‘Delay.’ There has been no movement for 10 minutes.

What can I do to prevent the washing machine from stopping during the spin cycle due to an unbalanced load?

https://www.appliancepartspros.com/parts-for-general-electric-gtw685bsl0ws.html

Thanks,
James

2

If the lock is testing good in the service mode but you are getting this error code then it would most likely be a control board issue. If the door lock error is happening even in the service mode then the door latch would be the most likely cause.

3

I also randomly test 10. What’s the reason for Test 10 no movement after filled ~1/3 of water (not 2/3)? Does it mean shifter is not working? Or control board isn’t responding?

4

Is the balance spring broken? It connects between the tub and back of the frame.

5

Assuming you mean the dampening straps, I looked for the part for this GE model but couldn’t find any compatible parts online. So I checked the diagram, and it appears that it doesn’t have them. I find that somewhat strange—I might be overlooking something.

I’m still using the washer, but I have to stand and watch it while it spins and stop it if it goes into the balancing stage, where it adds more water and restarts the cycle.

6

The appliance repair technician found that my washer’s transmission is worn out and needs to be replaced due to frequent use. The part alone costs $300, so I’m leaning toward buying a reliable, budget-friendly machine with basic functions.

7

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