Brand: General Electric Model Number: WKSE5260E0WW Main Symptom: Mixing Valve not fully working (only Warm mixes) What happens & when: Hot is all/only hot water; Cold is all/only cold water. Happens each use/all the time.
I replaced the mixing valve in March when only Warm would fill. Since replacement - where I followed the steps and video - all temperatures (Hot, Warm, Cold) fill, but Hot is all/only hot water; Cold is all/only cold water. It’s not a major problem, but would like it to function properly.
I don’t know how to test for error codes. Any direction appreciated!
Error Code (if any): N/A
Parts or tests already tried: Replaced mixing valve
Photos / video link:
Thanks for the detailed description. Since replacing the mixing valve restored all three temperature selections, it sounds like the new valve is working, but the washer is not properly controlling the hot and cold solenoids to create the correct mix.
The fact that:
Hot = 100% hot water
Warm = proper mix of hot and cold
Cold = 100% cold water
tells me the valve itself is capable of mixing. This makes me suspect the issue is with how the control board ( GE WH12X10271 Washer Control Board | Genuine OEM Part ) is commanding the valve rather than with the valve itself.
Here are the steps I would recommend:
Run the washer’s diagnostic mode and check for stored error codes. This model stores faults that may not be obvious during normal operation.
With the washer plugged in and in standby (all LEDs off), press and hold Start/Pause and Power together for about 5 seconds (or follow the tech sheet if your model has one) to enter diagnostics.
If you have the tech sheet (it’s often located inside the cabinet or behind the control panel), it will list the exact button sequence for your model and explain how to view stored error codes.
Run the automatic component test. During diagnostics, command the hot and cold valve coils on individually. Verify:
Hot valve opens when commanded.
Cold valve opens when commanded.
Both valves can be energized together to produce a mixed temperature.
Verify the water hose connections. Make sure the hot supply is connected to the hot inlet and the cold supply is connected to the cold inlet. It sounds obvious, but it’s worth confirming after replacing the valve.
Inspect the wiring harness between the control board and the mixing valve. Make sure every connector is fully seated and no pins were bent or backed out during the valve replacement.
If diagnostics show both valve coils operate correctly and the wiring checks out, the electronic control board becomes the most likely cause. It may not be commanding the valve correctly for each selected temperature.
A couple of questions that will help narrow it down:
When you select Warm, does the water feel like a true mix of hot and cold, or is it mostly hot?
Which exact replacement mixing valve did you install—OEM GE or an aftermarket part?
If you can get into diagnostics and let me know whether any error codes are stored or how the valve behaves during the component test, I can help determine whether the control board or something else is causing the issue.
The mixing valve was listed as OEM on Appliance Parts Pros (where I ordered it from).
I checked the hoses (correct) and the wiring harness (all connections seemed sound).
If it matters, I replaced the valve back in March and what I initially described has been happening since. I just finally got around to researching it!
I had the tech sheet in the machine and ran the diagnostics a few times to - I think - pair up the LEDs with the table.
First image is the Field Service Mode table. To the left are the lights that were lit up per click of the knob. The checkmarks on the left means that the machine went to that item/cycle upon next click. Hot provided hot water and cold provided cold water as expected/hoped. There wasn’t (?) a setting for Warm. LOL, this must’ve been reprinted 4 million times as the resolution is terrible!
Second image is the dial where I numbered the LEDs in pencil.
Not sure if this matters, but why this caught my attention was that (with the old valve) the Hot setting would fill with mostly hot water, but occasionally switch to warm (to cool it a bit, I guess); the new valve fills with hot water only (and it’s HOT!). Same when it was set to Cold (occasional switch to warm). It’s almost like there’s a thermostat somewhere that’s not functioning any more.
Your washer came equipped with a temperature sensor probe ( GE WH12X10251 Washer Probe Sensor Atc | Genuine OEM Part ) for the automatic temperature control. Did the new valve include this as well? If so did you plug it in fully? If not can you transfer it from the old valve to new valve or order a new one and install it
