GFW850SPN2RS washer not working

Washer Repair
1

Brand:GE
Model Number:GFW850SPN2RS
Main Symptom:Does run any cycle
What happens & when: Drain Pump does not turn at the beginning of any cycle.

Error Code (if any):46
Parts or tests already tried: I had 6 error codes before replacing the main board, which I troubleshot to that. I made sure I put the correct code in for the new main board contacted GE and they gave that. Everything lights up and turns on just no washing. I have checked the drain pump plugged directly into 110 and it spins. I followed the video on the website for troubleshooting the inverter. The red and the blue have 120 vac. I have rang the wires from the drive motor on the back of connector and the back of the connector on the inverter. Red to White, Red to Blue, and White to Blue it all says the same 3.7 ohms. I have ran Test 14, 24, & 25, nothing. Other tests seem to work like ultra fresh turns and opens and closes. Test 1 cleared my error code but it comes right back. Also, have had it unplugged overnight and the error is still there. Is the drive motor bad?
Photos / video li

2

Error Code 46 (often displayed as E46) on your GE Front Load Washer (GFW850SPN2RS) indicates a motor or drive system fault. Most frequently, this means the drive motor ( WH03X29524 Washer Drive Motor | Genuine Ge OEM In Stock ) is overheating, drawing too much current, or the main control/inverter board ( WH22X38837 Washer Inverter Board | Genuine Ge OEM In Stock ) has failed.

To get your washer back up and running, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Reset the Washer

  • Unplug the washer (or flip the breaker) for 5 minutes to completely reset the main control board.

  • If the code returns after plugging it back in, proceed to component checks.

2. Check for Overloading & Drum Movement

  • Remove clothes: If the machine was overloaded, the motor can overwork and overheat. Remove some items and try running a Drain & Spin cycle.

  • Check for binding: Unplug the washer and try rotating the spin basket by hand. If it feels stuck or turns with significant resistance, there may be a blockage, bearing failure, or a locked rotor.

3. Inspect Wiring

Unplug the washer and access the rear or bottom access panel to check the wiring harness connecting the drive motor to the inverter control board. Look for any loose connections, burnt wires, or corrosion.

4. Inverter Board or Motor Failure

  • If the wiring is secure and the drum turns freely, the issue is typically hardware.

  • A technician will often test the motor with a multimeter or visually check the inverter board for burn marks to determine which part needs to be replaced

3

I have rang out the individual legs of the motor to ground and the casing itself, everything is open. So it should the inverter.

4

Here is the mini service manual for your unit

31-3000269-6 (3).pdf (1.0 MB)

5

I have now replaced the main board and the inverter board. Turned the machine on and it started the normal cycle of turning the drain pump on. I put it back together it did not work. Back apart again the inverter board is not working the main board is sending 120 VAC to the inverter board. Once again have rang out the individual legs / windings of the motor. They seem to be good with the ohms moving up and down when I spin the drum by hand, they do jump into negative numbers when slowing down, but it goes right back to normal reading. While spinning the drum the bearings in the motor do sound a little loud. I rang the individual legs to ground (the wire that is in the connector that grounds out to the casing itself) to make sure the casing is not grounding out on the legs; all open and good. So am I right in saying that the motor can take out the inverter and not the main board? And that the drain pump can take the main board but not the inverter board? Also, what is the start sequence of the washer? Does the inverter send ac to motor right at the beginning? Please if you respond to this, Please understand that I have done in depth troubleshooting on this washer. I really need someone who has an depth answer to the problem, I already have the sheet that comes with the washer, since it is taken apart taped inside on the soap dispenser, I also have the GE tech sheet on the washer, which very helpful. I also have taken the door lock apart and everything there is ok. I have inspected the wiring harness and did not see any broken wires and all wires look to be properly seated in the connectors. Is there a particular spot that I should be looking at on the wiring harness where known issues are? I have extensively rang wires out on different connectors throughout the machine.

6

I can send you the full 100 page service manual, if you don’t already have it, that goes into full detail on testing

7

I have 82 page one, 31-9327 Rev 1~4/27/20. I would definitely take if it’s updated or different than I one I have.

Thank You

Do you any more ideas? And do you if the motor goes bad that burns up the inverter card?

8

This one is Rev.2 ~ 04/30/2024

and yes a bad motor can very well damage the inverter board

I had to break the manual into 3

GE washer1b.pdf (5.3 MB)

GE washer1a.pdf (5.9 MB)

GE Washer2.pdf (9.6 MB)

parts to send it

9

Thanks, should I buy a motor before I install the 2nd main board and 2nd inverter board? When ringing out the motor each leg jumps to negative when the drum is slowing down from me spinning it. Nothing else can burn up the inverter board, I mean obviously there could be broken wires shorting out somewhere but other than that. I have inspected the harness and do see anything obvious with broken wires or wires, not seated correctly in the connectors.

10

At this point , if you have the means, I would suggest changing the motor

11

Thanks for all the help. Is there a way to have GE cover the motor? Isn’t that part of there 10 warranty?

12

Yes you will have to contact GE directly yo file a warranty claim

13

Thanks, GE wants a technician to go through troubleshooting before sending me a motor. I was trying to figure a way that I do not have to spend another 180, if that is the case I should just apply it to the new motor.