How to isolate the cause of intermittent draining on GE top load washer

Washer Repair
1

Brand: GE
Model Number: GTW680BSJ5WS
Main Symptom: Intermittent draining
What happens & when: Washer stops mid cycle (This stoppage used to be occasional, but now it is around 70%of the time. When I try “Drain and Spin” cycle, I hear a low hum, presumably the pump motor. But usually nothing happens (occasionally it will drain normally, particularly if I clear the error codes first).
Since the pump seems to check out good, and the control board seems to be good (see below), what else can i do to isolate the problem?

Error Code (if any): 18 and/or 27
Parts or tests already tried: drain pump resistance is 14.3 ohms (I’m told this is OK). Drain pump was clean and impeller turned freely. Control board provided 120.9V to pump wiring when I put the pump in test mode.
Photos / video link:

2

Just to be sure, you are sometimes hearing the drain pump hum but it will not drain out?

3

Yes, I can hear a low hum if I put it in “Drain and Spin” cycle. That almost never causes draining unless I also select “No Spin’

4

Hmm, I wonder if this has a blocked pressure port on the tub, these had a known issue with that. I’m attaching the relevant service bulletin.

HL07-17-Top-Load-Washer-Pressure-Chamber-Port-Flash-Service-Bulletin-34639.pdf (791.7 KB)

Other than that I would have to suspect and issue with the drain pump WH23X28418 itself, especially if the pump is being powered but only hums. That could be a dead spot in the windings, you can still get a good resistance reading with that. This is assuming that the rest of the drain system is clear of any blockages.

https://www.appliancepartspros.com/ge-pump-drain-asm-wh23x28418-ap6889136.html

5

Thanks so much for the info.

6

I ordered the pump yesterday and got it today (great shipping). However, the new pump motor reads 27.7 ohms, well above spec according to AI. Since I cannot return it after installation, should I install and try this pump, or return it now

7

That resistance is double the manufacturer’s rating for this drain pump, please contact our customer service team @ 1-877-477-7278.

8

I received another pump yesterday evening, and its resistance was 27.2 ohms. I have to try to use it because laundry is really piling up.

9

the drain pump is normal between 23 and 30 ohms!
31-3000374 GE GTW680BSJ5WS Washer Mini Manual.pdf (367.0 KB)

10

Thanks so much. I had been led to believe about 13 ohms was the spec.

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