Roper RTW4640YQ1 washer doesn't change modes during cycle

Washer Repair
1

Brand: Roper
Model Number: RTW4640YQ1
Main Symptom: Stays in one mode (e.g., wash) and never advances
Error Code (if any): N/A
Parts or tests already tried: see below

Per this post from last August the control board in our Roper washing machine has been clicking between cycle modes (wash, spin, etc.) before advancing – But it’s still been working. This morning it appears to have stopped advancing at all, remaining in wash mode for more than half an hour.

Based on notes I’ve gathered here and there, I’ve tried these diagnostic steps:

Hard reset -

  • Unplug the washer for more than one minute
  • Plug in the washer and before 30 seconds passes rapidly open and close the lid: 12 times within 6 seconds

No change

Tried to view diagnostic codes using these steps -

  • Verify there are no modes active (all lights off)
  • Spin the main knob 360 degrees CCW stopping at the top (on Regular)
  • CW 3 clicks
  • CCW 1 click
  • CW 1 click ending up on Delicate (it ended up on the Delicate cycle, but not directly on Delicate)
  • All lights except lid lock will flash simultaneously (they did not)
  • Turn CW 1 click past Delicate and all the lights but the Cycle Complete light will go off (it did not)
  • Briefly press the start button to enter diagnostic mode:
  • Turn it CW 1 click to see the error code; to decipher error codes (never got any error codes)

So is the control board finally dead?

From the photo on the product page (W10484681) it looks like replacing it is just a matter of unplugging the old one and plugging the new one in (after I’ve gotten to it, naturally). Is that about it?

Thanks.

2

If you cannot get the control to go into a proper diagnostic mode, then yes, the control would be the next step. It is easy to replace, no programming needed. W10484681 Electronic Control Board | Genuine Whirlpool OEM In Stock

3

Control board has been ordered, thanks for the quick reply!

4

…and that was the issue, now fixed. Thanks for the pointer, not to mention quick part delivery!

Just the same I’d like to have a conversation with whoever decided it was a good idea to use stiff inaccessible spring steel clips (instead of screws) to hold the control board to the console. And also whoever thought locking plugs were a good idea for the connections. It’s a washer, not the Saturn V rocket… :slight_smile: A couple of screws would’ve worked nicely.

I wanted to replace it without turning the washer around (we have a VERY tight laundry room), nor disconnecting anything more than necessary, including the hoses. I finally got it done but was almost standing on my head to see and work from the front. I ended up having to use a thin-blade screwdriver and a hammer to release the clips. I literally needed a prybar to pop it loose, but finally succeeded with a screwdriver.