Washer is 6 years old and has started to not agitate or spin - sometimes. I tried motor reset - works for a couple of wash cycles. GE techs came out twice and cannot figure out the problem. They want to replace the motor, but the agitating and spinning started when the techs were checking the wires to the motor. When the washer will not agitate or spin, I move the washer forward or back, and it starts agitating and spinning normally, sometimes for several loads, sometimes for only 2 loads. I am still within the 30 days of GE timeframe for diagnosis. The checked connections in the board, checked the pressure switch for blockage, used the computer for error codes. Any input as to what could be causing this problem. Going to put in another small load, since washer just started agitating and spinning again. What a mystery.
anyone check the condition plug wires
The plug to the receptacle was suspect and under consideration. There is what I think is a transformer for alarm system plugged into the same outlet. It has been there a few years. The outlet did spark at me when I plugged the washer in after reset, but not again. Also because the transformer is in the outlet, there is a 3 prong adapter that the washer is plugged into due to lack of room. I hope I am explaining correctly. I have not checked the plug wires myself, but I will. I am not sure if the GE techs actually checked the wires closely.
I pulled the washer out further and checked the plug wires. They look ok. The washer is still in the pulled out position and I have been able to do five loads and will continue as long as the washer is functioning with spin and agitator. Is this an electrical problem with the outlet, or with the washer?
The washer has stopped agitating and spinning again. I called a different repair tech and he said it could be a loose connection. I have already paid $130 for diagnosis, but GE techs could not find the problem. The new person is coming late tomorrow, but I think I have had enough and will cancel and buy another washer. I don’t like getting rid of my washer for just a loose connection, but it might take a long time to find it, or it may be something else. Just for info, the rates are $80 to come to the house, and $100 per hour for labor, billed at 15 minute intervals. My washer is part of a matching set. Oh well.
Might be an intermittent lid switch. Unfortunately, most appliance techs don’t know how to do electrical troubleshooting very well, if at all, not to mention that intermittent electrical problems can be difficult and time consuming to troubleshoot anyway.
Eric
I first thought it was the lid switch based on internet search. I leaned on the lid switch and the washer agitation and spin started working, so I thought that was it, but my pressure on the lid switch was not lasting. The GE techs said that was not the problem or their computer would show an error code. Therefore, they did not test it. I could call them back as I am still within the 30 days and have them replace it. It’s tough not knowing which way to go. Thank you for responding and your input.
The lid switch on this model is of the magnetic type. Leaning on it doesn’t normally do anything to it but if it is sticking, it may cause it to release. The main control board does not monitor the lid switch and there are no error codes indicated when putting the control board into service mode. The lid switch is monitored by the inverter board on top of the motor. If it doesn’t detect the lid opening within the last two wash cycles, it will disable the motor and will indicate an error via the flashing LED on the inverter board.
GE WH12X10334 Lid Switch Asm - AppliancePartsPros.com
Eric
Interesting. So I should check the inverter board on top of the motor for flashing LED. I will check for flashings and report back. Thanks so much.
I pressed start button and cycle was set on drain&spin. It started spinning normally. While spinning, I checked for flashing green light which was flashing a count of 6. After spin was done, green light still flashing 6 times. Washer agitated on easy care cycle, but failed to spin. So my understanding is I need a new motor.
The 6 flash error means locked rotor, which simply means the motor did not run when it was supposed to, not necessarily that the motor is faulty. You would get a 7 flash code for a lid switch that failed to open. To really determine what the problem is, you would need to monitor voltages at the inverter connectors when the problem occurs. I would say it’s likely the motor as they are a high failure item in these washers but it could be a faulty control board at control panel or a bad connection.
Eric
Hi Eric, All is well now. I bought a new washer this afternoon. I really appreciate your efforts to help me with this, and your great explanations. Your input helped me make this decision. You are an asset to this forum.