Brand: GE Model Number: GTW490ACJ5WS Main Symptom: Machine will not cycle. What happens & when: When attempting to start the machine, after pressing start you hear a few splashes of water and a humming noise. The lock engages and lights up on control panel. At this point, both the sensing fill light and the lock lights are illuminated. Following the splash of water, lock sound, and hum, nothing happens. The unit will sit there locked without filling. My original concern was the inlet valve screens. I removed these, cleaned them, and confirmed they are in good shape. I also checked the lines which appear to be fine. I have since replaced the entire control board as another issue I read about was related to the water fill sensor or switch, which is part of the main control board on my washing machine. This has not resolved my issue. Wondering what else to be looking for or testing .
Error Code (if any): placed unit in test mode, no error codes appeared
Parts or tests already tried: replaced control board. Cleaned inlet valve screens. Checked inlet connections and confirmed no debris or kinks.
Photos / video link:
Here is a test procedure for the GE GTW490ACJ5WS, here’s how to enter Field Service (Diagnostic) Mode and run the automatic component checks.
Enter Field Service Mode
Make sure the washer is plugged in and in Standby (all LEDs off, not running a cycle).
Press and hold the Start button.
While holding Start, rotate the cycle selector knob 7 clicks (180°).
Continue holding Start for about 10 seconds until all the LEDs illuminate.
Release Start. The LEDs will blink, indicating you’ve entered Field Service Mode.
Navigate the Tests
Rotate the cycle knob to select the desired test number, then press Start to run it.
Some of the most useful tests are:
Test 1 – View stored fault codes
Test 6 – Hot water valve
Test 7 – Cold water valve
Test 10 – Pressure sensor
Test 12 – Drain pump
Test 13 – Lid lock/lid switch
Test 14 – Spin test
Test 15 – Agitate test
Test 16 – Clear stored fault codes (only after repairs)
Automatic Check
This model does not have a single automatic component test that sequentially checks every component. Instead, diagnostics consist of the individual service tests listed above, which you select and run one at a time.
Exit Diagnostic Mode
Press Power (if equipped) or disconnect power to the washer for a few seconds to exit service mode.
I have seen lots of times where the shifter will be out and would cause the washer to hang up
Thank you for your help! I ran the service mode tests, and both the spin and agitate tests seem to get hung up. The spin test doesn’t spin at all. you get two spurts of water and nothing follows. The agitate test starts by filling with water, but nothing happens after that unless I stop the test. I wasn’t sure if I needed to let it run longer, but since it kept filling, I didn’t want to end up with a basket full of water. The drain test, however, worked without any issues.