Help Whirlpool Washer just died?

Question

Whirlpool washer, only about 4 years old, started cycle and died while switching from wash to spin. I can turn the dial back to wash and it works but when I move it forward to spin nothing happens. Nothing happens when I turn dial to any other position. Do I need to call the Sears man or does someone have an idea how I can fix this myself. I am pretty handy, although not too much with electrical appliances. Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

You need a lid switch.Look at where the underside of the lid has a pin to activate the lid switch.When the lid shuts it pushes the switch.Its broken. Start by unplugging unit.If you know how to safely splice and wirenut ,you can remove the 2 screws holding it pull the switch out. Push the tub to the right so you can get your hand in follow,by feel,the wires to the inner upper right corner of the cabinet towards the rear there is a clip that keeps the wires out of the way of the moving tub. Pull the open side of the clip(right side)left w/index finger and push wires to right out of clip w/ thumb.Now you'll have slack to splice the new switch.Or without splicing go to link below.Click,laundry,direct drive washers dated 01/01/1997,.Go to page 22 for disassembly & reassembly instructions.Once you get the lid off its pretty self explainitory.A tool you will need 5/16 driver or socket for ground screw.You can go to sears.com( link below) w/ your model# to find part# & order there or it might be faster to go to an appliance parts warehouse or Sears parts center.Call 1st w/ that part#.
P.S. That link shows you how to bypass/jumper the switch on the same page.If you can do so in a safe manner it will work while you wait for the part.This is how I do it .You can begin to disassemble just enough to unplug sw. (only plug on cabinet) &open cabinet just far enough to grab connector & harness after pushing sw. connecter plug through to under cabinet take switch harness and cut 3 wires about 4 in. from connecter you would now have in your hand 4 in. of wires w/ female plug.Remove from machine,put cabinet back on & just leave old sw. and old harness there until you have new.Splice two end wires(#1 & #3) of removed plug together. Plug onto male plug from control,where it came from,use tape on splices reassemble control panel and it will spin with the lid open until switch is installed.

Answer 2

Morning Steve,

I don't really know but I see at least 2 good suggestions.

The "Clock"/ timer mechanism might just be worn at that point where it's supposed to "switch" over in the cycling? I'd analogize it to a worn cog not tripping a trigger.

The other; The LID switch; might act like a Kill switch? I know I can "Wash" a load with the lid UP; but the machine won't drain or spin with it in the up position.

Hope you figure it out.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

Washers don't have internal fuses. They rely on home breakers. It is possible the power contact in the lid switch (if it shuts off with the lid open), or the timer has worn out. The other possibility is a loose circuit wire in the plug or the breaker box. Your plug may test ok even if the return circuit (the white wire) is loose. Check between ground and the return side of the plug (larger slot), if you read 110v, the return is open at the breaker box. Turn the breaker off and make sure all connections are tight. You can read a voltage without load with a loose connection.

Answer 4

The rubber drain hose in the back is placed in the 'drain pipe'. Rearrange the machine's hose so it does not have a bend in it, try the spin cycle. Repeat a few times if necessary. That is usually the culprit (getting a bend in hose over time) when the washer is that new.

Otherwise it could be a belt or even the timer dial.

Answer 5

the timer selector switch appears worn out. replace that, or call a service man to to it.

Answer 6

Try this link is should help you troubleshoot your problem.
http://www.repairclinic.com/0088_11_1.asp

Hope it helps.

Answer 7

warranty?