How to Troubleshoot and Repair a Washing Machine that Won’t Spin

Alex HWasher RepairLeave a Comment

Some symptoms of a malfunctioning washing machine are more subtle than others. But the symptom of a washing machine that won’t initiate its spin cycle is usually a wash basket full of water. Yikes!
It could be as simple as the lid switch not actuating, a worn or damaged drive belt, or maybe the transmission decided to give up the ghost during one of the cycles.
The following troubleshooting and repair guide for a defective lid switch can apply to many different brands, however, this guide is specific to the Whirlpool Model LSN1000HQ0.

Defective Lid Switch

The lid switch is a safety device and depending on how your machine is programmed it could activate in one of three ways. When you open or close the lid you should hear the sound of the lid switch activating.
  • When the lid is opened some washers have lid switches that stop the washing cycle completely.
  • Other models disrupt power during the spin cycle only.
  • Some machines allow the washer to fill and agitate while the lid is opened.
If your wash basket is full of water, how are you going to remove it? You could scoop it out by hand with the largest container you can find but that would take the better part of a day and leave you frustrated. We’re as sure as you are that you have better things to do. You wonder if there is an easier way.
Instead of removing the water one bucketful at a time, grab a flat-head screwdriver. Open the lid and with the control set to spin, locate the small rectangular hole located on the top right of the machine. Use the screwdriver to depress and actuate the spin cycle. Your washer will remove the water and if you have any wash in the tub, you can cycle it until the water is removed enough for you to place your wash in the dryer.
Before beginning any work on your washing machine or any appliance for that matter you need to do two things:
  • Unplug the washing machine from its power source
  • Turn off both hot and cold water valves
It is best to wait for at least 5-minutes before beginning your work. So go have a cup of coffee, read the paper, check your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram accounts. The reason for the wait is that some electricity remains stored in the capacitor and you could still receive a shock.

How to Remove and Replace the Lid Switch

  • Remove the two screws behind the control panel cover
  • Lift cover to gain access to the lid switch
  • Locate the lid switch to the right and disconnect the wire harness
  • Place a multimeter’s leads on the brown and gray wires and check for continuity
  • If there is no continuity, you have found your problem. Replace the lid switch
  • Locate and remove the two clips that hold the cabinet in place; you will find them to the rear and at the top
  • Pull the cabinet from the rear toward the front and remove. It should slip right off
  • Now there is clear access to the switch
  • Sometimes the brackets that hold the switch in place, break, leaving the lid switch to dangle with no hope of it actuating your machine
  • Using a 5/16 nut driver, remove the ground screw that also helps hold the switch in place
  • Lift the lid and remove the other screw from the top
  • Depress the two tabs that will allow clearance to remove the switch and its harness
  • Remove the clips for the wires and pop them out
  • Now the switch is free and can be removed
  • Replacing the lid switch is a simple as following these instructions in reverse

Defective Drive Belt

The drive belt is what connects the clutch and the transmission. The belt drives the transmission which powers the agitator and the spinning basket. It should be inspected annually.
Does your washer start and then stop? Do you smell burning rubber when your washer is in operation? If your machine is experiencing either of these symptoms, the drive belt could be loose or damaged.
How to Inspect, Tighten, Remove, and Replace a Drive Belt
  • Remember Safety First! Unplug the machine from its power source and turn off the hot and cold water.
  • Remove the rear panel
  • Visually inspect the belt for damage
  • If the belt appears to be in good condition, check its tension by depressing the belt mid-way between the two pulleys
  • If you can push it further than ½ inch, it is too loose and needs an adjustment

How to Tighten the Drive Belt

  • Using a socket and ratchet, loosen the 3 nuts under the motor mount bracket. Do not remove the nuts
  • The motor should be loose enough to manipulate
  • With one hand pull the motor to the rear and tighten the left nut first
  • Tightening the remaining two nuts will increase the tension on the belt. Push on the belt the same way as before to see if it depresses further than the ½ inch recommended tension.

How to Remove and Replace the Drive Belt

  • Remove the upper clamp from the coupling
  • With socket and ratchet, loosen but don’t remove the 3 nuts on the motor mount bracket
  • Push the motor toward the center of the washer
  • Remove the old belt and place the new belt into the transmission and clutch pulley grooves
  • With one hand, pull the motor to the rear of the washer and tighten the left nut first
  • Tighten the remaining two nuts
  • Recheck the drive belt tension with the ½ inch test
  • Reassemble the pump coupling and clamp
  • Reassemble the washing machine, plug it in and do a load of laundry!

Defective Transmission

The transmission generates power from the motor to the agitator and wash basket. It generates both agitation and spin. If the washer appears to be leaking oil, or if the agitation or spin cycles are not working, the transmission needs to be replaced. This particular repair will take some time to complete.

How to Remove and Replace the Transmission

If your washer is equipped with a transmission boot, it will need to be replaced.
Watch this 5-minute video for a detailed tutorial on how to remove the transmission boot, including the removal and replacement of the transmission.
  • After the boot is removed, remove the six bolts that anchor the transmission. There are three bolts on either side
  • Slide the transmission to the rear of the washer to free the drive belt. Inspect the belt for wear and tear
  • Lift the transmission out of the washing basket. Be careful, as the transmission is heavy
  • Place one of the bolts in the right rear hole in the new transmission and lower into the washer
  • Turn that bolt by hand but not so tight you can’t manipulate the transmission into place
  • This one bolt will act as a pivot
  • Turn the transmission toward the right rear of the washer
  • Reinstall the drive belt in its groove around the transmission pulley
  • Realign transmission to the remaining holes
  • Replace and tighten the five remaining bolts
  • Refer to the previous video to complete the assembly
We hope this has helped explain some of the more simple repairs for a washing machine that has stopped spinning or agitating. But we understand that not everyone has the time or is cut out for do-it-yourself projects and need to find a company who does. Someone who is an expert in appliance repair. Do you have something else you’d like to discuss? Reach out to us today and we’ll reach right back to you.

It’s Spring Cleaning Time For Your Washer And Dryer

Alex HWasher RepairLeave a Comment

How often are your washing machine and your dryer used in your home? Do your washing machine and the dryer go through workouts on a daily basis or is it only used a few times out of the week? Regardless of how often your appliances are used, your washing machine and dryers are investments. When you make an investment, you want to make sure you take care of it, right?

Unfortunately, your appliances may have a few problems that could cause you to miss a few loads of laundry. Appliance problems can also result in higher electric bills and safety issues. If you cannot remember the last time you showed your washing machine and your dryer some attention, we encourage you to take some time to do this now.

Washer

There are several problems you could face when it comes to your washer include failing to drain, spin, or agitate. In addition to these problems, your washing machine’s door may not lock properly and you may find water leaking from your washer. These problems can arise for a variety of reasons. Thankfully, there are skilled repair professionals in your area that can diagnose these problems and repair them as soon as possible. One of the things we encourage you to do is to inspect your fill and drain hose installations.  If you are not sure what to do, we can do it for you!

Dryer

There are some common issues that many people face when it comes to their dryers. Some of the problems include the following: the dryer is not heating, the dryer is not spinning, or the dryer is not responding at all. As with the washer, the dryer problems can also be caused for a variety of reasons. If you discover that there are things causing problems with your dryer’s airflow will create major problems for your dryer, including causing a fire. You should make sure your lint filters are cleaned after each load and you should have your vents cleaned at least one time a year.

Are you in need of an appliance repair? Contact us today for more information.

How to Replace a Frigidaire Refrigerator’s Door Hinge Bearing 240328203

Alex HRefrigerator RepairLeave a Comment

If a refrigerator door isn’t sealing all the way, the seal might be your first guess as to the culprit. But sometimes a broken hinge bearing can also be at fault. Ask the customer if the door also makes a popping sound is a more difficult to open than it used to be. If so, order a replacement hinge bearing (with a part number of 240328203 for Frigidaire models) and then:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.

While this repair does not involve any electrical components, disconnecting an appliance from its power source should be the first step in most repairs. This is especially vital if the door has any electrical components or switches.

2. Remove the top hinge assembly.

Start by removing the assembly cover. Unscrew the cover, then slide it forward and pull the cover away. Use a nut driver remove the two hinge screws and set them aside. At this point, the hinge can be lifted away freely.

3. Remove the door.

Brace the door by holding onto the handle. Then tilt the top corner away from the refrigerator and slightly lift the door to pull it free of the bottom hinge assembly. Pull the door away and set it down with the exterior laying flatly on the floor so you can access the bottom. You can lay down a rug or towel to protect the door from rough flooring.

4. Remove and replace the hinge bearing.

Pry the old bearing out with a flathead screwdriver. You can either put a bit of protective cloth between the screwdriver and the edge of the door so you can use the door for leverage without risking damage, or you can twist the flathead to pop the bearing free. Then insert the replacement part. It has a roughly triangular part that needs to line up with the similarly shaped hole in the bottom of the door. You can press it into place with a bit of force.

5. Reattach the door.

Pick up the door and line up the bottom with the hinge. Then tilt the door straight into position flush with the refrigerator. Put the top hinge into place. Then tighten the screws back into place and reinstall the cover. If you have a second person on hand, they can visually check to make sure the door connects correctly with the bottom hinge and can help you hold the door in place as you tighten the top hinge.

For more refrigerator and appliance part replacement tips, go to Fred’s Appliance Service here.

How to Replace a Whirlpool Dryer’s Heating Element 279838

Alex HDryer RepairLeave a Comment

If you get a call about a dryer that’s not heating up, the heating element probably shorted. A short in the element can cause either low heat or no heat at all, but it can’t be repaired or partially replaced. For Whirlpool dryers, order a replacement element with a part number 279838 and follow these instructions.

1. Unplug the dryer.

Every step of this process involves electrical components. Disconnecting the appliance from its power source should definitely be your first step to keep everyone safe.

2. Access the back panel.

Once the machine is unplugged, pull it away from the wall so you can reach the rear of the machine. Loosen the screws around the back panel so you can pull the cover away and access the rear components.

3. Remove the element.

First, remove the wires from the thermostat. In order to be sure that you return the wires to the proper ports after you install the new element, take a picture of the wires that clearly show where each wire goes. Pry the wires away from the blocks with a flathead screwdriver. Once the wires are out of the way. Unscrew the element from the heat tube and pull the element down and away.

4. Install the new element.

Before you put the new part in the dryer, remove the thermostat from the previous part and transfer it to the new one; a new thermostat is not included. Just pry the terminal free, pull the thermostat free of the tab, and slip it into position on the new element. The snap the terminal into place.

Slide the new element into position so it fits smoothly into the gap and the screw holes line up. The retighten the screws.

5. Reassemble the dryer.

Using the picture you took earlier, reattach the three wires to the thermostat and element. Screw the back panel into position and then push the whole dryer back into position.

For more dryer repair tips and how to replace specific parts, go to Fred’s Appliance Service here.