Washing Machine Repair

[97 FZJ80]

If you don't want to read a bunch of rant on a POS American made product, skip this post.

I am at my ends with this POS Maytag. After listening to all the advise and reading all the useless reports, I'm buying an import the next time around.

I have a Maytag washer that is not putting out cold water in the wash cycle regardless of the water temperature selector. The funny thing is, the cold water comes out fine in the rinse cycle when selected. I've already changed out the water valves and the water temperature selector switch and the only thing left is the temperature controller computer. HOW THE F*** DOES THE COMPUTER GOES OUT ON A 8 YO WASHER? (MTBF of an electronic parts should be way longer than 8 years) I'm not changing out any more parts on this POS on a lousy guess that the POS maker can't build the parts correctly. It used to be American appliance were the best in the world - I guess that only applies to the mechanical parts. As these appliance have more electronic parts, I've had more trouble with the newer American fridge/oven/and washer with electronics than the old all-mechnical ones.

POS. I'm buying a LG the next time around. Might explain why I drive a LC and a Tundra instead of a FORD or GM...

[NaterGator]

I have one of the newfangled LG front loader high efficiency ones.

It keeps water down under the drum and smells bad after letting it sit for a day or two. Annoying. None of them are perfect.

[beaufort-fj60]

pull the tub and make a fire pit out of it.

this is a goober site... but it gets the point across http://cookerwars.com/gallery.html

[NorCalDoug]

I wouldn't go with LG.

[97 FZJ80]

Really? That is an design issue not a crappy manufacture issue. All my appliance - American made at that - Washer, microwave/hood, range, oven - none made it to 10 years without something major breaking.

I am really dissapointed in these products.

[97 FZJ80]

Originally Posted by NorCalDoug

I wouldn't go with LG.

I would probably buy a Chinese one when they start selling them here. They will probably cost less than 1/2 of a American made product, but onll last 5 years. WHen it breaks, I'll just throw it out and buy a new one, much like what we do now with microwave and DVD players.

Why pay more when it's still made junky (much like the American made cars).

[lowtideride]

I would go with 30 spline longs

[john_eckels]

When I was at Lowes, the appliance guy there told me not to get GE, they are made in China.

I have a Maytag and it is close to 15 years old. The only problem it ever had was the pully comming off the bottom of the drum. We were living in an apartment while our house was being built and it broke at 2:00 AM. I got my hammer and beat it back on while my wife was yelling at me about waking the neighbors

I was thinking about getting one of the new front load setups. I was at Best Buy and the guy there told me the story about Maytag. Some of the Neptune series were built by another company. They had so many problems, it bankrupted the company. I think Whirlpool bought them out.

If I was going to get a new washer today, I would probably narrow my choices between Samsung, Kitchen Aid, and Bosch. I think I will see how long my curent Maytags will go.

[HR-OLIFANT]

We've had LG for a while and have no complaints. Biggest complaint from others seems to be noise and vibrations, both of which are non-existent if the machines are leveled properly. Read the manual and enjoy.

[-Spike-]

Front loading is the way to go. We bought new a new GE set when we moved in here 3 years ago. I love the way the washer works, but I have already had to replace the controller. In it's defense it was one of the cheaper machines at a time when the front loader was just getting big on the market. Unfortunately these days if you don't spend top dollar, you can just consider it disposable.

-Spike

[Tunnelratt]

Got a Maytag washer and dryer set 30 years ago when the wife and I got married, Harvest Gold, still runs perfect, have repaired and replaced parts over the years, raised 3 kids with it, now I am just seeing which one of us will go first, me or the appliances, the wife gave up a long time ago trying to get new ones

[Wile E Coyote]

Originally Posted by Tunnelratt

Got a Maytag washer and dryer set 30 years ago when the wife and I got married, Harvest Gold, still runs perfect, have repaired and replaced parts over the years, raised 3 kids with it, now I am just seeing which one of us will go first, me or the appliances, the wife gave up a long time ago trying to get new ones

The major diff in the longevity of the older units is their lack of circuit boards. If ya want one that lasts, shy away from the latest gizmos and stick w/ old-fashioned but simpler electronics.
I learned alot after searching for the fix on my GE washer's transmission. Now that is one POS for sure! The local charity org in my old town wouldn't even take GE's in as a DONATION, cause 10 outta 10 times, it was the trans that went out on a brand new looking washer.

[97 FZJ80]

Update: I opened up the back of the washing machine and found an electrical diagram. After tracing all of the switches and wires, I concluded that it was the POS temperature control board.

Changed the POS temperature controller board out and now it works like a charm.

PS: Next time, I'm buying a Chinese made washing machine with lead-based paint from Walmart for $50, which is cheaper than the POS temperature controler board cost me from Maytag. If I have more time than money, I could have reverse engineered that logic board and build one myself that would outlast nuclear winter.

Rant off.

[fj40charles]

Originally Posted by Tunnelratt

Got a Maytag washer and dryer set 30 years ago when the wife and I got married, Harvest Gold, still runs perfect, have repaired and replaced parts over the years, raised 3 kids with it, now I am just seeing which one of us will go first, me or the appliances, the wife gave up a long time ago trying to get new ones

You got one of those old Maytags that were reliable and what made Maytag famous for reliability. All of the newer Maytags (owned by Whirlpool) appliances are not any more reliable than any other brand.

[AJP]

I think the "Calypso" washer with the erotic up and down wash plate (apparently now discontinued - but similar to the very old Philco units) AND an extractor are the way to go for bulletproof washing.
I just noticed that my 3 year old Whirlpool front loader is putting in a lot of hot water on the COLD/COLD cycle ...PITA...

[nspctr1]

I have a pair of maytags now going on 15 years old. The Washing machine is beginning to leak a little water but it's not consistent so I cant find where the damned thing is leaking at. Other than that, no problems at all but, my wife is beginning to drop hints about the new front loads. damned, 1500 bux for a new set? I don't think I paid that for all of the appliances I put in the house when I bought it in early 93......

[AJP]

I learned alot after searching for the fix on my GE washer's transmission. Now that is one POS for sure

... yessiree the GE transmission is a real piece of work... my great revelation to this particular mechanical abortion was wandering into my laundry room in time to discover both the agitator AND drum (top loader) were cranking around at about 1500 rpms ... in the same direction ... with water being thrown over the top of drum and down onto the floor... while the pump thought it was still in the wash cycle!!!

[alex e]

Calypso washers are the BIGGEST POS in the universe. Class action lawsuit bad. Of course, we had just few enough repairs to keep us out of the protected class. Some wedding present! I think they've been repaired 3-4 times to the tune of $150+ each time. Bought expensive warranty. Machine broke again last week. It won't fill. We're on the verge of pitching this POS out into the street.

If you want a good laugh, Google "calypso washer".

I'd really like to to fix it myself until we can get a Bosch set.

[AJP]

Calypso washers are the BIGGEST POS in the universe. Class action lawsuit bad

... I am very sorry to learn that! My sister in law has had one for 3 years with no problems at all... and she beats the hell out of it washing carpets.....I believe you though which makes it more confusing ... what to buy what to buy??? I know folks with Miele and Akso who aren't too happy with repair costs...Bosch appliances? I admit to having zero experience experience or knowledge about them


Just read the "Class action law suit" documents ....I guess I better withdraw my opinion on Calypso....funny cause about a decade ago I was speaking with a guy who ran a laundramat and was complaining that nobody had come out with a machine as strong or as effective as the old Philco's he had in his first laundramats .. they used the same "up and down" plate motion.. operating on a crankshaft...he claimed they were the most bulletproof machine he had operated ...

[alex e]

Yep. I am going to begrudgingly fix the Calypso washer yet again and sell the set on EBay. Bosch Nexxt 500 is what I will replace the Kenmore Calypsos with. Found a screaming deal on one in scratch and dent section and am not gonna pass it up. The key with anything mechanical now is to warranty the F out of it and hope you get 5-6 years of use then get a replacement. Kinda like a car........

[wfd175]

Brand and model
The designation for the item we tested. Untested models that are similar, and should perform comparably, are listed in small type under the tested model. When included, brackets indicate the color code of the model we tested; similar models appear with empty brackets since more than one color may be available. Note that additional letters or numbers may be appended for a particular sample of the model to signify year manufactured, or other such information.

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Brand and model Price
An approximate retail price.

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Price Test results
Results based mainly on evaluations performed in our testing labs. For information on specific attributes and tests, click on the icon below the column title.

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Test results Features
Important attributes that might affect your buying decision. For information on specific features, click on the icon below the column title. Additional features may be included on the individual model pages; click on the model's name to reach its page.

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Features
Small type: similar model(s)
CR Best Buy indicates an exceptional value. Overall score
This score is based primarily on washing ability, efficiency, capacity, and noise.

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Washing performance
This reflects the degree of color change to swatches of fabric that were included in an 8-pound test load of mixed cotton items using the machines' most aggressive normal cycle. (We do not use special cycle or option buttons.)

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Energy efficiency
This score is based on the energy needed to heat the water for 8-pound and maximum loads using a warm wash and cold rinse. We consider both gas and electric water heaters, and include electricity needed to run the washer and energy needed for drying. Washers that extract more water are scored higher.

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Water efficiency
This score denotes how much water it took to wash our 8-pound load and each machine's maximum load. On models that didn't set the fill level automatically, we used the lowest fill setting that sufficed for the 8-pound load. We then calculated water used per pound of clothing.

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Capacity
For top-loaders, Capacity is based on how well the washer agitates increasingly large loads. For front-loaders, the score is based on our judgment of the maximum sized load that the washer holds.

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Gentleness
Models that earned lower scores for gentleness are more likely to treat your clothes roughly, causing wear and tear.

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Noise
This reflects judgments by panelists during the fill, agitate, and spin cycles.

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Cycle time (min.)
Our measurements of the time, rounded to the nearest five minutes, to complete the most aggressive normal cycle with our 8 lb. load. (We do not use special cycle or option buttons.)

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Stainless-steel tub
Tubs constructed of stainless steel are likely to be more durable than plastic or porcelain, and they allow for higher spin speeds. Plastic is the next most durable choice.

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Porcelain top/lid
A porcelain top/lid resists scratching better than a painted one but generally adds to a washer's cost. Painted tops, far more common, are often quite durable in normal use.

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Auto temp. control
This feature automatically mixes hot and cold water to reach the chosen wash temperature (which differs on various makes of washers). It's a good way to compensate for normal variations in tap-water temperature and prevents problems caused by water that's too cold, which keeps detergent from working properly.

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Auto bleach dispenser
Automatic Bleach dispenser releases the bleach at the proper point in the cycle, giving the detergent additives sufficient time to work.

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Shop online
Clicking "Shop Online" will allow you to obtain product pricing and availability information from a number of online retailers. If you wish, you can also purchase the item from one of those vendors.

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TOP-LOADING MODELS
Whirlpool Cabrio HE WTW6600S[W] $1000 73. 55 • • • •
Kenmore (Sears) Elite Oasis HE 2708[2]
Elite Oasis HE 2709[ ] $1000 $1000 72. 60 • • • •
Whirlpool Cabrio WTW6200S[W] $700 70. 50 • • • •
Kenmore (Sears) Oasis 2705[2] $900 66. 55 • • • •
GE Profile Harmony WPGT9360E[WW] $1000 65. 55 • • •
Fisher & Paykel Intuitive IWL16 $800 64. 50 • •
GE WHDRR418G[WW] (Home Depot) $440 58. 40 •
Whirlpool WTW5540S[W] $400 56. 45 •
GE WWSE5240G[WW] $430 53. 45 •
GE WPRE8100G[WT] $600 53. 45 • •
Estate ETW4400S[Q] $350 52. 45
Kenmore (Sears) 2761[2] $470 51. 40 • •
Whirlpool WTW5300S[Q] $350 50. 40
Haier Genesis GWT900A[W] $1000 50. 55 • •
GE WLRR5000G[WW] (Lowe's) $500 48. 60 • •
Roper RTW4400S[Q] $350 48. 40
Kenmore (Sears) 2742[2] $330 46. 40 • •
Kenmore (Sears) 2783[1] $570 24. 50 • •
Whirlpool WTW5840S[W] $500 22. 40 • •
Frigidaire Gallery GLWS1339E[C] $360 20. 45
Kenmore (Sears) 2772[1]
2773[ ] $540,
2774[ ] $540 $540 19. 40 •
FRONT-LOADING MODELS
LG Tromm SteamWasher WM2688H[WM] $1500 83. 70 • • • •
Whirlpool Duet HT GHW9400P[W] $1200 79. 65 • • • •
Kenmore (Sears) Elite HE5t 4708[1] $1500 79. 105 • • • •
Maytag Epic MFW9700S[Q] $1000 79. 70 • • • •
Bosch Nexxt 500 Series WFMC3301UC $1100 79. 80 • • • •
Whirlpool Duet HT WFW9400S[W]
Duet HT WFW9200S[ ] $1200 $1400 78. 105 • • • •
LG WM0642H[W] $1000 78. 95 • • • •
KitchenAid Superba KHWS02R[MT] $1400 78. 65 • • • •
Frigidaire LTF2940E[S] (Lowes)
Gallery GLTF2940E[ ] $750 $750 78. 55 • • •
Samsung SilverCare WF316LA[W] $1200 77. 75 • • •
Maytag Neptune MAH8700A[WW] $1100 77. 85 • • •
Siemens ultraSense WFXD5201UC $1100 77. 70 • • • •
LG WM1814C[W] $800 76. 80 • • •
Maytag Neptune MAH9700S[W] $1300 75. 90 • • •
Whirlpool Duet Sport HT WFW8500S[W] $1000 75. 95 • • •
LG WM2277H[W] $1100 75. 75 • • • •
Bosch Nexxt 100 Series WFMC1001UC $880 74. 100 • • • •
Kenmore (Sears) HE2t 4756[1]
HE2t 4757[ ] $1000 $1050 74. 95 • • • •
GE WBVH6240F[WW]
WHDVH626F[ ] (Home Depot) $900 $900 73. 105 • • •
Frigidaire FTF2140E[S] $700 72. 45 • •
Whirlpool Duet Sport WFW8300S[Q] $800 67. 70 • • • •
Kenmore (Sears) HE2 Plus 4751[2]
HE2 Plus 4753[ ] $800 $850 67. 70 • • • •
Frigidaire Gallery GLTR1670A[S] $620 66. 60 • • •
Frigidaire Affinity ATF7000E[S]
Affinity ATF6000E[ ] $800 $900 66. 60 • • • •
Maytag Neptune MAH6500A[WW]
Neptune MAH5500B[ ] $800 $900 64. 70 • • • •
Miele Touchtronic W1113 $1600 63. 90 • • • •
NOT RECOMMENDED MODELS
GE WBVH5100H[WW] $750 NA NA NA NA NA NA ---
GE WCVH6600H[WW] $900 NA NA NA NA NA NA ---

[IH8Wood]

I bought a White Westinghouse front loader about 10 years ago. It works great and I've had zero problems with it. It's still sold under different brand names. All the controls are mechanical. It's old school bomb proof. My wife could be a product tester (she bought an iPod and in 5 minutes all the menus where in Chinese) and my 15 year old daughter washes about 200 loads of clothes/day and neither of them have fazed it. It's also one of the cheaper front loaders. Here's what it looks like with a Frigidaire label:

[fsusteve]

We just smoked our 2 year old GE washer, bad tranny, piece of crap. I gave into the wife and she bought the Whirlpool Duets, pretty nice, uses very little water, laundry goes much faster.

[3sacrwd]

We also bought the duet series and my wife loves it....pretty cool, should save some energy as well.

[Koffer]

When I got my 1st house in 93 it came with a very non "PC" now named "Lady Kenmore" model .
It was from 1967 and worked well so we kept using it for years till we replaced it with a model that could hold more then 2 pairs of jeans at a time
never had a problem with it other then the load size . I thought I was going to drop a nut getting it out of the house to the point I thought it was still part filled with water . I think it had a dump truck trans in it

We now have a front loading LG set here in the new house and they have been great . The low water use was a big seller (the new septic system cost $35k , high water table and it better last till im dead) The size handles all my work carhart jeans and work shirts in one load for the week so less loads to do .

Im hoping it will last a while as LG was new to the front loader market at the time but I liked the way it was put together ( wiring was clean and neat not a mess like the others I saw )