Washing machine problem: timing switch or motor?

[BE]

Hello,

I have an 11 year old Magic Chef top-loading washing machine that suddenly
won't work. It worked yesterday when I washed a small load. Today, it filled
up with water just fine, then when it was to start agitating, it did so
after a long pause. Then it agitated for about 5 seconds, paused 5 minutes,
agitated, paused, repeat, repeat. The dial never changed and it would not
work if I set it to Rinse or Spin.

I reported this behavior to a local appliance parts supplier and he said it
could either be the timing switch, or, possibly, the motor. A switch on this
machine is probably rather inexpensive, maybe $35, but the major savings is
in the time NOT spent taking it seriously apart to look at the motor, or
paying someone else to do that. The switch appears to be an easy fix.

Is there a way I can reasonably confirm the switch is truly the problem?
After all, I can pick and choose from a huge number of washers and dryers
for sale right now on my local Craigslist, as it is moving time for many
folks. I can probably get a decent machine for $50 and the time I spend
moving it.

Thanks,
Bee

 

[Ken Weitzel]

Hello,

I have an 11 year old Magic Chef top-loading washing machine that suddenly
won't work. It worked yesterday when I washed a small load. Today, it filled
up with water just fine, then when it was to start agitating, it did so
after a long pause. Then it agitated for about 5 seconds, paused 5 minutes,
agitated, paused, repeat, repeat. The dial never changed and it would not
work if I set it to Rinse or Spin.

I reported this behavior to a local appliance parts supplier and he said it
could either be the timing switch, or, possibly, the motor. A switch on this
machine is probably rather inexpensive, maybe $35, but the major savings is
in the time NOT spent taking it seriously apart to look at the motor, or
paying someone else to do that. The switch appears to be an easy fix.

Is there a way I can reasonably confirm the switch is truly the problem?
After all, I can pick and choose from a huge number of washers and dryers
for sale right now on my local Craigslist, as it is moving time for many
folks. I can probably get a decent machine for $50 and the time I spend
moving it.

Hi...

Another possibility (which got me recently) is the lid closed
switch. Try closing the lid a little more forcefully and see
if that makes a difference. Or alternately press on and/or slam
the lid while it's in the "pause" mode.

Take care.

Ken

 

[Homer J Simpson]

Is there a way I can reasonably confirm the switch is truly the problem?

The only real way is to crack it open and look at it. Otherwise you need to
get the service manual and check every contact against the programming which
is no fun.

 

[jakdedert]

Hi...

Another possibility (which got me recently) is the lid closed
switch. Try closing the lid a little more forcefully and see
if that makes a difference. Or alternately press on and/or slam
the lid while it's in the "pause" mode.

That's a good thought. My machine will agitate, however, with the lid
open. It just won't spin. Maybe his is different. Most lid switches
are easily accessible from the top of the machine, usually held just
under the rim with one screw. If it can't be manually tripped with a
pencil or some other stick, it usually can be unscrewed, pulled and
checked. If it's a mechanical problem with the trip lever, they can be
adjusted.

jak

 

[[email protected]]

Hello,

I have an 11 year old Magic Chef top-loading washing machine that suddenly
won't work. It worked yesterday when I washed a small load. Today, it filled
up with water just fine, then when it was to start agitating, it did so
after a long pause. Then it agitated for about 5 seconds, paused 5 minutes,
agitated, paused, repeat, repeat. The dial never changed and it would not
work if I set it to Rinse or Spin.

I reported this behavior to a local appliance parts supplier and he said it
could either be the timing switch, or, possibly, the motor. A switch on this
machine is probably rather inexpensive, maybe $35, but the major savings is
in the time NOT spent taking it seriously apart to look at the motor, or
paying someone else to do that. The switch appears to be an easy fix.

Is there a way I can reasonably confirm the switch is truly the problem?
After all, I can pick and choose from a huge number of washers and dryers
for sale right now on my local Craigslist, as it is moving time for many
folks. I can probably get a decent machine for $50 and the time I spend
moving it.

Thanks,
Bee

Mpfffff.... Three choices leap to mind in rank order (and you are
going to need a VOM):

1. The timer motor is weak and/or the gear-train is dirty/crudded up
so the motor cannot turn it properly. Fix Options:

a) get to the clock motor and gear-train, clean it out and lubricate
it, then clean all the contacts and remove any crud or corrosion(and
keep your fingers crossed). Works maybe 40% of the time for a brief
period and costs only time. But keep in mind that the system is giving
you fair-warning.
b) replace the clock-motor cartridge. *IF* you can find one, cost
maybe $8 -$20, a major PITA to do, but effective if the gear-train is
also simultaneously cleaned and lubricated. And only if you are
certain that the contacts themselves are not the problem.

2. The contactors are dirty and not making proper contact. This is
somewhat contradictory to the symptoms you describe as you state that
the dial does not change. However, some systems have a bi-metallic
delay-contact that cuts out the clock-motor until it trips. If this is
intermittent, it is *just* possible to get the symptoms you describe.

c) Replace the entire contactor mechanism, what you call the "timing
switch" - this will approach the cost of another (reconditioned)
machine as I remember, $130 or so unless this one fits:

http://www.sciplus.com/singleItem.cfm?terms=11468&cartLogFrom=froogle

If so, that is cheaper than the cartridge and likely the way to go.
Or, with the understanding that fair-warning is given, replace the bi-
metallic delay contact... if you can find one. Another major PITA to
do.

3. One of the solenoids that trip for various functions is either bad
or the wires to it have broken. This is a surprisingly common failure
often leading to new transmissions, pumps, motors and so forth. As the
technician is replacing the _expensive_ part, he/she makes a show of
replacing the spade-lugs "while I am here"... when it was a broken
wire (held by the crimps, so not obvious) in the first place.

d) Check for continuity across the solenoid(s), and power to it
(them). Replace the spade-lug or solenoid (they are relatively
inexpensive and usually available) as needed.

The Lid Switch typically shuts down the entire mechanism, clock and
all, when it is active. Not to say that you should not try it, but the
intermittent behavior and lack of clock movement you describe makes
that pretty unlikely. When it activates, there should be a distinct
*click* even when no power is applied, so test it with a small
screwdriver before blaming it (unplugged, of course unless you know
and understand electricity well and take the appropriate precautions).

Good luck in any case.

Peter Wieck
Wyncote, PA

 

[BE]

That's a good thought. My machine will agitate, however, with the lid
open. It just won't spin. Maybe his is different. Most lid switches
are easily accessible from the top of the machine, usually held just
under the rim with one screw. If it can't be manually tripped with a
pencil or some other stick, it usually can be unscrewed, pulled and
checked. If it's a mechanical problem with the trip lever, they can be
adjusted.

jak

I had thought this switch might be complicit, as the plastic hinge of the
lid closest to the switch is broken and therefore the pressure on this
switch may have been compromised. But even if I hold the switch down with a
flathead screwdriver, the machine still behaves as I described.

Looks like Craigslist is imminent.

Bee

 

[Meat Plow]

Hello,

I have an 11 year old Magic Chef top-loading washing machine that suddenly
won't work. It worked yesterday when I washed a small load. Today, it filled
up with water just fine, then when it was to start agitating, it did so
after a long pause. Then it agitated for about 5 seconds, paused 5 minutes,
agitated, paused, repeat, repeat. The dial never changed and it would not
work if I set it to Rinse or Spin.

I reported this behavior to a local appliance parts supplier and he said it
could either be the timing switch, or, possibly, the motor. A switch on this
machine is probably rather inexpensive, maybe $35, but the major savings is
in the time NOT spent taking it seriously apart to look at the motor, or
paying someone else to do that. The switch appears to be an easy fix.

Is there a way I can reasonably confirm the switch is truly the problem?
After all, I can pick and choose from a huge number of washers and dryers
for sale right now on my local Craigslist, as it is moving time for many
folks. I can probably get a decent machine for $50 and the time I spend
moving it.

Thanks,
Bee

Set the knob somewhere in the cycle with the lid up and listen for the
motor. You can usually hear them run because of the gear reduction built
in.

--
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#1 Usenet Asshole, March 2007
#1 Bartlo Pset, March 13-24 2007
#10 Most hated Usenetizen of all time
Pierre Salinger Memorial Hook, Line & Sinker, June 2004
COOSN-266-06-25794

 

[Meat Plow]

The lid switch on mine--as I described, and I have two Kenmore models
which behave exactly the same--only prevents spin operations. I suspect
that may be mandated by Federal rules, and the OP possibly lives in
another jurisdiction.

It's the simplest thing to check, 'is' a possibility, however remote; so
no reason to steer him away.

jak

Forgot to mention that with my reply but yes in many cases the cycle will
still advance with the lid up (provided the motor is good)

 

[Homer J Simpson]

I have a possibly related problem with a Kenmore dryer. The selector
never moves, in any mode, including 'timed'. I'm gonna pretty much assume
that's a timer motor problem, but I've never heard of one failing before.

They do.

 

[Meat Plow]

I have a possibly related problem with a Kenmore dryer. The selector
never moves, in any mode, including 'timed'. I'm gonna pretty much
assume that's a timer motor problem, but I've never heard of one failing
before.

jak

I've seen plenty of timer motors fail. The same basic motor can be used in
a multitude of timer related devices. One I'm familiar with is a day/time
timer used to control motors. Out of a dozen or so devices I've probably
replaced the motor once in each in maybe 15 years. If you're handy with a
volt meter and know the risks of working on the unit while powered up it's
easily trouble shot. Even unplugged one can determine if the motor winding
is open with an ohm meter.

 

[jakdedert]

The Lid Switch typically shuts down the entire mechanism, clock and
all, when it is active. Not to say that you should not try it, but the
intermittent behavior and lack of clock movement you describe makes
that pretty unlikely. When it activates, there should be a distinct
*click* even when no power is applied, so test it with a small
screwdriver before blaming it (unplugged, of course unless you know
and understand electricity well and take the appropriate precautions).

The lid switch on mine--as I described, and I have two Kenmore models
which behave exactly the same--only prevents spin operations. I suspect
that may be mandated by Federal rules, and the OP possibly lives in
another jurisdiction.

It's the simplest thing to check, 'is' a possibility, however remote; so
no reason to steer him away.

jak

 

[jakdedert]

Set the knob somewhere in the cycle with the lid up and listen for the
motor. You can usually hear them run because of the gear reduction built
in.

I have a possibly related problem with a Kenmore dryer. The selector
never moves, in any mode, including 'timed'. I'm gonna pretty much
assume that's a timer motor problem, but I've never heard of one failing
before.

jak

 

[Jumpster Jiver]

Hello,

I have an 11 year old Magic Chef top-loading washing machine that suddenly
won't work. It worked yesterday when I washed a small load. Today, it filled
up with water just fine, then when it was to start agitating, it did so
after a long pause. Then it agitated for about 5 seconds, paused 5 minutes,
agitated, paused, repeat, repeat. The dial never changed and it would not
work if I set it to Rinse or Spin.

I reported this behavior to a local appliance parts supplier and he said it
could either be the timing switch, or, possibly, the motor. A switch on this
machine is probably rather inexpensive, maybe $35, but the major savings is
in the time NOT spent taking it seriously apart to look at the motor, or
paying someone else to do that. The switch appears to be an easy fix.

Is there a way I can reasonably confirm the switch is truly the problem?
After all, I can pick and choose from a huge number of washers and dryers
for sale right now on my local Craigslist, as it is moving time for many
folks. I can probably get a decent machine for $50 and the time I spend
moving it.

Thanks,
Bee

Try manually turning the timing switch to different modes then push or
pull to star that mode.
If the machine works in these modes bu the timer doesn't move on to the
next mode then it's the timer.

 

[Meat Plow]

That's a good tip. I've got one dryer on it's way to dryer heaven with
a good timer. I was thinking I'd have to source a model-specific unit.
It never occurred to me that I could just replace the motor....

Duhh....


jak

Well it is possible that the motor would be the same, worth a second look
anyway. If not you haven't lost anything except a few minutes of time
comparing the two.

 

[jakdedert]

I've seen plenty of timer motors fail. The same basic motor can be used in
a multitude of timer related devices. One I'm familiar with is a day/time
timer used to control motors. Out of a dozen or so devices I've probably
replaced the motor once in each in maybe 15 years. If you're handy with a
volt meter and know the risks of working on the unit while powered up it's
easily trouble shot. Even unplugged one can determine if the motor winding
is open with an ohm meter.

That's a good tip. I've got one dryer on it's way to dryer heaven with
a good timer. I was thinking I'd have to source a model-specific unit.
It never occurred to me that I could just replace the motor....

Duhh....


jak

 

[Warren Weber]

I had thought this switch might be complicit, as the plastic hinge of the
lid closest to the switch is broken and therefore the pressure on this
switch may have been compromised. But even if I hold the switch down with
a
flathead screwdriver, the machine still behaves as I described.

Looks like Craigslist is imminent.

Bee

Bee.. Acts as the motor overload switch is tripping and resetting. This is
caused by a bad motor or something in the mechanical system is over loading
the motor. W W

 

[James Sweet]

Hello,

I have an 11 year old Magic Chef top-loading washing machine that suddenly
won't work. It worked yesterday when I washed a small load. Today, it filled
up with water just fine, then when it was to start agitating, it did so
after a long pause. Then it agitated for about 5 seconds, paused 5 minutes,
agitated, paused, repeat, repeat. The dial never changed and it would not
work if I set it to Rinse or Spin.

I reported this behavior to a local appliance parts supplier and he said it
could either be the timing switch, or, possibly, the motor. A switch on this
machine is probably rather inexpensive, maybe $35, but the major savings is
in the time NOT spent taking it seriously apart to look at the motor, or
paying someone else to do that. The switch appears to be an easy fix.

Is there a way I can reasonably confirm the switch is truly the problem?
After all, I can pick and choose from a huge number of washers and dryers
for sale right now on my local Craigslist, as it is moving time for many
folks. I can probably get a decent machine for $50 and the time I spend
moving it.

Thanks,
Bee

If you have a way of measuring the voltage to the timer motor and you
find the motor is getting power but the knob is not advancing then you
can be reasonably sure the motor is bad.

 

[R!]

Hello,

I have an 11 year old Magic Chef top-loading washing machine that
suddenly won't work. It worked yesterday when I washed a small load.
Today, it filled up with water just fine, then when it was to start
agitating, it did so after a long pause. Then it agitated for about 5
seconds, paused 5 minutes, agitated, paused, repeat, repeat. The dial
never changed and it would not work if I set it to Rinse or Spin.

I reported this behavior to a local appliance parts supplier and he
said it could either be the timing switch, or, possibly, the motor. A
switch on this machine is probably rather inexpensive, maybe $35, but
the major savings is in the time NOT spent taking it seriously apart
to look at the motor, or paying someone else to do that. The switch
appears to be an easy fix.

Is there a way I can reasonably confirm the switch is truly the
problem? After all, I can pick and choose from a huge number of
washers and dryers for sale right now on my local Craigslist, as it is
moving time for many folks. I can probably get a decent machine for
$50 and the time I spend moving it.

Thanks,
Bee

I think it was Magic Chief that had a fiberglass pulley and bearing on
the bottom of the transmission that if the bearing failed it would not
spin.

If it failed completly I think it caused the motor to overheat.

Used to cost $14.00 US for the replacement kit back when...

Pop the belt off the motor and see if it still stops if yes then you
have a more serious problem...

The belt was under the very botom of this type of machine, unplug the
machine before puting hands under there...

R!!

 

[Sam Goldwasser]

I have a possibly related problem with a Kenmore dryer. The selector
never moves, in any mode, including 'timed'. I'm gonna pretty much
assume that's a timer motor problem, but I've never heard of one failing
before.

On a dryer, almost certainly the timer motor or its wiring.

On a washeer, did anyone mention the water level pressure switch
likely present?

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Repair | Main Table of Contents: http://www.repairfaq.org/REPAIR/
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Important: Anything sent to the email address in the message header above is
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subject line. Or, you can contact me via the Feedback Form in the FAQs.

 

[Sam Goldwasser]

If you have a way of measuring the voltage to the timer motor and you
find the motor is getting power but the knob is not advancing then you
can be reasonably sure the motor is bad.

On old Maytags (don't know about Kenmore), there is a plastic pinion gear
inside the motor that fits into another plastic piece that it drives. It
broke at that point. I fixed mine with hot-melt glue about 5 years ago......

--- sam | Sci.Electronics.Repair FAQ: http://www.repairfaq.org/
Repair | Main Table of Contents: http://www.repairfaq.org/REPAIR/
+Lasers | Sam's Laser FAQ: http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/lasersam.htm
| Mirror Sites: http://www.repairfaq.org/REPAIR/F_mirror.html

Important: Anything sent to the email address in the message header above is
ignored unless my full name AND either lasers or electronics is included in the
subject line. Or, you can contact me via the Feedback Form in the FAQs.