Otis Singleton
General Electric, commonly known as GE, is an American company that has been around since 1892. The company has grown to become one of the largest companies in the world, with products ranging from aviation and energy to healthcare and home appliances. GE has been at the forefront of laundry innovation, introducing the first top-loading washing machine with an agitator in 1939. While GE washers are generally reliable, issues can arise, such as power surges, water inlet problems, or motor faults. Luckily, there are several troubleshooting steps and repair guides available to help fix common problems. This article will provide an overview of how to repair a GE washer, covering topics such as resetting the washer, common issues and solutions, and resources for further guidance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common issues | Failure to drain, spin, or agitate, flooding, motherboard issues, issues with the inverter, main PCB, and pump |
| Potential fixes | Resetting the washer by unplugging and plugging back in, cleaning the pump, ensuring sufficient water pressure, replacing water inlet valves |
| Customer support | GE Appliances provides FAQ links, support articles, and a customer support phone line |
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What You'll Learn
How to reset a GE washer
If your GE washer isn’t working, perhaps because the controls have frozen or a motor fault error code is displayed, you might be able to fix it by resetting the washer. A reset only takes a few minutes, and you may only need to disconnect the power.
To reset the electronic controls on your washer, shut off the circuit breaker or fuse to the washer or simply unplug the washer for around a minute. For models with a timer control knob, turn the knob in a clockwise direction and back to any position other than the final spin setting. Then, restore power. For models with an electronic control knob or electronic control panel, the wash cycle will need to be selected again after power is restored.
If your GE washer has a Hydrowave wash system, the motor is responsible for most of the drive system. The Hydrowave system can put added stress on the motor and cause the washer to shut down whenever a motor problem arises. After plugging the washer in, you have 30 seconds to start lifting and lowering the lid six times within a 12-second period. The lid needs to be lifted at least two inches to interrupt the magnetic connection. The lid needs to be completely closed each time. The washer motor should now be reset, and you can start a new cycle.
If a reset isn't working, the problem might be the control board. The washer control board is located behind the control panel on modern GE washers. The control board can be inspected for signs of burning, short circuits, or corrosion. If the control board appears damaged, replacing it may fix the washer. However, to be certain that the control board is defective, it’s best to contact a GE technician to test it and diagnose the issue.
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What to do if your washer fills but doesn't wash
If your washer fills with water but doesn't wash, there are several things you can try.
First, check that the washer is not stuck in fill mode. This can happen if the water supply was interrupted, causing the washer to take too long to fill. To reset the unit from flood mode, unplug the washer for 60 seconds, then plug it back in and allow 20 minutes for the flood mode sequence to complete.
If the washer is not responding at all, it may be due to a power surge or an issue with the power supply. Check that the washer is receiving the correct voltage and, if necessary, contact an electrician.
If the washer fills with water but won't spin or agitate, try the following:
- Unplug the washer for one minute.
- Plug the washer back in and lift and lower the lid six times within a 12-second period. Make sure the lid is raised a minimum of 2 inches to interrupt the magnetic connection.
- After plugging the washer in, you have 30 seconds to start lifting and lowering the lid.
- Once the motor has been reset, start a wash cycle.
If the washer fills but still doesn't agitate after resetting, the problem may be with the control board. Check the control board for signs of burning, short circuits, or corrosion. If the control board appears damaged, it may need to be replaced.
Other potential causes of the issue include a clogged water valve assembly, a faulty water-level pressure switch, or sediment buildup/foreign objects blocking the passage of water. In these cases, it is recommended to seek professional repair services to diagnose and rectify the problem.
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What to do if your washer doesn't agitate or spin
If your washer doesn't agitate or spin, there are several potential causes and solutions to try. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the washer is plugged in and there is power at the wall receptacle. Check the circuit breaker and outlet, and try plugging another appliance into the receptacle to confirm there is power.
If there is power, the next step is to determine if the drive motor is running and if power is reaching it. You can do this by using a multimeter to test for electrical continuity. If the motor is not receiving power, the issue may lie with the lid or door switch, or the control board.
To test the lid or door switch, use a multimeter to check for continuity. If the lid or door switch is working, the control board is likely faulty. Inspect the board for signs of burning or shorted-out components, and use a multimeter to test the power output terminals. If the lid switch assembly is defective, it can be replaced.
If the washer is overloaded, the motor coupling may fail to protect the motor and transmission. Inspect the motor coupling to see if it is broken and replace it if necessary. If the washer is making a grinding noise during the wash cycle and the agitator turns freely, the drive coupling may be damaged and need replacing.
If the drive motor is defective, it will need to be replaced. However, this is rarely the cause of the washer not agitating or spinning, so it is recommended to check other components first. If the drive motor hums but doesn't run, is noisy, or doesn't turn freely, it will need to be replaced.
Other potential issues include a faulty drain pump, a defective door latch, or a broken agitator. If there is still water in the tub after the washer stops, inspect the drain pump for any obstruction. Use a multimeter to test the drain pump for electrical continuity. Inspect the door latch for damage and replace it if necessary. If the input shaft inside the agitator turns but the agitator doesn't, the transmission may need to be replaced.
If none of these solutions work, it may be necessary to hire a technician to diagnose and repair the washer.
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What to do if your washer doesn't drain water
If your washer isn't draining water, there are several things you can try before calling an engineer. Firstly, check the water level control function. Open the control panel and locate the plastic tube connected to the water level valve (you can check your owner's manual if you need help finding this). If the tube is clogged, clean it with a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water. If the valve is damaged, you will need to replace it.
Another potential issue could be the drain hose. Check to see if it is worn out, kinked, or clogged. If it is clogged, you will need to disconnect the power to the washer and remove the drain hose from the back of the machine and the plumbing to clear the clog. If the hose is damaged, you will need to replace it.
If your washer is a Top Load model, it may be that the balance is off. If no water is visible in the basket but you hear a "sloshing water" sound, the washer's balance ring is most likely making the sound, which is normal. If your washer is not draining, wait a few minutes as pauses between cycles of up to 3 minutes are normal for many models.
If your washer still won't drain, try unplugging it for a minute and then plugging it back in and restarting it. If this doesn't work, try opening and closing the lid six times in quick succession. If the machine starts up and the drum begins to drain, you may simply need to adjust the lid switch assembly.
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How to clean your pump filter
To repair a General Electric washer, you may need to clean your pump filter. Cleaning the pump filter is a simple job that can be done in minutes and will help your machine work effectively. It is recommended that you clean it every one to three months.
First, turn off your machine at the plug. The pump filter is usually located on the front of your machine, somewhere near the bottom. If not, check your machine's manual. The pump filter cover will look like a small, circular or rectangular cap. It should just flip open or come off easily. Some models may have a front panel that you can remove by unscrewing or releasing clips. Be prepared for some water to trickle out when you remove the pump filter.
Taking the pump filter out is usually something you can do by hand. Give it a turn anti-clockwise. If it's tight, use some gentle force. If it's a little tricky to pull out, use some pliers to get a better grip. Once you've got the filter out, get a soft brush. A toothbrush will do. Then, gently scrub away any dirt, lint, or other buildup on the filter. Finally, give it a rinse under a hot tap to make sure it's thoroughly clean. Before you put the filter back in, give the filter housing a clean too. You can use the same brush you used to clean the filter or a damp cloth. Then, pop the filter back in and plug your machine in again.
It is important to note that some newer General Electric washers do not have separate filters. Some models have self-cleaning filters in their pumps, which means less maintenance. GE models made before 1993 have a "Filter-Flo" pan on top of their agitators, which has pinpoint holes that trap particles. Lint can then be removed after the final rinse cycle. From 1995 to 2000, GE top-loading washers used crescent-shaped, plastic, fine-mesh lint filters located at the bottom of the wash baskets. These filters do not need to be cleaned or replaced. If something major clogs them, like a rubber rug backing, professional service may be needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Try resetting the washer by disconnecting the power for two minutes. Once the power is restored, the washer should be reset and ready to start a new cycle.
Unplug the washer or shut off the washer circuit breaker or fuse. Wait two minutes and then reconnect the power. When you turn the washer on, it should be reset.
Your washer may have been damaged by a power surge, or it may be receiving too much or not enough voltage. Contact an electrician to check for a power supply issue.
Check for the following issues: Ensure the water supply to the washer is turned on and that the water inlet hoses are connected properly. Check that the screens on the water inlet hoses aren't clogged and that the water pressure is sufficient.
Unplug the washer for one minute. Plug it back in and lift and lower the lid six times within a 12-second period. After plugging the washer in, you have 30 seconds to start lifting and lowering the lid. The lid needs to be lifted at least two inches to interrupt the magnetic connection. The lid needs to be completely closed each time.
