Washing Machine Diagnosis in Nairobi, Kenya

Washer does not work and makes no noise Check that the washer is plugged in securely Check the circuit breaker or fuse box Test the outlet for current Check that the water supply valves are turned on Inspect the filter screens Test for overheating Te…

Washer does not work and makes no noise

Check that the washer is plugged in securely
Check the circuit breaker or fuse box
Test the outlet for current
Check that the water supply valves are turned on
Inspect the filter screens
Test for overheating
Test the water level switch
Test the timer control
Test the lid switch
Test the water inlet valve
Inspect the water pump
Test the centrifugal switch
Test the motor

Washer does not work but it does make noise

Check that the water supply valves are turned on

Inspect the filter screens

Test for overheating

Inspect the water pump

Test the water inlet valve

Test the motor

No water is entering the wash tub

- or no hot water

- or no cold water

Check that the water supply valves are turned on

Inspect the water supply hoses for kinks

Check the filter screens

Test the water level switch

Test the water temperature switch

Test the timer control

Test the water inlet valve

The water fills the wash tub too slowly

Check that the water valves are turned on full

Check the water pressure at the tap

Check the filter screens

Test the water inlet valve

The tub does not fill with enough water

Test the water level switch

Check that the drain hose is positioned roughly as high as the top of the inner tub

The water overflows the wash tub

Test the timer control

Test the water level switch

Inspect the air tube for damage

Test the water inlet valve

Water drains out during the wash or rinse cycle

Check the drain control lever

Test the drain control coils

Check the cam bar

Test the timer control

Wrong temperature of water is used

Water supply hoses may be reversed

Hot or cold water supply valve may be turned off

Water supply hose may be kinked

Check water inlet valve

Water drains out while it is filling

Check the drain hose; it should be at least as high as the top of the wash tub, about 38 inches.

The drain hose must sit loosely in the house drain. Do not seal the air gap around the drain hose or a siphon will occur.

Check the drain control lever

Test the drain control coils

Check the cam bar

Water drips into the wash tub when the washer is off

Replace the water inlet valve

Water does not drain out of the wash tub

Inspect the drain hose for kinks

Test the timer control

Test the lid switch (some models)

Inspect the water pump

Inspect the drive belt (belt drive only)

Inspect the motor coupler

Water is leaking onto the ground

Inspect the water supply connections

Inspect the drain hose

Inspect the water pump

Inspect outer tub for cracks or corrosion

Inspect the tub seal

Inspect the tub bearing

Agitator does not move

Test the lid switch

Inspect the motor coupler

Inspect the drive belt (belt drive only)

Inspect under the washer for soot (clutch)

Test the motor

Inspect the pulley

Test the transmission

Inspect the agitator

Inspect the pump coupling

Test the water level switch

Agitator movement is weak or moves in only one direction

Inspect the agitator

Inspect the motor coupler

Inspect the drive belt (belt drive only)

Inspect under the washer for soot (clutch)

Test the motor

Inspect the pulley

Test the transmission

Inspect the pump coupling

Drum does not spin

Test the lid switch

Test the timer control

Test the centrifugal switch

Test the water level switch

Inspect the motor coupler

Inspect the drive belt (belt drive only)

Inspect under the washer for soot (clutch)

Test the motor

Inspect the pulley

Test the transmission

Clothes are too wet after spin cycle

This may be a spin problem or a drain problem

Drain:

Make sure the drain line is clear

Check the drain hose for a partial blockage

Inspect the water pump

Spin:

Test the lid switch

Test the timer control

Test the centrifugal switch

Test the water level switch

Inspect the motor coupler

Inspect the drive belt (belt drive only)

Inspect under the washer for soot (clutch)

Test the motor

Inspect the pulley

Test the transmission

Cycle does not advance

If the washing machine fills with water and begins agitating, but the timer does not advance, the timer probably needs to be replaced

If the timer does not advance while the washer is in a spin cycle, the timer probably needs to be replaced

If the timer does not advance during the rinse cycle, check whether water has filled the tub, if not, it is likely cold water related. Check the cold water supply valve, check the supply hose for kinks, check the filter screen and check the water inlet valve

Burning or electrical smell

Unplug the washer

Locate the source of the odor then read the instructions in the related section

Foul or stale odor coming from washer or clothes

Check that the drain line is clear

Check the drain hose for kinks or blockages

Check pump for blockages

Check for buildup of soap in the outer tub

Check for article of clothing stuck in the outer tub

Noisy or vibrates too much

General tips

Balance the load