If your GE washing machine isn’t longer agitating during the washing cycle, it could be stressful and exhausting to have to hand wash your clothes. There are a few steps you can do to solve the issue on your own, rather than making an appointment with a specialist or purchasing a new washer. This article will cover the most frequently-cited reasons for why your GE washer doesn’t spin and provide step by step instructions for fixing it. From a damaged drive belt to a damaged lid switch, we will cover it all, making it easier for you to save time and money. If your GE washer isn’t moving you’re worried. We’ll assist you to fix it.
Agitator : In the top loading washer of GE it is the agitator that moves the clothes through water and detergent. It is driven through an output shaft of the transmission. To ensure a secure fit, the shaft that is output is often divided into spline. The middle of the plastic agitator is an identical spine. Based on the manufacturer, the agitator could be a one-piece unit or a two-piece dual action agitator. How to inspect the agitator in the GE washing machine:
- Disconnect the GE washing machines from power sources.
- To access the agitator, take off the top cover or dispenser of fabric softener, depending on the type of model. You can manually turn the agitator. As it is splined, you may experience some resistance.
- To observe the agitator closely, remove it from the appliance. The bolt that threads through the at the top of the shaft of transmission keeps most agitators in place. Some models have set screws located just above the base which connects the motor to its shaft. Other models utilize an O ring made of rubber that helps make sure that the agitator is snugly fitted.
- You will need a replacement GE agitator if your agitator is damaged or worn on one of its parts, especially around the splines.
Agitator Directional Gears
Top loading GE washers with a dual-action agitator could cause the top part of the agitator’s agitator to be separated from its bottom. The upper portion is driven by directional cogs, or “dogs” which are constructed of hard plastic . They can wear out from hard use. If the upper part of your agitator will turn in either direction or makes sounds that grate during the wash cycle, then the directional cogs may require replacement. How to check the directional cogs in the GE washing machine:
- The model you have is dependent on it. disconnect the plug of your GE washer and take out the dispenser for fabric softener.
- Locate your agitator cogs. It is possible to take off the agitator cap, base or top, depending on the model, to access the cogs.
- Take a look at the cogs to determine if they have wear, discoloration or any other damage. Also, be sure to check to make sure there are no cogs missing.
- If your cogs display any of the symptoms mentioned above, you’ll need an entire set of GE replacement directional cogs.
Agitator Coupler & Cap & Bolt
Some top-loading GE washers include a coupler between the transmission shaft and the agitator. The drive coupler is splined from the inside, to match the transmission, and splined on the outside to make it match the agitator. If your GE washer makes a loud grinding sound in the wash cycle and the agitator rotates freely, then the drive coupling may be damaged. How to inspect the agitator coupler inside a GE washing machine:
- Before starting, disconnect your GE washer from the power source.
- In order to access the coupler of the agitator you’ll need to first remove the top cover , or fabric softener dispenser, based on the model. You’ll then need to take out the agitator.
- Unthread the bolt holding the coupler onto the shaft of transmission and take it off the appliance. Examine the coupler to determine if it is cracked or wear, burnt, rust, and damage.
- If you discover any of these, you will need a GE replacement coupler for agitators.
Direct Drive Motor Couple
Top load washers by GE utilize direct drive motor couplings that transfer power from the motor to transmission. The drive coupling made consisting of two plastic drive forks, as well as an elastic coupling. It connects the motor to the transmission. One drive fork is connected to the drive motor shaft and the other one is connected to the transmission input shaft. When the shaft of the motor rotates the rubber coupling between the drive forks and the transmission absorbs force to stop the forks from breaking. The normal use of the coupling will cause wear on the coupling and eventually the drive forks could slip and not engage the clutch and transmission. A common symptom of a failing motor coupling is when the washing machine fills and drains normal, but it does not spin or agitate. How do you check the motor coupling of a GE washing-machine:
- Before starting, disconnect your appliance from the main power supply.
- Find and take off the coupling for the motor to examine it for damage. You will need to open the GE cabinet to reach it. Depending on your model you might also have to remove the drain pump and motor.
- Once you have removed the item, check the coupling for any signs of wear, damage, cracking, etc.
- If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, you will need a GE replacement direct drive motor coupling.
Drive Belt
Top loading GE washers have belts that drive the transmission. If the machine stops moving, then the belt could be at fault. How to determine whether the drive belt in a GE washing machine requires replacement:
- Unplug your GE washer and remove the access panel or cabinet to find the drive belt.
- The drive belt will be connected to the drive motor . The belt can be removed by unplugging the clamps holding it in the position.
- Visually inspect the drive belt. Look for evidence of wear, damage, burning, or fraying.
- You’ll need a replacement GE drive belt when your belt exhibits any of these signs.
Transmission
The transmission of top-load GE washers converts the motor’s rotating motion to the back and forth motion needed to drive the agitator. It has an input shaft that is driven by the motor either directly or through belts, as as an output shaft which is used to drive the agitator. It is important to ensure that the drive shaft for the agitator is oscillating well before replacing it. If the shaft that drives it is turning but the agitator shaft fails to move then the transmission is not working properly. The majority of manufacturers don’t supply internal parts and the entire transmission is required. It is vital to be able to repair the tub seal at the place where the shaft goes into the tub. How to examine the transmission of GE washing machines:
- Before you examine your transmission, make sure that the issue isn’t due to the agitator or any other component.
- After you’ve eliminated the possibility of a problem with your agitator, disconnect your washer and remove the cabinet. After that, you must locate your transmission.
- If you’ve found the issue with the transmission, plug the washing machine back into the circuit and run the wash cycle to see if the transmission is the cause of the issue. A faulty transmission will make odd noises when operating. Use caution when performing this task as the internal parts of your dryer will be exposed.
- If your transmission is noisy in this test, you require a GE replacement transmission.
Drive Motor
All top load washers made by GE have motors that drive the transmission to agitate. GE washers use a reversing motor. This means that the motor turns in one direction to spin and draining , and the other for agitating. The motor may operate correctly in the spin direction , but not in the agitation direction. How do you test the performance of a GE washing machine drive motor:
- Before beginning, disconnect the power source from the GE appliance.
- You must remove the cabinet from the GE washer in order to find and take out the motor that drives it. You will need to disconnect the wires attached to the motor to remove it from the appliance. This is done by pulling on the steel connectors and not the wires.
- Set your multi-meter to the Rx1 setting. Examine for continuity by placing the probes on the motor’s terminals. The reading should be close to or at zero.
- Put one probe on the terminal to test the ground connection. The second probe must be placed in the housing of the drive motor. You shouldn’t get any result during this test.
- You will need a replacement GE drive motor in the event that your readings are different from those listed above.
Timer
The drive motor is controlled by the timer lid switch, level switch, and occasionally the selector switch. The timer’s function is to provide the proper power to turn the motor on in the correct direction. The timer may be faulty if the motor in the drive of the washer doesn’t get enough power during the wash phase. Test the timer of the GE washing machine with the aid of a multi-meter
- Like most repairs, disconnect the power source of your GE washer’s power source.
- Remove the control panel and the rear panel of the appliance in order to locate the timer.
- For testing the washer, pull on the connectors that are not made of metal. Then, disconnect the wires from the timer.
- By using a multimeter on the Rx1 setting, connect the probes to the terminals that control the motor (refer to the wiring diagram) to check for continuity. You should receive a reading of zero or close to zero. If you do not receive this reading, then you’ll require an GE replacement timer.
Lid switch
The lid switch is a safety feature found on top-loading GE washer machines. The lid switch is normally located below the main top and is connected to the motor circuit. It needs to be turned on for the motor to operate. When the lid is closed an extension or pin on the lid presses against the lid switch lever and shuts off the switch. If your GE washing machine does not agitate and the motor is not operating then you must check the lid switch. How to examine the lid switch inside a GE washing machine:
- Begin by unplugging your GE washing machine, and then remove the top cabinet or panel.
- Locate the switch , and ensure whether it’s activated as the lid is closed. If it isn’t, take off the switch in order to test it.
- Set your multimeter to the Rx1 setting, attach the probes to the terminals, and press and hold the switch button. The multimeter should show zero or close to zero.
- If the test you are performing produces different results, you’ll need GE replacement lid switch.
Selector Switch
The selector switch is utilized on certain models to control the speed of the motor drive. If the switch is defective it may cause the motor to stop working. How to check the selector switch on a GE washing machine with a multimeter
- Before you start making use of electrical components, unplug the electrical components in your GE washer.
- Find the switch for the selector on your GE appliance and pull it off. It’s likely to be connected to the frame of the frame of your GE washer. To access the cabinet, it is necessary to take it off in its entirety or at least a part of it.
- Test for continuity using a multimeter using the Rx1 setting. Touch the probes to the terminals, and then press the first button. The reading should shift from infinity to zero. Keeping the probes connected to the terminals, push in on a different button, the reading should go back to infinity.
- If your test results differ from those above, you will need GE alternative selector switch.
Water Level Switch
The water level switch in a top load GE washer used to select the correct water level. This switch also supplies electricity to the drive motor. When the correct water level is reached, the switch will disconnect the power source from the water intake valve and supply power to the drive motor circuit. If your washer is filled but does not agitate then the pressure switch could be malfunctioning. How to test the water level switch in a GE washing machine.
- Disconnect your GE washing machine from the source of power.
- The water level switch may be located usually in the control panel but it can also be found below the tubs in the sump region.
- When replacing the switch, be sure to remove the air dome hose. The hose should be submerged in water and make sure it is sealed. Then blow air into one end and examine for bubbles. Also, look for problems or signs of wear.
- If you do not find any issues in the air dome hose you may require an GE replacement water level switch.