The smell of burning coming from your GE washing machine can be an alarm signal, as it may indicate an urgent issue that has to be resolved immediately. This type of issue could be caused by a variety of possible causes, including worn out bearings, a damaged belt, or a problem with the motor.
In this article, we’ll discuss the common causes of a burning smell coming from a GE washing machine and provide step-by-step instructions on how to identify and fix the problem. Whether you’re dealing with the smallest issue or major issue there’s a solution for you. You can quickly repair an issue with a GE washer that has an unpleasant smell, and go back to laundry without any trouble if you follow the correct approach.
Drive Belt or Spin Belt
Some models of top loading GE washers make use of belts to drive the transmission. The belt could be the source of problem if the GE washer stops agitating. How to find out if theGE washing machines drive belt should be replaced:
- Disconnect your appliance’s power source prior to you start.
- To remove the drive belt you’ll require the removal of the clamps holding it in the position. The drive motor is connected to the clamps. will be the drive belt. You’ll need to take out from the cabinet’s rear panel for access.
- After taking off the belt, check it for fraying, burning or cracks.
- You can replace your belt using GE replacement belt If you experience any issues.
Pump Belt
Top load GE washers make use of the belt to operate the drain pump. It’s usually an ordinary V-shaped belt which is coupled from the motor that drives it to a pulley attached to the drain pump. It could also have an idler pulley that is used to help tension the belt. If you experience a burning rubber smell coming from your GE washer, you should check the pump belt. How to tell that the pump belt in theGE washing machine is in need of replacement:
- Disconnect your GE washer from the source of power and open the cabinet for your washer.
- To check the pump belt Find it and then pull it out. The belt is tied to the pulley of the motor that drives it. To take it off then you’ll have to take out the clamps that hold it in the place.
- Check your pump’s visual appearance for signs of wear, burning, fraying, and damage.
- You will need a replacement GE pump belt when your belt exhibits any of these signs.
Motor Pulley
The drive motor uses an incline to rotate the pump and drive belts. Motor pulleys are made from metal or synthetic materials in order to ensure the best contact with belts. If the pulley becomes worn or rusted, it can cause excess friction, and then overheat or cause damage to the belt producing a smoky smell. How to examine aGE washing machine motor pulley: Before beginning this inspection
- Unplug your GE washer
- Find and take off the motor pulley in order to closely inspect it. It is necessary to take off the cabinet in order to do that and also remove any belts that are attached to the motor pulley.
- It is important to examine the motor pulley for signs of dirt, grease and other components. Also, look for any signs of wear, burns or damage.
- If you notice the pulley is worn or damaged, you’ll need a GE replacement pulley
Drain Pump
The drain pump of a GE washer machine is designed to drain the water out of the wash tub prior to and during the spin cycle. It can be motor driven belt driven, electric or motor driven. The drain pump may be seized if there is an unpleasant burning smell emanating from the GE washer after or during the spin cycle. For models driven by belts the smell that is burning typically originates from the belt that is slipping over the pulley of the pump. On models that use an electric drain pump, the smell may be linked to the motor that drives the pump it could be more of the smell of an electric motor. How to examine the drain pump in the GE washing machine:
- Disconnect the source of power from the appliance and then remove the front panel or cabinet.
- Once you’ve identified the pump, start by inspecting all the connections and hoses that are coming from the pump in order to identify if the pump is the cause for the leak. Replace the connector or the hose if there are any issues.
- If the leak is from the pump, you will need to replace it with a GE replacement Pump.
Idler Pulley Wheel and Idler Pulley Arm
Some models of top load GE washers utilize an idler pulley to help tension the drive or pump belt. The idler pulley may become stuck or the idler arm can’t pivot freely. This could cause excessive belt slippage as well as friction, which could cause the belt to overheat and creating a burning odor. How to check the condition of theGE washer’s idler arm and pulley:
- Verify that you have disconnected the GE washer from the power source prior to starting the process, then open the cabinet in your washer.
- Examine and locate your idler pulley wheel and arm. Be on the lookout for evidence of wear, cracks burns, or damage. To examine the pulley, you’ll need to remove the belt drive from the pulley. To disconnect the belt, turn your idler pulley in the direction of the drum to lessen the tension and allow you to remove it.
- The pulley wheel should be inspected to ensure that it runs smoothly and with minimum resistance, and doesn’t wobble.
- You’ll require a new idler pulley wheel/arm if you have issues with the above examinations.
Direct Drive Motor Coupling
Some top load GE washers use a direct drive motor coupling instead of a belt to transfer the power of the motor to the. The drive coupling constructed consisting of two plastic drive forks, as well as an elastic coupling. It connects the motor and transmission. One drive fork is attached to the shaft of the drive motor while the other one is connected to the shaft of the transmission’s input. As the motor shaft rotates, the rubber coupling between the drive forks absorbs torque to prevent the forks from breaking. The coupling wears over time. The drive forks could slip and give off a burning odor. How to examine a GE washing-machine’s direct drive motor coupling
- Similar to other inspections, begin by verifying that you’ve disconnected the GE’s power source.
- You will need to remove the coupling on your GE washer in order to inspect it thoroughly. You’ll need to remove the whole cabinet for the washer. In accordance with the model you will also have to remove the drain pump or motor.
- Visually inspect your motor coupling for damage, cracks, wear, or burning.
- You will need a replacement GE direct drive motor coupling in the event of problems with the motor coupling.
Clutch Assembly
Certain top-load GE washers include a clutch assembly that drives the basket of washing during the spin cycle. If your GE washer emits a strong burnt smell, it may be due to an old clutch. Your washer may also make a loud scraping sound during the spin cycle. Another common sign of a worn out clutch is shavings of brake dust or brake dust on the floor beneath the GE washing machine. How to examine the clutch assembly in a GE washer:
- Once the appliance is removed from its power source you can look inside the cabinet of your GE washer to locate the clutch unit.
- To examine the clutch assembly, you should take it off the GE appliance. You will find it below the tub’s outer surface that is connected to the drive unit for the basket. If your model is different you may have to take off the drive motor and transmission in order to get to it.
- Verify the condition of your clutch assembly to find indications of damage, wear, burning, fraying or other issues. If you notice any of these indicators it is time to replace your GE clutch assembly.
Glide & Spring
Some models of GE washing machines have the glide and spring arrangements on the drive motor to aid in tensioning the belt. Typically, the drive motor is fitted with a pivot mount that is attached to the base frame , and springs that provide the tension. A nylon or plastic glide is attached to lower part of the motor in order to let it slide over the GE washer base frame. This will allow the drive belt or belt of the pump to move a little when the motor turns on. It functions as a clutch. The belts could become too hot and cause a burning odor if they don’t slide freely. How to test the glide and spring on GE washing machine:
- Before starting, disconnect your GE washer.
- Remove the front panel of the washer in order to find the glide(s) and spring(s). The drive motor spring as well as glides are usually located on top of the frame. They are accessible by taking off the front panel.
- Verify that the motor pivots correctly, that the springs aren’t stretched, and ensure that the surface is clean of any dirt or corrosion.
- Inspect the glide(s) for any signs of burning, wear, or damage. Lubricate them when needed.
- GE replacement springs might be required should you spot any problems or damaged parts during these checks.
Drive motor
The main drive motor in most GE washers is used to control mechanical functions, such as spin, tumble, and agitation. It is also used to control the drain pump. When a fault or defect occurs in one of the motor-driven parts, it may cause the drive motor to overheat, resulting in the smell of burning. If the issue is significant it can also cause excessive heat to the motor sufficiently to cause it to fail. One of the most common signs that indicate an unsound drive motor is a humming or buzzing sound when the motor is starting. Here’s how to test the drive motor in an GE washer:
- After you’ve verified that you’ve disconnected your washer, open the cabinet of the GE appliance.
- Unplug the drive motor in order to test it. A variety of wires will be connected to the drive motor. Make sure you pull the metal connectors, not the wires.
- The test will be to test the ground connection and the continuity of the motor. In both tests, the multimeter must be set to Rx1. To test continuity, you need to connect the probes to motor terminals. The result should be of nearly or exactly zero. To check for the ground connection, put one probe in the terminal and connect the other to the bare metal housing, you shouldn’t receive any reading from this test.
- If the readings on your multimeter do not correspond to those in the above, you’ll require a GE replacement drive motor.