Whirlpool washer smells hot, won't spin out.

[bigcountrymdk1]

Mama of family of 6 ...one of 3 toddlers potty training....is in panic to think that washer is going out !

Put typical load of jeans in Whirlpool washer (LXR6232EQ0) went back an hour 1/2 later to move to dryer....still in wash cycle on dial, tub full of water, room smells HOT. Turned to spin cycle to try to remove water, starts to move slightly, then sounds like a switch is turning on and off repeatedly. UNPLUGGED and hoping for (inexpensive) suggestion to fix.

Possible important note : laundry room is not well insulated, temps have been single digits for last 24 hours +. Have been running space heater, water in mud sink next to washer is not frozen, washed large load of towels last evening just fine.

Thanks for any suggestions !

[HayZee518]

switch turning on-off on-off is the centrifugal start switch on the motor. could be the start capacitor. the motor never gets past the start phase to allow the run winding to pick up.

[bigcountrymdk1]

Thank you for quick reply ! So, I guess I have 3 other questions...

1. is it worth fixing, can we fix it at home ?
2. is there a "test" to figure out exactly what parts to buy ?
3. where do you buy parts, belts, etc ?

oops, that was kind of 4 questions ....sorry.

Thank you again for any assistance.

[HayZee518]

appliance repair distributor. capacitor is a metal can with two wires coming out of it. usually somewhere around the motor. capacitor costs around $8.00 new motor is over a hundred. yes definately try to fix. go to www dot repairclinic dot com - type in your make - model number - look on parts breakdown. if a capacitor is BAD it won't make a spark when it is shorted out with a screwdriver. before you try this MAKE SURE THE APPLIANCE IS UNPLUGGED!

[Dan O.]

Timer movement a major clue

Whirlpool washer [model] LXR6232EQ0

That is Whirlpool's 'direct drive' washer design.

LINK > The Appliance Clinic: Sears and Whirlpool Direct Drive Washer

Put typical load of jeans in. went back an hour 1/2 later ...still in wash cycle on dial

The only things that should stop the timer from advancing when the machine has filled to the proper level and started agitation (wash) is a problem with the timer or if the timer stopped right where the washer should be draining, is a problem with the lid switch not being activated (very common).

The timer will not go into spin portion of the cycle (where draining takes place) if the lid switch is not being activated, as a safety precaution. An unbalanced load will often damage the lid switch.

You can read about accessing the lid switch on your washer design and see what it should look like at the following links:

LINK > Direct Drive Washer Lid Switch

LINK > Whirlpool LXR6232EQ0 Lid Switch

Any other failure (besides a filling problem) and the timer should advance right through to the end of the cycle as if nothing went wrong. It can't tell.

Turned to spin cycle to try to remove water, starts to move slightly, then sounds like a switch is turning on and off repeatedly.

The washer won't be able to spin until most of the water was first removed from the machine. Trying to do so while still full might cause the motor to overheat and cut out on its internal overload protector (which would reset once cooled) but that shouldn't stop progression of the timer through to the end of the cycle so I can't see it being the main cause of your symptoms.

laundry room is not well insulated, temps have been single digits for last 24 hours +.

The pump being jammed up (even frozen) might also prevent the motor from running but still wouldn't account for lack of movement of the timer.

I suggest someone look into functioning of the lid switch first.

turning on-off on-off is the centrifugal start switch on the motor. could be the start capacitor. the motor never gets past the start phase to allow the run winding to pick up.

JFYI. On that washer design the all same motor windings and start capacitor are used for both wash and spin motor functions. If either works, all is Ok there.

is it worth fixing, can we fix it at home ?

Whether it is 'worth' fixing will depend on what actually turns out to be the problem. Whether you can fix it will depend on your abilities. Many of the repairs such a washer design might need can usually be accomplished by a reasonably handy person.

It is at least worth looking into to find the actual cause of the problem (even if you have to call someone in). Once that is determined you can decide whether you can repair it, whether it needs a professional or whether replacement of the washer might be warranted.

JMO

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
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[bigcountrymdk1]

Husband is one of those "reasonably handy " folks ...I just try to find the background for him. I let him go to bed last night since he was trying to check the spin cycle with out machine plugged in .... >>>> ( OK, so he had put in a 18 hour day, and stopped to help someone on road with windchill in double digits below zero ....)

Thank you for your knowledgable answers, we'll hit it today (not literally, hopefully) and let you know what we come up with.

with appreciation, shari

[bigcountrymdk1]

well, guess I over reacted when I smelled the smoke ....waited for the room to get above 32 degrees....and washer is now working fine ! Thanks for help though, hopefully we never have to check out these other options !

[Dan O.]

Working?

.
Glad to hear it is working now but I don't see how the room being cold would have affected movement of the timer through the cycle. Better keep an eye on it.

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
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