Whirlpool washer fills... Then nothing happens

[lenrosenberg]

I’ve been trying to diagnose my Whirlpool LA5580XTW1 washer and I’m stuck. Here’s what happens: I set the water level and put the unit into the beginning of a cycle. The water fills but the wash cycle does not begin. The timer advances through the entire cycle with nothing happening (no agitation, no pumping, no spin, no spray). There is no “humm” of the motor. I’ve tried the following: 1) tested the lid switch for continuity (open v. closed), and it’s fine. 2) tested the fill switch at the various combinations , with and without blowing into it, and it’s fine. I blew back into the tube and I hear bubbles and sucked in and water came up. Tube is clear. 3) I took out the timer for inspection and contacts look clean. Knob rotates through cycle and all parts seem to be moving properly. I tested by doing the following: The rear of the timer has three rows of tabs. I tested for continuity from the top pin to the middle as I manually made contact by turning the dial. All but the last one (furthest from dial) made continuity, but then I noticed it’s made to be a dummy. I was confused by what seemed to be a “half-step” on portions of the wheel. That’s where the wheel pushed the contact through three positions. Apparently the middle (half-step) is “open” and the top (raised) and bottom close different contacts. Nonetheless, continuity checked out at all points in the test. The timer seems fine. So I’m really confused. Is the problem the motor? (how do you recommend I check) or is it something else? Thanks for all your help!

[jeff1]

Hi,

Unusual to have a motor go completely dead...can be ohmed as per the wire diagram that comes with the washer but certainly -sounds- more like a timer issue.


Washing machine timer, quick connect Manufacturer Number 3946430

jeff.