Washing machines have become an essential part of our daily lives, allowing us to clean our clothes efficiently and conveniently. However, like any other household appliance, washing machines can experience problems that can disrupt their performance and cause inconvenience to the user.
GE is a well-known brand that manufactures washing machines with advanced features and durability. Nevertheless, even GE washers can experience issues that require troubleshooting to identify the cause and implement a solution.
In this guide, we will elaborate on each of these common issues, providing a detailed explanation of the possible causes and practical solutions to help you fix your GE washer quickly and efficiently.
The Most Common Problems with GE Washers
Some common problems that GE washers encounter include a washer that won’t start, a washer that won’t spin, leaking washers, washers making strange noises, and washers vibrating excessively.
Let’s look at each of these issues below and the best ways to fix them.
1. Washer Won’t Start
Pressing the power button on your GE washer should initiate the startup process and begin the washing cycle. However, if your washer doesn’t start, several underlying issues may be causing this problem.
One of the most common causes is a faulty door latch. If the door latch is not working correctly, the washer won’t start because the machine will not recognize that the door is closed.
Another possible cause of a GE washer not starting is a tripped circuit breaker. The circuit breaker is designed to shut off the power supply to your washer in the event of an overload or short circuit.
So, if your washer won’t start, it’s worth checking your home’s electrical panel to ensure that the circuit breaker for your washer is not tripped.
A third possible cause of this problem is a malfunctioning control board. If the control board is not working properly, it can prevent your washer from starting.
In this case, you may need to unplug the washer for a few minutes to reset the control board, then plug it back in. This will reset the control board and may solve the issue.
To troubleshoot this problem, you should start by checking the door latch to ensure it is properly engaged.
If the latch appears to be working correctly, check the circuit breaker to ensure it is not tripped. If both checks do not solve the problem, try resetting the control board, as mentioned above.
If none of these solutions solve the problem, it may be necessary to call a qualified technician to diagnose and repair the issue. They will have the tools and expertise to identify the underlying cause of the problem and implement the necessary repairs.
2. Washer Won’t Spin
When you start your GE washer, the motor should spin the drum responsible for cleaning your clothes. However, if your washer is not spinning, it could indicate a range of issues that require troubleshooting.
One common cause of this problem is a worn or damaged drive belt. The drive belt is a vital component that connects the motor to the drum, and if it is loose, frayed, or broken, it can prevent the washer from spinning.
Another possible cause of a GE washer not spinning is a faulty lid switch. The lid switch is responsible for detecting when the lid is closed, and if it is not working correctly, the washer may not spin.
It is essential to inspect the lid switch to ensure it is engaging properly when the lid is closed.
Lastly, a broken motor coupling is another common culprit that can cause the washer not to spin. The motor coupling is a small part that connects the motor to the transmission, and if it is broken or damaged, it can prevent the washer from spinning.
To troubleshoot this problem, start by checking the drive belt to ensure it is in good condition and properly tensioned. If the belt is worn or damaged, it should be replaced immediately.
Also, inspect the lid switch to ensure it engages properly when it is closed. A faulty lid switch should be replaced with a new one.
If both the drive belt and lid switch are working fine, the next step is to check the motor coupling. You can do this by opening the washer’s cabinet and checking the coupling for any damage or breakage. If the motor coupling is damaged, it should be replaced.
In some cases, other underlying issues could cause the washer not to spin, such as a faulty transmission or motor.
3. Washer is Leaking
If you notice water pooling on the floor around your GE washer, it could indicate a leak. Leaks can occur for several reasons, ranging from simple to complex issues.
One common cause of washer leaks is a damaged water inlet valve. The water inlet valve controls water levels in your washer, and if it is damaged or worn out, it can cause water to leak out.
Another possible cause of leaks is a clogged drain pump. The drain pump removes water from the washer during the spin cycle. If it becomes clogged with debris or other materials, it can cause water to back up and leak out of the washer.
Lastly, a cracked tub is another common cause of washer leaks. Over time, the tub can become damaged or worn out, leading to cracks that allow water to leak.
To troubleshoot this problem, start by checking the water inlet valve and drain pump for any signs of damage or blockages.
You can inspect the water inlet valve by turning off the water supply to your washer and disconnecting the drain hose from the valve. Check for any signs of damage or wear and replace the valve if necessary.
To inspect the drain pump, remove the washer’s front panel and look for any blockages or damage.
Next, inspect the tub for cracks or other damage. You can do this by running a cycle with the front panel removed and observing the tub as it fills with water. If you notice any cracks or damage, the tub must be replaced.
In addition to these solutions, you can also check the drain hoses and connections to ensure they are secure and not damaged. If a drain hose is damaged or connections are loose, tighten or replace it as needed.
4. Washer is Making Strange Noises
If your GE washer is making unusual or loud noises while running, it may indicate a problem that needs to be addressed. A variety of issues, including a worn or damaged drive belt, a malfunctioning transmission, or a defective motor, can cause strange noises.
The drive belt is responsible for spinning the drum of the washer, and if it becomes worn or damaged, it can cause loud noises during operation.
To check the drive belt, you can remove the front panel of the washer and inspect the belt for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any issues, replace the belt as needed.
Another possible cause of strange noises is a malfunctioning transmission. The transmission is responsible for shifting the washer from one cycle to the next, and if it becomes damaged or worn out, it can cause loud noises during operation.
If you suspect the transmission is causing the problem, you may need to call a professional to inspect and replace the transmission.
A defective motor can also cause strange noises during operation. The motor is responsible for powering the washer’s drum and spin cycle; if it malfunctions or is damaged, it can cause loud noises.
To troubleshoot this issue, you can listen for any unusual sounds coming from the washer motor during operation. If you suspect the motor is the problem, you may need to replace it.
In addition to these causes, strange noises can also be caused by loose or damaged parts, such as screws or pulleys.
You can inspect these components by removing the front control panel of the washer and checking for any loose or damaged parts. If you find any issues, tighten or replace the affected parts as needed.
5. Washer is Vibrating Excessively
One of the most common causes of excessive vibration is an imbalanced load. If the load is not properly balanced, it can cause the washer to vibrate excessively during the spin cycle.
To troubleshoot this problem, ensure that the load is distributed evenly around the drum of the washer. After adjusting the unbalanced load, you can also try running the washer again to see if the problem persists.
Another possible cause of excessive vibration is worn suspension rods. The suspension rods are responsible for keeping the drum of the washer stable during operation, and if they become worn or damaged, it can cause excessive vibration.
To inspect the suspension rods, you can remove the washer’s front panel and check for any signs of wear or damage. If the suspension rods are worn out, you will need to replace them to resolve the issue.
A damaged tub seal can also cause excessive vibration during operation. The tub seal is responsible for preventing water from leaking out of the washer, and if it becomes damaged, it can cause the washer to vibrate excessively.
To check for a damaged tub seal, you can remove the top and front panels of the washer and inspect the seal for any signs of wear or damage. If the tub seal is damaged, it must be replaced to resolve the issue.
In addition to these causes, excessive vibration can also be caused by a loose connection or a damaged part.
You can inspect these components by removing the washer’s front panel and checking for any loose or damaged parts. If you find any issues, tighten or replace the affected parts as needed.
GE Washer Problems: are they a deal breaker?
The answer is no. The problems that GE washers commonly experience can often be easily identified and fixed with some troubleshooting. Most of the issues are related to the wear and tear of components such as drive belts, motors, and control boards, which can be replaced with new ones.
While some problems may require professional repair, they are not deal breakers, as GE washers are backed by a warranty and excellent customer service.
Moreover, GE appliances are manufactured with high-quality materials and undergo rigorous testing to ensure their durability and reliability. It’s important to note that regular maintenance can prevent many of these common problems from occurring in the first place.
Simple tasks such as cleaning the filter and drum, ensuring proper load distribution, and checking for blockages can go a long way in preventing future issues.
In conclusion, GE washer problems are not a deal breaker, and with a bit of knowledge and troubleshooting skills, they can be resolved quickly and efficiently.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
