How I fixed our washing machine
Mar 21, 2012 3:45:39 GMT
Post by lola on Mar 21, 2012 3:45:39 GMT
Allow me to brag. You need not read any further; just allow me to brag.
Maybe three years ago we bought an LG Electronics front loading washing machine. My husband likes to research this sort of thing, and he found that this model is energy and water efficient, along with being reliable. All such products these days seem to be loaded with little smartypants computers, unlike our previous washer that we'd bought used and that worked fine for at least 20 years.
The new one worked fine for three years, until 10 days before a rotating cast of houseguests were due here for a four day family wedding weekend, requiring multiple linen changes and fresh towels. Not to mention the frequent costume changes our family requires for such a weekend. It stopped and refused to budge, flashing a "tE" code that meant "Call Serviceman."
"Call Serviceman" is code for "prepare to spend at least a couple of hundred dollars for something you might be able to fix yourself."
No obvious tricks could coax it back to life. I made a few trips to my old favorite laundromat, bringing the wet clothes back home to hang out or throw into dryer, while I combed the internet for clues on how to fix it.
It took a couple of days before I was satisfied that the code meant I needed a new thermistor. There's a website called FixYa.com where people can ask such questions and others will answer. No one answered my query, but I was able to read to enough other similar questions and answers to feel fairly confident about that. A website called repairclinic.com had what appeared to be the correct thermistor for ~$11 including shipping.
The part came a few days before our houseguests were expected, and I still had no clue how to get at the old thermistor to replace it. From what I could gather, it was a tricky and complicated maneuver. Most FixYa.com answers recommended just call for expert. One guy said he did it, no problem, with a service manual.
By this time it was a matter of pride, besides the aforementioned hundreds of dollars.
There's yet another website called servicemanuals.net where, two days before the first company was expected, I was able to download the LG WM2277HC service manual for ~$16. To change the thermistor you are supposed to remove the front control panel, the door and gasket, and the whole front panel of the washer, to get to the front and bottom of the tub. Eek. But when I took off the easily removed back panel, I could see that the machine's base is mostly open.
The evening before our first guest was due, my husband and I tipped the washer forward far enough that I could reach through the bottom. He held it up while by feel I pulled out the old thermistor and unplugged it, happy that it looked just like the new one. A quick snap had it connected, and by feel I guided it back to its position.
Ta Da! It works.
Maybe three years ago we bought an LG Electronics front loading washing machine. My husband likes to research this sort of thing, and he found that this model is energy and water efficient, along with being reliable. All such products these days seem to be loaded with little smartypants computers, unlike our previous washer that we'd bought used and that worked fine for at least 20 years.
The new one worked fine for three years, until 10 days before a rotating cast of houseguests were due here for a four day family wedding weekend, requiring multiple linen changes and fresh towels. Not to mention the frequent costume changes our family requires for such a weekend. It stopped and refused to budge, flashing a "tE" code that meant "Call Serviceman."
"Call Serviceman" is code for "prepare to spend at least a couple of hundred dollars for something you might be able to fix yourself."
No obvious tricks could coax it back to life. I made a few trips to my old favorite laundromat, bringing the wet clothes back home to hang out or throw into dryer, while I combed the internet for clues on how to fix it.
It took a couple of days before I was satisfied that the code meant I needed a new thermistor. There's a website called FixYa.com where people can ask such questions and others will answer. No one answered my query, but I was able to read to enough other similar questions and answers to feel fairly confident about that. A website called repairclinic.com had what appeared to be the correct thermistor for ~$11 including shipping.
The part came a few days before our houseguests were expected, and I still had no clue how to get at the old thermistor to replace it. From what I could gather, it was a tricky and complicated maneuver. Most FixYa.com answers recommended just call for expert. One guy said he did it, no problem, with a service manual.
By this time it was a matter of pride, besides the aforementioned hundreds of dollars.
There's yet another website called servicemanuals.net where, two days before the first company was expected, I was able to download the LG WM2277HC service manual for ~$16. To change the thermistor you are supposed to remove the front control panel, the door and gasket, and the whole front panel of the washer, to get to the front and bottom of the tub. Eek. But when I took off the easily removed back panel, I could see that the machine's base is mostly open.
The evening before our first guest was due, my husband and I tipped the washer forward far enough that I could reach through the bottom. He held it up while by feel I pulled out the old thermistor and unplugged it, happy that it looked just like the new one. A quick snap had it connected, and by feel I guided it back to its position.
Ta Da! It works.