April 19, 2023

DIY front-load washer repair

If your front-load washer won't drain, makes noise or isn't working at all, check out one of the troubleshooting symptoms below to learn what the problem might be. If you see an error code on your washer's control panel, follow the troubleshooting steps in the error code chart for your model to find and fix the problem.

If you're looking for directions on how to replace a part, our washer repair guides have step-by-step, illustrated information. And don't forget to check out our washer articles and videos page to find out how to get rid of odor in your front-load washer, how to clean the drain-pump filter and much more. To find the owner’s manual or a complete list of replacement parts for your front-load washer, search for your model number.

Front-Load Washers

Symptoms for front-load washers

Main causes: bad door lock assembly, wiring failure, bad electronic control board, drain system failure, bad water-level pressure switch
Main causes: leaky water supply hoses, clogged drain system, torn door boot, cracked outer tub, overfilling
Main causes: garments left in the washer, damaged spin basket, worn outer tub bearing, faulty drive motor, bad electronic control board

Repair guides for front-load washers

How to replace a water inlet valve on a front-load washer

The water valve assembly is the gatekeeper for water entering your front-load washer. You can replace it yourself, following these instructions.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace the door lock assembly on a front-load washer

If your front-load washer won't start because the door won't lock, replace the door lock assembly if it's defective.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace the door boot on a front-load washer

If your washer leaks from under the door panel, replace the rubber door boot if it's torn.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
How to replace a motor control board on a front-load washer

The motor control board makes sure the motor spins in the right direction and at the right speed. You can install a new motor control board—just follow these 6 steps.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace the machine control board in a front-load washer

If the machine control board is completely dead or won't activate the washer components properly, replace it by following these instructions.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace the drain pump on a front-load washer

Follow these steps to replace the drain pump if it's not removing water from the washer.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace the user interface board in a front-load washer

Follow these steps to replace the user interface board in your front-load washer if the buttons or lights are broken.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace the direct-drive motor on a front-load washer

These instructions show how to replace a beltless drive motor that attaches directly to the washer spin basket.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less

Articles and videos for front-load washers

June 16, 2023

How to use your washing machine efficiently

How to use your washing machine efficiently

Find tips for using your washing machine efficiently to save energy and help reduce utility bills.

April 04, 2023

How to clean and maintain your washing machine

How to clean and maintain your washing machine

Learn how to keep your washing machine in top shape with tips from Sears pros.

April 04, 2023

How to get rid of mold in a front-load washer

How to get rid of mold in a front-load washer

Learn what steps to take to prevent and get rid of moldy odor in a front-load washer.

February 28, 2023

Samsung front-load washer dc error code

Samsung front-load washer dc error code

Learn what steps to take to repair your washer when it displays the dc error code -- unbalanced load.

February 28, 2023

Samsung front-load washer nF error code

Samsung front-load washer nF error code

Learn why a Samsung washer displays the nF error code and how to fix it.

January 26, 2023

3 Laundry Stain Removal Hacks – Tested

3 Laundry Stain Removal Hacks – Tested

Find out whether 3 common laundry stain removal hacks actually work.

September 02, 2022

See examples of washer repair training from the Sears Technical Institute

See examples of washer repair training from the Sears Technical Institute

See the type of washer training that Sears Techs get in the Sears Technical Institute training.

August 30, 2022

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.

August 19, 2022

Are DIY appliance repairs safe?

Are DIY appliance repairs safe?

Find out how to stay safe when repairing your appliances.

August 11, 2022

Tapping into a new feature in the Search Bar on Sears PartsDirect

Tapping into a new feature in the Search Bar on Sears PartsDirect

Learn about a new feature added to the Search Bar on Sears PartsDirect

August 09, 2022

Should I get a top-load or front-load washer? -- A fresh new look at this topic

Should I get a top-load or front-load washer?  -- A fresh new look at this topic

Get help in deciding whether to buy a front-load or top-load washer.

July 15, 2022

How to remove a GE front-load washer control panel and control board

How to remove a GE front-load washer control panel and control board

Learn how to remove the control panel and main control board in a GE front-load washer.

June 29, 2022

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.

June 23, 2022

How to replace the door boot on a Frigidaire front-load washer

How to replace the door boot on a Frigidaire front-load washer

See the step-by-step procedure for replacing the rubber door boot on a Frigidaire front-load washer.

June 21, 2022

How to remove the main control board and user interface from a Maytag Epic Z front-load washer

How to remove the main control board and user interface from a Maytag Epic Z front-load washer

Get step-by-step instructions for removing the main electronic control board and the control panel from a Maytage Epic Z front-load washer.

September 26, 2019

Keeping your smart appliances secure from hackers

Keeping your smart appliances secure from hackers

Find out how to protect your smart appliances from malevolent invasions by hackers.

August 25, 2016

Samsung front-load washer nd error code

Samsung front-load washer nd error code

Learn what to do if your Samsung washer displays the nd error code.

August 25, 2016

Kenmore front-load washer nF error code

Kenmore front-load washer nF error code

Learn why a Kenmore washer displays the nF error code and how to fix it.

August 25, 2016

Kenmore front-load washer LE error code

Kenmore front-load washer LE error code

Learn what steps to take to repair your Kenmore front-load washer when it displays the LE error code.

August 25, 2016

LG front-load washer LE error code

LG front-load washer LE error code

Learn what steps to take to repair your LG front-load washer when it displays the LE error code.

August 25, 2016

Kenmore front-load washer dc error code

Kenmore front-load washer dc error code

Learn what steps to take to repair your Kenmore washer when it displays the dc error code -- unbalanced load.

August 25, 2016

Kenmore front-load washer nd error code

Kenmore front-load washer nd error code

Learn what to do if your Kenmore washer displays the nd error code.

August 25, 2016

Kenmore front-load washer UE error code

Kenmore front-load washer UE error code

Learn what steps to take to repair your Kenmore washer when it displays the UE error code.

August 25, 2016

LG front-load washer UE error code

LG front-load washer UE error code

Learn what steps to take to repair your LG direct drive washer when it displays the UE error code.

March 02, 2016

Cleaning the drain pump filter on a front-load washer with no access door video

Cleaning the drain pump filter on a front-load washer with no access door video

See how to access and clean the drain pump filter on a front-load washer without an access door.