April 20, 2023

Washer repair guides

Don’t let your laundry pile up from a broken washing machine—check out these easy-to-follow repair guides and videos for replacing parts such as water valves, electronic control boards and drive motors. Our repair guides and videos cover basic washer repair procedures described in Frigidaire, LG, Whirlpool, GE and Kenmore washer repair manuals.

Find maintenance and DIY troubleshooting tips in the repair help section to keep your washer running smoothly and efficiently. Our error code charts can help you fix problems with Kenmore, Frigidaire, Whirlpool and other brands of washers. Search your model number to find the complete list of replacement parts for your washer and order the part you need.

washer

Repair guides for top-load washers

How to replace a water inlet valve on a vertical modular top-load washer

If the water inlet valve on your vertical modular top-load washer isn't controlling the flow of water into your washing machine, follow these step-by-step instructions to replace the valve.

Repair difficulty
Time required
30 minutes or less
How to replace the water level pressure switch on a direct-drive top-load washer

Replace the water level pressure switch on your direct-drive top-load washer if the washer overfills or doesn’t fill.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
How to replace the water temperature switch on a direct-drive top-load washer

Replace the water temperature switch on your direct-drive top-load washer if the water temperature is wrong.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
How to replace the motor coupler on a top-load washer

If the washer drains but won’t agitate or spin, the motor coupler might have broken to protect the drive motor from damage. Follow these steps to replace a broken motor coupler.

Repair difficulty
Time required
60 minutes or less
How to replace the agitator dogs in a top-load washer

If the top of the agitator moves both ways instead of just one, replace the agitator dogs, using the steps in this repair guide.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
How to replace the drive block on a top-load washer

The drive block rotates the spin basket. If the basket wobbles or rattles in the spin mode because the drive block is worn out, replace the drive block following these directions.

Repair difficulty
Time required
60 minutes or less
How to replace the clutch band in a top-load washer

If the washer spins when the basket is empty but doesn’t spin when the basket is full, a worn-out clutch band could be the problem. These instructions show how to replace the clutch band.

Repair difficulty
Time required
60 minutes or less
How to replace the gear case in a top-load washer

If the washer won't spin or agitate with the motor running, replace the gear case, following the steps in this repair guide.

Repair difficulty
Time required
60 minutes or less
How to replace the drain pump in a top-load washer

If there's water in your washer at the end of the spin cycle, the drain pump could be faulty. If the drain and drain hose are clear, you can follow these instructions to replace the drain pump.

Repair difficulty
Time required
45 minutes or less
How to replace the basket drive in a top-load washer

If the washer screeches or squeals in the spin mode and the basket won't spin smoothly, replace the basket drive, following the steps in this repair guide.

Repair difficulty
Time required
60 minutes or less
How to replace the spin basket in a top-load washer

If the spin basket on your top-load washer is damaged, you can replace it with a new one. Just follow these step-by-step instructions.

Repair difficulty
Time required
45 minutes or less
How to replace the clutch assembly in a top-load washer

If the washer spins when the basket is empty but not when the basket is full, the problem could be the clutch assembly. These steps explain how to replace it.

Repair difficulty
Time required
60 minutes or less
How to replace the timer in a direct-drive top-load washer

Replace the timer if it doesn't advance or work properly.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
How to replace the drive motor in a top-load washer

The drive motor creates the rotation that turns the spin basket and agitator. If those components won't budge, replace the drive motor using these step-by-step instructions.

Repair difficulty
Time required
45 minutes or less
How to replace the electronic control board on a top-load washer

The electronic control board is a major component that orchestrates the washer's functions. These instructions explain how to replace the electronic control board in a top-load washer.

Repair difficulty
Time required
30 minutes or less
How to replace the lid switch in a direct-drive top-load washer

Replace the lid switch if it doesn't detect the position of the lid.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
How to replace the lid switch/lock assembly on a top-load washer

If the lid switch or lid lock fails, many top load washers won't run. You can install a new switch/lock assembly—this repair guide shows you how.

Repair difficulty
Time required
45 minutes or less
How to replace the shifter assembly in a top-load washer

The shifter motor switches the washer's drive motor between the agitate and spin modes. If your washer's basket won't budge, the shifter could be the problem. Follow these steps to replace it in less than 45 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
45 minutes or less
How to replace the water inlet valve on a direct-drive top-load washer

Replace the water inlet valve on your direct-drive top-load washer if the washer fills when unplugged or won't fill at all.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less

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

Symptoms common to all washers

Choose a symptom to see related washer repairs.

Main causes: unbalanced load, loose spanner nut, worn drive block, broken shock absorber or suspension spring, debris in drain pump
Main causes: lack of electrical power, wiring failure, bad power cord, electronic control board failure, bad user interface board
Main causes: leaky water inlet valve, faulty water-level pressure switch, bad electronic control board
Main causes: water heater failure, bad water temperature switch, faulty control board, bad water valve, faulty water temperature sensor
Main causes: broken lid switch or lid lock, bad pressure switch, broken shifter assembly, faulty control system
Main causes: clogged drain hose, house drain clogged, bad drain pump, water-level pressure switch failure, bad control board or timer
Main causes: worn agitator dogs, bad clutch, broken motor coupler, shifter assembly failure, broken door lock, suspension component failure
Main causes: no water supply, bad water valves, water-level pressure switch failure, control system failure, bad door lock or lid switch
Main causes: bad lid switch or door lock, bad timer or electronic control board, wiring failure, bad water inlet valve assembly

Articles and videos common to all washers

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your washer.

January 03, 2022

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Cleaning your appliances after a drinking water advisory

Cleaning your appliances after a drinking water advisory

Find out how to clean and flush household appliances once a boil water advisory is lifted.