Washer: Why won't my washing machine fill?

The water inlet valve assembly is a set of water valves that control the flow of water into the washer. Replace the water valve assembly if the washer won't fill and start because a valve doesn't open, or if the washer overfills because the valve doesn't close.

The temperature selector switch lets you set the temperature of the water going into the washer. The temperature selector switch switch is usually a rotary switch mounted in the control panel. If the switch fails, the washer won't fill properly or might not fill at all. If one of the water inlet fill valves isn't actuated because of defective contacts in the switch, the actual water temperature differs from the set temperature.

The water-level pressure switch detects the water level in the wash tub. If the water-level pressure switch is defective, the washer won't fill properly. It could not fill at all or it could overfill even to the point of overflowing. If the pressure switch doesn't accurately detect and control the water level in the washer, replace it.

The main electronic control board, also called the mother board, governs the timing and execution of the washer component functions. It controls the fill valves, the drive motor and the drain pump.

The door lock assembly on a front-load washer includes a safety switch that detects whether the washer door is closed, a latch and a locking mechanism. If any of these components fails when the door is open, the door won't lock; if a component fails with the door is closed, the door won't open. Replace the entire assembly if any component fails.

The lid switch on a top-load washer is a safety switch that detects whether the washer lid is closed. The lid must be closed when the basket spins; if the washer incorrectly senses that the lid is open, it won’t spin and drain after the wash cycle.

Some top-load models require that the washer lid be closed before the washer drive motor runs. An open lid prevents some top-load washers from filling.

If the lid switch isn't detecting whether the lid is closed, replace the switch.

The electronic temperature control board has a thermistor (a temperature sensor) that detects the temperature of the water entering the tub. The electronic temperature control board opens and shuts the electrically operated water inlet valves to accurately fill the washer tub with the correct temperature of fill water. If the electronic temperature control isn't controlling the fill water temperature properly, replace it.