Washer: Not working at all
If your washer is completely unresponsive, start by ruling out the obvious-is it unplugged? Did the circuit trip? To test whether the electrical outlet is the problem, plug a hair dryer or other electrical device into it. If the hair dryer doesn't work, the wiring in the outlet is the problem. If the hair dryer works, there could be a wiring problem in the washer. Unplug the washer and check the power cord for damage. Check the wiring connections on the timer or main control board. If your washer has a digital display, check the wiring connections between the main control board and the user interface board. If the wiring connections are okay, you may need to replace the main control board or the user interface board.
These repairs may help solve your washer problem
Replace the washer main control board
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.
A failed top-load washer electronic control board can cause multiple problems, from no display lights to the washer not filling, spinning or draining. If you or a service technician determine that the electronic control is faulty, this repair guide and video show how to replace it.
A failed front-load washer machine control board has several symptoms, including the washer not starting, filling, spinning or draining. If you or a service technician determine that the machine control board has failed, this repair guide shows how to replace it.
Replace the washer timer
The timer controls the component functions in the washer. Also called a cycle selector, the timer has a motor that advances the internal cams inside the timer body. The cams open and close electrical contacts to energize and de-energize components during the wash cycle. A control knob on the stem of the timer lets the user select cycles on the timer. If the timer motor does not advance or the contacts are defective in the timer, replace it.
If your top load washer doesn't advance through the cycles or gets stuck in one cycle, it's likely the timer has failed. This DIY repair guide and video show how to replace the timer in less than 30 minutes.
Replace the washer user interface board
The user interface board holds the buttons you press to set up the wash cycle. Replace the user interface board if one or more of the buttons don't work.
When a front-load washer's control panel won't light up or respond when you push the buttons, it could mean the user interface board has failed. This repair guide shows how to replace the user interface board on a washing machine in 30 minutes.
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