April 19, 2023

Washer: Why is the water in my washing machine the wrong temperature?

If you get cold water when you set the washer for a hot-wash load, first make sure the water heater is doing its job. (FYI, if the water is warm instead of hot, your ENERGY STAR washer is following Department of Energy standards that limit hot water to 85-95 degrees F for the Normal cycle.)

Check to see if hot and cold water supply hoses connected to the back of the washer are reversed. Connect the supply hoses properly if you find them reversed.

If the water heater is fine, the water supply hoses are connected properly and the water comes into the washer warm when you set it for cold, then the washing machine water temperature control may not be working. Washing machines have various water temperature controls. Some washers use switches and others use electronic control boards to control water temperature. If your washer uses a temperature selector switch, the switch may need replacing. If your washer uses an electronic temperature control board or the main control board controls water temperature, then you may need to replace the control board that controls water temperature.

The washer also won't fill with the right temperature of water if the hot or cold valve on the water inlet valve assembly fails so replace the water inlet valve assembly if a valve fails.

washer

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR WASHER PROBLEM

JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-temperature-selector-switch

Replace the washer temperature selector switch

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.

Washer temperature selector switch

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-WASH-Replace-Direct-Drive-Top-Load-Washer-Water-Temperature-Switch-Intro-Image
January 01, 2016

How to replace the water temperature switch on a direct-drive top-load washer

Is your top-load washer filling with water that's the wrong temperature? It could be a faulty water temperature switch. This DIY repair guide and video show how to easily replace the water temperature switch in less that 30 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-electronic-temperature-control-board

Replace the washer electronic temperature control board

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.

Washer electronic temperature control board

Find the required part specific to your product.

JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-water-inlet-valve-assembly

Replace the washer water inlet valve assembly

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.

Washer water inlet valve assembly

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-WASH-Replace-Vertical-Modular-Top-Load-Water-Inlet-Valve-Intro-Image
January 01, 2016

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

When a top-load washer won't fill, or it fills with water even when unplugged, chances are the water inlet valve is to blame. This repair guide and video show how to replace the water inlet valve in 30 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less

RG-WASH-Replace-Direct-Drive-Top-Load-Washer-Water-Inlet-Valve-Intro-Image
July 01, 2013

How to replace the water inlet valve on a direct-drive top-load washer

Is your top-load washer not filling with water, or is it filling even when it's unplugged? Suspect the water inlet valve. This DIY repair guide and video explain how to replace the water inlet valve in less than 30 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

RG-WASH-Replace-Front-Load-Washer-Water-Inlet-Valve-Intro-Image
January 01, 2016

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

If your front-load washer won't fill with water, or if the washer fills with water even when it's unplugged, the problem could be the water inlet valve. This repair guide and video explain how to replace the washer water inlet valve in 30 minutes or less.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-main-electronic-control-board

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.

Washer main control board

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-WASH-Replace-Top-Load-Washer-Electronic-Control-Board-Intro-Image
July 01, 2013

How to replace the electronic control board on a top-load washer

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.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less

RG-WASH-Replace-Front-Load-Washer-Machine-Control-Board-Intro-Image
July 01, 2013

How to replace the machine control board in a front-load washer

A failed front-load washing 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.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less

Most common symptoms to help you fix your washers

Choose a symptom to see related washer repairs.

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