Chuck G Douglas , MI October 03, 2022 Appliance: Hot Point Washer VLSR1090G5WW Hotpoint vlsr1090g5ww wouldn't agitate or spin. Washer would run through the cycle, but not agitate. I had to wait for it to pump down the water level to check spin, which also was not working. The motor would buzz when it should run, but not rotate, hard to hear for spin because the pump was running. Found I could start it by hand very easily by giving the pulley a spin, so I figured start switch, but there didn't appear to be one. I found what looked like a start capacitor zip tied to the chassis midway up the front, so my second guess was the contacts in the timer had failed, although it was relatively new. Looking at the schematic, it appears the motor is actually kind of a two-phase with the capacitor serving to produce a leading or lagging second phase depending on whether the timer is calling for agitation or spin, i.e. CCW or CW rotation, respectively if I recall correctly. Depending on the cycle, two sets of double throw contacts reverse the flow of current through the second winding and the capacitor which are in series. Unlikely both the agitate and spin contacts had failed simultaneously, so that left the capacitor. Put a capacitance meter on it and found 0.0089 uF. Highly unlikely. Neither the cap or the schematic gave any hint of correct value but a quick search on the web got me a couple of images of the replacement, both showing 45 uF at 250 VAC. Rummaged around in my capacitor stash looking for something close enough for a test and came up with a large 370 V oil filled 45 uF. Total overkill but right on the money. Plugged it in and viola! Crudely tied it in place to get the washer back in service and ordered the correct part. Received the replacement in just slightly over 24 hours despite choosing the standard shipping! When I pulled the old capacitor I found that it had extruded a fair amount of hard gray foam-looking stuff out a crack in its side. This had been hidden from view with it zip tied in place or I'd have been on the cap from the start. Anyhow, with the new one in place, we're back in business. Read More... 7 People found this story helpful Do-It-Yourself Rating: Repair Time Estimate: 30-60 minutes Tools: Pliers
Mary V Ellenton , FL June 06, 2016 Burned out capacitor My son fixed it Read More... 30 People found this story helpful Do-It-Yourself Rating: Repair Time Estimate: 15-30 minutes
Melvin G Temecula , CA March 15, 2014 Appliance: Model GE WASHING MACHINE Washer drum would not agitate or spin. After removing the front panel I noticed that the cap on one end of the capacitor had popped off. For whatever reason it burst. I ordered a new capacitor, installed it and the washing machine works like new. This $30 part saved me from buying a new one. Appliance Parts Pro guaranteed their product so I was less hesitant to try the repair myself. Read More... 18 People found this story helpful Do-It-Yourself Rating: Repair Time Estimate: Less than 15 minutes Tools: Screwdrivers
Jim M Atlanic Mine , MI June 23, 2015 Appliance: General Electric Washer WPRB8050D1WW Washer would not spin or agitate The washer motor would not spin or agitate. Checked cover, switch, etc.Checked the internet and it said what I cheeked was all I could do & to call GE tech services.GE tech said to call authorized repair person. He came & I showed him that capacitor was shot. I ran the washer with a spare capacitor but had to disconnect capacitor when motor was up to speed...worked great that way. Serviceman contacted high-up GE tech & they said I needed a new motor $350, capacitor $40, & labor..total over $500. I found your website and asked the question "is the capacitor a start capacitor or run capacitor". You answered and we ordered a capacitor from you and now the machine works great. Thanks for your help. Jim Morin Read More... 12 People found this story helpful Do-It-Yourself Rating: Repair Time Estimate: Less than 15 minutes Tools: Screwdrivers
Kevin T Overland Park , KS January 27, 2020 Appliance: Model GE ENTERNA Washing machine would agitate but not spin Replaced lid switch and capacitor Read More... 9 People found this story helpful Do-It-Yourself Rating: Repair Time Estimate: 15-30 minutes Tools: Wrench Set