GE GFW550 Washer: dispenser tray not flushing at right times

[wraiththe]

Problem:  Softener is dispensing too soon in first cycle.  Sometimes bleach area is full after wash.  Now sometimes detergent area is not flushed until rinse cycle  (Rare/new/ once)

Technician came and performed diagnostic via USB port.  Said everything was OK... No problems.   I asked for him to stay for 10 minutes while I run a load because the problems are there...  The response was I needed to read the manual...   Ran a load.   Softener dispensed fully before first spin cycle.  You could see the soap still in the dispenser after the second cycle.   Now I will have to sit by the washer and record the issues on phone as evidence.   I do not really care why this... person would not stand by for 10 minutes to see that the washer is not working. There is no one above him I can talk to get tech info on how the programming is supposed to work.  IF I knew more, I could tell them how to fix it... or find out what is causing the problem...   The problem exists.... and just because a diagnostic test runs fine, it does not mean the issue is there.... he just refused to stay and see that it was happening.   Ref:  I am very good at fixing appliances, electronics, computers, and cars... software/mechanical...   Answers would be nice... or reading up on how it works would probably  be enough.  I generally run bulk loads... some normal... and few quickwashes.   Sometimes I run quick washes or rinses to get out soap.  I only use 30ml of free and clear HE soap +- 10 ml.  No softener, rather distilled white vinegar instead.   Often use Borax put in drum before clothing as directed.

 

[Nathaniel Peterson]

On 9/6/2023 at 6:38 PM, wraiththe said:

Problem:  Softener is dispensing too soon in first cycle.  Sometimes bleach area is full after wash.  Now sometimes detergent area is not flushed until rinse cycle  (Rare/new/ once)

Technician came and performed diagnostic via USB port.  Said everything was OK... No problems.   I asked for him to stay for 10 minutes while I run a load because the problems are there...  The response was I needed to read the manual...   Ran a load.   Softener dispensed fully before first spin cycle.  You could see the soap still in the dispenser after the second cycle.   Now I will have to sit by the washer and record the issues on phone as evidence.   I do not really care why this... person would not stand by for 10 minutes to see that the washer is not working. There is no one above him I can talk to get tech info on how the programming is supposed to work.  IF I knew more, I could tell them how to fix it... or find out what is causing the problem...   The problem exists.... and just because a diagnostic test runs fine, it does not mean the issue is there.... he just refused to stay and see that it was happening.   Ref:  I am very good at fixing appliances, electronics, computers, and cars... software/mechanical...   Answers would be nice... or reading up on how it works would probably  be enough.  I generally run bulk loads... some normal... and few quickwashes.   Sometimes I run quick washes or rinses to get out soap.  I only use 30ml of free and clear HE soap +- 10 ml.  No softener, rather distilled white vinegar instead.   Often use Borax put in drum before clothing as directed.

 

Make sure you pull the drawer out and check for detergent build up. If you're using organic detergents that may be your problem because the manufacturer can't engineer to work on millions of unknown formulas. If dispenser isn't gunked up then it could be dispenser motor, control board, water valve, wiring. Start with that. There should be a tech sheet on the washer somewhere that'll tell you how to get into diagnostics. Not sure why the tech thinks it's normal operation by what you said. 

[wraiththe]

On 9/8/2023 at 7:17 AM, Nathaniel Peterson said:

Make sure you pull the drawer out and check for detergent build up. If you're using organic detergents that may be your problem because the manufacturer can't engineer to work on millions of unknown formulas. If dispenser isn't gunked up then it could be dispenser motor, control board, water valve, wiring. Start with that. There should be a tech sheet on the washer somewhere that'll tell you how to get into diagnostics. Not sure why the tech thinks it's normal operation by what you said. 

Just filmed a bit of a bulk wash.. The incoming water was alternating between the detergent and the softener cups in the tray... or so it sounded.  Softener entered drum during end of fill cycle and was empty by the start of the wash cycle.  the tray is very clean, like new.  Sound like this might not be fun.

[Nathaniel Peterson]

18 hours ago, wraiththe said:

Just filmed a bit of a bulk wash.. The incoming water was alternating between the detergent and the softener cups in the tray... or so it sounded.  Softener entered drum during end of fill cycle and was empty by the start of the wash cycle.  the tray is very clean, like new.  Sound like this might not be fun.

Pull off the top and switch the water temp different than what it's already set at and see if the motor on top of the dispenser moves. Sometimes they get stuck and you may be able to nudge it fee to get it to move. Try that it's like 3 screws in the back of the lid and push back and up to remove.

[wraiththe]

Apparently, there is a known issue with this model.  The drawer will be replaced, and an adjustment made.   I also saw that the bleach tray is sometimes full of water at the end of a wash...  Weird.  So full you would think it would have siphoned out.  
Apparently, the way these work is you fill them to the correct level... and like siphoning gas out of a car, when the liquid level gets high enough, by adding water,  it overflows which starts to siphon the contents out.  

I also figure that since I am using distilled white vinegar instead of thick softener...  it is easier to siphon the entire contents out.  
Guess I should post next week after the machine is serviced again to follow up and see if it works.   Thanks Nathaniel, I will mention what you said as well.

The exact model is  GFW550SSN2WW

 

 

[Nathaniel Peterson]

On 9/13/2023 at 8:10 PM, wraiththe said:

Apparently, there is a known issue with this model.  The drawer will be replaced, and an adjustment made.   I also saw that the bleach tray is sometimes full of water at the end of a wash...  Weird.  So full you would think it would have siphoned out.  
Apparently, the way these work is you fill them to the correct level... and like siphoning gas out of a car, when the liquid level gets high enough, by adding water,  it overflows which starts to siphon the contents out.  

I also figure that since I am using distilled white vinegar instead of thick softener...  it is easier to siphon the entire contents out.  
Guess I should post next week after the machine is serviced again to follow up and see if it works.   Thanks Nathaniel, I will mention what you said as well.

The exact model is  GFW550SSN2WW

 

 

Just looked up this issue make sure the tech runs test 7 if he/she doesn't replace the dispenser and opts to try the other method of repair. I haven't done this particular repair for this problem so he may just go ahead and replace the dispenser depending on whether he/she's done the repair before and knows how successful it is. If it's under warranty I would want the dispenser replaced if not I would kindly ask him to try the other method and ask what the cost would be extra if unsuccessful. Like I said heshe can run test 7 to confirm the alternative method.

[jyjrodriguez]

Hi there, I have the same washer and was wondering if you found a solution to the softener dispensing too early in the cycle?

[Nathaniel Peterson]

17 hours ago, jyjrodriguez said:

Hi there, I have the same washer and was wondering if you found a solution to the softener dispensing too early in the cycle?

Remove the top panel. Remove the black cold water inlet hose going into the dispenser. Get a 3/16 drill bit and gently twist with your hand, not a drill to remove excess plastic/debris. The cold hose is the hose on top part of the dispenser and furthest to the right. If that doesn't work you have to replace the dispenser. Good luck.