Frigidaire FWT445GES2 won't spin

[txcowdog]

I have an old FWT445GES2 that I have kept running for 17 years because we had cabinetry built around the stacked set so I am stuck with this size unit otherwise I would replace it. My washer does everything it is supposed to except the drum does not spin at all in any direction. I read the following page:

At step 4 it says "If the meter reads 0v, check timer contact 11 to 11a" but it does not say what I am looking for across contact 11 to 11a. I get 23v when I check across the contacts while the washer is in fill mode which is when the drum should be spinning. Anyone have any idea what I am looking for?

 

[johntech]

Have you ran the diagnostic test and pulled error codes

[txcowdog]

The tech sheets make no mention of diagnostic codes. This is an older unit that uses a mechanical timer and manual switches for water level, etc. so I am not sure that it would have any codes to pull. If I am missing something please let me know. I am open to any suggestions.

[sh2sh2]

Is the belt good, have you checked the motor winding resistance, if that's OK you most likely need the motor control board, also called a speed control for that model

[txcowdog]

I replaced the belt last year and it is still nice and flexible showing no signs of wear or cracking. The motor is not completely smooth when it is spun by hand. For the past couple of weeks I noticed a sound that made me think the drum bearing was going but now I think it was possibly the motor. I checked across the motor windings and I get 1.7 ohms, 1.4 and 0.4 so I am thinking motor. I am at the office and realized I did not check from each motor winding to ground. There may be something to look at there. I will check that tonight when I get home.

I really appreciate all the help I am getting trying to run this down. Thanks for everyone's help.

[sh2sh2]

Check the motor control board for signs of damage,( burned components)

[txcowdog]

I'll take the cover off and have a look tonight. It never occurred to me to have a look at the components. Thanks.

[Budget Appliance Repair]

That's the old style motor with brushes, check the brushes, (would not be uncommon to see brushes worn down to nubs in a 17 year old washer).

If it ends up being a speed control board on that old Frigidaire you are going to chock when you see the price, ($366+) A few new on ebay for around $100 or Make offer.   This style of speed control didn't fail that often mostly motor brush problems and door latches.

You can find new brushes for the motor but looks to be more economical to replace the complete motor if the brushes are bad and you may also have bad bearings in motor, (If I remember correctly the last time I looked up just the brushes they were $35-$45 each and the complete new motor from APP is only $118.

[txcowdog]

Wow, I never realized the cost of the motor control board!!!  I'll cross my fingers and hope it is the brushes. Thanks for pointing out that this motor uses brushes. I did not even think to look for them when I checked the windings. Last night I did check to see if I had continuity between the motor windings and ground. Fortunately it checked out OK. 

[txcowdog]

Turns out it was both the motor and the motor control board. Fortunately I was able to find a used motor control board off fleabay for $35 and a new motor was $120 from RP. It took a lot of time swapping pieces in and out to realize that both were gone. The drum now spins sweetly and my wife has climbed down from the furniture. Thanksto everyone that pitched in with suggestions. It is nice to have the support.

All the best,

Txcowdog