Whirlpool washer fills... only hums... special challenge!

[mbpal]

I'm a rather handy DIYer, but this one has me stumped. I have a whirlpool washer, model #WTW57ESVW0 that suddenly stopped working after filling today. It would only hum and go no further. Being the resourceful web user I am, I googled the problem and came up with lots of solutions. I've tried EVERY one, to no avail. Here's what I've done so far:

• Checked for clogged drain hose and pump: they are all clear.
• Tested capacitor mounted to motor. Tested fine.
• Pulled motor off to check coupler. Coupler is fine.

Intermission: While I had the motor off of the washer I laid it on the floor and reconnected the electrical. I turned on the timer switch to spin, and nothing... just a hum. On a whim, I grabbed the shaft where the pump would connect and gave it a spin. WOOSH! It started right up, the capacitor clicked off, and it was running fine on the floor. Called the parts store, they said bring the capacitor in for them to test. I did. Tested fine. Parts guy said it sounded like motor windings were worn or broken, probably needed a motor. Bought a motor. Continuing:

• Replaced motor. NO CHANGE.
• Took motor back off, connected electrical connections, hand started: WOOSH!. Started up, capacitor clicked off.
• Checked continuity on wire between capacitor and motor start switch. Good connection.
• REMOVED ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS... mapped it, tested it, all connections good.

Now I'm at a loss for what to do next. Only thing I can think is that the capacitor tested good but actually isn't. Is that a possibility? Any other things for me to try?

[darren412]

Are you getting the proper line voltage for starters.  Check that with your meter.   Make sure the polarity is proper also.    swap that capacitor out for a new one, The cap could be bleeding out .   If the voltage is good and you have already replaced the motor, considering it is the right one and it is not a new faulty motor !  it should kick over with the new capacitor.  That sounds like its the only thing you haven't changed .  It was probably not checked right.  Chances are its the capacitor that is your culprit from the sounds of what you have already done.   Come back here to the site and let me know what your findings were ok. Good luck !       

Edited October 20, 2018 by darren412

[Gnominator77]

Timer would be the main suspect in this scenario. Whirlpool uses cheapa$$ timers with weak contacts. Part number: WPW10177827

[Budget Appliance Repair]

A quick way to test if the capacitor is the problem is to just remove it and connect the two wires directly together.

Leaving the motor connected to the wiring but loose from the machine, these motors will start without the capacitor when there isn't a load to overcome on start-up.

If it does the same thing then timer would be the problem as Gnominator77 says.

If it starts OK then you need a new capacitor.

 

[mbpal]

Checked voltage this am. Not 100% sure what I should find, so if you know the details about what I’m looking for I’d appreciate it! I did get two legs with about 63 volts each, so it sounds like I’m pulling full a/c current. 

I’ll try the bypass trick and report back. 

[mbpal]

Okay... bypassed the capacitor and had the exact same problem. Humming motor that started when I hand cranked it. 

Really think it’s the timer at this point?

[darren412]

if your by passing the capacitor like Budget appliance mentioned you should be reading 120 volts at the motor when you pull the timer switch in the agitate or spin cycle.  make sure the motor is held in place when testing it this way.  if its not reading 120 volts then trace the ground and line voltage wires from the motor and make sure they are ok and not making a bad connection. Sometimes the wiring harness connection mold with the terminals in it , that go into the timer can be loose, oxidized or making a bad connection at the timer.  if the wiring checks out good and your not getting 120 volts at the motor, then yes it will be the timer in this case but you need to verify the correct voltage at the motor . you mentioned you checked the wiring in the harness so hopefully that check was thorough enough.  make sure the connection at the timer is in all the way and none of the connections back out when you reinstalled the harness connection back into the timer.  Good luck 

[mbpal]

Alrighty. I had to order the time. We will know in a few days if I checked the wires well enough. 

Thanks everyone!

[mbpal]

I replaced the timer tonight and it works great! Thanks for the help in figuring this puzzle out!

[darren412]

nice call gnominator 77 !      Nailed it at the gate