Maytag MHW5500FW1

[larrypac]

My front load washer (Maytag MHW5500FW1) had a drain error code so I took it apart expecting to find a clogged filter.  And BTW, why do they make it so difficult to get at the filter which seems like it should be a routine maintenance thing.  Filter had a few coins and an earring which should not have been a problem so I took the pump out and discovered the blue wire was broken, close to the connector but in the supply side not the pump side.  It was a bit black but the insulation was not melted much if at all.  Looked more like it was cut cleanly but I don't think that is possible.  I soldered the wire and bench tested it and it seemed to work and after reinstalling it, washer seems to work fine, so far.  About a year ago we had a power surge and I found a burnt pin on the circuit board which i replaced for about $10 and washer has worked fine since.  Sooo, Is it possible that the wire got almost burned through during the power surge and finally broke off or is it more likely that there is something wrong with the pump that overheated the wire.  Appreciate any advice.  Larry

[TheHelicopterKid]

Usually when you have a wire that burns up it likely got slightly loose or damaged some how. This causes intermittent arching and sparking. This further weakens the connection until finally it breaks away. Power surges normally effect control boards a bit more, especially capacitors, transformers and solder joints.