Topic: Tech Talk

Using the Schematic Diagram to Troubleshoot a Whirlpool Front-Load Washer that Won’t Run

Posted on May 14, 2014 by - Tech Talk

May 14, 2014

In this journey into Total Appliance Enlightenment, Samurai Appliance Repair Man shows you how to troubleshoot a problem with a newer Whirlpool front load, direct drive washer (one of the new Alpha2 platform washers) that acts like it wants to start but won’t. This one had a couple of curve balls:

  1. It wouldn’t even run any tests in diagnostic mode because the CCU (central control unit– main microprocessor control board) won’t run those tests if it thinks the door is open. So although I could enter diagnostic mode, I couldn’t get the machine to to anything.
  2. There were no error codes either in normal standby mode or in diagnostic mode.
  3. The problem was intermittent (which I didn’t show in the video for the sake of brevity and clarity). On the first trip out there for the same complaint (no start) I pulled the DCS3 connector off the CCU and tested the door switch and it tested fine. How did I know to do that? I explain that in the video. Anyway, the washer ran fine upon reconnecting the DCS3 harness. I figured it was a bad wire harness connection so I tightened up the tines in the harness connector, double checked proper operation and left. A week later, I got a call back for the same problem, no start.

Watch with shock and awe as I ruthlessly hunt down the miscreant part and guide you through the troubleshooting process both on the machine itself and on the schematic diagram, demonstrating killa troubleshooting techniques that every tech should know.

 

Okay, that’s the solution to one scenario that could be preventing the washer motor from running. But what if you check that door switch and it’s good? What else could be the problem? Excellent question, my fine, young apprentice! Let’s look at that:

 

Building top-notch troubleshooting skills, reading schematics, and understanding the technology used in today’s appliances are core teaching points in the Academy course, Fundamentals of Appliance Repair. All graduates of the Fundamentals course are well-versed in these skills.

And here’s the Tech Bundle Care Package for these new Whirlpool Alpha2 front load washers that I promised you in the video. You’ll need to register here at the Academy if you are one of the remaining few who haven’t already (it’s free!) and be logged in to download it.