In order to provide most accurate advise I need the complete model number of the washer.

Gene.

Is the washer full of water, if so, probably a clogged pump.

Hi Keith,

Did you check the motor capacitor (#23 on the motor & pump break down diagram)? The problem could be there.

Also I would recommend to check the wires connection to the motor and the motor wire harness.

- The part number for the motor capacitor is AP3861916

Gene.

Gene makes a good point about the motor wiring. You may have a bad wire connection at the molex plug. I think the yellow wire is the one I see give problems most of the time.

As for the start capacitor, start capacitors rarely go bad. When they do, they normally blow black soot out the top. But, it is possible.

If the wires at the motor are good, you probably have a bad timer. I have seen many timers go bad in such a way that the motor just hums.

Admittedly, this is a tough problem to track down sometimes.

The easy way (as an appliance tech) is to take a motor in with me (I stock many motors) and plug it into the harness. If it doesn't run (just hums) then the timer is bad 99% of the time.

I hope that helps.

Matt

Yes, capacitors can, and do go bad. I have replaced a number of them. But, timers are a bit more common to go bad than the start capacitor.

Yes, the motor gets its power from the timer. Here is my understanding of the problem;

The timer has multiple sets of thin contacts with button heads that make electrical contact with each other. If the set that drives the motor get a touch burned, they will pass enough current to make the motor hum ,but not enough to start it.

One thing you can check is the contacts themselves. As a mechanically inclined person, this should be easy if you have a metal bodied timer. If your timer is plastic, you cannot service the contacts. So, if you have a metal timer, pull the timer out and take the plastic inspection cover off to view the contacts. Gently lift each contact with a tiny screwdriver or an awl and look for a burned set. If you find a burned set of contacts, use the tip of the awl to scrape them clean. You can also gently bend the contacts to touch each other more firmly. Reinstall the timer and try it. I have repaired many timers this way.

As for the capacitor, you can replace it and try it. The capacitor is cheaper than the timer. But, timers are more common (in my experience) than capacitors. But, before anything else, inspect the contacts. :)

I hope I haven't totally confused you!

Matt