Troubleshooting Major Appliances

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Solenoid inlet water valve: Sometimes called a mixer valve, this plastic component connects the inlet hoses to the machine and-by way of solenoid -activated plungers that are controlled by the washer's water- temperature dial-opens and closes the water lines to fill the machine with cold, hot, or warm water. To check it, shut off the water supply and before unplugging the machine turn the washer on to energize the circuits in the valve. Then unplug the washer, disconnect the hoses at the machine end, and remove the water valve from behind its cover. As you disconnect the wires, make note of their locations so that you'll know how to hook it all back up.

Next, check each solenoid—there are usually two—using a continuity tester (an easy-to-operate device available at most hardware stores for about $10) or a multimeter (a somewhat more expensive—but also more versatile—device for those who intend to become involved with the finer points of electrical repair). Place one of the tester's probes on one of the solenoid's terminals and the remaining probe on the solenoid's other terminal. If the tester's light or the multimeter's dial responds and you get an equally positive result when you test the second solenoid, the inlet valve is OK. If not, you'll need to replace the entire shorted solenoid inlet water valve with a new one: Just put it in the some way you would've reinstalled the original part.

Broken belt or belt off pulley: The belts on Maytag and Norge washers are located underneath the machines and can be replaced easily without tools. Simply set the appliance up on blocks to gain access to the offending belt and then reposition—or remove and replace—it. You may need to open a back panel to get to belts on other brands. Do not attempt to replace belts on a Kenmore or a Whirlpool washer: With either one of those machines, the job is extensive and is best left to a repairperson.

Drain hose: This is the flexible conduit that carries rinse water away from the clothes washer to the drainpipe. At some point the hose that feeds into the drainpipe must be higher than the machine's tub in order to keep the wash water from siphoning out prematurely ... usually, a height somewhere between 33" and 72" is best. (Check, too, to make sure the drain hose isn't extending too for into the drainpipe, since that also can set up a siphoning action.) If you're unable to move the hose to on acceptable height or if the water siphons out anyway, you'll need to install a siphon break (sold at most hardware or appliance stores): Cut the drain hose in two near the top of the appliance and clamp each line end to the small plastic siphon-break valve.

A kink in the hose can usually be corrected by pulling the washer away from the wall.

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