GE Potscrubber 2800 GSD2800 wires cut

[funktionalart]

Photo below.

Does anybody know what these are for? Machine has not been connected to water--I have only powered it on to test the control board and motor. Flipped machine on its back tonight and found this pair of black wires have been cut (obviously long ago...have no idea what they are supposed to do--I doubt I can source those wires with original pigtail connector...and there doesn't look to be enough of one of the wires left to connect to a splice replacement.

Any input appreciated!

 

[funktionalart]

Is it a fuse? Is it a sensor?

This is the inside of the "blue box" where the cut wires lead out to the frayed ones at the pigtail connection.
Two photos (tried for a closeup...)

 

[funktionalart]

Aha! I think it is...

the magnetic sensor switch for the lower wash arm. Previous owners must've been getting Blocked Wash Arm error code and cut the wires....should I expect trouble if I just leave this disconnected?

 

[DADoES]

 
Assuming I've identified the correct part on the diagram, it's apparently the rotational sensor for the lower wash arm.

Tub Assembly Parts (item # 524 on right side of the tub)

Part Number WD21X580

Part Number WD21X580

 

[funktionalart]

Yeah...I sort of

figured that was it about 20 minutes ago...Once I power on again I will have some ideas as to whether or not I can leave these wires alone for now or if I have to re-rig what bits I have left intact.

 

[combo52]

Cut Wires ?

That is the lower wash arm sensor, it senses the magnet that is in one end of the lower wash arm rotating past it as the lower wash arm slowly turns around.

It looks more like a mouse was hungry from the way they are cut.

 

[funktionalart]

John,

Thanks--I'd figured out what it was a few hours ago--but would like your input on this. What potentially will happen from using the machine with this system cut out? I'm presuming everything is still going to be fine and operational, but won't know for certain until I try running it connected to water supply.

Do you think this chop job was done to keep annoying error message from coming up? It may be awhile before I can replicate that pigtail connection and splice two new lengths in (they really cut it short...and the mouse didn't help either).

 

[dustin92]

With the overall condition of the rest of the machine (yuck!) I could believe that either the pump screen was/is clogged, the drain valve was/is stuck open, or the fill valve was/is cloggedwith crud. All would cause the wash arm to rotate slowly/ not at all. I would take a look a the above 3 situations before using it. I would imagine it will run just fine with the sensor disconnected, as long as the wash arm is working properly.

 

[DADoES]

 
I have no usage or service experience with these GE units but seems to me that the missing sensor input would throw the control board into a snit.

The sensor is a reed switch that either makes or breaks (per which way it's designed) each time the magnet on the arm rotates past it.  The control board monitors the circuit for the voltage change on each pass.  Missing sensor = no voltage changes, which the board logically should detect as a blocked arm.

Unless perhaps the control board can be set to not monitor the arm.

 

[bwoods]

rehook it

Allen, if the previous owner was getting the lower wash-arm error, it most likely was because of their calcium build-up slowing the washarm rotation.

No harm can come from re-attaching the wires and there is no polarity issue. Your smart board probably doesn't like getting no data from that sensor. It's expecting regular pulses and getting nothing.

I can't tell you how many times that feature has saved me when something has fallen through the silverware basket or a pot handle, etc. has extended below the rack and blocked the arm. It's a feature you don't want to bypass!

 

[stevet]

Tech Tips!

Look for the tech tips sheet that usually came with these units, like the whirlpool products have. I found a sheet tucked next to the motor on an older ge machine and yours may be up near the controller in the door. It will give you all kinds of insights into the workings of the machine and the program parameters. At least it should if it was put there when the machine was built and nobody else took it away with them when and if the machine was service in the past. Maybe one of our members has it and can scan it and send it to you

 

[bwoods]

tech sheet

On the 2800, the tech sheet is tucked between the tub and metal support on the lower right side. If you take off the lower access panel you should be able to find it. If it has been removed, let me know and I can it for you. I know I have mine somewhere.