Kenmore 44092 Problem: Semi-automatic?

[jaums]

My Kenmore 44092 front loader purchased 2005 has developed a problem.

Using the Quick cycle (the one I have used most) it seems to go through the wash and rinse fine, including spinning, but rather than starting the final spin, it just sits. The lights, timer, etc. are lit as if something is going on, but it will sit like that apparently forever.

Empty, I tried running the Drain and Spin cycle and the drain pump ran, but it never started to spin. I cancelled that and tried it again, this time selecting Medium spin speed, rather than the default High. This time it seemed to work fine.

I tried Drain Spin again leaving the speed on High and it seemed to work fine.

Encouraged, I put a small load and started the Quick cycle. Again, after the washing and rinsing, there was no spinning. I cancelled and started the Drain and Spin, which worked fine.

So, it seems to have become something new and exciting: Semi-automatic!!!

Any thoughts on how to encourage it back to the boring fully automatic?

Next time I'll try the Normal cycle and the Quick cycle with Medium spin.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

it could be

the circuit board. Try the default normal cycle for a load and see how that goes. Also, it could be the motor. Check every part.

 

[jaums]

Thanks for the response!

I have found that if the load is quite small, it works fine. (Knock on wood it will continue until my new machine arrives.)

With a rather full load, it will wash, spin, rinse--do everything normally until reaching the final spin. Normal for the start of the final spin the pump comes on, then the spin starts, but now the pump starts & stops within a second or so. After a pause, the pump starts & stops a few times, then quiet with the remaining time clocking down to 1 where it will remain indefinitely. When I took out half of the clothes, it did the final spin or Drain and Spin.

I did remove the lower front cover. The pump does not have a filter to clean out. There is a rubber piece to connect the drain from the tub to the pump. I squeezed it to see if there seemed to be anything inside it, couldn't feel anything. I didn't want to try moving it and having problems re-installing it without leaking. Pumping during washing and rinsing sounds normal and empties timely, not like there is something hindering the pumping.

Hopefully it will continue to do small loads until my new machine on back-order will arrive.

But, to me it's a curious problem.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

What kind of washer and dryer

are you getting?

 

[jaums]

GE Ultrafresh

Have ordered GFW550SSNWW & dryer.

Dealer having problems getting the washer, made in China :-(

It's been a month.

Liking the idea of the ultrafresh stuff (my machines are in a walkway, leaving the door open is not so good.)

Interesting that this and the lowest version (not the 2 higher versions) have a "More Water" button. Might come in handy if this machine uses too little--don't need to remove the lid and hack the water level switch.

Hopefully will be worth the wait.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

do the GE front loaders

have water circulation?

 

[jaums]

GE Turbowash?

Like LG's Turbowash? No.

Do you think spraying the clothes that are already in near constant motion would make a significant difference?

Seems cool but gimmicky to me.

I'm more interested in the More Water option in this time of sometimes overly-high efficiency. There are LOTS of vids on how to hack the water level controller which may result in voiding the warranty and extra weight & stress on the motor it was not designed to handle.

https://www.geappliances.com/appliance/GE-4-8-cu-ft-Capacity-Smart-Front-Load-ENERGY-STAR-Washer-with-UltraFresh-Vent-System-with-OdorBlock-and-Sanitize-w-Oxi-GFW550SSNWW

 

[gelaundry4ever]

it would be

interesting if GE had their version of lg's turbowash. A recirculation pump and a freshwater spray with a sheet of water active when using the time-saver option on the normal cycle.

 

[jaums]

TurboGE?

Maybe they will. These 4 front loaders seem to be from a complete re-design. I read that they were engineered in the US, made in China, but they were emphasizing that they tried to take care of the issues.

Maybe a future enhancement will be TurboDrum with 10 jets shooting from inside the drum!