Kenmore Limited Edition Washer Console Light Is Out

[philcobendixduo]

The fluorescent console light on my 1987 Kenmore Limited Edition Electronic control washer stopped working several months ago. I purchased a replacement fluorescent tube online and installed it but the light is still not working. I suspect that perhaps the starter may be bad but have no idea how to go about replacing it or where to obtain it since the washer is 27 years old. Any help from "the experts" out there would be appreciated so I can once again do my wash by the light of the Kenmore's lamp. Thanks!

 

[goatfarmer]

Starters can be bought at just about any hardware store, Home Depot, Lowes, etc.

 

[philcobendixduo]

Where is it?

And just where is the "starter" located and how is it removed/replaced?
I'm no "repair whiz"!

 

[rp2813]

It shouldn't be far from the tube, but I don't know what a 1987 starter looks like. 

 

The ones on the large '40s - '60s shop lamps in my garage are cylindrical, about 7/8" in diameter and 1-1/2" tall, with two brass contact stubs on the bottom.  They twist and lock into place on the ballast.

 

[mattl]

All the starters I've seen on machines are located on the back of the unit...

 

[philr]

Once you find it, look at the number on the starter or bring it to the hardware store as there are a few different models. Sometimes, the correct replacement they havein stock might be different-looking or made of plastic instead of aluminum but don't go by the looks, go by the number!
The starter could be visible at the back (I think they are often visible on Whirlpool machines) but sometimes, they're hidden behind the back covers.

You're looking for that:
http://www.google.com/search?q=fluo...a=X&ei=QRKhVM3cM8yGyATThICgAw&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ

Unless the machine has a ballast that doesn't require a starter...[this post was last edited: 12/29/2014-02:57]

http://www.google.com/search?q=fluo...a=X&ei=QRKhVM3cM8yGyATThICgAw&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ

 

[countryford]

I believe that the starter is on the back side of the console. It will be a little round deal sticking out a little bit and should be about the size of a nickel, or slightly larger. I'll double check when I get home(since I have the same set). I'll take a picture of it as well.

 

[kenmoreguy89]

if machine has starters....

It's most certainly the starter, unless it's a cut wire.. starters differs in size, material etc..but thet type they were the type they remains, so just go by size and number, bring it with you.... both if it's from the 60s or the 2000 that doesn't make a little bit of difference, i have seen metal, transparent, white...what matter is size and datas, they're made just like they were and still made, I doubt they made a specific starter just for that machine..in any case you can modify it to use another one...

 

[philcobendixduo]

Found the starter...

....and indeed it IS on the back of the console. I just gave it a push/twist and out it came!
It's marked "Sylvania Robot Cop" 20W FS-2NA Automatic Reset Starter Costa Rica UL Listed Certified ANSI Std. C 78.180 with condenser. Now, to go hunting for the replacement! Thanks for all the advice fellow AW members!

 

[philcobendixduo]

Will a FS-2 work...

....since that's all I seem to be able to find online. I'm not sure what the "NA" designates after the FS-2 on my old one.

 

[rp2813]

The designation may just be the difference between automatic reset and manual.  Most of the starters on my garage lamps have manual resets, with a tiny push-button in the center of the top surface.

 

You might still be able to find starters at ACE.  I've given up on OSH stocking anything out of the ordinary.

 

 

 

[philcobendixduo]

Just as a test....

....I took the starter from the dryer and tried it on the washer and it works fine so I'll just find 2 new starters now. Yes - I suspect the "NA" designation is for the automatic reset as there is just a hole in the top of the starter housing and no button. I'll order up the 2 pack from Amazon (GE brand made in Taiwan) and give them a try. Thanks again, everyone!

 

[kenmoreguy89]

Yes FS-2 is the type.....i don't even think they make them non-automatic anymore..
Now not sure....but I really wouldn't pay shipping for some starters, they can be found anywhere.....
Here they are sold in supermarkets, convenient stores, corner stores...
I just got two one week ago from the chinese store, it's 80 cents each...they had them in all kinds and wattages..mine were S-10.
Extra Star chinese brand... made in prc..taiwan or china...the same...unless you want to buy GE..but there are made...
They are generally available in all the kinds...the kind you look for looks to be the one with the capacitor in it...the FS-2 ...and can be replaced by the FS-U which are the universal that replaces them along with others FS kind (U stands for it)...you can go with a starter made for higher wattages as well...the universal ones are generally made to work from 4 watts to 30 and even more...all relies in the neone tube...if they worked with a 20 watt then you should be fine with whatever starter rated above 20 watts at max..just don't use a 20 watt max rated starter for a 80 watt tube...
The local hardware store sure has them ..I'd not really wait and pay shipping..[this post was last edited: 12/29/2014-19:49]

 

[philcobendixduo]

I have Amazon Prime Membership....

....so I won't pay any shipping charge. I find it easier to shop online than run around looking for things in stores - especially this time of year when the stores are REALLY busy! The light has not been working for months now so another 2 days won't make any difference to me.

 

[kenmoreguy89]

I see...

Well...not having to pay shipping is very good.and makes it sure worth it then..

I am in town more than once a day, I live in a small town and i go to the store every day for a thing or another... and even in these periods there's not a long line at all, especially on few items cashes... then it takes anyway one minute for me to get to the center and buy one at the chinese bazaar...but this is me, i'd rather get it myself, but we all have different habits and we live in different locations....etc...
In your case i'd do the same then...
Hope you'll get your lights working soon..I so love lighted consoles..i wish I could...

 

[philcobendixduo]

Got the new starters and all is well!

Thanks, AW members, for all your advice on getting my console light working again.
Got the 2 pack of GE FS-2 starters, twisted it in to place, and all is well once again. HOORAY!!
Now, I have an extra one for when the dryer's starter poops out.

 

[kenmoreguy89]

Already got them???? Wow! 
That's so good to hear! Yes  soon you may need to change the other if they were same age and used with the same frequence. You did well buying two!
Happy new year!