Does anyone here know how to trick the new machines so that you can actually see them washing? I have looked at Speed Queen, GE, Whirlpool, and am also wondering about Frigidare, and cannot see any way that I could actually see the washer in action. Being a washer enthusiast, I like being able to see the clotes circulating when I do laundry. Does anyone have any pictures, videos, or illustrations of how one would do this if they bought one of the new machines? Is it even possible without taking the whole new machine apart? It is clear that the new technology is somewhere deep under the lid, rather than the old style button behind the door etc. Is the technique different on the three makes I noted above? Before I would consider buying a new machine, I would like to know about this. Thanks!
New Top Loaders - how can you see the wash action?
- Thread starter ryanm
- Start date
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Well many of the washers now are using strong Magnets in the lids. I have the original GE Harmony. In order to trip the lid switch you have to take a strong magnet (not a like a fridge magnet, stronger) that you can get at Radio Shack and place it just to the lower left of the bleach dispenser bezel.
Machines that still use a "clicking" microswitch for the lid switch often have it set back beneath the top, actuated by an arm on one of the lid hinges. Difficult to reach by hand, and the switch body may be designed with a narrow slot into which the hinge arm fits to trigger it.
Thanks for the information. I noticed on the GE washers, a small oblong square on the right hand side of the lid, and a soft oblong panel on the right hand side of the opening, which seem to meet when the lid is closed. I wonder if this is the 'magnet' system, and if it can be tripped more easily than what has already been outlined here. How would one go about 'finding' the exactt place to put the 'magnet' to get the machine to run? I guess you cannot override some of these new designs so easily. I looked at a new Speed Queen, and could not even get my hand under the top of the machine to feel around, because it is so well sealed. I thought maybe some of you on the forum who have created videos of these different machines could share how you got them to run lid up. I don't want to buy a machine that I cannot easily see run.
Yes, that is the magnet location on GE. Look for signs like that, protrusions or insets on the lid, to indicate where is the magnet. The reed switch it activates would be located adjacent on/under the machine's top when the lid is closed, that is where the magnet would be placed. Most any lid switch can be tricked or bypassed, just a matter of figuring out how.
One of my Calypsos, which has the lid-hinge switch, I wired a Toggleswitch® across the circuit. When in the On position, the machine acts as if the lid switch is triggered. In the Off position the lid switch works normally.
My F&P GWL08 has the magnetic-type lid switch, simple matter of placing a magnet on the top at the right position.
My F&P IWL12 has a locking lid (only during spin). I figured out how to trick it easily enough, cut a hole in an old credit card to approximate the shape of the lid-lock tab to make it easier.
One of my Calypsos, which has the lid-hinge switch, I wired a Toggleswitch® across the circuit. When in the On position, the machine acts as if the lid switch is triggered. In the Off position the lid switch works normally.
My F&P GWL08 has the magnetic-type lid switch, simple matter of placing a magnet on the top at the right position.
My F&P IWL12 has a locking lid (only during spin). I figured out how to trick it easily enough, cut a hole in an old credit card to approximate the shape of the lid-lock tab to make it easier.
It's time for a Toggleswitch!
~One of my Calypsos, which has the lid-hinge switch, I wired a Toggleswitch® across the circuit. When in the On position, the machine acts as if the lid switch is triggered. In the Off position the lid switch works normally.
I was just about to post that it's time I did this with my newer GE washer. While I'm in there poking around, I'm gonna add a momentary contact switch for spray rinses.
Then when I get some confidence up, I'll devise a relay and timer to add automatic spray rinses once the pump motor has been on for a pre-defined period of time!
~One of my Calypsos, which has the lid-hinge switch, I wired a Toggleswitch® across the circuit. When in the On position, the machine acts as if the lid switch is triggered. In the Off position the lid switch works normally.
I was just about to post that it's time I did this with my newer GE washer. While I'm in there poking around, I'm gonna add a momentary contact switch for spray rinses.
Then when I get some confidence up, I'll devise a relay and timer to add automatic spray rinses once the pump motor has been on for a pre-defined period of time!
Thanks to everyone for your contribution to this information! Does anyone know about Speed Queen, what type of lid control they use, is it the 'magnet' thing as well? I saw one the other day, and could not figure out where or what might control it, same holds true for the new Maytag.
Most Whirlpool built direct drive washers have a microswitch assembly fastened to the left hinge of the lid. You could unscrew the hinge from the lid and keep the hinge in the down position to activate. Since a few years ago, top load washers will only fill with the lid up. lid must be down to agitate and spin.
washerman8
Active member
- Joined
- Aug 4, 2005
- Messages
- 40
Speed Queen Switch
Ryanm,
The SQ switch is located in the right back corner of the tub's opening. You have to pull the tub up a little, reach back and press the switch up to activate it.
Ryanm,
The SQ switch is located in the right back corner of the tub's opening. You have to pull the tub up a little, reach back and press the switch up to activate it.
mrb627
Well-known member
Speed Queen
I believe that you can access the lid switch over the control panel behind the timer. There is usually a hold in the cabinet top where something can be passed to depress the lid switch.
Of course, I used a 3 foot bungee cord between the underside of the rear down by the feet up to the lever under the top. Always depressed. And in the event of an unbalanced load, simply lift up on the bungee cord to reset switch.
MRB
I believe that you can access the lid switch over the control panel behind the timer. There is usually a hold in the cabinet top where something can be passed to depress the lid switch.
Of course, I used a 3 foot bungee cord between the underside of the rear down by the feet up to the lever under the top. Always depressed. And in the event of an unbalanced load, simply lift up on the bungee cord to reset switch.
MRB
