Question for modern Kenmore/Whirlpool experts re: Calypso washer

[revvinkevin]

Hello all!

I found an ad on Craig's list for a Kenmore Elite Calypso washer.

From the ad "The washer worked great but has stopped working. It has an error code "CE", I know the previous owner replaced the pump."

Does anyone know what the code "CE" means and have any idea about the repair? If it's not something that would run into the multi-hundreds to repair, do you think it's worth the $100 entry price??

I think it would be fun to play with IF it's not too much $$$ to repair.

What do you think??

Thanks!
Kevin

 

[goatfarmer]

If it needs repair, they are asking way too much, IMHO.

 

[coldspot66]

CE means "commumication error"...check to see if the motor is plugged in...also can mean a ribbon connector problem between the 2 boards in the console. Also a board in the console could be bad.

 

[DADoES]

I paid $125 (thrift shop) and $175 (garage sale, $350 including the matching dryer) for my Calypsos. Both were said to be working, but ended up needing repairs.

The first one ran once, then blew the motor board fuse, which normally indicates some other component on the board is bad. I replaced the board (Thanks!). It's also somewhat rusted under the top, needs refurbishment which I haven't yet done. The front logo, lid front seal, and right-side front panel clip were missing. The u-joint and mechanism are OK.

Upon investigating the second after purchase, I found the tub & outside of the basket coated with scum, and the u-joint leaked/corroded. Much less cabinet rusting than the other machine. Replaced the u-joint, then the basket hub broke loose upon reassembly. Replaced the basket (Thanks!! - Whirlpool has a "lifetime" warranty on it, don't know about Kenmore), cleaned it up, replaced all the dispenser hose clamps and the recirculation tube (it was nasty), POR treatment. Have been using it as my daily-driver for several months.

On the CE fault .. that's what mine did when the fuse blew. Wouldn't run or go into diagnostics. The fuse is soldered, not intended to be replaceable. Someone handy with a soldering iron could give it a try -- 250v 15a slow-blow ceramic fuse with axial leads. I still have my blown board as a possible spare. However, it may keep blowing if something else on the board is bad.

 

[qsd-dan]

In my opinion, these are complete POS's. My buddy went through 3 of these washers in a 2 year period. All of them had work done several times before replacement. He's single, no girlfriend, no animals, and always under loads the washer. JUNK!!!

 

[revvinkevin]

OK... thanks all.

I have decided not to pursue this machine... Initially I thought it might be fun to play with, but I guess it scared me, because being electronically controlled who knows just how much ($$$) it would cost to repair.

 

[andrewinorlando]

Kevin -

$125 is too much for a machine that needs repairs. They're not hard to work on, parts are pretty easy to get, but you have no clue exactly what the machine needs. Many users had no clue how to use these machines properly, so many of them suffered abuse at the hands of incompetent owners, and that can run you into some $$$ unless you're very handy and can fix the machine yourself. It's an excellent washer if it was taken care of, but if you've never "played" with one before, you could be in for some surprises.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Kevin,

I believe there are or have been a number of class-action lawsuits pending against Sears and Whirlpool for these machines. They weren't in production all that long, especially not when compared to belt-drive and direct-drive designs, so that to me alone is a tell-tale sign to steer clear. I know some folks, as Andrew points out, love theirs, but apparently one can't go from a traditional top loader and successfully use this design without altering wash-habits a bit.

 

[bpetersxx]

100$ is what I paid for mine and it works fine

They can sudslock easily even with HE detergent I did that a few times got the SL error code

 

[andrewinorlando]

"but apparently one can't go from a traditional top loader and successfully use this design without altering wash-habits a bit."

It's not much different than switching from a top loader to any front loader....it holds more, you have to use much less detergent and you have to actually sort the clothes correctly. Apparently, that's beyond the capability of much of the laundering public!! Of course, judging from the things I've seen in laundromats, some people shouldn't be allowed to do laundry or touch a mechanical device.

 

[bpetersxx]

Here`s one that is broken and they want 300$ for it

Does not turn on

Prolly the control boards

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[andrewinorlando]

I think they've been sniffing some adhesives.....

 

[mark_wpduet]

I haven't been to a laundromat in ages. I can only imagine how it must be hard to bite your tongue watching some moron doing laundry! LOL

 

[revvinkevin]

Here`s one that is broken and they want $300 for it

I sent this message to him/her....
Hi, about your Calypso washer. You say it's broken and does not work, yes? I also thought you want to sell it or get rid of it. Because at that price you will NEVER sell it, ESPECIALLY if it's broken. It's work $300 working, but broken it's only worth $50 - $75 MAX. Good luck!

And this was their response...
well the truth is i dont plan to sell it for 300, although that would be great i would accept offers for around $50-100, the issue is that its pick up only. if you would like go ahead and offer $50, and ill accept

 

[electron800]

R.E. Watching people in Laundrettes

It really is a case of biting your tounge, I've seen people cramming white shirts in with black jeans on a boilwash and someone pouring nothing in the detergent compartment but cramming the fabric softner compartment full of cheap awful washing powder!

When I can I usually "suggest" things people should do differently when using the laundry in my flat, I know a lot of people there who just don't wash their clothes and buy more when theirs are all dirty!

Matt

 

[andrewinorlando]

Kevin -

Now for $50, I'd buy it if you can pick it up. Hopefully all that's wrong with it is the control board. That is an easy fix.