Samsung front loader takes forever to reach high-speed spin

[carcachute]

Hi folks,

I think this is a long shot, but I'm at wit's end with my Samsung VRT front loader, model WF409. I've had it about five years and replaced the drum support and bearings last year. This washer used to complete the spin cycle in the estimated time of about 10 minutes. It started by balancing the load, then spinning to a low speed of about 100 RPM. Then it would attempt to accelerate through the resonance of the drum and suspension which is about 300-400 RPM, and would rebalance the load if too much vibration occurred at the resonance speed. Otherwise it would accelerate to about 400-500 RPM, pulse the drain pump to remove water for 10-20 seconds, and gradually accelerate to the final spin speed.

Lately, it's been sitting at that 400-500 RPM speed for as much as TEN MINUTES before accelerating to the final spin speed. It given the drain pump short pulses throughout this time. Drum rotation is smooth at that speed, too, so it doesn't seem to be a vibration issue. The drain pump is strong and I've cleaned the strainer twice. I even tried adjusting the water level sensor to make it think the level has dropped, in case it is erroneously sensing water in the drum, but that didn't change anything. The chassis is leveled properly to the floor and isn't shaking.

Any thoughts on what could be causing the firmware to hold the spin at half speed for ten additional minutes multiple times per cycle? I'm out of ideas!

 

[washerdude]

Our Whirlpool Duet Had a Similar Problem

With our Whirlpool Duet (WFW72HEDW 2 Years Old)we had an almost exact issue. Ours would balance the load, go into the spin cycle, reach about 500 RPM then immediately stop and go back into a redistribute phase regardless if the load was 100% balanced or not. Sometimes it would never even spin, it would do this 3 times during the final spin. Then it would just quit the spin cycle all together and finish the cycle with wet clothes. Sometimes it would reach about 800 RPM (reasonable) and stop ramping up to its full 1200RPM with a balanced load which made no sense. I also tried the pump only to find it was clear at a year and a half. Machine was also leveled and it did this.

I found an interesting fix for this issue though. I removed the top panel and set it aside, I then proceeded to push in firmly on the wire coming out of the stator motor and the part where it connected into the main board (unplugged the machine of course). I plugged it back in, and set it on a drain and spin cycle, I must say it was interesting hearing its stator making that plane like whine when going into 1200 RPM after a long time. This did fix our issue, its been months since I was having this problem and it has not come back at all. So I would try pushing in the wire coming out from the stator and the part where it connects into the main board.

Also, how does it seem to be doing during the spins between the rinses? Does it spin at a higher RPM or about the same? On our unit it seemed to be a 50/50 case during the intermittent spins.

Another thing i could suggest is try running the spin cycle empty and see if that works, again on our unit this would fail 90% of the time, even during the diagnostic test despite having no error code.

Good luck with your machine!

 

[askolover]

My 2005 Samsungtag Neptune did that too when it was only one day old.  Sometimes it would just give up and stop altogether. 

 

[carcachute]

washerdude: It does this even with an empty drum on the spin-only cycle. Yesterday, though, it washed a load of sheets without much fuss. Sometimes this behavior adds 45 minutes to the total cycle time! I wish I could reverse-engineer the firmware and figure out its motivation. When I get a chance to take the washer and dryer out (small apartment closet--poor access) I'll check the connection to the motor phases and hall sensor. I would think that if there were a problem with either, the machine wouldn't work at all, but it's worth checking!

Askolover: You speak in past tense--I take it the 2005 Neptune is no longer with us! I heard those were actually built by Samsung.

I sense a Speed Queen in my future.

 

[askolover]

You are correct in that assumption!  I kept it only for a couple of days and took it back to Lowes and never looked back!

 

[tolivac]

Maybe its better that the washer stayed on low spin rather than spinsploding and destroying itself,your laundry room or YOU!!Best bet as you did-return the machine.

 

[carcachute]

Following up

Hi folks, just wanted to follow up for anyone else who may have a similar issue.

A couple years ago I adjusted the water level sensor so to add more water to all cycles. I decided to set it back to the factory setting--which I had marked--but apparently I went too far. Setting the screw clockwise of my factory setting mark restored normal operation.

While I don't have proof of what was going on, here is my theory. The screw on the pressure transducer adjusts the offset. Turning clockwise reduces the output voltage for a given pressure, causing the water level to run higher. Turning counterclockwise increases the voltage output. Going too far causes the washer to think there's still water (or maybe suds) in the drum even when it's empty. Hence it waits as long as possible before going to high-speed spin and may skip it altogether for non-final spins.

I'm running it now with the transducer adjusted 1/2 turn clockwise of the factory setting. That improves wash performance to where gym clothes no longer smell and small loads still tumble properly. The washer also goes into high-speed spin promptly.

It's too bad, because I was about to throw it to the curb for a Speed Queen!