Speed Queen Front Loader Dead in the Water: Round Three

[stricklybojack]

.
Round one: http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?68050
Round two: https://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?68965_7

Yes folks the infamous motor board eater is back up to it's old tricks.
Same situation, stops mid load and an electrical burning smell fills the air and two of four green lights are flashing...seems like, well seems like just a few weeks ago all over again doesn't it?
One or two new wrinkles to the tired tale, so don't go away...
This time I called SQ and got their parts guy on the line. He gave me the direct number AND the name of the best SQ parts distributor in my area.
Then I called the SQ dealer who put in the first board and told them to come with a new board AND pump cause...well history often repeats on this machine doesn't it? I told him the info SQ gave me cause, like the last place he had no clue about SQ over nighting parts, as they will do if you know how to order them to take advantage of their speedy parts delivery program.
Great(!), parts can in a flash but his repairmen were slammed and I'd have to wait until the weekend. So FLer from H-E double hockey sticks was down another full week. Okay i can live with that having waited twice as long in each of the previous go rounds.
So guy shows up and determines yes the board is toast:
He puts in the new one- machine still not working.
He reattaches a loose wire to start switch-progress!
Machine proceeds to over-fill- crap!
He determines the pump is not working right and goes to truck for the new one- so glad I made sure they would be prepared for the Satan of suds that lives in my laundry room!
He vacuums out buckets of water.
He removes old (3 weeks old, hah!) pump-clean as a whistle, no debris this time!
New pump in- machine up and running!

So for those keeping score this machine has fried it's first board, and was fixed by replacing the board.
It smoked another board and pump wherein the machine over filled and sock debris was found. And it has now eaten it's third board and second pump, but on this ocassion the machine again overfilled, however no debris or sign of clogging was found anywhere...we looked.
Calgon take it away!

Okay some info the tech told me:
If the pump is faulty it effects many other things operationally on the machine.
Also, i am not alone, he is replacing these boards OFTEN.
Whirlpool charges a core for Motor Boards, SQ doesn't. His shop is told to keep this board for three months then trash it.
He doubts they will replace my machine. Me, "is that something SQ does? Him, "not really".

I believe their is an electric issue in the wiring of this machine that will probably continue to fry vulnerable components until found.
I will be calling SQ this week to give me an outline of what they plan on doing WHEN THIS MACHINE FAILS AGAIN in the near future. We get an average of 30 loads per board/pump and that number is shrinking.

[this post was last edited: 3/11/2017-21:09]

 

[ea56]

All I can say Robert is that you have WAY more patience than I do, and what you do have is by this time surely exhausted! You have my sympathy! Good luck with getting a satisfactory outcome.
Eddie

 

[stricklybojack]

.
Thanks Eddie I appreciate the support. This has actually taken a bit of a toll on me.
My 88 year-old mother now doesn't want to do her wash because she is, "afraid she might break something."
My rich older brother thinks I can't do anything right...even buy a washing machine for our mother. His family's LG pair, which he researched zero about like most things he buys, suffers no problems.
Our guest was sent out to do her laundry yesterday.
My children can't wear their favorite cloths as much as they would like because we cannot wash them very frequently...the Speed Queen is simply too often broken waiting for parts/repairs.
I spend a lot of time learning about washers, yet our neighbors and friends know virtually nothing and still have their washers work normally.
My wife is kind enough, but probably wishes I would get another hobby and get us a regular brand that works. I hadn't heard of Speed Queen for the home until this website, nobody in our family had. We probably would have bought a nice comparably dependable Whirlpool, LG or Electrolux that, if it somehow broke nearly as often as our SQ would certainly have been replaced by now with a new unit from the manufacturer.
[this post was last edited: 3/11/2017-23:44]

 

[launderess]

I could die for you!

At this point wonder if it isn't kinder not to take that washer out to the back yard, and put it out of it's misery. *LOL*

Shouldn't laugh I know but how much more can anyone person stand from one appliance? At this point SQ should take back that hot mess and give you a brand new washing machine.

 

[rapunzel]

Robert you've bought a dud. Unfortunately it happens (very randomly), and leaves a very bitter taste. I'd be so angry and frustrated if it were me. However, apart from your dud, there are thousands of SQ customers who don't have (major) issues and are very happy with their product.

Next time I would contact SQ for a complete replacement. Go past middle-management, right up to the top level. Tell them your tale and that you expect there to be a better solution than having repair people traipsing through your house for the same recurring problem.

In fact, even if your washer currently works after this last repair. Contact SQ top management right now to make them conscious of your existence and problem.

 

[steved]

Contact your states consumer protection agency www.dca.ca.gov and see how to file a complaint.

 

[launderess]

With all due respect

Reflecting upon one's previous comments think you should really take a firm line and demand SQ replace this washer. Tell them you'll make such a stink they've never seen unless they do so.

Far too many repairs on parts that should last far longer than a few months, especially for a washer marketed as built to "commercial laundry" standards.

There is something quite wrong when an appliance toasts motherboards like housewife making breakfast for a family of five. That is IMHO something is causing this washer to damage newly installed motherboards quickly. Personally after the first I'd have requested a new machine, but that is just me.

Get on the telephone with Alliance and ask to speak with someone high in the food chain. Don't be fobbed off to a low level functionary and state your case. [this post was last edited: 3/12/2017-20:40]

 

[ea56]

Ditto Laundress! I would have done this after the second time it required major work. I know that many people feel that Alliance can do no wrong, but I don't think any of them would feel the same loyalty if they'd gone thru this run around. Any manufacture can produce a lemon, even the very best. The right thing to do would be for Alliance to send a new machine, along with a sincere letter of apology and call it even. It also seems that they need to provide a service providers in Robert's area that are more familar with the SQ products.

So Robert get on the phone first thing on Monday add go to the top of the ladder at Alliance to state your case and request a replacement.
Eddie

 

[launderess]

Maybe you've got Gremlins

Who wreck appliances with "di-a-bo-lick-al sab-oh-tay-gee" (diabolical sabotage).

 

[nmassman44]

I was thinking that you might have an issue with power surges in your area causing the boards to fry on you. If thats not the case, there could very well be an issue with wiring in your machine or worse.
If you get no satisfaction from the dealer or SQ about replacing your lemon of a front loader, call your state Consumer Bureau and find out what your rights are in this matter. I know here in Massachusetts our consumer protection laws are quite robust and had to go to Consumer Affairs bureau for advice and they told me that state law will supersede any warranty exclusions that a manufacturer tries to immune themselves with. Here in Mass there is an "implied warranty" where the product should do what its supposed to do like wash clothes, freeze, cook, etc. If it doesn't and you have contacted the dealer and manufacturer and still got no where, then you can contact the state and you will get action. Once a dealer hears that you have gone that route, its better for them to give you what you want to remedy the issue right away or else the state will step in...and they don't want that.

 

[mark_wpduet]

I thought I remembered readin

the OP's other posts where he in fact "TRIED TO CONTACT" the powers the be at SQ, but he kept getting the run around. There MUST be a way to get through to someone with power at SQ and bypass all of the rep's that are of zero help! I'm sure if he could get in touch with someone with power at SQ this would be resolved quickly.

 

[launderess]

Years ago now

When Alliance was just beginning to dip their toes into the residential/OPL market it was easier to reach top people. You just called in to the main office, asked and that was that; you got put through.

Now that Alliance has gotten all grown up it seems that they've gone "corporate" and thus you can no longer reach anyone other than "customer service".

Still shouldn't let that deter; keep telephoning and writing letters until someone in authority contacts in return. I'd surely light a fire under that dealer to see what he can do about a replacement machine. Again threatening to make life a tornado until satisfaction is reached.

 

[rapunzel]

Michael D. Schoeb - Chief Executive Officer and President, Alliance Laundry Systems.
William Bittner - vice president, North American Sales. Scott Chiavetta - Vice President, Customer One and Chief Information Officer.

All should be reachable at the ALS worldwide headquarters in Shepard Street, Ripon, WI. Phone # 920 748 3121.

Or you can send a personally addressed letter, outlining your concerns and dissatisfaction, to any or all of these people and they should get it on their desk.

 

[man114]

Had this happen to my less than 4 year old Haier

The machine was only $200 I got it from a local liquidator that gets stuff that's scratched and such from other local dealers. This one had a minor dent in the lid nothing that would physically harm it in any way. It was used as a secondary machine and I thought it did a decent job for just over 3 years, it wasn't used a heck of a lot. I do a ton of laundry though and probably got $200 worth of use out of the thing but the pump kept going. I replaced it twice, the third time it seemed there was something wrong with the controls and it wouldn't enter the pump phase I just ended up tossing it. Haier was less than helpful since it was out of warranty. Take into account this was normally a fairly expensive machine. Had I paid the $500 they were asking I'd have been livid. I lost both my washers this past summer, my 7 year old GE had its bearings go, and the the Haier.

I ended up with a Speed Queen top loader and Samsung Addwash. I originally was going to get a Kenmore Elite that I believe was an LG but I went to a local store and told my wife we should try a Speed Queen, then as luck would have it I found a local place getting out of the sales side as the owner was retiring and his kids were simply going to handle service so I got a heck of a deal on a new Speed Queen. I was somewhat hungover from a long day of grass cutting (I tend to have a few beers while riding around on the tractor as the dust bother my allergies) so I knew Sears had the Kenmore on clearance and I told her "watch this, they'll have marked them down" so I went over to Sears anyway and they had a TOTL Samsung Addwash with a dented top for $499. It was basically too good to refuse and I got $147 or so back in rewards points. Not my first choice but here I am hoping for better luck.

As far as the Haier I disassembled it, kept stuff I might be able to use and chucked it. I chalked it up to Lemons happen. It was built like garbage but still should have lasted more than what I put it through. I really hope they don't stoop to that level with GE. That GE front loader was decently built, I mean I beat the heck out of it.

Hopefully Speed Queen is better about it, defects can happen.

I've said before, my parents have a digital control Amana from 2000/2001 which is basically a Raytheon version of the current Speed Queen top loader as well as one of the last true Maytags. I convinced my dad to buy it when Circuit City stopped carrying appliances, he paid maybe $450. The Maytag is having issues, but that Amana has held up amazingly. The belt went once. Now they did my sister's laundry and mine for years. My wife, son and I lived there for a year while trying to purchase our house, they still do our overflow laundry when our work schedules get us backed up because they're retired, my sister is having a baby and will likely be backlogged a lot and my mother plans on doing the babysitting like my grandmother did. If that machine could tiniest to hold up as it has it really is a testament to the quality of the design.

Incidentally my aunt just bought a Speed Queen after using a Calypso for years (which never had an issue for her). Her husband died several years ago and she's always worried about service calls and such. I recommended the SQ to her after buying mine.

None of ours have been in the least bit problematic thus far and I do a ton of laundry. Lemons happen. It isn't pleasant when it happens to you but it does happen. I've as of now been doing 3-4 loads a day for months. My biggest issue has been a dryer which sat a long time, and has less than 2 years of use on it.

 

[retro-man]

Yes what Rapunzel stated. Fire off an email explaining your plight to the top board members. You WILL get a response, usually within that day. Their secretaries receive their e-mails and filter them, but as you know its these people that get things done. Have had to go this route with Whirlpool on a 2 refrigerators and 3 years later they are still covering 1 that has had the same problem since new.

Jon

 

[stricklybojack]

.
I called SQ again and was told, nicely this time at least, "we do NOT and will NOT replace your washer from this end...call your dealer and work through them."

We kibitzed back and forth about wiring harnesses and pumps...'stuck pumps burn out both the pump and the motor board every time' is my summation. He also speculated that in the last failure perhaps the pump was obstructed and burned out both itself and the board, but did manage to pass through the something it was choking on so there is no evidence of the clog remaining. I reminded him the first board failure didn't happen while the machine was in operation and the pump did not in that instance need to be replaced. He then noted, "it is a new design blah blah blah..."
Let me at this point reiterate, he wasn't snotty like the last SQ rep I spoke with, but was nice and we spoke at legenth trying to trouble shoot all these board failures.

My take away: how in the hell do these Speed Queen front loaders possibly function in a demanding environment if they are so ready to fail in our comparatively undemanding one?
Why would you not protect the motor board with a buffer of some sort?
How can I, in any scenario, replace this unit with another SQ like it knowing how prone to life ending failure they are?
Because remember, to have a motor board and pump replaced out of warranty is upwards of a $1,000 repair bill.

So next I called the dealer in Michigan. The customer service rep was no nonsense, knew her stuff, and got straight to it. They are seeking a return authorization from SQ now...

At least the machine is currently working so the wait will be far more bearable.
[this post was last edited: 3/13/2017-15:52]

 

[iheartmaytag]

Just a suggestion:

Maybe you should file with the Better Business Bureau, and the State Attorney General, Consumer protection unit just in case there is a lemon law in effect that may help you. 

 

As always, document, document, document.

 

[johnb300m]

I've said it before and I'll say it again.
All my Speed Queen experiences from apartments and college dorms.

They are indeed durable machines that will last a long time.
But I have not seen them really hold up to "abuse" as well as others may say they do.
Under very normal use conditions, they will likely perform fine for a long while.
But I've used many SQ machines through the years in dorms and apartments, and there are always a number of units that are broken for one reason or another. Likely from abuse of course.
CoinMach still owes me about $5.00 in quarters from broken SQ machines that they've refused to repay me since 2006.
That's when I switched to a local laundromat that used all Maytag top loaders and Neptune front loaders.
In the two years I went there, surrounded by some unsavory people who knew nothing about laundry, there was maybe 1 broken dryer in the dryer banks. And 1 broken Neptune that I saw.

So yeah......compared to where a lot of name brand appliances have gone in recent years, SQ has seen itself emerge as "the most durable."
But historically speaking, I think they're pretty average.
The cult following will continue to perplex me

 

[brucelucenta]

You can get a lemon in ANYTHING and that is what this appears to be.