Timer switch gone bad for my A108 Maytag washer

[pbiggs]

Hi from a newbie....my appliance repairperson thinks the timer switch may be bad on my Maytag A108 automatic washing machine. (It bypasses the fill cycle) I have searched unsuccessfully on the internet for a parts list for these washers...so I don't have a part number to start a search with. Anybody know a source for a parts list and the switch itself. Hate to think I may have to give this marvelous machine up because of unavailable parts.
Thank, Pat

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Pat -

If this were my problem to fix, the first thing I would want to have is a complete model number. I am not a Maytag guru however I believe their model numbers would be either A108 or A108S for this model, and at least in some models, that would affect the timer part number that you need to look for.

There are a number of online websites that can offer parts by description for this model, and also by part number. I found the timer to be part number 205001 or 2-05001. There is one on ebay for 80-bucks or new at one website for $150-something. There are probably other sites offering this part as well.

In the meantime, are you saying that the machine bypasses the fill, meaning it goes right into agitation with no water? Or does it just sit there and do nothing during what should be the fill portion?

If it goes right into agitate, my first thought is that the water-level switch is faulty. If it just sits there doing nothing, I would suspect a fill valve, also called a mixing valve. A timer however could certainly cause weird behavior here too, but that is not the first place I would look.

If a trust-worthy service person has examined the machine and determined that your timer is bad, google the part numbers above and see if you can find any cheaper alternatives. I have purchased from the ebay seller before, and have been able to get them to lower their price a couple times if I ask nicely.

Gordon

 

[arbilab]

Hi Pat, nice to see you. As Gordon suggested, other things could cause that. With the cost of parts, it's preferable to narrow down the problem before spending. Not to brag but there are members here (not me) who are genuine experts on that model. As in, rebuild the entire machine from scratch.

They will need to know EXACTLY what it does. Say you set it to warm wash and the knob to 8 min. Then pull it out with the lid closed, what happens? You say it doesn't fill. Does the motor run? If not, advance the dial to 'spin' and again pull the knob out with the lid closed. Does the motor run then? The more you can observe and report, the less guesswork in buying and replacing parts.

 

[goatfarmer]

Like Gordon says, it sounds more like a fill problem than a timer problem. Get a part number, if it needs a timer, I probably have a used one.

 

[pbiggs]

Hi again and thanks for all the info concerning the problem with my Maytag A108 washing machine. Since my first post didn't have detailed information about the problem, perhaps adding this info will help with the diagnosis:

When the timer switch is place in the 8 or 10 minute position on "regular and permanent" cycle and pushed in, water flows into the tub with the agitator working. It will not fill to the full level. Everything works as it should on the "delicate" cycle. ie it fills to a proper level without agitation and completes the wash cycle as it should.

Hope this helps a Maytag expert diagnose whether is actually the problem.
Thanks again for all the wonderful advice.
Pat

 

[arbilab]

That everything works right on DEL but not NORM does sound more timerish, Pat. Wait for the experts though. Told you I'm not one, I "thought" all Maytags were pull to start just because the 2 I owned were.

 

[pbiggs]

You are correct...I should have written "pull" to start not "push" to start.
Pat

 

[arbilab]

Don't worry about that, some timers ARE push to start. Frigidaires maybe. Early Lady Kenmore portable dryers.

If you wanted you could start another thread with a subject like "urgent help--Maytag A108 timer" and put the details you know now. It could get more definitive attention. I mean, if your washer is broken it IS "urgent", right? In the mean time you could use DEL to fill then NORM to agitate. Nuisance, but less than going to a coin-op.

As a sidebar, does DEL on this machine engage the lower speed? Mine had speed buttons. I really don't know the differences by model number.

 

[danemodsandy]

"As a sidebar, does DEL on this machine engage the lower speed?"

The A108 is a one-speed Fabric-Matic machine, not a two-speed machine.

Its Delicate cycle works by agitating for a brief time, then stopping to soak a while, then agitating again and stopping again, and so on.

My first 'Tag washer was an A108. I remember it very fondly, even though my current Maytag is the mighty 806. The A108 would basically do everything the 806 can, just a bit less flexibility.

 

[arbilab]

Thanks Sandy. My Frigiwhite FL does the same thing on DEL. More soak, less agitate.

I didn't want to derail Pat's timer issue but ongoing discussion keeps the thread current. Sounds like timer to me but my opinion isn't worth $150.

 

[qsd-dan]

Midwest Appliance Parts claims to have a timer for $89.

Even if the timer isn't the culprit, it's a good idea to have a spare one on hand since Whirlpool obsoleted them a few years ago.

http://midwestapplianceparts.com/wa...asher-timer-692/maytag-washer-timer-8864.html

 

[pbiggs]

I ordered a timer today for my A108 from Midwest Appliance Parts. After reading gad-dan's message, I googled Midwest and found the correct timer (Whirlpool # AP4024347) on their webpage but with a price tag of $157.00
And then I tried CLICK HERE TO GO TO qsd-dan's LINK and that link opened to a Midwest Internet Only price of $89.95 for the same switch. Of course I immediately started to process my order and noticed a slot for coupon codes at check out. I entered "555" and received an additional 5% off.
I really appreciate this great help and information.
The ole Maytag ought to good for another 35 years or so now.

Thank again, Pat