Whirlpool WTW4816FW: auto sensing issue

[ryner1988]

My washer (model number above) has started having a problem where the auto sense function doesn't seem to be working right. It no longer does the pulsed tub spins at the beginning of the fill to determine water level on any cycle. In normal operation, the washer fills to a small load level while spinning the tub every few seconds. Then the fill stops and the sensor determines if more water is needed and adds the appropriate amount. Now, however, it just fills to the top regardless of how full the load is and no matter what cycle is chosen. I do not have deep water wash option selected.

I have run the calibration sequence on the washer and still the issue continues.

This problem in itself honestly isn't a very big deal as I normally wash full loads anyway. However, I just want to make sure it isn't indicative of a larger problem down the road. I remember a couple months ago the machine wouldn't spin in the superwash or heavy duty cycles, and a recalibration fixed that so I let it go. However, this new issue makes me wonder if the control board might be going out. Is the auto sense function part of the control board, or is that its own component? Is this worth calling someone to come look at the machine, or should I just use it as is? It works great otherwise. I just don't want the control board completely taking a crap one day, but I also don't want to pay someone to come out to look at the washer when this is such a minor problem in my case of hardly ever washing anything but full loads. My warranty expires in a week.

As always, thanks all for your input.

Ryne

 

[ryner1988]

Clarifying, my manufacturer warranty expires in a week. I have the extended warranty through Lowes for two more years.

 

[henene4]

I never was 100% sure how these VMWs did load sensing and I am inversely certain they had a lot different of sensing systems over time, too.

These could do load sensing in 2 ways.

First would be fill time/volume.
The bigger the load, the longer it takes until the machine actually sees water level increase during a fill.
The pulsing of the drum motor would ensure even saturation on all the load for that.

Second would be motor data. The longer it takes to get to speed, the heavier the load.
The longer it keeps spinning after the motor id deenergized, the heavier the load.

These machines are pretty simple in certain ways.
Just a motor, the mode shifter assembly that contains the rpm-sensor (AFAIK), pressure switch, 2 valves, NTC and PCB.

The typical failure point was either the mode shifter assembly - both it no longer shifting modes properly and sensing motor speed.
Or the PCB failing.

If you have to deal with Whirlpool or with your extended warranty provider, good service is a coin flip really.
You either get lucky or don't. With such more subtle issues, many techs would have no idea what to do and just tell you there is no problem they can see - even if there clearly is one.

I certainly would make a claim in that regard - it certainly is a loss of functionality from the machine in some ways.

My guess would be the typical old failure where a swapped mode shifter assembly would solve the issue.
Maybe that isn't giving proper feedback in term of tub rpm to the control, which in turn just makes the PCB skip load sensing.

 

[ryner1988]

Well now things are getting interesting...

I had a small-ish load to do earlier today. Not a typical full load like I usually do because specific items needed laundered. As such, I opted to run the washer on normal which I hardly ever use on full loads. I did put it on extra rinse though as the normal cycle has a spray rinse only, and I don't like that no matter how small the load is. Any-who, the washer filled all the way without sensing at all, and then the agitation profile was just like that of Heavy Duty and Superwash, but had the proper run time as normal. The agitation profile on Heavy Duty and Superwash incorporates small pauses into the wash portion of the cycle, presumably for soaking purposes, whereas the Normal cycle just agitates continuously. But, it's like the cycles...merged together? Not sure if I'm explaining it right.

Definitely a control board issue I'd say.

 

[pierreandreply4]

i am keeping my fingers cross it do not appen with my maytag

I am keeping my fingers cross that this do not happen with my Maytag, since i suspect thats its heading toward a control board failure since its not sending in hot water if warm or hot water is selected plus i also notice4 if i need for x reason the bulky item cycle with the extra rinse option it buzz a few second before switching to the softner dispenser fill for final rinse plus sometime not often pump, starts for drain and stop then stop again cost nothing to check but if i was ask by my mom. To pay for a new washer dryer set would need some convincing for my mom that the best choice is hubesch speed queen tc 5 washer with matching dryer or if a less costing model go with this ge set as i said cost nothing to do home work.

I also apoligize to ryner1988 in advance for posting this in his thread