How do you reset the GE washer when it fails to run? This is one of the most common complaints that many general electric washer users have when their washers fail to run.
When you hear silence from your general electric washer, something is wrong with it and you need to check it immediately. Sometimes, this kind of problem is caused by someone unintentionally pressing the stop or pause button or by a power failure.
It’s also essential to check the control panel for any signs of malfunction or error codes that could indicate a problem.
But most of the time, some parts of your washing machine must be repaired or replaced. Some parts of the general electric washer that usually act up and cause the washer not to be able to spin, agitate or run are:
Read also: How to Fix an Unbalanced Washer
- The Agitator
The agitator in the washing machine is the part that moves the clothes from side to side, back and forth, through the water and detergent that is moved by the transmission output shaft. If the washing machine’s agitator fails to move back and forth during the wash cycle, it may need to be replaced.
- Drive motor coupling
The drive motor coupling connects to the transmission and has two plastic drive forks separated by a rubber coupling. When the rubber has worn out, the drive forks can slip and fail to connect the transmission and clutch properly.
The most common symptom of this failed drive motor coupling is that the GE washer does not spin or agitate, but it can fill and drain normally.
Personal Experience
I’ve had several instances where my GE washer failed to run, often due to simple issues like a power surge or an unbalanced load. Through these experiences, I’ve found that resetting the washer can often resolve these problems without needing a technician.
When to Try a Washer Reset:
- The washer fills with water but won’t spin or agitate.
- The washer suffers a power surge or interruption.
- An unbalanced load causes the motor to shut down.
- The washer stopped before the cycle was complete.
- The Stop/Pause button was pressed during the cycle, and the controls froze.
- A control board glitch has caused a false error code.
- The washer is stuck in test mode.
This guide applies to most GE washers, such as the following models:
CATL160RBL, CATL260RBL, GTWN2800D1WW, GTWN4250D0WS, GTWN4250D1WS, GTWN4250M1WS, GTWN4950L0WS, WASR3110W0AA, WASR3110W0WW, WBSR1060T2AA, WBSR1060T2WW, WBVH6240FW, WHDSR109J5WW, WHDSR315DAWW, WHDSR316G0WW, WHDSR316G1WW, WHRE5550K2WW, WJRE5550K2WW, WJSR2080T2WW, WJSR2080T5WW, WPRE6150K2WT
How to Reset the GE Washer
The guide below is the common guide to resetting the general electric washer that stops running at some point.
Step 1. Do not pull the knob while you turn the dial, just like when you will wash.
Step 2. You need to unplug the washer from the power outlet.
Step 3. Turn the timer control knob. You have to turn it all the way around and stop at any button except the ‘final spin’ position.
Step 4. You have to wait for at least 30 seconds after unplugging it. Then, plug the washer back into the wall outlet to start the washer back up.
Step 5. Lift the lid at least 5 to 6 times 2 inches high and open and close it within 15 seconds.
Step 6. After completing the process, pause for a while. Listen for a ‘click’ sound. If you do not hear the sound, repeat steps 1 to 5 until you do.
Step 7. Insert a cloth (towel or a rag) into the washer. Pull the knob to start the washer.
Step 8. Test the wash cycle on a small load setting. Wait until the machine fills and starts the agitation cycle. Ensure your general electric washer is spinning and agitating during the wash cycle. If it still fails after you have followed this reset guide, call your repair technician, who has a GE license, to reset the GE washer.
Additional Tips: Practical Advice
Before starting the reset process, it’s also wise to check your home’s circuit breaker or fuse to ensure the issue isn’t related to the power supply. A tripped breaker or blown fuse can also be why your washer fails to run, and resetting it might solve the problem without further steps.
Summary Table of Reset Methods:
| Reset Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Basic Reset | Unplug for 30 seconds, plug back in, turn the timer control knob, lift lid 5-6 times |
| Hydrowave Motor Reset | Unplug for 1 minute, plug back in, lift and lower lid 6 times within 12 seconds |
| Timer Control Knob Reset | Unplug or shut off the breaker, turn the timer knob clockwise once, reconnect the power |
| Electronic Control Panel Reset | Disconnect power for 2 minutes, reconnect power |
In summary, understanding these reset procedures can save time and effort, allowing you to address common issues with GE washers quickly. Refer to your specific model’s manual for detailed instructions, and contact a professional technician if necessary.
