Kitchen Large Electric Appliances - Frigidaire FWT445GES1 gets stuck during cycle

The unit is about 9 years old.

During the wash cycle, at least once, the cycle does not advance. There is a click-click sound while its stuck (like its trying to advance but cant). When manually advanced with the knob just slightly, the cycle resumes.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

You need a timer. Timer is sticking in that spot

Thanks for the reply.

Sounds right. I pulled the timer, and actually removed the pins and opened the connector base about half way: some of the gears have dark stains, as if there might have been an electrical short. Nothing serious though. Having mucked with this, I'll have to get a new one anyways.

These things are about $300. Every year or so, I've had something break down in this washer. I am wondering if its time to invest in a new washer. Thoughts?

$300? For just the timer part? Wow. I recently was quoted $125 for a commercial grade Kenmore 80 series with all kinds of cycles and setting options - and I even took the complex timer partially apart, to see if I could file the points, but gave up, as they were too close to each other, plus double stacked, and riding over and under various plastic cam wheels, that if one where to dimantle and the thing flew apart, you'd have one devil a time figuring out and reassembling points in correct relation with all the various cam wheels inside, without bending point arms. This model had like 2 dozen points inside.

I DID perform the feat succesfully though, recently, on a less complex dryer timer.

So I wonder why yours is $300. Although, I am up here in Wisconsin, and not in some ultra ritzy area.

I dont know why this is 300+. And that's the web price. For one, its a front load washer with many spin speeds.

The inside did look a little "well set" with cams / gears. I have not been able to locate any diagrams or generally the timing of the various steps. So I don't want to mess with it.

One other issue after I reinstalled the timer: the washer stays on when turning the timer knob (pushed in). Normal operation when pushed in is set the dial, pull out and the washer starts.

Also, the click-click-... I mention is coming from the "relay" or whatever the widget is that's attached to the back of the timer motor. It may be malfunctioning, though it is probably telling me its stressed trying to turn the timer motor.

I dont know why this is 300+. And that's the web price. For one, its a front load washer with many spin speeds.

I guess the fact it is front loader explains it.



One other issue after I reinstalled the timer: the washer stays on when turning the timer knob (pushed in). Normal operation when pushed in is set the dial, pull out and the washer starts.

Probably when you pried it apart, something jumped out of position, and the points follower is no longer following what it is supposed to. You can identify those particular set of points as the cam wheel it rides on will only disengage when you pull out on the knob. And unlike other cam wheels, it only the least number of spots on it that can open the points.

Also, the click-click-... I mention is coming from the "relay" or whatever the widget is that's attached to the back of the timer motor.

The clock part of the timer?, most likely? Is it round?

It may be malfunctioning, though it is probably telling me its stressed trying to turn the timer motor.

Maybe it is fighting to open contact points that are arc welded shut.

I wasnt about to fully disassemble it: just pulled the pin and looked inside. I did turn some wheels but all in all, this has not affected the washing function: it still washes, rinses, spins, etc in the same place as before. The thing works, just that it needs a nudge at about 5-6 places in the cycle.

Yes the round thing at the back -- if that in fact is the clock. Makes sense: it not able to advance the wheels.

They just don't make stuff the way they used to. Companies rely on income both from sale of appliance AND parts sales.

I think years ago they used gold in contacts for longevity.

I decided to not fix this one: instead thinking about getting the GE Hydro motion washer. Any comments on this one? Want to move away from front loaders. Alternative is your standard top loader.

I always recommend Whrilpool, Kenmore, Roper for top loaders, Front loaders Whrilpool, Kenmore, LG Stay way from Boush, GE, Maytag, Newer Maytag some are based on Whirlpools and they are OK. Here are some reviews I just found on washers
http://www.consumersearch.com/www/house_and_home/washing-machine-reviews/review.html I would still stick with what I said.

This one's going to be hauled away. Any market for any parts?

What washer did you decide on?

Got a front loader Whirlpool. Middle of the line.

Good machine, be sure to use the HE soap and use small amounts of soap, bleach and softner