[needwasherhelp]

Hi. I have a Whirlpool washer that fills with water, but then makes a clicking noise for a minute or so before going completely quiet and will not turn the middle section, wash or do anything. I drained the water out with a hose and restarted the cycle, it again filled with water, made a clicking noise for about a minute and then went completely dead again. The middle turning section moves freely by hand and is not on a bind or caught or anything. Any help with knowing what is causing this I would appreciate:) Thanks.

[drtom4444]

The water level switch is a single-pole double throw switch which means it first sends power to the fill valves and then to the timer. You will need to test this switch to make sure it's making the second connection after filling with water. You can remove the back to the controls and follow the plastic tube to the tub. Pull it loose from the tub after draining the water (make sure it's unplugged from power) and blow on tube while checking the switch with an ohm meter. Before you blow on tube it will make the connection between common and the water valves and when you blow on it it will close the switch to the timer. If it does not close the switch to timer then you need a new water level switch, if it does your timer could be bad. Here are some manuals with wiring diagrams: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...%20Washers.zip
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...c%20washer.pdf
You need a good digital meter to test it. Don't just go randomly replacing parts as you will never fix it that way.

[needwasherhelp]

Thank you so much:) I will pass this along to my husband for his weekend project;) Have a great weekend!

[drtom4444]

It's a very easy fix and will probably cost around $15 - 30 for most fill switches. That does not, of course, count the cost of the meter. Every home should have a multi-meter and everyone should know how to use one since they are much simpler than a cell phone to use, especially the new digital multi-meters, and they save you so much money because you can be sure of a problem. With a meter you can test everything from light bulbs (ohms function) to batteries (voltage function). Just remember to always have the power off when using it in the "ohms" function. Good luck with everything.