I have a front load GE washer that I have a love/hate relationship. I got it in the Fall of 2008 so it isn't even 3 years old. I threw the sick clothes that needed to be washed asap last night and hit the start button. Nothing happened. Normally there is a ka-thunk from where the door locks, but it just made a noise like it was trying to lock, but never did and never started. The door has to be locked before the washer will start.
So, today I brought my manual to work to call GE, but I didn't write down the serial # and model # so there is nothing they can do. Do any of you Mama's have any thoughts or suggestions?
I have unplugged it and let it sit for a few min and then plugged it back in. I have held the power button like you do on your cell phone hopeing to reset it, but that didn't work either. Normally my father or father-in-law would come to the rescue, but they both have top loading machines and don't have a clue with ours.
I really need my washing machine as it is no fun going to the laundry mat sick or with sick kids. :(
I tried to goole our model and didn't find anything. I called Sears and they were NO HELP. Seriously I have bought a new fridge, washer and dishwasher from them in the last three years and they were like "um sorry! we can send someone to your house?" I just wanted them to help me try the basic stuff first. I am sick and have sick kids so I wanted to try something myself first before someone comes to my house.
My model number is: WCVH6600HW GE front loader if someone else can find something that may help.
check the seal around the door. make sure that it is seated properly and that the lock opening isn't blocked by anything.
You could also unplug it and plug another appliance in to the outlet just to make sure that there is still power to the outlet.
M.
Do the right lights and numbers or whatever come on? Mine (different brand)has a digital display that shows the minutes of the full washing cycle when I hit the button, then I have to hit it a second time to actually START it, and thats when I hear that ker-thunk you spoke of that clicks the locking thing in place then another few seconds later I hear water noises, etc.
Mine will make an OBNOXIOUS alarm sort of noise if the door doesn't lock..an angry noise! LOL Once my door closing piece..little teeny plastic piece (the "male" piece from the door), had broken off and was stuck in the "female" piece on the machine, so it would not actually latch. I now know that this full piece gets lose often, so I have to just push it on (its about 3 inches long..and the little "male" thing I am talking about is a part of it).
Also, one time my rubber seal somehow got tweaked..again, making it not seal.
Not sure any of that helps you..just some of my experiences where I wanted to SCREAM about this new machine of mine, and it turned out to be really little dumb things easily taken care of. After the little "male" thing broke off..it was a big deal to reorder the piece...so hubby ordered 3! They were only like $5 each but a PITA to get here (had to order online...not avail to go pick up locally).
Also, try googling the exact model of yours...I had an issue with mine and leaking..and I was so proud of myself that I googled it and discovered the problem. DH fixed it via the instructions I found online (PITA issue..but it was the right stuff!). Other people out there may have had this issue and already simply resolved it
Good luck!
Go to repairclinic.com and go through the diagnostic questions for your machine.
I had a similar problem with my front loader. I put clothes in tried to shut the door and it wouldnt shut. Finally after several attempts it shut. The washer started up right away and I left it unattended. When I came back when it was supposed to be done omg water was all over the floor! I assume some how it started but the door did not lock I really do not know. I called the company and I had purchased the extra warranty on it so they contacted the sales people who were re-quired to repair it. I called the place where purchased and got nothing out of them. They would not talk to me even though they were the ones who were supposed to repair. So first off take my advice be leary of buying the extra warranty because they may not honor it. Anyway the next day I fiddled with it for a while and tried to wash again. I have no idea what the problem was the first time but the washer door shut, locked , and washed the second time with out any problem. It has been fine ever since. If you have not already done so try the washer again. Maybe you will get lucky like I did.
Try looking at the top inside of the rim the door fits in. You will have to open tio door to see it.
My GE front loader does the same thing and I have to put my knee against the door for it to lock while I push the button the second time to start. Once it starts it is fine.
My model & serial numbers are on the back of my washer - have you checked there for yours? Good luck!
