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Guru

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Location: Mumbai, India
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Whirlpool Washing Machine Control Panel Problem

10/18/2008 3:42 AM

I have faced problems with Top Loading "Whirlpool" Automatic Washing Machine Control Panel.I had purchased this machine 5 years back in India. These machines are mfd. in India.Initially there was problem with load balancing as clothes if just dumped in chamber would make eccentric load and there was loud sound of inner barrel hitting outer barrel. I started loading clothes in manner so that there is uniform load around barrel.Thus this problem was solved.

Now about five months back the control panel consisting of PCB stopped working. I had to replace complete panel @$150. It worked for five months and again it went bust.

Mechanic informed me that these panels are imported from China and are of unreliable quality.

"Whirlpool" being house hold name in washing machines had given me bad service which I never expected.

I would like to know experience of our other members with these machines.

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Commentator

Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 74
#1

Re: Whirlpool Washing Machine Control Panel Problem

10/19/2008 6:42 AM

I bought a whirlpool washing mahine 2 years ago. My wife doesn't have problems with balancing the load because after placing our clothes, the washing machine adds water automatically thereby balancing the load.

I also own a whirlpool ref. They provide good service here but part cost is kinda expensive.

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Anonymous Poster
#2

Re: Whirlpool Washing Machine Control Panel Problem

10/21/2008 5:15 AM

i have purchased samsung fully auto. m/c & faced the same control panel problems.

Some functions are not working in manual mode. After six months the panel stopped working completely. Since it is in warrenty period company immediately replaced with new one.The new panel is fully functional in manual & auto mode.

My brother has same model , it experienced the same problems right from first day.

So i feel that washing machine control panels are not so reliable in their operations.

After some days the gearbox failed [ just 15 days before warrenty expires ], the company replced the same immediately.

Now , i am worried how many days it will be working.

about 15-18 yrs. back we have purchased videocon semi auto m/c. It is still working without a single problem.

So more you automise the machine there is good chances of frequent repair with pretty bucks on spares.

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Anonymous Poster
#3
In reply to #2

Re: Whirlpool (and brand X) Washing Machine features (to be avoided)

10/21/2008 5:54 AM

I find it difficult to see why anyone would want a washing machine with electronic controls...due to heavy use, high temperature and humidity from hot wash water, and almost continuous vibration. Only the highest rate and environment-graded chips would hold up to such wear and tear...and yet microchip controllers are offered as something special...and people fall for it...even pay more to have it, even though the machines are cheaper to produce. Those fancy electronic machines could be made to work, and last...if high grade, heavy stress chips were use...but that would put the affordability far out of reach of all but wealthy buyers.

Sometimes it helps to know what your buying, whether its popular brand name of not. Mechanical timers/controllers have a long history of longterm reliability. If dependability and long life is what you want, then fancy electronic controls are always a risky deal...and who uses all the control options (gimmicks) anyway? No one I've ever encountered. Also, ever wonder why these electronic machines never show up in laundries and laundromats? That's right, because broken machines and machines that don't hold up, lose business and revenue.

If you're lucky, maybe you can "pawn" off the fancy machine cheap to someone you don't particularly admire; then put your money into a real, no-frills machine. You'll be glad you did.

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Guru

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#4
In reply to #2

Re: Whirlpool Washing Machine Control Panel Problem

10/21/2008 7:41 AM

I had earlier purchased semi automatic "Viedocon" (Panasonic) washing machine it worked without any problem for 16 years.My son felt that it is high time to replace it with automatic machine and we bought "Whirpool" automatic machine and within 5 years I had to face above problems.So lesson learnt is better to use old technology than go for automation.

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#5
In reply to #4

Re: Whirlpool Washing Machine Control Panel Problem

10/23/2008 5:12 AM

Electronic components in WHIRPOOL machines may be having reliability problem.

I have changed the electronic control board twice within 3 years of purchase. It is very expensive too. If it fails again , I may convert it to a hot box for storing cooked food .

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Guru
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#8
In reply to #4

Re: Whirlpool Washing Machine Control Panel Problem

10/27/2008 12:28 PM

The technology is the same only the number of buttons has changed, switch back to mechanical switches.

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Anonymous Poster
#6

Re: Whirlpool Washing Machine Control Panel Problem

10/23/2008 5:20 AM

If mine fails, is it possible to convert it in manual mode?

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Anonymous Poster
#7
In reply to #6

Re: Whirlpool Washing Machine Control Panel Problem

10/23/2008 5:45 AM

You certainly won't get any support from the manufacturer. Even if it was possible - which is dubious - it'll probably cost considerably more that a new machine/

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Guru
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#9
In reply to #7

Re: Whirlpool Washing Machine Control Panel Problem

10/27/2008 12:32 PM

Eh? Many type washers have only and "ON" switch, press and the machine starts a rotating timer that actuates all cycles until done.

Average cost of rotating timer $46 USD expected life cycle 15 years.

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#10
In reply to #9

Re: Whirlpool Washing Machine Control Panel Problem

10/27/2008 4:36 PM

Don't disagree. But I thought the question was about changing a digital readout/controller-timer for a mechanical one. Seems it would require more than just installing a timer...such as how to mount the timer. Anyway, point taken.

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Guru
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#11
In reply to #10

Re: Whirlpool Washing Machine Control Panel Problem

10/27/2008 8:18 PM

The mechanical one is a timer

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Power-User

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#12

Re: Whirlpool Washing Machine Control Panel Problem

11/05/2008 7:47 AM

Greetings.

There is a very good reason for smart engineers to put electronic controls in washing machines and dishwashers where there is hot water. They sell more electronic controls. You know "The love of money is the root of all evil."

Try putting a surge suppressor on the line and make sure that the machine is properly grounded. Make sure that the area is well ventilated so that the hot steam can escape the area around the machine be it a clothes washer or a dishwasher. Hope this helps your problem.

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Guru
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#13

Re: Whirlpool Washing Machine Control Panel Problem

11/05/2008 11:08 PM

suresh sharma;

Take a look here at this 1958 GE Filter-Flo Automatic Washer. It does all the newer model you have is supposed to without any electronic control module, go figure...That large round dial on the right is a "Timer" Chances are you could replace what doesn't work with what does... with a water saver mode too ...

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Guru

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#14
In reply to #13

Re: Whirlpool Washing Machine Control Panel Problem

11/06/2008 3:45 AM

Thx bwire,

After all old is gold. You are lucky to posses such wonderful machine.I don't know if you are still using it?. If yes then it has given you around 50 years service.I don't think I will get such panel here in India, but our Washing Machine mfrs. should learn a lesson as how to make such panels. You should celebrate Golden Jubilee. Send me piece of cake too.

Suresh

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Anonymous Poster
#15
In reply to #13

Re: Whirlpool Washing Machine Control Panel Problem

11/06/2008 12:49 PM

What's that over on the left? Where you "save" the wash water and then reuse it on the next load? Some countries would go bananas for that!

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Guru
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#16
In reply to #15

Re: Whirlpool Washing Machine Control Panel Problem

11/06/2008 4:05 PM

It isn't a gray water trap. It is where bleach could be added to the water and not directly onto the clothing if the little pink perforated cup is the object in question.

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Anonymous Poster
#17
In reply to #16

Re: Whirlpool Washing Machine Control Panel Problem

11/06/2008 6:42 PM

No, the appliance-looking, white object sitting next to the washing machine in Photo 1.

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Member

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#18

Re: Whirlpool Washing Machine Control Panel Problem

12/09/2008 9:15 PM

I suffered the same problem with my Whirlpool Washing Machine. I had purchased it for 5 years, too. As agreement, Whirlpool wouldn't repair it without charge, but if I asked their mechanic to repair it, it would be expensive, so I bought a new control board and repair my machine by myself. I have used it for about one year, it's still workable well. I lived in China, I also bought the control board in China, it seemed that it's good-quality, so I supposed you bought an unqualified one. Would you ask me to buy a new board for you?

By the way, where are you from? I could calculate the cost and freight for you, I supposed it'll be less than $150.

Sincerely

Samina

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Guru

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#19
In reply to #18

Re: Whirlpool Washing Machine Control Panel Problem

12/10/2008 2:33 AM

I have already got my control panel to be replaced and it is working o.k At this moment I dont need one more. I am from Mumbai India, your neighbour.

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#20
In reply to #19

Re: Whirlpool Washing Machine Control Panel Problem

12/10/2008 2:52 AM

Congratulations & Nice to meet you!

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