Author Topic: GE washer tripping breaker (Read 10440 times)

diverboy1980 · « **on:** November 19, 2011, 09:12:57 PM »

I am working on a GE washer model S2200Y2WW. It is one that has been sitting around and my father was going to check but now I have to try and work on it. It keeps tripping the breaker when plugged in. It doesn't matter what position the timer in in or if the knob is pushed in or pulled out, you plug it in and it hums for about 5 seconds and then trips the breaker. I am not very familiar with the GE washers but it seems like I may have a timer issue since it is apparently still trying to send power somewhere even when in off position. Seems to maybe have a secondary issue also like maybe problem with motor or capacitor since it just hums and trips breaker. How should I proceed with testing the timer on this model? I noticed the motor has the clutch assembly on it so what would be the best way to test the motor?

JWWebster · « **Reply #1 on:** November 19, 2011, 11:54:23 PM »

Shorted capacitor:
http://www.appliancepartspros.com/Appliance-Parts/ge-capacitor-item-number-ap3205320.aspx

diverboy1980 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 20, 2011, 10:03:22 AM »

I will test the capacitor and let you know the results. Thanks.

diverboy1980 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 20, 2011, 11:40:56 AM »

I did not find an external capacitor so I did some research and found this is the GE "clutch type" Motor that did not have the seperate relay and capacitor. I unplugged the motor harness and it stopped tripping the breaker. You could hear the motor hum when plugged in and I was able to turn the shaft freely but it just wouldn't run. I will take it this will need a new motor. I will then have to figure out why power is going to the motor even with the timer in the off position. Considering the cost of the motor I don't think this one will be getting fixed but I will still diagnose the secodn issue for experience purpose since I am not very familiar with GE washers.

JWWebster · « **Reply #4 on:** November 20, 2011, 02:15:50 PM »

the cap is number 217 on this diagram. Must be up in the control panel:

http://www.appliancepartspros.com/partsearch/frame_diagram.aspx?diagram_id=21781924&pkw_=basket&model_id=5131349&NewWindow=1

JWWebster · « **Reply #5 on:** November 20, 2011, 02:17:00 PM »

I would verify the cap is good before ordering a motor but that is just me.

jumptrout51 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 20, 2011, 03:46:03 PM »

I would set the timer in a OFF position and remove the wire harness from the motor.
Then I would attach my volt meter to the power IN wires on the motor harness.
Then I would plug the washer in and look for voltage on the meter.
If there is voltage I would suspect a bad timer.

JWWebster · « **Reply #7 on:** November 20, 2011, 05:46:03 PM »

Let us know Kimosabe

diverboy1980 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 20, 2011, 06:26:14 PM »

Time in off position and knob pushed in, red wire reads 6V and blue wire reads 10V. I also traced the wiring back towards the timer and there is no capacitor in-line. Wiring went straight to timer.

JWWebster · « **Reply #9 on:** November 20, 2011, 07:05:03 PM »

wonder why the model number shows a cap?

jumptrout51 · « **Reply #10 on:** November 20, 2011, 07:16:57 PM »

Are you referring to the capacitor in the control panel?

JWWebster · « **Reply #11 on:** November 20, 2011, 09:14:20 PM »

Washaman · « **Reply #12 on:** November 20, 2011, 10:39:28 PM »

Quote from: JWWebster on November 20, 2011, 02:15:50 PM

the cap is number 217 on this diagram. Must be up in the control panel:

http://www.appliancepartspros.com/partsearch/frame_diagram.aspx?diagram_id=21781924&pkw_=basket&model_id=5131349&NewWindow=1

On the older models the Cap is usually on the right front halfway up zip tied to the inside cabinet. Newer ones are inside the control panel. This ones looks to be around 10 years old so I would look in the cabinet.

diverboy1980 · « **Reply #13 on:** November 20, 2011, 10:46:41 PM »

I will trace the wiring again and I will make sure there are not any splices where someone may have removed the capacitor if I still cant find it.

diverboy1980 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 21, 2011, 07:16:38 PM »

I still haven't had a chance to check this again but I found that my extension cord is bad. I was working on another appliance and each time I would plug it in the breaker would trip. I happen to grab another cord laying there and try it and this time the refrigerator started up fine. I will check the washer again without a shorted extension cord and see what happens.

JWWebster · « **Reply #15 on:** November 21, 2011, 08:49:23 PM »

Let us know

diverboy1980 · « **Reply #16 on:** November 28, 2011, 08:40:42 PM »

Doesn't trip the breaker anymore since plugged in to a good cord but motor still gets constant power regardless of timer position. Traced all wiring from motor to console and found no splices and no capacitors. I see in the diagram where there should be one and this stumps me a little as to why this one does not but either way it appears to have a bad timer so I'm just going to part it out and keep what is good to use on other machines.

Washaman · « **Reply #17 on:** November 28, 2011, 08:45:00 PM »

Get Answers to your Appliance Repair Questions

ApplianceJunk.com

Appliance Repair Forum