Service Letter / Lettre Technique
4
MECHANICAL / STRUCTURAL / ERROR CODE CHECKS:
1. Inspect for correct basket depth by placing a pen or pencil as
shown in diagram below with the point touching the basket
rim. Manually rotate the basket a full turn so that the
pen/pencil is pushed forward to the maximum extent. Now,
holding the pen/pencil in place, manually rotate the basket
slowly while looking for the maximum gap between the
basket rim and the point pen/pencil. Maximum allowable gap
is 1/4 inch or less.
2. Check that all 4 dampers and both suspension springs are present, undamaged, and properly installed.
There should be no rust on the steel part of the damper that enters the black plastic part of damper.
Replace the damper if defect is found
3.
Check that all 8 front counterweight bolts are in place securing the 3 counterweights (2 counterweights in
front; 1 in back). A loose weight will cause excessive noise during spin.
4. Enter Test Mode and check for any Error Codes, confirm no Error Codes. If Error Codes are found,
diagnose and repair per the Service Guide GE Pub. 31-9135, then retest until no relevant Error Codes are
found.
ADDITIONAL TIPS: WHY DOES THE WASHER MOVE?
1. Both the front load washer and pedestal are made to move, they absorb the energy from spinning to
reduce vibration. If they were rigid, and did not move, they would hammer the floor as the basket spins.
2. Top load washers vibrate side-to-side and front-to-back. Front load washers vibrate up and down. While
accelerating into spin, the legs on one side push harder on the floor and the ones on the other side push
less. This force can be very large.
A load of clothes and the machine together could weigh 400 to 500 pounds (268 lbs for machine plus 150
lbs of wet clothes).
3. Front load washers are more efficient using just 13 gallons of water versus 35 gallons for a top load
machine. Front load machines have shorter dry times and use less energy. Front load machines cause less
wear on clothes. However, front load washers vibrate more in spin. Front load washers can spin at more
than 1000 RPM versus just 500-600 RPM for top load washers.
4. Below 120 RPM, the front load washer cannot calculate or adjust to out-of-balance load conditions. The
solution to a slow speed vibration issue is to adjust or change the load. It is best to wash similar fabrics in
reasonable amounts for best results.
5. The front load washer must be level for the dispenser to work properly.
6. Each of the four front load washer legs must carry approximately an equal weight to minimize movement
and vibration.
Four on the floor!
Robert Gauthier
Training and Technical Support TB04-10
