No Slow (gentle) Speed

[bill57]

Have an old WWA7070G that agitates and spins only in the high speed in spite of setting for "gentle". Checked solenoid that applies brake to slow down to gentle cycle with VOM and got reading (of 660 ohms), so I assume continuity, and solenoid is OK. Any suggestions?

[Jake]

I used to find alot of the speed shifters bent or out of place on the motor/clutch assembly.

Here is a help link that should help you:
http://www.american-appliance.com/service_pages/ge_washer/gewashclutch.htm

Jake

[szm200]

I also warn customers not to shift speeds while the motor is turning! Main cause of shifter damage!

[bill57]

How would I diagnos a bent shifter? Can I do it without removing the motor? That shifting coil assembly with those springs and hinged parts baffles me. The brake solenoid that I continuity-tested is part of that assembly, and has a pair of contacts on the end that don't appear to be in line to contact with anything!

[Jake]

Just take off the back panel and get a flashlight and look on that diagram to locate your shifter assembly.

Jake

[bill57]

Thanks, Jake. I'm not sure how a shifter is supposed to look like when the machine is off, and the repair book dosen't address how to replace a "shifting coil assembly".
I really haven't diagnosed the cause for having only one speed.
I would not have tried to change speeds while the machine was going.

[Jake]

I remember 15 or so years ago we could order the complete shifter assembly for these, but I checked and can't find them anymore as GE/Hotpoint change the design of their washers in 1995.

Jake

[bill57]

I straightened out the bent plate, and I got my "gentle" speed back, but after I run a "normal" cycle I lose the slow speed and find that the plate is bent again. Of course I don't change speeds while in a cycle. How does the plate become bent during "normal" speed, and what do I do now?

[Jake]

Don't know what can be done now besides replacing that motor assembly, but I can't pull it up anymore, they probably quit making it now.

May need to just junk your old GE for a new washer, if parts aren't easily accessible anymore.

Jake