Old Maytag A606 problem

Hi Frederick,

If it were me, my first thought would be that perhaps the timer was not reconditioned properly or perhaps I didn't get all of the wires hooked back up on the correct terminals of the timer. UNPLUG YOUR WASHER and double-check that first (and also make sure that your wires to the door switch mechanism and speed selection switch are still hooked up correctly.)

If that all looks good, I would then check my motor. Again, with the power disconnected to the washer, I'd check that the wires are all hooked up tightly to the correct motor terminals. Then I'd plug the washer back in and test the spin capability by manually advancing the timer to the spin portion of the cycle. Are you able to get yours to spin? I'd also check what happens when I put the washer in gentle/delicate speed.

If you can't spin and agitate, then I'd start testing the motor. The A606 has a two speed motor. I'm not sure what your comfort level is with making a motor test cord, but the video linked below shows how to make a Maytag 2-speed motor test cord and how to test both agitation and spin capabilities of your motor.

If only one speed works, then I'd test both the motor and the speed selection (fabric control) switch.

If the motor test fails, then most 2-speed Maytag motors will generally work as a replacement. If buying new, Whirlpool part number 12002353 replaces 1066793, 12002353VP, 2-1165, 2-1666, 2-1807, 201165, 201666, 2016660-16, 201807, 201807S0, 201807SO, 201807SW, 22004300, 4061, 6 2016660-16, 9018, AH2003770, AM116, EA2003770, LW3376, PS2003770, S68PXGCN-1002, S88-494.

I have attached the electrical schematic for the A606 (with permanent press) below.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO maranoman's LINK

View Full Size


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Post# 404178 1/6/2010 at 09:25 (5,213 days old) by karlh ()
Checkrate/Likes I've got an old Maytag A606 (not sure of the year, but pre 1980). Has a very weak agitation action on the "regular" setting, but seems to work just fine in the "delicates" mode. Replaced both belts. Any ideas what could be the culprit?

Post# 404185 , Reply# 1 1/6/2010 at 09:43 (5,213 days old) by kenwashesmonday (Carlstadt, NJ)
Checkrate/Likes Is the machine in a cold spot? And if so, if you agitate it on gentle for 3 minutes or so will it then agitate properly on regular? Ken D.

Post# 404198 , Reply# 2 1/6/2010 at 11:07 (5,213 days old) by mixfinder ()
Checkrate/Likes *Rollers and springs* Have you cleaned the rollers and lubricated the motor slides or replaced rollers and springs?

Post# 404293 , Reply# 3 1/6/2010 at 19:14 (5,213 days old) by qsd-dan (West)
Checkrate/Likes *Rollers and springs* X2. If they're original, they're 20 years past due for replacement. Part # 20500 for the spring, glide, and polylube kit. It should cost less than 10 dollars at any appliance outlet. A 606 washer is pre-1975, so it's at least 36 years old. Good ol Maytags :)

Post# 404470 , Reply# 4 1/7/2010 at 17:26 (5,212 days old) by karlh ()
Checkrate/Likes Thanks for the advice. I was wondering if it was the springs that tension the motor on the belts, seemed pretty "loose" when I replaced the belts and I was kind of wondering if there was enough bite to agitate the thing.

Post# 404516 , Reply# 5 1/8/2010 at 00:34 (5,211 days old) by volvoguy87 (Cincinnati, OH)
Checkrate/Likes *Transmission oil.* If the washer is in a cold place, the cold will thicken the transmission oil which can cause slow agitation, and is aggravated by weak motor carriage springs. Try filling the washer with hot water and letting it sit that way for about 30 minutes or a little longer and see if that warming-up will heat the transmission oil enough to thin it enough to agitate normally. Also, the transmission likely has its original oil, which MAY be thickening up with time. Also, if the big pulley below the transmission is covered in grease, the O-ring in the bottom of the transmission has failed. To fix these problems, you must remove the agitator, open the outer tub, remove the inner and outer tubs, remove the transmission, open the transmission, remove the old oil (turning to grease), replace the O-ring, replace the transmission gasket, refill the transmission with fresh oil (after having cleaned the old) and reassemble. It's a lot of work, but not impossible. It is very worth the effort, however, because that should make the transmission good for another 40 or so years. Also, the long slow stroke of this generation of Maytag's transmission is both extremely effective, but also very gentle on clothes. It will wash rings around the new competition, it will do it in a fraction of the time, and it will outlast a new one by decades, (even with 36+ years of wear already under its belt). I have a 1970 A206 that will be getting a transmission oil change in the foreseeable future, Dave

Post# 1104288 , Reply# 6 1/12/2021 at 12:58 (1,189 days old) by Frederick (Cleveland, Ohio)
Checkrate/Likes *Maytag A606 Humming Sound* Hi Everyone, I have appreciated the good information shared on this forum! I have a Maytag A606 which came with my house and has functioned flawlessly for a decade. However, I found it began running past cycle (i.e. from Permanent Press into the regular setting) and then sometimes shutting down mid cycle at which point, I thought it could be due to a faulty timer. After all, if this machine was built in the late 60s or early 70s, it could be excused for needing the timer to be serviced! I had the timer reconditioned. I reinstalled it. The machine will fill but when it is time to agitate, I only hear a buzzing/humming sound. The pulleys are all operable and the belts are in good condition. Is this buzzing/humming sound likely to be caused by a motor that is failing in some way? I have attached a few images for reference. Would anyone have a good source for a replacement Part #2-1666-2? I really would like to keep this machine running but my wife is becoming a little less happy with each passing day it is down... Thank you! Photos... < > Photo 1 of 5 View Full Size

Post# 1104296 , Reply# 7 1/12/2021 at 13:42 (1,189 days old) by maranoman (Des Moines, Iowa)
Checkrate/Likes *Timer or Motor Issue?* Hi Frederick, If it were me, my first thought would be that perhaps the timer was not reconditioned properly or perhaps I didn't get all of the wires hooked back up on the correct terminals of the timer. UNPLUG YOUR WASHER and double-check that first (and also make sure that your wires to the door switch mechanism and speed selection switch are still hooked up correctly.) If that all looks good, I would then check my motor. Again, with the power disconnected to the washer, I'd check that the wires are all hooked up tightly to the correct motor terminals. Then I'd plug the washer back in and test the spin capability by manually advancing the timer to the spin portion of the cycle. Are you able to get yours to spin? I'd also check what happens when I put the washer in gentle/delicate speed. If you can't spin and agitate, then I'd start testing the motor. The A606 has a two speed motor. I'm not sure what your comfort level is with making a motor test cord, but the video linked below shows how to make a Maytag 2-speed motor test cord and how to test both agitation and spin capabilities of your motor. If only one speed works, then I'd test both the motor and the speed selection (fabric control) switch. If the motor test fails, then most 2-speed Maytag motors will generally work as a replacement. If buying new, Whirlpool part number 12002353 replaces 1066793, 12002353VP, 2-1165, 2-1666, 2-1807, 201165, 201666, 2016660-16, 201807, 201807S0, 201807SO, 201807SW, 22004300, 4061, 6 2016660-16, 9018, AH2003770, AM116, EA2003770, LW3376, PS2003770, S68PXGCN-1002, S88-494. I have attached the electrical schematic for the A606 (with permanent press) below. CLICK HERE TO GO TO maranoman's LINK View Full Size This post was last edited 01/12/2021 at 14:47

Post# 1105334 , Reply# 8 1/21/2021 at 00:17 (1,180 days old) by Frederick (Cleveland, Ohio)
Checkrate/Likes *Timer or Motor Issue* Thank you Maranoman for sharing such detailed information. The schematic you shared is exactly what is on the back of my machine. I'm going to double check all the points of connection, including the lid switch connection. I also appreciate your sharing the video of the motor test cord technique. That's great!