Thread Number: 761
New GE Profile FL not functioning properly, any ideas? 		[Down to Last]

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Post# 51128   12/15/2004 at 15:11 (6,670 days old) by kayw ()        

I purchased the GE Profile compact fl model# WPXH214 last week and it was delivered to me yesterday. I was so excited because I've wanted a frontloader for years now. WELL, the washer malfunctioned on the SECOND load of clothes. I'm so bummed!!! This was a huge purchase for us.

Here is the deal. It has 4 main cycles: Ultra Care, Easy Care, Cottons, and Quick Wash. When you use either the Ultra care or Easy care cycles, it fills and starts turning. It reverses itself several times and washes nicely. Then it empties and starts filling again. It sticks right at this point indefinitely. It just pours and pours and pours! The tub doesn't fill and it just keeps running water into the tub on top of the clothes. If I open the door and close it, it somehow resets itself and moves itself on. The tub will fill up and it will start to turn again. OK... that's my low-tech explanation of what happens. Does anyone have any idea what the problem might be? The cotton cycle works fine. I haven't tried the quickwash cycle yet.

To me, this doesn't bode well. Thanks for any input.

Kay

Post# 51130 , Reply# 1   12/15/2004 at 15:28 (6,670 days old) by SactoTeddyBear ()        
Re: New GE Profile FL not functioning properly, any ideas?

 Hi! Kay, I would certainly and obviously get a Service Call into the Service Company and have them come out to see what's wrong with the Washer, especially since it is so new. Depending on what ends up being wrong, I would have them either Repair/Replace the Washer with another new Washer.

Where did you purchase the GE Profile Front-Load? If it was from Sears, Lowe's or Best-Buy, I would get it taken back anyway and get the Frigidaire or Kenmore equivalent Model replacement.

Unfortunately, I've known of several people who have bought the GE "Fridgemore" in particular, over the Kenmore and Frigidaire Model's and have more problems with them than the other 2-Brands Model's. I do know of a couple of Frigidaire Model's also that were problem Machine's, but no problem's with the Kenmore Model's, at least since they first came out in the Kenmore Model line-up, they've been prefected since then.

Good Luck with getting this problem taken care of.

Peace and best always, Steve

Post# 51131 , Reply# 2   12/15/2004 at 15:40 (6,670 days old) by maytagbear (N.E. Ohio)        
Another idea

 Before calling the store, have you thoroughly read the Owner's Manual?

Another possiblity is calling GE's 1-800 number.

I know that some coin-op front loaders run a very similar sequence while starting.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

Post# 51133 , Reply# 3   12/15/2004 at 17:01 (6,670 days old) by kayw ()        
I purchased it from Home Depot

 Unless it is some minor installation problem, I'd rather them just replace it. I read the owners manual and could find nothing to explain the problem. I just called Home Depot and they are sending a GE person out to confirm that it is doing what I say it is doing. If it is, they've said they will replace it. But the HD guy said that would be GE's call, so it is doubtful they'd let me replace it with another company's machine. Whatever the case, I'd rather them NOT open the thing up and repair it. If it is giving me trouble on day one of use, I worry that it won't last the 8-10 years I was hoping for.

I wish I could get the Kenmore. I should've bought from Sears. My neighbor just told me that if you buy on the Sears Card, you can take a purchase back for any reason within 30 days. I don't know whether or not this is true, but it would've saved me some hassle. (You live- you learn!)

I thought the GE Profile, Kenmore, and Frigidaire were all basically the same machines. Other than the label, how are they different? Aren't they made by the same people?

Thanks!!

Post# 51140 , Reply# 4   12/15/2004 at 19:46 (6,670 days old) by SactoTeddyBear ()        
Re: Return Policy:

 Hi! Kay, I would certainly think that as new as the Washer is, that Home Depot as with any other Stores would be able to allow you to get your Money back, because of not liking the item, or it giving problems. After-all almost everything else is able to be returned, if it was the wrong color, wrong size, or doesn't work, after your get the item home and installed, or even checked out before installation.

As mentioned about Sears, "Satisifaction Guaranted, or Your Money Back" as far as I know, is still their Policy...

Good Luck with this Kay. Keep us informed as to what happens and how it was handled for Repair/Replaced.

Peace, Steve

Post# 51192 , Reply# 5   12/16/2004 at 09:35 (6,669 days old) by frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
I know it's disappointing to get a new appliance that malfunctions right away. On the plus side, if it's an electronics problem, they can replace the timer or a circuit board and you're good-to-go. You always want your electronics to fail immediately (if they're going to fail) so that replacements are fully covered by the warranty. Once the 'bum' electronic part is replaced, you'll probably never have trouble with it again.

Is there some 'play' in the door when it's closed? Start the machine and once it has filled and is tumbling, give the door a little tug. If the machine stops, a serviceman will tighten or replace the saftey lock on your door. If you're washing a big load and the clothes press against the door while tumbling, a loose or faulty safety lock will cause the machine to stop, as if you pushed the cycle knob in.

I've had 2 Frigidaire versions of your machine (a 1996 and a 2003) and had great luck with both of them. The 1996 model is still being used in a multi-family apartment building and going strong.

Good luck and may you have many trouble-free loads in the future. Once your machine is working properly, you'll love it!

Post# 51241 , Reply# 6   12/16/2004 at 21:58 (6,669 days old) by laundromat (Hilo, Hawaii)        
freerinsing

 laundromat's profile picture
On all the FriGEMores,as soon as the wash water is draining out,fresh water sprays in to rinse out excess suds,lint and scum.This goes on for about a minute.then it goes either into a short spin or fills for the first deep rinse.Have you given it a chance to procede,or are you just assuming that the spray rise/drain was a faulty procedure?

Post# 51391 , Reply# 7   12/19/2004 at 18:06 (6,666 days old) by kayw ()        
I'm getting a new one.

 I had a scheduled service appointment with GE on Friday. They said they'd show up at my house sometime between 8:00 am and noon. I was ready for them to show up at 8:05 am, but prepared that they might show up closer to noon. Well, at 11:50, I called GE's customer service hotline and spoke to someone in Costa Rica who apologized and said my service man would apparently be late. At 1:45 pm, I called Home Depot (very angry at this point) and spoke to the manager. I told him I'd waited long enough for someone to come out and verify that it was doing what I said it was doing. I told him that this washer would need to be someone else's refurbished washer and that he would need to order me a new one. They called back and said they would. I'm supposed to get it on Wednesday.

The washer is still not working properly. If I put a load of clothes in to wash, the dial gets stuck in this one place. I went to a neighbor's house for about 50 minutes and the dial had hardly moved when I came back. No telling how long that water ran. I bought the machine to SAVE water! I hope the new one will not have this same glitch. I've looked over some reviews and I haven't come across anyone with the same problem. I'm hoping I just got a bum one and this next one will be a keeper!

Thanks!
Kay

Post# 51432 , Reply# 8   12/20/2004 at 04:01 (6,665 days old) by brisnat81 (Brisbane Australia)        
Syphoning

 Hi Kay,

Just a thought, is the drain hose discharging into a standpipe or laundry tub and is the hose elevated to the minimum height specified in the owners manual.

I dont know if it happens with FL washers but I've seen water syphon out with dishwashers and TL Washers.

If the drain hose is pushed right into the bottom of the stand pipe or down to an elbow, water might still be running out when the machine starts to fill the second time. This would mean that the water keeps running out the drain hose and therefore the washer keeps filling because there is never enough water in there.

You need to make sure where the hose goes into the standpipe that there is an air space so that the water cant just keep running. Also make sure that the hose isnt pushed all the way down.

One way to confirm whether this is an installation problem is;

When the machine keeps filling, does the drain pump run, or does water just run out the drain hose and fast as it comes into the machine? I'm assuming from your posts that the machine hasnt overflowed?

Nathan

Post# 51566 , Reply# 9   12/22/2004 at 07:20 (6,663 days old) by kenmore1978 ()        
Old machine

 Out of curiosity, what brand was your old FL machine? Curious to know if it lasted the whole 12 years with no problems or was it repaired in that time. Also, when it died, was it deemed irrepairable, too expensive to repair, or you just wanted to go with new?

Post# 51593 , Reply# 10   12/22/2004 at 12:58 (6,663 days old) by kayw ()        
the drain hose

 Brisnat81-- Thanks so much for the input. To answer your question: The water comes out the drainhose as quickly as it comes into the machine. The machine never accumulates water. However, once I realize what's going on, I can stop the machine, open the door, close it again and the machine will move on to the next stage. It begins to fill up and will start turning to rinse the clothes. I appreciate your post because they are coming to install a new one today and I want to make sure it is installed correctly. So what do you think? Is it as simple as the hose placement?

Also, this one "walks" a little during the spin cycle and is no longer flush with the floor... it wobbles when you lean on it a little. I've got to make sure it is installed correctly. The guy admitted that he hadn't installed one like it before. It is on one of those pedestals, too.

Kenmore1978- My last washer was a Top loader. Also a GE profile. I had to have it repaired once when the tub inside rusted out and leaked. Being really inept at repairing things, I had to call a repairman. He was really nice and showed me so that if it happened again, I could do it myself.
About a year ago, the washer started getting EXTREMELY loud. I mean REALLY loud. Finally, it would agitate but it quit spinning the water out of the clothes. I read the pros/cons of the FL v. TL on the internet and decided I wanted to join the FL club. I'm starting to regret my choice as I've had problems with my purchase. Maybe this next one they are bringing will be great. Who knows?! I like the idea of having a short drying time. I have small children and we generate a large amount of laundry.

---Kay

Post# 51595 , Reply# 11   12/22/2004 at 13:10 (6,663 days old) by westytoploader ()        

Seems like the pump is not shutting off after the first spin before it fills for the rinse. Could be a defective timer, but I'm not sure.

Post# 51680 , Reply# 12   12/24/2004 at 01:10 (6,662 days old) by designgeek ()        


Kayw, hang in there, and you'll end up with a satisfactory machine that performs properly. It just sounds like you got one that had one or more problems from the factory, which is rare but does occur. Once you have it working correctly (either a replacement machine of the same make & model, or a different brand), you'll probably be quite happy with it.

Post# 51690 , Reply# 13   12/24/2004 at 08:22 (6,661 days old) by Gyrafoam (Roanoke, VA)        

Hi Kay, I've had my FriGEMore for about eight years now and it has been a good machine. I remember a friend bought a new Maytag back in 1992 that had a defective timer. When they hooked the machine up and went to turn it on, the timer went up in a puff of smoke! Hold the Home Depot's install people feet to the fire!!!!! They are NOT trained to install most things they sell because Home Depot is most decididly NOT in the appliance business! If you need any more proof of that, just walk into their immediate competitors store (Lowe's) and look around! I used to work for one of the Home Depot subsidiaries,(the Expo Design Center), and I can tell you from expierence that those delivery people try their best but are NOT properly trained. We used to have a nightmare every time we sold one of the Stacked F/l's in particular! Be sure you WATCH them use a "level" when setting the machine in position and they properly bolt the feet into position or it sure will "walk" when spinning. If they don't get it right I would suggest you call or visit the Store Manager where you made the purchase and have them pick up the machine and issue you a refund. Then go to Lowe's or Sear's and get one---their delivery people have been trained because they ARE in the appliance business!!! Best of luck and Happy Holiday's! --Steve

Post# 56147 , Reply# 14   2/6/2005 at 15:55 (6,617 days old) by SactoTeddyBear ()        
Re: Kay, what happened with your FL Washer problem?

Hi! Kay, I was just going back thru some older Thread Postings and I noticed that you did mention about possibly getting a replacement Washer, but no follow-up about what happened. We would all like to know what finally happened, did Home Depot take back your first Delivered Washer and replace it with a similar Model, or did you go back to a TL Washer again? I hope that everything worked out all right for you, whichever way it went between you and Home Depot and that your able to do your Laundry without any more problems with a replacement Washer.

Peace and Happiness, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...

Post# 57680 , Reply# 15   2/19/2005 at 11:30 (6,604 days old) by KayW ()        
Sorry I didn't let you all know what happened!!!

 Someone had suggested that it was probably siphoning (Nathan, I believe) and it was. When the serviceman came, he knew immediately. The installer had shoved the drain pipe way into the wall. It was too high up and created a suction. So the water was sucking out of the machine and since it never filled up, the water never shut off. He fixed it in about 3 minutes.

It works beautifully now, however. I'll never buy another front-loader again!!! It uses so little water to do a load! My clothes come out so clean and they are almost DRY when the load is finished. I'm shocked at how little time they spend in the dryer. It has really cut down on the time I spend doing laundry. It is surprisingly quiet, too. I'm singing the praises of the front-loaders to everyone I know. Besides the cost, are there any downsides to a frontloader??? None that I can see.

Thanks for helping me out on this one!

Kay

Post# 57687 , Reply# 16   2/19/2005 at 14:41 (6,604 days old) by scott55405 ()        

Kay, I'm guessing you meant to say you won't buy a toploader again, based on the rest of your post. I'm glad you got your problem resolved and that it was something simple! Scott :)

Post# 57729 , Reply# 17   2/19/2005 at 22:21 (6,604 days old) by KayW ()        
RIGHT!!!!!! I meant to say TOP LOADER!

 Sorry for the error!!!!

-Kay


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