James Conley answers:

Probably the small motor that runs the timer died. Most electrical appliances that have timers are run by a very small motor and it not unusual for them to go bad. For instance a washing machine, a dryer.
Those motors are very specific to the machine they’re in. My thought is you may well have to have a repair man come out to examine the problem. You do have electricity to it still working, right?
Check that out first. Make sure the circuit breaker didn’t trip on that line.
Good luck to ya.

James Conley answers:

Your fill-valve is failing. It could need to be cleaned out (especially if you are in a hard-water area) or replaced. It is a small solenoid-valve underneath the unit, not terribly expensive and not difficult to repair if you have any skill in that direction – two screws, a hose clamp, and a Molex Connector – as well as the water fitting. But, if you have had plumbing done recently on domestic water system it is possible that a scrap of dirt or solder displaced by the work is caught in the valve so cleaning may be all that is necessary. However: It is just as much work to clean it as to replace it – were it me, I would consider replacing it unless the problem was obviously related to an outside cause.

8 years is young for that unit. We have a 12 year old unit that is still going strong (and quiet).

Good luck with it.

James Conley answers:

Look up moldy smell from washers in your search engine and you might change your mind. I had a bad experience and got my money back on my washer and dryer and got a G.E Profile that has a regular agitator and I love it. It has almost as large a capacity as my other one but it also uses enough water to keep my clothes from ending up with lint on them out of the washer. I could never hang dry anything because it would take going through the dryer to get the lint off. Those detergents you have to buy for those energy efficient models are expensive and if you don’t use them it causes all kinds of problems. I recommend The largest capacity G.E. Profile that has an agitator. I love mine. I am eternally grateful to Lowes for taking back my energy efficient piece of crap. I can’t imagine being stuck with those for the next 10 years or so. I was planning to yard sale them if the had not have taken them back. That’s how bad I hate them.

P.S. Here is the first article I found when putting in mold problems with front load washers into my search engine…

Mold Problems With Front-Loading Clothes Washers
QUESTION:

Dear Debra:

I am in the midst of purchasing a washing machine and dryer. The low-water, electicity using front-loading machines seemed like the perfect answer.

After shopping at numerous stores, looking at different models, I decided upon a Maytag model. The salesman advised me that there was a problem with mold with the front loaders, but it had been resolved when Maytag put drainage holes in the front, so that the water would not sit under the rubber gasket just inside the door. It seemed to me that the gasket could still collect water, but I was assured that there was no longer any need to worry about mold or mildew. Then I was informed about an “antimicrobial agent” impregnated into the rubber gasket. I sent an email to Maytag asking several questions, including the name of the agent, a Material Safety Data Sheet on the chemical, and other pertinent inquiries. The only response I received from customer service was confirmation that an antibacterial agent was used, but not a liquid.

My husband checked the Internet and found out that the machine has to be periodically cleaned with bleach – I never use bleach -although I think it’s okay to substitute hydrogen peroxide), water should be turned off after each use to prevent collection of water in the gasket, and one should be aware of any stagnant water odors, since this indicates the presence of mold. A friend of mine has one and loves it. However, when I told her what I had discovered, she checked the gasket, reported it was full of slime, and cleaned it out. No antimicrobial agents are utilized in top loaders or front-loading laundrymat machines, because the latter are in constant use, so there is no opportunity for water to collect underneath the rubber. Also you cannot use vinegar in the machine as this will ruin the sensors.

To further delve into the subject, I called some appliance repair shops and was given the same advice: Don’t buy a front loader, as they are problematical and always form mold. Purchase a basic top-loading, heavy-duty machine with a dial or button control. Stay away from digital and electronics.

My original concern was with the antimicrobial agent, as I felt it might leach into the clothing from the water or the air in the utility room. There is no window in this room, only a fan.

What is your experience with and knowledge of these machines? I believe in Europe they only use front loaders. Maybe their machines are different, or am I making much ado about nothing? What first attracted me to them was their low water use and no “walking or balance” problems, since there is no agitator. However, there seem to be other issues with them, including high maintenance.

I had to install two new toilets not too long ago, and there is a caveat not to use pumice stone or any harsh cleaners on the bowl. I imagine because the porcelain is thinner than the procelain that was in the old, far more durable models.

Perhaps the “old-fashioned” tried and true kinds are better after all.

Appreciate a response ASAP.

Thanks