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Washer burning smell
Common reasons your washer burning smell
The most common reasons your washer has a burning smell are a broken motor, malfunctioning electronic control board or a damaged spin basket.
45% of the time it's the Motor
22% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
14% of the time it's the Spin Basket
19% of the time it's the Something else
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Common washer repair parts you may need
Replacing one of these washer parts may fix your problem.
Motor Replacement
When a washer motor is bad, it may struggle to spin the basket or move the agitator. The spin basket may experience erratic spinning or fail to spin altogether, leading to water not draining from the tub. Additionally, unusual sounds during operation such as squealing or grinding, might be present. Over time, a faulty motor may overheat, resulting in a burning odor or visible signs of damage to the motor and surrounding areas.
Electronic Control Board Replacement
A burning smell emanating from the washer could be attributed to a malfunctioning electronic control board. If the board is shorted, it may emit a burning odor as a sign of internal problems. The washer might also fail to fill, agitate, spin, or drain.
Spin Basket Replacement
If the spin basket in a washer becomes damaged, it can lead to friction between the basket and other parts. This friction generates heat while the basket spins, resulting in a burning odor. The heat is likely caused by the damaged basket rubbing against the drum, putting both physical and thermal strain on the components. Additionally, you might hear unusual noises or experience excessive vibration during the spin cycle. Ignoring a damaged spin basket can result in further deterioration of the basket and adjacent parts.
What to expect when you experience a washer burning smell issue
What should you do with a burning smell problem?
Resolving most burning smell problems usually entails replacing the motor, electronic control board or spin basket. There could be other causes, so a thorough diagnosis is essential to understanding the repair cost and fixing the problem.
Recommendations from Sears Home Services for a washer burning smell
If your washer emits a burning smell, there could be various causes. To prevent unnecessary part replacements, we suggest scheduling washer repair with a Sears Home Services professional who can perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians have extensive experience diagnosing all types of washer failures.
What to watch out for with a washer burning smell diagnosis
Analyzing contemporary appliances without sufficient expertise and training can prove challenging. In the absence of proper diagnostic methods, addressing issues with your washer may rely solely on guesswork when replacing components. Over the past decade, appliances have evolved significantly, incorporating intricate electronic components that pose challenges for testing. Consequently, do-it-yourself repairs on the newest appliance models are growing progressively more intricate. Is your washer burning smell?
A washer emitting a smoky odor could have overheated belts, motors, or wiring insulation. Running it further risks costlier damage or unsafe conditions. Instead, count on washing machine repair shop. Eliminating the heat source helps protect both your appliance and your home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Glossary Terms
Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.
A washing machine pedestal is a platform that raises the washer off the ground, providing easier access to the appliances and often includes additional storage space such as drawers.
A washer tub is the interior part of a washing machine where clothes are placed for washing, typically made of stainless steel, plastic, or porcelain-coated metal, designed to hold water and withstand the agitation or spinning during the wash cycle.
Fabric softener is a laundry additive used to soften and freshen clothing, reduce static cling, and make fabrics feel smoother.