GE EWA4600G0 How to use

GE Appliances
General Electric Company
Louisville, Kentucky 40225
31-9146
GE Washers With
Electromechanical Controls
and Mode Shifter Assembly
Technical Service Guide
November 2006
GE Consumer & Industrial
LOADSIZE
TEMPERATUREOPTIONS
COTTONS
HOO-BOYWARM HOTDELICATESBURLAP
COLD
TEPID
LARGE
REGULAR
EXTRA
LARGE
EASYCARE
PREWASHDELICATES
EWA4600G0
GJRR4170H0
GJSR4160H0
WCSR4170G0
WHDRR418G0
WJRR4170G0
WJSR4160G0
WLRR4500G0

– 2 –
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE
The information in this service guide is intended for use by
individuals possessing adequate backgrounds of electrical,
electronic, and mechanical experience. Any attempt to repair a
major appliance may result in personal injury and property
damage. The manufacturer or seller cannot be responsible for the
interpretation of this information, nor can it assume any liability in
connection with its use.
WARNING
To avoid personal injury, disconnect power before servicing
this product. If electrical power is required for diagnosis or test
purposes, disconnect the power immediately after performing the
necessary checks.
RECONNECT ALL GROUNDING DEVICES
If grounding wires, screws, straps, clips, nuts, or washers used to
complete a path to ground are removed for service, they must be
returned to their original position and properly fastened.
GE Consumer & Industrial
Technical Service Guide
Copyright © 2006
All rights reserved. This service guide may not be reproduced in whole or in part
in any form without written permission from the General Electric Company.

– 3 –
Table of Contents
AC Line Filter........................................................................................................................................................................17
Agitator..................................................................................................................................................................................13
Belt...........................................................................................................................................................................................20
Brake Test............................................................................................................................................................................. 36
Component Locator Views...........................................................................................................................................12
Control Panel ......................................................................................................................................................................14
Control Timer ......................................................................................................................................................................14
Control Features...............................................................................................................................................................10
Cover/Lid Assembly.........................................................................................................................................................19
Diagnostics and Service Information...................................................................................................................... 30
Drain Pump..........................................................................................................................................................................20
Front Panel...........................................................................................................................................................................19
Harness Fuse ......................................................................................................................................................................23
Inverter/Motor.................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Inverter/Motor Error Codes..........................................................................................................................................33
Inverter/Motor Test..........................................................................................................................................................35
Leveling Legs ......................................................................................................................................................................13
Lid Switch .............................................................................................................................................................................18
Mode Shifter Coil Test .....................................................................................................................................................35
Motor and Drive System................................................................................................................................................ 5
Nomenclature .................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Schematic ............................................................................................................................................................................37
Shaft and Mode Shifter Assembly ............................................................................................................................ 26
Shaft and Mode Shifter Overview ............................................................................................................................. 6
Shipping Rod.......................................................................................................................................................................13
Suspension ..........................................................................................................................................................................23
Temperature Selector and Options Switches...................................................................................................... 16
Tub Assembly .....................................................................................................................................................................24
Tub Cover.............................................................................................................................................................................. 24
Warranty ..............................................................................................................................................................................38
Washer Components......................................................................................................................................................13
Water Level Switch ..........................................................................................................................................................15
Water Valve.........................................................................................................................................................................17

– 4 –
The nomenclature tag is located under
the lid in the right rear corner.
The mini-manual is located inside the
control panel.
Nomenclature
The letter designating
the year repeats every
12 years.
Example:
T - 1974
T - 1986
T - 1998
Serial Number
The first two characters of the serial number
identify the month and year of manufacture.
Example: AL123456S = January, 2006
A- JAN 2006 - L
D - FEB 2005 - H
F - MAR 2004 - G
G - APR 2003 - F
H - MAY 2002 - D
L - JUN 2001 - A
M - JUL 2000 - Z
R - AUG 1999 - V
S - SEP 1998 - T
T - OCT 1997 - S
V - NOV 1996 - R
Z - DEC 1995 - M
Nomenclature

– 5 –
Motor and Drive System
The new GE washers incorporate a new motor and drive system. The 120 VAC input powers a three phase
induction inverter/motor assembly. The inverter produces approximately 340 VDC, which is pulse width
modulated (PWM) to control motor speed. There is no location to check inverter output voltage to the motor.
Voltage given is for information only. The motor is bidirectional, constantly reversing it’s direction to provide
agitation. The motor is connected by a belt to the shaft and mode shifter assembly. By energizing or de-
energizing a coil, the mode shifter assembly engages or disengages the shaft and tube. This allows for
agitation and spin cycle modes.
Motor status is displayed through a series of flash codes from a green LED located on the front side of the
inverter just above the motor. These codes are stored in memory until cleared.
Inverter/Motor
Green LED

– 6 –
Shaft and Mode Shifter Overview
The shaft and mode shifter assembly consists of the shaft and tube, mode shifter cam, and mode shifter coil.
It operates in 2 distinct modes, spin and agitation.
The shaft and tube transfers power to the wash system. Motor power is transmitted to the shaft and tube
from the drive belt to the drive pulley. The drive pulley is attached to one end of the agitator shaft and the
agitator is attached to the other. The tube is fixed to the washer basket at all times.
The mode shifter changes the shaft and tube from spin to agitation. In agitation mode, the tube is fixed to the
platform and the agitator shaft rotates freely. In spin mode, the agitator shaft is fixed to the tube and both
rotate together.
Basket
Motor
Agitator
Motor Pulley
Mode Shifter
Drive Belt Drive Pulley
Tub
Platform
Inverter
View from Right Side
Agitator Shaft
(Continued next page)
Tube

– 7 –
Agitate Position
Spin/Idle Position
Mode Shifter Cam
Mode Shifter Coil
Mode Shifter Coil
Drive Pulley
Mode
Shifter
Cam
Mode Shifter Coil
Drive Pulley
Mode
Shifter
Cam
(Continued next page)
Drive Shaft
Note: Mode shifter coil energized for agitate mode; cam teeth disengaged from drive pulley.
Shaft and Mode Shifter Assembly
Note: Mode shifter coil de-energized for spin/idle mode; cam teeth engaged in drive pulley.

– 8 – (Continued next page)
MODE SHIFTER
AGITATE
PROGRAM
RUNS
(18 SEC)
Mode Shifter Operation - Agitation
The mode shifter is controlled by the motor inverter circuit. When the washer starts the agitation cycle,
the inverter energizes the mode shifter coil. The magnetic field of the coil lifts the mode shifter cam,
disengaging it from the drive pulley. Without the cam engaged, the drive pulley rotates only the
agitator shaft.
At the beginning of the agitation cycle, the inverter energizes the mode shifter coil with
135 VDC (PWM) for approximately 18 seconds. This high voltage pulls the mode shifter
cam up from the drive pulley. During this time, the motor also rotates clockwise and
counterclockwise in short strokes to ensure the mode shifter cam has been released from
the drive pulley. This operation is called the Mode Shifter Agitate Program. It is normal to
hear metal-to-metal "clunking" sounds during this time as the cam and drive pulley
disengage. The washer runs this program when the agitation cycle first starts, when
power is restored if lost during agitation or when the user restarts the washer if paused.
Once the Mode Shifter Agitate Program has completed (18 seconds), agitation begins. During agitation,
the inverter continues to supply 30 VDC (PWM) to the mode shifter coil. This voltage is sufficient to hold
the mode shifter cam away from the drive pulley throughout the remainder of the agitation cycle.
The inverter motor controls the speed of agitation. The agitator stroke rate is approximately 30 strokes
per minute. This rate is the same for all cycles. The speed of the motor controls the arc. At fast speed,
the arc is approximately 360 degrees. At slower speeds, the arc is substantially less. It is the distance of
the arc that determines normal or gentle wash cycles.
Mode Shifter Operation - Spin
At the beginning of the spin cycle, the inverter runs a short sequence (approximately 30
seconds) to make certain the mode shifter cam is engaged with the drive pulley. The
inverter does not supply voltage to the mode shifter coil during this sequence. Since the
coil is not energized, the spring loaded cam drops down into the teeth of the drive pulley.
During this time, the motor also rotates clockwise and counterclockwise in short strokes to
ensure the cam has engaged with the drive pulley. This 30 second operation is called the
Mode Shifter Spin Program. It is normal to hear metal-to-metal "clunking" sounds during
this time as the cam and drive pulley engage.
MODE SHIFTER
SPIN
PROGRAM RUNS
(30 SEC
Notes:
If the washer is paused while in agitation, it is NORMAL to hear sounds for an additional 30 seconds as
the inverter control runs the Mode Shifter Spin Program to de-energize the coil and enter a pause state.
If the washer is in agitation and power is lost, the inverter control will run the Mode Shifter Agitate
Program when power is restored.
If the washer is in spin and power is lost, the inverter control will run the Mode Shifter Spin Program
when power is restored.
To help prevent out-of-balance conditions, the last 10 seconds of agitation on certain cycles will be
short, fast strokes to help redistribute the clothes load prior to entering the spin cycle.

– 9 –
CYCLE
SELECTED
TUB FILLS
PRESSURE
SWITCH
OPENS
MODE SHIFTER
AGITATE
PROGRAM
RUNS
(18 SEC)
AGITATION
CYCLE
BEGINS
AGITATION
CYCLE
ENDS
POWER IS
RESTORED
POWER IS
LOST
LID SWITCH
OPENS
MOTOR STOPS
USER
PRESSES
TIMER
KNOB IN
MODE SHIFTER
AGITATE
PROGRAM
RUNS
(18 SEC)
LID SWITCH
CLOSED
MODE SHIFTER
SPIN
PROGRAM RUNS
(30 SEC
AGITATION
CYCLE
CONTINUES
MODE SHIFTER
AGITATE
PROGRAM
RUNS
(18 SEC)
MODE SHIFTER
SPIN
PROGRAM RUNS
(30 SEC
SPIN CYCLE
BEGINS
CYCLE
COMPLETED
POWER IS
RESTORED
POWER IS
LOST
SPIN BASKET
STOPS
(7 SEC
LID SWITCH
OPENS
SPIN BASKET
STOPS
(7 SEC)
USER PRESSES
SPIN BASKET
COASTS TO A
STOP
MODE SHIFTER
SPIN
PROGRAM RUNS
(30 SEC)
LID SWITCH
CLOSED
SPIN
CYCLE
CONTINUES
START END
Control Logic Flowchart
SPIN BASKET
COASTS TO A
STOP
USER
PULLS
TIMER
KNOB OUT
MOTOR
STOPS
TIMER KNOB IN
USER
PULLS
TIMER
KNOB
OUT

– 10 –
Features and appearance may vary between models.
Control Features
GE Models
(Continued next page)
• Add detergent
• Add diluted fabric
softener (on models
with a fabric
softener dispenser)
• Add clothes
• Select load size and
other wash options
• Select wash cycle • Close lid
• Pull knob
Quick Start Guide
Load Size
Loosely load clothes no higher than the top row of holes in the washer basket. The water level should just cover
the clothes. Adjust the load size accordingly.
Temperature (on some models)
Select the water temperature for the wash and rinse cycles. Always follow fabric manufacturer’s care label or
instructions when laundering.
Options (on some models)
2nd Rinse Option
When you use extra detergent or bleach to clean heavily soiled clothes, you may want to use the 2nd Rinse
option. It provides a second deep cold rinse.
A
A
B
B
C
C
D
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3
Step 4
Controls

– 11 –
Wash Cycle—Cycle Selector Knob
The chart below will help you match the wash cycle setting with your clothing. The chart is ranked from longest to
shortest cycle time and wash intensity.
Your washer may not have all these cycles. (Cycles vary by model.)
PREWASH For removing surface dirt from heavily soiled clothes. Make sure to follow with a
regular wash cycle.
D
COTTONS For heavy to lightly soiled cottons, household linens, work and play clothes.
or WHITES
EASY CARE For wrinkle-free and permanent press items, and knits.
DELICATES For lingerie and special-care fabrics with light to normal soil.
SPIN For draining the tub and spinning water out of the clothes.
RINSE SPIN For quickly rinsing chlorine, perspiration, stains, etc., out of clothes.
15 MIN/30 MIN For very soiled clothes. Begins with agitation, soaks for a specified period of time, then moves
AUTO SOAK through the rest of the cycle automatically.
2nd RINSE Provides an automatic, second deep rinse to thoroughly remove detergent or bleach from
your clothes.

– 12 –
Component Locator Views
Motor
Drain Pump
Suspension Rod
Pressure Hose
Drive Pulley Belt
Platform
Motor Pulley
Inverter
Water Valve
AC Line Filter
Water Level Switch
Front View
Control Panel (in service position)
Temperature
Selection
Switch
Timer
Options Switch

– 13 –
Washer Components
WARNING: Sharp edges may be exposed when
servicing. Use caution to avoid injury. Wear Kevlar
gloves or equivalent protection.
Shipping Rod
There is a new location for the shipping rod. The rod
is inserted and removed through a hole located on
the lower right side of the cabinet and now passes
in front of the drain pump.
The shipping rod passes through the chassis rod
brackets and the platform brackets.
Leveling Legs
The front legs are screw type and are adjusted
by turning the legs counterclockwise to increase
height. The rear leveling legs are contained in an
assembly and will level the rear of the washer left to
right.
To level the washer, tilt the washer forward to lift the
rear legs off the floor, then gently set it back down.
Adjust the front leveling legs to level the washer
front to back and left to right across the front.
Rod Inlet Hole
Chassis Rod
Bracket
Chassis Rod
Bracket
Agitator
The agitator is a dual-action ratcheting type, which
sets on an air bell coupling. Remove the agitator
by grasping the bottom and sharply pulling up. To
protect from back injury, use agitator strap, part
number WX5X1326 or equivalent.
To align the agitator for reassembly, match the
grooves in the air bell to the grooves inside the
agitator. The fins on the outside of the agitator
are aligned with the grooves on the inside of the
agitator. To remove the air bell coupling, remove the
7
/ 16 -in. bolt and lift coupling off the shaft.
Platform Brackets
Shipping Rod

– 14 –
Rotate the top of the control panel forward
approximately 1 inch and slide to the right to
unlock the 3 bottom locking tabs.
Lift the panel up and off the cover panel and rotate
down.
3.
4.
Service Position
Tab
Control Panel
It is necessary to remove the control panel from the
backguard and place it in the service position to
access:
Control timer
Water level switch
Water valve
AC line filter
Caution: To prevent damage to the control panel,
place a protective pad on the cover/lid assembly.
To place the control panel in the service position:
Disconnect power.
Remove the three ¼-in. hex-head screws from
the rear of the control panel.
•
•
•
•
1.
2.
(Continued next page)
Control Timer
The control timer is mounted on the inside of the
control panel. It is held in place with a single ¼-in.
hex-head screw and 2 tab-locks.
To remove the control timer:
Disconnect power.
Using a flat blade screwdriver, remove the spring
clip that attaches the timer knob to the timer
shaft.
Pull the knob and dial straight out from the
timer.
1.
2.
3.
Place the control panel in the service position.
(See Control Panel.)
4.
Clip
Screwdriver
Dial
Knob

– 15 –
Remove the wire harness from the control timer.
Remove the single ¼-in. hex-head screw.
5.
6.
Wire Harness
Lift up slightly on the tab where the screw
was located and rotate the timer clockwise (as
viewed from back) to release it from the 2 tab-
locks.
7.
Control Timer Removed From Control Panel
Tab-lock
Tab-lock
Water Level Switch
The minimum fill volume is 9 gallons. The water
level measures approximately 7½ inches (6
holes) above the bottom of the basket.
The maximum fill volume is 22 gallons. The
water level measures approximately 15 inches
above the bottom of the basket (between holes
2 and 3 from the top).
•
•
To remove the water level switch:
Disconnect power.
Remove the water level switch knob by gently
pulling it outward.
Place the control panel in the service position.
(See Control Panel.)
1.
2.
3.
Minimum Fill Level

– 16 –
Note: The water level switch red and black wire
has a locking tab that must be depressed to be
disconnected. To remove this wire from the water
level switch, depress the clip using a small blade
screwdriver and pull the wire off the terminal as
shown.
Pressure Hose
Plastic Locking Tab
Press the plastic locking tab, rotate the switch
counterclockwise, and pull the switch out of the
control panel.
5.
Disconnect
ELECTRICAL TERMINAL
RELEASE/LOCKING TAB
Disconnect the 3 wires and the pressure hose
attached to the water level switch.
4.
Disconnect
Plastic Locking Tab
Plastic Locking Tab
Temperature Selector and Options Switches
To remove the temperature selector and options
switches:
Disconnect power.
Remove the knob by gently pulling it outward.
Place the control panel in the service position.
(See Control Panel.)
Mark and disconnect the wires attached to the
switch.
Press the plastic locking tab, rotate the switch
counterclockwise, and pull the switch out of the
control panel.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Temperature Selector Switch
Options Switch

– 17 –
Water Valve
The washer utilizes a 3-coil water valve. This
“triple water valve” meters water flow through
fixed orifices. The chart below identifies the
valves energized at each temperature setting and
approximate water temperatures obtained (+/- 5°F).
These temperatures are based on the DOE nominal
temperatures of 135°F for hot and 60°F for cold.
Fill Funnel
Hose
AC Line Filter
The potential exists for the washer to cause
electronic devices in the vicinity to experience
disruption. In addition, electrical devices in the
area could cause erratic behavior in the washer
electronic control. To eliminate the likelihood of
disruption, the washer is equipped with a conductive
noise filter. Should interference with electronic
devices or erratic control behavior be reported,
suspect a problem with the filter. The ground wire
attached to the filter must have a good connection
for the filter to operate properly. Check to make
certain that the ground wire is connected properly
before replacing the filter.
The filter is accessed by placing the control panel in
the service position. (See Control Panel.)
Note: When untaping and disconnecting the wires
from the AC line filter, note wire locations.
AC Line Filter
HOT SOLENOID
SLOW COLD SOLENOID
FAST COLD SOLENOID
Remove the fill hoses from the water valve.
Note: The fill funnel hose is difficult to remove.
Remove the fill funnel hose. Squeeze the clamp
and slide it back. Carefully break the hose loose
by inserting a small flat-blade screwdriver under
the hose to break the seal.
Remove the two ¼-in. hex-head screws that
hold the valve to the cabinet.
4.
5.
6.
The water valve has a flow rate of
approximately 2.1 gallons (8 liters) per minute.
Each solenoid coil has an approximate
resistance value of 1.1K Ω.
When energized, there should be approximately
120 VAC at the appropriate coil.
The water valve is accessed by placing the control
panel in the service position. It is inserted and
retained in a cutout in the rear of the backguard
and held in place by 2 hex-head screws. It is only
available as a complete assembly.
To remove the water valve:
Disconnect power.
Disconnect the wiring from the solenoids.
Place the control panel in the service position.
(See Control Panel.)
•
•
•
1.
2.
3.
Setting Valve(s) Energized Temperature
Hot Hot Valve 135°F
Warm Hot Valve
Slow Cold Valve
90°F
Cool Hot Valve
Fast Cold Valve
Slow Cold Valve
75°F
Cold Fast Cold Valve 60°F

– 18 –
Lid Switch
The lid switch is installed in the cover assembly at
the right front corner of the lid recess. The switch is
held to the underside of the cover by a latch.
The lid switch is a safety feature that prevents the
washer from agitating or spinning when the lid
is open. The switch is closed by a magnet that is
attached to the lid. When the lid is shut, the magnet
will cause the switch to close the circuit, allowing
normal functions to occur. When the lid is opened,
the switch will open the circuit, which will prevent
agitating or spinning.
If the lid switch:
Is closed, it will provide 120 VAC to the inverter/
motor assembly at pin 6 of the C2 connector.
Is open, agitation and spin will not occur, but the
timer will continue to advance and the washer
will fill with water and drain at the appropriate
times in the cycle.
Was opened during a cycle, left open and the
timer finished the cycle, when the lid is closed
again, the inverter completes a spin algorithm to
ensure the mode shifter is de-energized.
Opens during agitation, the control will keep
the mode shifter energized. When the lid switch
closes while still in agitation, the washer will
resume agitation.
Opens during the execution of the mode shifter
agitate program, the control will stop the agitate
program and drop the mode shifter voltage to
0 VDC. When the lid switch is closed again, the
control will run the mode shifter spin program
and then re-run the agitate program from the
beginning.
Opens during the mode shifter spin program,
the control will stop the spin program. When the
lid is closed again, the control will run the spin
program from the beginning.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Bottom
View
Lid Switch
Note:
The motor inverter control monitors lid switch
operation by monitoring voltage through pin 6
on connector C2.
As a safety measure, the inverter control
monitors lid openings by recording motor run
sequences. If the control runs 4 continuous
agitation/spin cycles (usually 2 complete wash
cycles) WITHOUT seeing the lid switch open, it
will shut down the motor and initiate a lid switch
error code. This error will prevent the motor from
operating until the problem is repaired.
To access the lid switch it is necessary to open the
lid and reach under the cover assembly. To release
it from the cover requires pressing the lid switch
latch in firmly and gently pushing the switch up. The
switch can then be lifted through the opening.
•
•
Latch

– 19 –
Front Panel
The front panel is a removable, galvanized sheet
metal section. The front panel is fastened at the
top by 2 metal spring clips, and at the bottom by 2
metal tabs, which protrude from the base of the unit
into slots in the panel bottom.
Most major mechanical components can be
accessed by removing the front panel.
To remove the front panel:
Locate 2 spring clips between the top cover and
front panel by aligning a putty knife with left or
right edge of lid.
Insert the putty knife and push forward to
release clips.
1.
2.
Rotate the front panel forward and lift off the
bottom tabs.
3.
Cover/Lid Assembly
The cover/lid assembly is fastened at the front by
2 screws, on the sides by 2 metal catches, and at
the back by 3 locking tabs that protrude from the
bottom of the control panel.
Note: Do not allow lid to swing open when cover/lid
assembly is removed. Damage may result.
To remove the cover/lid assembly:
Remove the front panel. (See Front Panel.)
Remove the lid switch. (See Lid Switch.)
Remove the two ¼-in. hex screws securing the
front of the cover/lid assembly to the cabinet.
1.
2.
3.
Pull the top cover toward you while lifting up the
front edge to release the side catches. Slide the
top cover to the left to release from the 3 tabs.
4.

– 20 –
Drain Pump
The drain pump is coupled to a 120 VAC, 60 Hz, 85
watt motor. The pump motor has an approximate
resistance value of 12 Ω.
Note: If a wash cycle has started and the customer
stops the washer by pushing in on the timer knob,
the pump will not drain any water in the tub. The
washer will go through a spin algorithm to de-
energize the mode shifter and shut down. The water
stays in the tub.
To remove the pump:
Note: Water will remain in hoses even when the tub
appears empty. Use care to avoid water spills.
Disconnect power to the machine.
Lower the drain hose into a small bucket to
remove any water remaining in hose.
Remove the front panel. (See Front Panel.)
Disconnect the pump wires.
Pinch off the black sump hose to prevent water
spills.
Remove hose clamps and hoses from the pump.
Remove two 3
/ 8 -in. hex-head screws.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Sump Hose
Drain Pump
Pump Wires
Belt Install Tool Kit
To replace the drive belt using the tool kit:
Note: If not using the belt install tool, follow steps 1
through 3, and 6 through 7. Remove wire tie after
step 7.
Disconnect power.
Remove the front panel. (See Front Panel.)
Center belt on drive pulley and secure tightly
with wire tie as shown on following page. Align
wire tie as shown.
Stretch the belt install tool to fit over the end of
the motor shaft. (See Figure A.)
Slide belt install tool upward until it snaps into
the first groove of the motor shaft. (See Figure
B.)
Center belt on motor shaft grooves and slowly
turn drive pulley clockwise.
Continue rotating drive pulley until belt is fully
engaged.
Remove wire tie and belt install tool.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Belt
Since the belt provides constant tension, there is
no need for adjustments (an adjustment method
is not provided).
A worn or damaged belt can result in excessive
brake time and will initiate a motor inverter
slipping belt error code. This code will prevent
the inverter/motor from operating.
To replace the drive belt it may be helpful to use
the belt install tool (part number WX05X10102).
•
•
•
(Continued next page)