Repair or replace old Maytag washer? archived

We have a 30-year old Maytag washer that had just been installed a year before we bought our house (back in 1980). It's worked fine for the past 30 years, so we've just kept it. Occasionally, a load would unbalance during a spin cycle and the washer would shut off. I'd rearrange the load, click it back on and it would finish the load.

Yesterday, it unbalanced, but blew the circuit breaker. I rearranged the load, flipped the breaker back on (breaker had never flipped off before when this happened), but the washer won't come back on.

Does anyone know if there is a reset button somewhere on a machine like this (none is visible on the control panel or the top, front or sides of the machine - I haven't tried to turn it around to see the back because it still has some water in it and it is heavy.)

My thought is we probably should replace it with a more energy-efficient model rather than try a service call. I don't even know if they would have parts available for a model this old. Any suggestions or advice?

maybe call first & explain & see if they would even be able to get parts.
The energy efficiency is important...might be time to thank it for its 30 yrs of service (impressive) & move on. Is your dryer really old too? I think those are big energy hogs.

No, we replaced the dryer a few years ago. It lasted for 25 years with only 2 service calls (minor part replacements). I was thinking of getting one today and seeing if it could be delivered this week. I don't think I'll be able to reach a plumber until tomorrow, when it'll either be snowing or I'll be at work.

I can wash small items by hand, but not bath towels or other heavy things (can't squeeze 'em hard enough to get them ready to go into the dryer safely.) I know newer models are much more efficient and use less water, too. Ever notice how these things always happen on weekends?

Cody-we just replaced our 20 year old (not Maytag) two weeks ago. First we called Valley Household who will come immediately. He could fix the machine for about $150 but could not guarantee how long it would last. I asked my age old question for repair persons. "If this was your wife's machine, what would you do?" He told me that he would replace it. (Once before on another appliance he told me that if I did not want to fix the dryer he would like to have it for his house because it still had a lot of life in it).
Long story short,we went to Lowes on Rte 22 and bought a new Maytag and they delivered it quickly and took the old one with them.
Good luck-
bgs

Here's two possible solutions - First go to Jacoby on Springfield Ave in Irvington. Buy a book for your model and order the part. You can ask the counter person if they might have any idea what it could be. OR go online and look for the model. There are usually schematics which will show you where things are and then buy the part.

Before you go the above route, if your machine has a kick panel, remove it and see if there is a switch there. then look in the back of the machine for the same thing. Washing machines are simple creatures with a complex control mechanism.

I have not heard of the problem you are experiencing. However based on the age of the unit, your ability to make repairs, the cost of having repairs made, you are better off getting a new unit.

30 years old? Now that's impressive! I don't have much advice, just wanted to say that :shocked:

I'd call Norman. He *may* be able to diagnose/recommend on the phone. He fixed our washer, dishwasher, and dryer. He was not expensive, always fixed it right the first time, and seemed like a straight arrow regarding whether it's worth fixing.

Norman's Appliance - Sales and Service (973) 564-9050

otoh, if cost isn't a problem, you might have fun with a new machine.

The problem with a 30 year old washer is parts. I work for an appliance repair service, and can tell you that parts do become NLA (no longer available). I think you would be pushing it with a 30 year washer. However, it could be something simple like a loose, broken, or corroded wire to a control board. I think I would call a service that would charge for diagnostic only, and not a flat fee. Then, you can get an estimate of costs, and they can research if the parts are still available.

Thanks, everyone. As our son is home from college this week (with laundry), we decided to bite the bullet and get a new washer. We got an energy efficient one, which uses much less water per load, less detergent and less electricity. I'll miss my old friend, but 13 gallons of water vs. 55 gallons is a lot, and the newer machines do let you optimize the wash (my current machine has only 3 settings). But I think it's pretty good that it lasted as long as it did.

(We've used Norman's in the past and I agree, they are an excellent repair service) - I hope this new machine lasts a good, long time, but there's no way I'll still be here in 30 years to know if it outlasted our current one or not! :wink:

Thanks for helping the economy by buying a new one.