If your GE washing machine smells and you don’t know what to do, you’ve come to the right place. This detailed guide will explain the cause of this problem and give you easy-to-follow instructions on how to fix it. So, with that being said, let’s get right to it…
Table of Contents
GE Washing Machine Smells Burnt — How To Fix
If your GE washing machine smells like something burnt, here are some things you need to check…
1. Worn Drive Belt
To replace a damaged drive belt in your GE washing machine, here’s what you’ll need to do…
Step 1. Avoid attempting any repairs on your washing machine until you turn off the power and water supply. This removes any chance of electrocution and water damage.
Step 2. Insert a putty knife under the main top panel of your washing machine to release the clips holding the main front panel.
Step 3. Pull the main front panel off the washing machine and set it aside.
Step 4. Pull the drive belt from drive pulley and motor shaft and set it aside.
Step 5. Take your new washing machine drive belt out of its pack.
Step 6. Zip-tie the drive belt to the right side of the drive pulley (make sure to turn the flat side of the drive belt so it faces upwards).
Step 7. Loop the new drive belt around the motor shaft.
Step 8. Rotate the drive pulley clockwise to help fully align the new drive belt.
Step 9. Cut the zip-tie on the new drive belt.
Step 10. Snap the main front panel of your washing machine back in place.
Step 11. Turn on your washing machine’s water supply and plug the power cord back in, then try running a wash cycle to ensure that everything is working properly.
Note: Please keep in mind that the procedure above can only be applied to GE top loader washing machines.
2. Damaged Drive Motor
Here’s what you’ll need to do to replace a damaged drive motor in your GE washing machine…
Step 1. In order to avoid electrocution or water leakage, always ensure that you turn off your washing machine’s water supply and unplug the power cord before attempting any repairs.
Step 2. Insert a putty knife under the main top panel of your washing machine to release the two clips holding the front section in place.
Step 3. Detach the panel from the washing machine and set it aside.
Step 4. Take note of the positioning of the mode shifter and motor wires connected to the motor board and disconnect them.
Step 5. To release the wires from the motor frame, use a pair of pliers to squeeze the end of the motor wire retainer.
Step 6. Slide the drive belt off the drive motor pulley.
Step 7. Use a socket wrench to take out the mounting nuts at the bottom of the drive motor (to take out the mounting nuts completely, you’ll need to tilt the drive motor forwards a little bit).
Step 8. Lift the drive motor off the mounting bracket and out of your washing machine.
Step 9. Take your new drive motor assembly out of its packaging.
Step 10. Set the new drive motor on the mounting bracket and secure it by applying the mounting nuts (In order to be able to properly apply the rear mounting nuts, you’ll need to tilt the new drive motor assembly forwards a bit).
Step 11. Loop the drive belt onto the motor shaft and drive pulley.
Step 12. Snap the wire retainer into the motor base.
Step 13. Connect each wire to its appropriate terminal on the new drive motor assembly.
Step 14. Snap the main front panel of your washing machine back in place.
Step 15. Turn on your washing machine’s water supply and plug the power cord back in, then make sure everything is working properly by trying to run a wash cycle.
Note: The procedure above can only be applied to GE top loader washing machines.
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3. Failed Start Capacitor
Here’s what you’ll need to do in order to replace a damaged start capacitor in your GE top loader washing machine…
Step 1. In order to prevent any chances of electrocution or water leakage, make sure to turn off your washing machine’s water and power supply before attempting any repairs.
Step 2. Insert a putty knife under the main top panel of your washing machine to release the clips holding the front panel of your washing machine.
Step 3. Detach the main front panel from your washing machine and set it aside.
Step 4. The start capacitor is mounted on the side of the washer’s cabinet. Disconnect the two electrical connectors from the capacitor.
Step 5. Cut the zip ties holding the capacitor to the cabinet frame and set the old start capacitor aside.
Step 6. Take your new start capacitor out of its packaging.
Step 7. Mount the new start capacitor on the cabinet frame and secure by passing zip ties through the two holes on the cabinet.
Step 8. Tape the capacitor wires to the new start capacitor and connect the two electrical connectors to the capacitor.
Step 9. Snap your washing machine’s main front panel back in place.
Step 10. Turn your washing machine’s water supply and plug the power cord back in, then make sure everything is working properly by trying to run a wash cycle.
GE Washing Machine Smells Bad — Solved
Do the following if your GE washing machine smells bad…
Step 1. Take out all the clothes inside your washing machine
Step 2. Pour about two cups of white vinegar into the dispenser drawer of your washing machine. The vinegar will help get rid of foul odors and kill any mold buildup in your washing machine.
Step 3. Turn on your washing machine’s water and power supply.
Step 4. Run a normal wash cycle and with the water temperature set to the highest option.
Step 5. Once the wash cycle is completed, dry your washing machine’s tub with a towel. Make sure to clean the grooves in the tub seal to clean out any dirt or mould in it.
Step 6. Leave the door of your washing machine open for a few hours (this will help your washing machine air out and prevents foul smells).
