Is your washing machine overheating? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This detailed guide explains the causes of this issue and gives you steps on how to fix them. So, without further ado, let’s get right to it…
Table of Contents
Washing Machine Overheating Smell — How To Fix
If your washing machine is giving off a burning smell, here are some issues to look for…
1. Worn Drive Belt
If your washing machine’s drive belt gets old and stretched out, it will begin to produce a burning smell when running. Here’s how to replace a worn drive belt in your washing machine…
How To Replace Worn Drive Belt In Front Loader Washing Machine
Do the following to replace a damaged drive belt in your front loader washing machine…
Step 1. Turn off your washing machine’s water supply valve and unplug the power cord from the outlet before starting this repair in order to prevent electrocution or water leakage.
Step 2. Unscrew the two water supply hoses from the inlet ports on the washing machine (we advise keeping a rag nearby to clean up water leaks).
Step 3. Using a Philips screwdriver, take out all the screws at the back of your washing machine holding the rear panel. Carefully pull the panel off your washing machine and set it aside.
Step 4. Slowly rotate the drive pulley and pull the drive belt off. Take your new washing machine drive belt out of its packaging. Loop the new belt around the drive pulley and motor shaft (ensure that the grooved part of the belt faces downwards).
Step 5. Put the rear access panel back onto the washing machine and apply the screws with your Philips screwdriver to secure it.
Step 6. Connect the water supply hoses back to your washing machine (in order to prevent water leakage, make sure to secure the connections properly). Plug the power cord back into the outlet and turn the water supply on. Make sure the issue has been fixed by running a wash cycle.
How To Replace Worn Drive Belt In Top Loader Washing Machine
Take the following steps to replace a worn drive belt in your top loader washing machine…
Step 1. Unplug your washing machine from its power supply and turn the water valve off before starting this repair.
Step 2. Unscrew the water inlet hoses from the ports at the back of your washing machine (you’ll need to keep a rag nearby to clean up any water spills).
Step 3. Pull the drain hose out of your home drain. Carefully tilt the washing machine backwards and lay it on the floor.
Step 4. Use a socket wrench to take out the bolts holding the drive belt cover to the bottom of the machine. Pull the cover off and set it aside.
Step 5. Rotate the drive pulley slowly and pull the drive belt off the machine. Take your new washing machine drive belt out of its packaging.
Step 6. Fit the new drive belt around the pulleys (ensure that the grooved part of the belt faces downwards). Put the drive belt cover back on and apply the bolts to secure it.
Step 7. Lift your washing machine upright and insert the drain hose back into the home drain. Connect the two water supply hoses back to the ports on your washing machine (secure them properly so water doesn’t leak out).
Step 8. Plug the power cord back into the power outlet and turn the water supply valve back on. Try running a wash cycle to see if the problem has been fixed.
2. Failed Start Capacitor (Only Applies To Top Loaders)
Take the following steps to replace a failed start capacitor in your washing machine.
Step 1. Make sure to unplug your washing machine from its power supply before starting this repair in order to prevent electrocution.
Step 2. Use a Philips screwdriver to take out the two screws at the bottom of the front panel. Pull the panel downwards and lift it off your washing machine.
Step 3. The start capacitor will be mounted at the side of the cabinet. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the capacitor (do not touch the capacitor by hand yet).
Step 4. Rub a screwdriver or a pair of pliers on the two contacts on the capacitor (this will take out any charge that may still be in the capacitor). Cut the zip-tie holding the start capacitor to the cabinet. Pull the capacitor off and set it aside.
Step 5. Take your new washing machine start capacitor out of its packaging. Secure the new capacitor to the cabinet with a zip-tie and connect the two electrical connectors to it.
Step 6. Snap the front panel back onto your washing machine and use a Philips screwdriver to apply the two screws at the bottom. Plug the machine back into the power outlet and run a wash cycle to make sure the problem has been fixed.
3. Failed Drive Motor
If your washing machine’s drive motor gets damaged, it may begin to produce a burning smell during wash cycles. Here’s what you’ll need to do to replace a damaged drive motor in your washing machine…
How To Replace Damaged Front Loader Washing Machine Drive Motor
Do the following to replace a damaged front loader washing machine drive motor…
Step 1. Unplug your washing machine from its power outlet before starting this repair in order to prevent electrocution.
Step 2. Use your Philips screwdriver to take out all the screws at the back of your washing machine holding the rear access panel. Pull the panel off your washing machine and set it aside.
Step 3. Slowly rotate the drive pulley and pull the drive belt off. Disconnect the electrical connectors and grounding wire attached to the drive motor (ensure that you take note of where each wire goes).
Step 4. Use a 10mm socket wrench to take out the bolts holding the drive motor to the bottom of the tub. Pull the motor out of your washing machine and set it aside.
Step 5. Take your new washing machine drive motor out of its packaging. Install the new motor at the bottom of the tub and use your socket wrench to apply the mounting screws.
Step 6. Connect each electrical connector to its appropriate terminal on the new drive motor and secure the grounding wire. Loop the drive belt around the drive pulley and motor shaft.
Step 7. Snap the rear access panel back onto the washing machine and apply the screws with your Philips screwdriver. Plug the appliance back into the power outlet and try running a cycle to make sure the problem has been fixed.
How To Replace Damaged Top Loader Washing Machine Drive Motor
Take the following steps to replace a damaged top loader washing machine drive motor…
Step 1. Unplug your washing machine’s power cord from the outlet before starting this repair in order to prevent electrocution.
Step 2. Using your Philips screwdriver, take out the two screws at the bottom of the front panel. Pull the panel downwards and lift it off your washing machine.
Step 3. Push the idler pulley at the bottom of the tub to release the tension on the drive belt. Pull the drive belt off the pulleys and set it aside.
Step 4. Disconnect all the electrical connectors attached to the drive motor (make sure to note where each connector goes). Use a socket wrench to take out the mounting bolts holding the motor to the cabinet.
Step 5. Pull the drive motor off your washing machine and set it aside. Take your new washing machine drive motor out of its packaging. Install the new drive motor on the mounting plate and apply the bolts to secure it.
Step 6. Connect each electrical connector to its corresponding terminal on the new motor. Push the idler pulley inwards again and put the drive belt back into place.
Step 7. Snap the front panel back onto your washing machine and use a Philips screwdriver to apply the two screws at the bottom. Plug your machine back into the power supply and try running a wash cycle to make sure that the problem has been fixed.
Check out these other articles…
Washing Machine Overfilling/Overflowing [Problems Solved]
Washing Machine Doesn’t Spin Dry [How To Fix]
Frigidaire Washing Machine Not Starting [How To Fix]
Washing Machine Agitates But… [Various Problems Solved]
Frigidaire Washing Machine Seal/Gasket [How To]
Washing Machine Overheating Water — Fixed
Is your washing machine overheating water? If so, the fault is most likely with the thermistor. Here’s what you’ll need to do to replace this part in your washing machine…
How To Replace Thermistor In Front Loader Washing Machine
Do the following to replace the thermistor in your front loader washing machine…
Step 1. Please make sure to unplug your washing machine’s power cord from its outlet before starting this repair in order to prevent electrocution.
Step 2. Use your Philips screwdriver to take out the screws holding the rear access panel of your washing machine. Pull the panel off your washing machine and set it aside.
Step 3. Use your screwdriver to take out the screws holding the thermistor to the back of the tub. Pull the thermistor out of place and disconnect the electrical connector.
Step 4. Take your new washing machine thermistor out of its packaging. Connect the electrical connector to the new thermistor. Push the termistor into place and apply the screws to secure it.
Step 5. Put the rear access panel back onto your washing machine and use your screwdriver to apply the mounting screws. Plug your machine back into the power outlet and try running a wash cycle to see if the issue has been resolved.
Click here to learn how your washing machine’s thermistor works.
How To Replace Thermistor In Top Loader Washing Machine
Take the following steps to replace thermistor in your top loader washing machine…
Step 1. Turn off your washing machine’s water supply valve and unplug the power cord from the outlet before starting this repair in order to prevent electrocution and water leakage.
Step 2. Put some tape over the lid of your washing machine to secure it. Unscrew the two water inlet hoses from the ports at the back of your washing machine (make sure to keep a rag nearby to clean up any water leaks).
Step 3. Carefully tilt your washing machine forwards and lay it on the floor. Release the thermistor connector from the retainer. Use a Philips screwdriver to take out the two screws holding the thermistor to the tub.
Step 4. Pull the thermistor out of place and set it aside. Take your new washing machine thermistor out of its packaging. Install the new thermistor in your washing machine and apply the two screws to secure it.
Step 5. Connect the electrical connector to the new thermistor and secure the connector in the retainer. Lift your washing machine upright and peel the tape off the lid.
Step 6. Connect the HOT and COLD water inlet hoses back to the ports on your washing machine (secure the connections properly to prevent water leaks). Plug the power cord back into the power supply and turn the water supply valve back on. Run a wash cycle to see if the problem has been fixed.
Note: Please keep in mind that the steps above will vary depending on the make and model of your washing machine.
