As you know, we recently suffered a malfunction at the Allsop laundromat. The machine was in the middle of a wash cycle, went to drain/spin, and died. But it didn't die in the literal sense. You see, these new machines (like practically everything in our lives) are all computerized now. So when it encountered a malfunction, it displayed and error code and brought the machine to a halt. Jody immediately looked up the error code in the operating manual, and it wasn't very helpful. Claimed that the machine failed to drain properly. Duh! Then it suggested we check the drain hoses. Ok, nothing obviously obstructing. Nothing kinked. Guess we could try and snake it out or something....no snake handy though.
Since we have an extended warranty, we call Sears. They tell us it will be a week before a tech can come and diagnose the problem. Great. Seven people in this household and a week downtime. What else can we do?
We concede defeat, albeit with much animosity towards Sears and Kenmore, and we begin making plans to last the week without the washer. The main hurdle being underwear for the kids. Tanner was already on his last pair. Ok, no problem, he needs more anyway. Rather than a painful (immediate) run to the laundromat, we bought him some more. This should hold us off until Wednesday (today), then the other kids will begin to run out of things to wear.
So as we near the impending day of actually needing to go to a laundromat, we find ourselves further frustrated and even contemplating a new washing machine. The thought of hauling everything to a laundromat, especially considering how fussy Ciera has been - let's just say Jody wasn't keen on it. And I sure don't blame her. I don't do the laundry. Jody for some crazy reason claims to enjoy doing it. So I feel it is important that she has the equipment she needs to get the job done without frustration. Now that we have a brand new Lowe's here in Monroe (literally a mile from our house), the temptation to take the easy, yet more costly way out, was building. Especially after I began researching different washing machine options on the Internet and reading about the numerous issues people have had with the machine we currently own.
Then this morning I decided to Google the error code and washing machine model to see if I could learn more. I wanted to ascertain the likelihood that we would be dealing with a failed part or not. If so we would be looking at even more downtime while they ordered up the parts. And if this was the case, then I was probably going to just break down and buy something to get Jody up and running. Let them repair this piece of crap and we would then sell it or something.
Man I wish I had done this search when it had first died!! There was a ton of hits with details on the error and possible causes and resolutions. Considering how computerized these things are, it totally should have dawned on me that loads of info would be at my fingertips if I but looked. Quickly I learned that the primary cause was something jamming up the drain pump. It was possible the pump had failed, but most often it was just jammed. I called Jody up and told her that, tonight, this geek would attempt a washer repair.
As planned, I arrive home and immediately set to work. Just three small screws and the front kick plate on the washer was off. Before me, the drain pump. Following the directions I had read, I twist the drain cap, and pull it off.
Oops. Ah crap! I should have tried to drain as much of the remaining water out of the washer first! Man did I get soaked. As did everything else. I seem to recall reading a warning about releasing lots of water....sigh.
Anyway, after dealing with the flood, I begin to inspect the interior chamber of the pump. Sure enough I pull out a small (very small) mangled wash cloth (one used to bath Ciera) that had managed to get sucked down the drain somehow. Yep, the pump was jammed. After removing the cloth, and inspecting the pump further for more blockage, I replaced the cap and fired up the washer. Works like a champ now. Error code gone. Machine happy. Wife happy.
I then retired to the shower to rid himself of the nasty mildewy smell acquired from my near drowning. It was worth it.
EDIT:
Ok, note to future geeks that may attempt this in your own home. There is a thing called a rubber gasket that is part of the drain cap. It can easily be separated from said drain cap during a frenzied attempt to avoid drowning (as I did). Make sure you have this gasket and cap on tight before washing cloths!! I just saved you an hour or more of work cleaning up several inches of water in your laundry room. You're welcome.