How to Replace a Water Temperature Switch on a GE Washer

While many of today's washing machines sport snazzy colors and offer certain options our grandparents would never have imagined--at the end of the day--the most important thing it should do is clean your clothes effectively. And in tough economic times--it can sometimes make better financial sense to repair your existing washer.

Sometimes, all a washer needs is a simple part replacement to start working like new again. If your GE washer is only pumping water out at one temperature--regardless of the setting--you can probably resolve that issue by replacing the water temperature selector switch. Here is how.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Nut driver
• Pencil
• Notepad

1. Unplug the washer's power cord from the electrical outlet.

2. Locate the water temperature switch on the front of the control panel. It is usually the center switch and it is clearly labeled.

3. Remove the dial from the front of the switch by pulling it straight toward you.

4. Use the nut driver set to remove the three nuts on the backside of the control panel that secure it to the washer body.

5. Tilt the control panel down and slide it to the right to unhinge it.

6. The water temperature switch will have four wires attached to it. Draw a schematic in your notebook so you know exactly how the wires get hooked back up to the new water temperature switch, then remove each of the four wires.

7. Gently lift the metal arm that extends from the left side of the switch and twist the entire switch counter-clockwise. This will release it from its clips.

8. Install the new temperature selector switch by inserting it into the hole and twisting it clockwise so it snaps in place.

9. Connect the four wires to the four terminals on the switch according to your schematic.

10. Reinstall the control panel cover, slide the temperature selector dial back on to the shaft of the switch and plug the washer's power cord back in.

Tips & Warnings

• Never work on an electric appliance while it is plugged in! Unplug it or turn the power off at the circuit before starting any repair or troubleshooting.