Changed how I check for a bad door switch on front load washers

I used to just jump the terminals with a wire to test them, but after a call back for a washer that wouldn't start, I realized that doesn't always catch a failing switch that works when cold. Now I use my meter to check for continuity while I push the door latch in and out a bunch of times. Found one last week that only failed on the 5th press. Anyone else run into these intermittent ones?

3 comments

3 Comments

gavin_kim3d ago

Honestly, that seems like way too much extra work for maybe one out of a hundred calls. I mean, jumping the terminals gets you an answer in two seconds flat. If it starts, you know the switch is the problem. Most of the time that's all you need. Spending five minutes fiddling with a meter for a maybe feels like overkill, especially when you're trying to get through a bunch of calls. If it comes back, then you do the deeper check, but starting with that every time just slows you down.

baker.christopher3d ago

Sure, jumping the switch is fast. Right up until that one car has a bad ground and you just sent the customer a new switch for no reason. Then you get the fun call back where they're mad and you look like a clown who can't use a ten dollar meter. Speed is great until it makes more work.

troychen3d ago

Gavin's never had a call back bite him, I guess. I'll stick with my meter and five minutes, saves me a trip back when that one in a hundred acts up.