Kenmore Elite HE, oL code, basket stuck

[homerj_db]

Purchased Kenmore Elite HE 110.27092600 washer in 2006, received recall/board upgrade in 2009
Never really had any problems before or after upgrade until last week.
Got oL code on empty washer
Ran diagnostics and it fails on C1 step after completely filling the machine w/ water and the basket never floated/moved.
No Fxx codes were saved or displayed.
After reading several internet threads, followed the instructions to check for basket friction.
No visible obstructions around the tub sides and the basket turns freely, spins and drains.
Everything went fine until I actually got to the point of lifting the basket out.
After removing the hub screws, etc, it would not budge until I really, really started pulling hard.
I'm 6'2, 220lbs and I put everything I had into it to get it to move it that far.
It moved about an inch and stuck again...obviously the reason for the oL code....basket stuck.
I'm guessing something like a sock or something is wedged in there from the bottom.
I soaked it w/ WD40 but no effect.
Any ideas on how to proceed???

[JWWebster]

On page fifty you remove a small cap atop the agitator and then remove the nut under it and then lift out the basket. Is this you?

[homerj_db]

I found the manual on-line and then found another inside the machine with instructions for removing the basket. I removed the cap, the nut and the screws around the hub plate per the instructions....it then said it "should" just lift out
The basket did move but seems to be binding against the shaft.
I don't see any other way of accessing the basket from the bottom.
Looking at the instructions, even removing the motor, etc didn't show clear access but I've never done it before so I don't know.

[homerj_db]

Sorry, didn't notice your link.
No, apparently the unit I have was made by Whirlpool and is called the Cabrio
I know Whirlpool bought Maytag but this was before that...April 2006

[niobrara]

The basket sometimes sticks really bad.You may have to pull it up and push it down a few times to get it to break free.It will come out just takes some effort.

[JWWebster]

Get Mean With It! It ain't no good like it is! Probably has a rag stuck in the shaft deterring your efforts.

[homerj_db]

Well, it was hard to get "mean" w/ it b/c I was lifting the entire unit off the floor.
I got my son to come over and help and we got the basket out but not easily.
Long story short, there was no rag or anything binding but what appears to be lots of sludge/corrosion on the shaft.
The shaft was smooth and slick where the basket was but had all kinds of what appeared to be ceramic/metallic crude below that, most definitely binding the basket to the shaft.
I'm going to clean/scrub the shaft and basket hub tomorrow and see if it will float freely.
We do have some iron/calcium/lime in these parts but I've never heard of it binding on metal like this...if I can get this back together and working, perhaps run CLR in addition to bleach on a clean cycle???
Comments welcome....this is central Alabama.

[niobrara]

I have some built up like yours.You are on the right track.The tub needs to be able to raise and lower freely.

[JWWebster]

Wow I bet that was not in the design plans Hard  Alabama Lime Water.

[homerj_db]

Finally after sanding a very corroded shaft, put it all back together and its working fine.
One thing I did notice....if u ever have this problem, do not take off the outer hub (on baket) plate until you get the basket out.
The basket drops even further down a junked up shaft if you do.

[JWWebster]

Great tip Homer.

[gorillo]

I was having the same problem. I had the agitator off and had sprayed WD-40 on the shaft and bearing and while I was letting it soak in I found this site. Turns out that 'Get mean with it!' was what it took. Just wanted to say thanks.