Performa washer fills, stops, rests and then runs.

[Bill60118]

2 year old Maytag Performa washer is giving me high blood pressure.

The washer will fill with water and then it just stops and has an oil or grease odor coming from it.  If I let it sit for 30 minutes or so and pull the knob, it will run as expected.

Hit the reset switch the other day to see if that helped.  It just put a little more water in and then stopped.  Now when I hit the reset switch I get nothing.

Checked the internet for possible solutions and only wound up getting confused with all the suggestions out there.  Where should I be checking first and what should I be looking for?

Happy holidays to all!

Bill
Model PAVT910AWW

[Al Capone]

Hi,

What is the model number of your washer?

[Bill60118]

Actually it is my girlfriends washer and when I asked her on the phone for the model # she gave me model PAVT-2.  I found nothing online referring to such a model #.  I'll get over there in the morning and see if I can find something more.

[Repair-man]

2 year old Maytag Performa washer is giving me high blood pressure.

Are you sure its the washer and not the girlfriend? The model will be stamped on the top left edge of the control panel, almost in back.

[Bill60118]

Okay folks the Model # is PAVT910AWW Rev.10.

[Repair-man]

Here's a couple of ways to reduce your bloodpressure and guarantee a good time later with your friend...
Replace the motor by using the Performa manual you'll find here on the site, and by typing that model number into the parts box on the left to get your motor on the way.

[AJ]

Factory part number for your motor is 21001922

I also updated your first post to include the model number.

[Bill60118]

Thanks for the quick responses and thank you for updating my model on my posting.

I'll break the news to my girlfriend about the motor and see if she wants me to tackle it or if she wants to wake the Maytag repairman.  I'm sure his cost would be just about what the machine ran her when she bought it.  Yikes!  Gotta do something because daughter is coming home from college for the holiday.

Thanks again!!!

[AJ]

Easy job you can do yourself, we can help.

[Bill60118]

Looked at the Performa machine tonight.  I know you recommended the motor be replaced but after looking it over I don't see that as the problem.  The washer filled and then stopped as it has been.  Out of curiosity I looked at the lid switch and after opeing and closing the lid 3 times the machine ran fine.  Taking a closer look at the switch I noticed the plastic piece that the plunger pushes on is not rising up to where is should be.  My question now is, do I need to replace the Pressure Switch or the Lid Switch?  What is the difference between the two?

[Repair-man]

Order a new lid switch.  There is nothing wrong with the pressure switch, not sure why you would involve it.
The lid switch is part # 12001187

[JWWebster]

Try blowing out the tube going to the pressure switch. Might be some junk in it.

[Bill60118]

Took apart the lid switch on the Performa to have a closer look at it.  As far as I can tell the switch is operating properly.  No broken pieces on it.  When I press it the machine either starts normally or it just sits there and hums.  If it hums I might have to press the switch 2 or 3 more time before the machine runs.  Sounds as if something is not moving freely and by hitting the switch is kind of jars it loose or gets it running.  Girlfriend doesn't want to waste the money on a new switch if I'm not sure it is the problem.  Is there something that needs to be greased on this machine? 

[Repair-man]

Looked at the Performa machine tonight.  I know you recommended the motor be replaced but after looking it over I don't see that as the problem

I do see it as the problem, which one of us is a technician?  (I was with Maytag Corp when this machine was conceived and designed.)


Hey, it's your blood pressure, not mine

[Bill60118]

I apologize for doubting your technical expertise and knowledge.  "Tis the season to be jolly.  Unless you live in Illinois where is it the season to be corrupt.

I told my girlfriend that you had said it was the motor weeks ago.
"How can it be the motor when the machine is only 2 years old.  It can't be that already.", she said.  A slight case of denial.

"It probably occurred when your son did a full load of laundry and failed to change the settings from small load to large load.  It put too much of a strain on the machine and stresses the motor.", I explained to her.

Of course she looked at me as if I was nuts.  I think I convinced her the lid switch is not the problem yesterday.  Now I just need to convince her the motor is the problem.  I'll take it apart and when it hums I'll let her listen to the motor.  That ought to do it!  Knowing her she will wait for the machine to completely die before taking a crowbar to her wallet.  Maybe Santa Claus will bring her a new motor for Christmas.  Ho Ho Ho!

Again my sincere apologies.