Speed Queen washers, while durable, can encounter issues. Common Speed Queen washer problems include not starting (often power or lid switch related), not draining (clogged hose/pump), excessive noise (unbalanced load/bearings), or clothes not spinning dry. Leaks, odors, and clothes not getting clean are also frequently reported, often stemming from detergent use, maintenance, or simple adjustments.
Speed Queen washers are renowned for their durability and performance, often being the top choice for many households seeking a reliable laundry solution. However, even the most robust appliances can encounter issues over time. If you’re facing Speed Queen washer problems, don’t despair.
This guide will walk you through common malfunctions, provide easy-to-follow troubleshooting tips, and help you get your machine back to optimal performance. You’ll learn to identify the root cause of issues and implement effective fixes, saving you time and potentially costly repair bills.
Table of Contents
Speed Queen Washer’s Common Problems & Troubleshooting
Let’s dive into some of the most frequently reported Speed Queen washer problems and how you can address them.
1. Washer Not Starting or No Power
One of the most frustrating Speed Queen washer problems is when your machine simply won’t turn on.
- Possible Causes:
- No Power Supply: The washer isn’t plugged in, the circuit breaker has tripped, or there’s a power outage.
- Lid Switch Malfunction: The lid switch, a safety mechanism, might be faulty or not engaging properly.
- Control Panel Issues: Less common, but the control panel itself could be malfunctioning.
- Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check Power: Ensure the washer is securely plugged into a working outlet. Check your home’s circuit breaker box and reset any tripped breakers. Test the outlet with another appliance to confirm it has power.
- Inspect Lid Switch: Open and close the lid firmly a few times. Listen for a click, indicating the switch is engaging. If you suspect a faulty lid switch, it may need to be replaced. This is a common part and relatively easy to replace for a DIY enthusiast.
- Reset the Washer: Unplug the washer for a few minutes, then plug it back in. This can sometimes reset the control board.
2. Washer Not Draining
If you open your Speed Queen washer after a cycle only to find a tub full of water, you’re dealing with a drainage issue. This is a common Speed Queen washer problem.
- Possible Causes:
- Clogged Drain Hose: Lint, small articles of clothing, or other debris can clog the drain hose.
- Clogged Drain Pump Filter: Many washers have a pump filter that can become blocked.
- Malfunctioning Drain Pump: The pump itself might be faulty and unable to push water out.
- Siphon Effect: The drain hose might be too far down the standpipe, creating a siphon effect that prevents proper draining.
- Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check Drain Hose: Carefully remove the drain hose from the standpipe or utility sink. Inspect both ends for kinks or blockages. Use a long brush or snake to clear any obstructions inside the hose.
- Clean Drain Pump Filter: Consult your owner’s manual for the location of the drain pump filter (often at the front bottom of the washer). Place a towel down, drain any remaining water, and then unscrew and clean the filter thoroughly.
- Inspect Drain Pump: If the hose and filter are clear, the drain pump might be the culprit. You may hear a humming sound but no water movement. A faulty pump often needs replacement.
- Adjust Drain Hose Position: Ensure the drain hose is not inserted too far into the drainpipe (usually no more than 6-8 inches). There should also be an air gap to prevent siphoning.
3. Washer Not Spinning or Not Spinning Clothes Dry
When your clothes come out soaking wet, your Speed Queen washer isn’t spinning effectively. This is a tell-tale sign of Speed Queen washer problems related to the spin cycle.
- Possible Causes:
- Unbalanced Load: The most common reason. Clothes are clumped on one side, preventing the machine from reaching high spin speeds.
- Lid Switch Issue: As with starting problems, a faulty lid switch can prevent the spin cycle from engaging as a safety measure.
- Drive Belt Issues: On some models, a worn or broken drive belt can prevent the tub from spinning.
- Motor or Transmission Problems: Less common, but serious, these issues require professional attention.
- Troubleshooting Steps:
- Redistribute Load: Open the lid and manually redistribute the clothes evenly around the tub. Close the lid and restart the spin cycle.
- Check Lid Switch (Again): Ensure the lid is closing securely and the switch is engaging.
- Inspect Drive Belt: If you’re comfortable, unplug the washer and access the rear panel. Check the drive belt for wear, cracks, or if it has come off the pulleys. A stretched or broken belt needs replacement.
- Reduce Load Size: Overloading can also lead to an unbalanced spin. Try washing smaller loads.
4. Excessive Noise or Vibrations
A noisy or vibrating washer can be alarming and is a common Speed Queen washer problem.
- Possible Causes:
- Unbalanced Load: Again, an uneven load is a prime suspect for excessive noise and vibration.
- Washer Not Level: If the washer isn’t perfectly level, it will wobble and vibrate, especially during the spin cycle.
- Worn Bearings: Over time, the tub bearings can wear out, leading to loud grinding or roaring noises.
- Foreign Objects: Small items like coins, keys, or even socks can get trapped between the tub and the outer drum.
- Troubleshooting Steps:
- Level the Washer: Use a spirit level to check if your washer is level front-to-back and side-to-side. Adjust the leveling feet at the bottom of the machine until it’s stable and level.
- Redistribute Clothes: Ensure the laundry load is evenly distributed.
- Check for Foreign Objects: Carefully inspect the drum and beneath the agitator for any foreign objects. You might need to remove the agitator to fully check.
- Address Worn Bearings: This is a more complex repair, often requiring professional help, as it involves disassembling the tub.
5. Water Leaking from Washer
Water leaks can cause significant damage and are urgent Speed Queen washer problems.
- Possible Causes:
- Loose or Damaged Hoses: The inlet hoses (hot and cold) or the drain hose could be loose, cracked, or improperly connected.
- Excessive Suds: Too much detergent can create excessive suds, which can overflow the tub.
- Drain Pump Leak: A cracked or loose connection on the drain pump can lead to leaks.
- Tub Seal Leak: A worn or damaged tub seal (between the inner and outer tub) will cause persistent leaks.
- Troubleshooting Steps:
- Inspect Hoses: Check all hoses connected to the washer. Ensure they are tight and free of cracks or bulges. Tighten any loose connections. Replace any damaged hoses immediately.
- Reduce Detergent: Always use the recommended amount of HE (High-Efficiency) detergent, especially if you have an HE Speed Queen model. Too much detergent is a common cause of leaks due to over-sudsing.
- Examine Drain Pump: Check for any visible cracks or loose connections around the drain pump area.
- Identify Leak Source: Place paper towels around the base of the washer to pinpoint the exact location of the leak. This can help narrow down the component that needs attention.
6. Washer Not Filling with Water
If your Speed Queen washer starts a cycle but no water enters the tub, you’ve got a filling issue.
- Possible Causes:
- Kinked Inlet Hoses: The hot or cold water inlet hoses might be kinked or blocked.
- Closed Water Supply Valves: The water faucets supplying the washer might be turned off.
- Clogged Water Inlet Screens: Small filters on the back of the washer where the hoses connect can become clogged with sediment.
- Faulty Water Inlet Valve: The solenoid valve that controls water flow might be malfunctioning.
- Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check Water Supply: Ensure both hot and cold water supply valves behind the washer are fully open.
- Inspect Hoses for Kinks: Straighten any kinks in the inlet hoses.
- Clean Inlet Screens: Turn off the water supply, disconnect the inlet hoses from the back of the washer, and use pliers to pull out the small screens. Clean them under running water with a brush. Reinstall and reattach hoses.
- Test Water Inlet Valve: If the above steps don’t work, the water inlet valve might be faulty. This component often needs to be replaced by a qualified technician.
7. Clothes Not Getting Clean
This is one of the most frustrating Speed Queen washer problems – running a full cycle only to find your clothes are still dirty or have residue.
- Possible Causes:
- Overloading: Too many clothes prevent proper agitation and water circulation.
- Incorrect Detergent Usage: Using too little detergent, the wrong type of detergent, or using it incorrectly.
- Water Temperature Issues: Not using hot enough water for heavily soiled items.
- Agitator Problems: The agitator might not be moving effectively.
- Hard Water: Mineral buildup from hard water can reduce cleaning efficiency.
- Troubleshooting Steps:
- Avoid Overloading: Load your washer so that there’s enough space for clothes to tumble freely. A good rule of thumb is to not fill the tub more than 3/4 full.
- Use Proper Detergent: Ensure you’re using an HE (High-Efficiency) detergent if your machine requires it, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage based on load size and soil level.
- Check Water Temperature: Verify that your hot water heater is set to an appropriate temperature (around 120°F/49°C for most laundry).
- Inspect Agitator: Observe the agitator during a wash cycle (with the lid switch bypassed if safe and necessary, or by using the delicate cycle if it pauses for observation). Ensure it’s moving vigorously. If not, the agitator dogs or transmission might be faulty.
- Consider Hard Water Solutions: If you have hard water, consider using a water softener additive, increasing detergent slightly, or installing a whole-house water softener.
8. Odor Coming from Washer
A musty or moldy smell emanating from your Speed Queen washer is a common, albeit unpleasant, Speed Queen washer problem.
- Possible Causes:
- Mold and Mildew Buildup: Residue from detergent, fabric softener, and trapped moisture creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew, especially in the gasket and detergent dispenser.
- Lint and Debris Accumulation: Lint and other debris can get trapped in the drum or drainage system, leading to odors.
- Dirty Drain Pump Filter: A clogged and dirty drain pump filter can harbor smelly bacteria.
- Troubleshooting Steps:
- Clean the Washer Regularly:
- Monthly Maintenance Wash: Run a hot water cycle with a cup of white vinegar or a washer cleaning tablet (like Affresh).
- Wipe Down Gaskets/Interior: After each use, wipe down the drum, agitator, and especially any rubber gaskets with a clean cloth. Leave the lid ajar after each wash to allow the interior to air dry.
- Clean Detergent Dispenser: Remove and clean the detergent dispenser drawer regularly.
- Check and Clean Drain Pump Filter: (See “Washer Not Draining” section)
- Deep Clean: For persistent odors, consider a more aggressive cleaning, potentially involving baking soda and vinegar.
- Clean the Washer Regularly:
Problems & Troubleshooting: At a Glance
Problem Category | Potential Causes | Immediate Action / DIY Fix | When to Call a Pro |
No Power/Not Starting | Power supply, Lid switch, Control panel | Check plug, breaker, lid. Reset. | If lid switch or control panel suspected. |
Not Draining | Clogged hose/filter, Faulty pump | Clear hose/filter. Adjust hose. | If drain pump is faulty. |
Not Spinning/Wet Clothes | Unbalanced load, Lid switch, Drive belt | Redistribute load, Check lid, Inspect/replace belt. | Motor/transmission issues. |
Excessive Noise/Vibration | Unbalanced load, Unlevel washer, Worn bearings | Level washer, Redistribute load, Check for foreign objects. | If bearings are worn. |
Water Leaking | Loose/Damaged hoses, Suds, Pump/Tub seal | Check/tighten hoses, Use less detergent, Identify leak source. | If pump or tub seal is damaged. |
Not Filling with Water | Kinked hoses, Closed valves, Clogged inlet, Valve | Open valves, Straighten hoses, Clean inlet screens. | If water inlet valve is faulty. |
Clothes Not Clean | Overloading, Detergent, Water temp, Agitator, Hard water | Load correctly, Proper detergent, Check water temp, Address hard water. | If agitator or transmission is faulty. |
Odor from Washer | Mold/Mildew, Lint buildup, Dirty filter | Regular cleaning, Leave lid ajar, Clean filter. | If deep-seated mold issues persist. |
FAQ
The most common reason for a loud banging noise during the spin cycle is an unbalanced load. Open the lid, redistribute the clothes evenly around the tub, and then close the lid and restart the cycle. If the issue persists, check if the washer is level on the floor by adjusting its leveling feet. Less commonly, it could indicate worn tub bearings or a foreign object lodged in the drum.
This often points to a problem with the lid switch or the water level sensor. The lid switch is a safety feature that prevents the washer from operating when the lid is open. If it’s faulty or not engaging properly, the wash cycle won’t proceed. Less frequently, a malfunctioning water level sensor might not detect that the tub is full, causing the machine to pause. Check the lid switch first.
Most Speed Queen washers can be reset by simply unplugging the machine from the power outlet for a few minutes (5-10 minutes), and then plugging it back in. This often clears minor electronic glitches or error codes. For specific models, refer to your owner’s manual for any unique reset procedures.
If clothes are wet, your washer isn’t spinning effectively. This is usually due to an unbalanced load, preventing the machine from reaching its high spin speeds. Redistribute the clothes to balance the load. Another possibility is a faulty lid switch which prevents the spin cycle from engaging, or a worn-out drive belt in some models.
To prevent odors and maintain optimal performance, it’s recommended to perform a monthly maintenance wash. Run an empty hot water cycle using a cup of white vinegar or a specialized washer cleaning product. Additionally, always leave the washer lid ajar after each load to allow the interior to air dry, and regularly wipe down the tub and any rubber gaskets. Cleaning the detergent dispenser and drain pump filter annually also helps.
Bottom Line
Don’t let Speed Queen washer problems keep you from enjoying clean laundry. This guide has empowered you with the knowledge to identify and address the most frequent issues, from simple fixes like redistributing an unbalanced load to more involved tasks such as clearing a clogged drain. Taking a proactive approach to maintenance and swiftly tackling minor glitches will extend your machine’s lifespan. You now have the tools to ensure your Speed Queen washer remains the reliable workhorse you expect, keeping your laundry routine smooth and efficient for years to come.
