GE Washer Clicking Noise Fix (Historical Repair Guide)

This page documents a repair method I developed for GE top-load washers that make a clicking noise and fail to agitate or spin properly. Thousands of people have used this fix over the years to avoid replacing a $150 motor. This guide is preserved as part of the WinnFreeNet historical archive.

Symptoms

Washer makes clicking noises during agitation
Agitates sometimes, then stops completely
Clicks during spin cycle
Lights dim in the room when it clicks (shared breaker issue)

These symptoms are caused by one of the two motor windings burning out. When the bad winding is energized, the starter relay clicks repeatedly. GE service techs typically recommend replacing the entire motor assembly.

Why This Happens

GE motors of this era use two windings:

Low-speed winding
High-speed winding

When one winding burns out, the washer cannot start the cycle correctly. The relay clicks, the motor stalls, and the washer appears dead or intermittent.

Disclaimer

This fix is provided for historical reference. It was intended for washers that were going to be thrown away. Use at your own risk.

Unplug the washer before working on it.
This voids any warranty.
Incorrect wiring can damage the timer board or motor.
Do not attempt this if you are unsure about electrical wiring.

Diagnosing the Bad Winding

Open the top console. Inside you will find a service manual. Follow the instructions to enter service mode.

Test the following:

Slow wash
Fast wash
Spin

One speed will work. The other will click. Most of the time, the low-speed winding is burned out.

Wiring Diagram Reference

Use the wiring diagram to identify which terminal controls the high and low speed windings. On my washer, terminals 2 and 3 were the speed windings (blue = good, white = bad), but your model may differ.

The Zero-Cost Fix

You will convert the washer into a single-speed machine by bypassing the burned-out winding.

Cut the wire going to the bad winding
Tape off the end going to the motor
Splice the timer output wire into the good winding wire

This tricks the timer into using only the good winding. The washer will run on one speed, but it will run for years.

Results

My washer has been running on this fix for more than six years with no issues. In many cases, the fast speed actually cleans better than the original slow speed.

Models Reported Working

wle6000b1ww, WPSE4200A0WW, WPSR3100WOWW, WBB3300A0WW, WPSB8060E0WW, WBB3300A2WW, WBSE2090A0AA, wpse4270a0ww

Share Your Results

Post your model number and results here

About the Inventor

I have worked on microwaves, TVs, stereos, C-band, Dish, DirecTV, computers, and cable headends since the 1970s. I studied appliance repair but went into electronics. This fix was created because no one else had a solution at the time.

2026 Update

This repair was first published in 2010. As of 2026, the same washer is still running perfectly on the single-speed modification. It actually washes better on the fast speed than it ever did on the original slow speed. Sixteen years of extra life from a machine that most people would have thrown away proves how effective this fix is.

If your washer shows the same symptoms, this historical repair may still help you keep an older GE unit running without spending money on a replacement motor.