Trust the Washer Dryer Combo Repair Experts

Washer Dryer Combo Repair Guide

This guide helps you troubleshoot and repair common washer dryer combo problems. These all-in-one machines save space but have unique repair challenges.

We work on these units every day and know what goes wrong most often.

Understanding Washer Dryer Combos

Washer dryer combos differ from separate machines. They wash and dry in the same drum without moving clothes between cycles. This design saves space but adds complexity to repairs.

Most problems happen because these units work twice as hard as single-function machines. The same motor, drum, and controls handle both washing and drying. That means more wear and more chances for things to break.

Before attempting any repair, find your model number. It's usually on a sticker inside the door frame or on the back of the machine. Write it down exactly. You'll need it if you order parts.

Common Washer Dryer Combo Problems

The most frequent issues we see with these machines involve either not washing properly or not drying clothes completely.

Not washing properly shows up as clothes coming out dirty, the machine not filling with water, strange noises during wash cycles, or water leaking onto the floor.

Drying problems appear as wet clothes at the end of a cycle, excessive heat, burning smells, or clothes taking much longer than normal to dry.

Control panel issues happen too. Buttons might stop working, display panels go blank, or error codes appear that you can't clear.

Some LG and Frigidaire combo models develop drain pump problems after about two years. You'll know this is happening if you hear loud humming during drain cycles or find water left in the drum.

Safety Precautions for Repairs

• Always unplug the machine before working on it. These units use both 120V and 240V power that can cause serious harm.

• Turn off the water supply valves too. They're usually behind the machine.

• Wait at least 30 minutes after unplugging before opening any panels. Some components stay electrically charged even when unplugged.

• Keep track of all screws and parts as you remove them. A small container or muffin tin works well for organizing everything.

• Move the machine away from the wall to access the back panel. Get help if needed - these units are heavy and awkward to move.

• Never force any part during disassembly. If something won't come loose, you're probably missing a hidden screw or clip.

Water Fill Problems

When your combo won't fill with water, check these items first:

• Make sure both hot and cold water supply valves behind the machine are fully open. These get bumped closed sometimes when cleaning behind the unit.

• Check the inlet hoses for kinks or damage. Feel along their entire length.

• Look at the inlet screens where the hoses connect to the machine. They get clogged with sediment over time. Clean them by unscrewing the hoses and removing debris with an old toothbrush.

• Listen for the inlet valves to click when starting a cycle. No click means the control board isn't sending power to the valves.

Inlet valves themselves fail fairly often on combo units. They work harder than in standard washers because they control both wash and rinse cycles plus the small amounts of water added during drying to create steam.

Water level sensors get dirty or fail. When this happens, the machine either underfills or doesn't fill at all because it can't tell how much water is in the drum.

Drainage Issues

When water won't drain from your combo unit, look for these problems:

• Check the drain hose for kinks or clogs. Sometimes it gets pinched against the wall or develops a clog where it connects to your home drain.

• Clean the drain pump filter. Most combos have an access panel near the bottom front of the machine. Open it, place a shallow pan underneath, and slowly unscrew the filter cap. Be ready for water to come out. Remove any accumulated lint, coins, or other debris.

• Listen for the drain pump running. If you hear humming but no water movement, the pump might be trying to work but is either clogged or failing.

The drain pump is a common failure point in combo units. They run longer and more frequently than in standard washers. Signs of pump problems include grinding noises, burning smells during drain cycles, or error codes related to draining.

Some machines have drain sensors that detect when water isn't emptying properly. These can fail and make the machine think it hasn't drained even when it has.

Drying Problems

When clothes come out wet after a complete cycle, check these areas:

• Clean the entire lint system. Combo units have complex lint removal systems that clog more easily than standard dryers. The manual shows how to access all lint traps specific to your model.

• Check the condenser unit if your model has one. These need regular cleaning to work properly. They're usually behind a lower access panel.

• Make sure nothing blocks the ventilation path. Some combo units vent moisture through the drain hose rather than through an external vent.

Heating elements burn out in combo units just like regular dryers. Signs include long dry times or no heat at all. Testing these requires a multimeter and access to the heating components.

Temperature sensors fail too. When this happens, the unit might shut off too soon, thinking clothes are dry when they aren't.

Door seals matter for drying. If they leak, moist air escapes and drying takes much longer. Look for tears or gaps in the rubber gasket around the door.

Control Panel Problems

Modern combo units rely on electronic control systems that sometimes fail.

If buttons don't respond, first try resetting the machine. Unplug it for two minutes, then plug it back in. This clears minor electronic glitches.

Check for water damage to the control panel. Steam from the drying cycle sometimes works its way into the controls and causes shorts.

Look for loose ribbon cables connecting the panel to the main control board. These work loose over time from the machine's vibration.

Some models have known issues with their touch sensors. Frigidaire combo units sometimes develop dead spots on their touch panels after a few years.

Error codes tell you a lot about what's wrong. Your owner's manual lists what each code means. Write down any codes exactly as they appear before resetting the machine.

Control boards themselves sometimes fail. Signs include multiple functions not working, random cycle changes, or the machine completely dead with no lights or response.

Motor and Drive Problems

The motor in a combo unit works harder than in separate machines. It runs for both wash and dry cycles.

Strange noises during operation often mean motor problems or something caught in the drive system. Listen carefully to pinpoint when the noise happens - during wash, spin, or dry cycles.

Check the drive belt if your model uses one. Look for cracks, wear, or looseness. A worn belt slips and causes poor spinning and longer dry times.

The motor mount can work loose over time. This causes excessive vibration and banging noises, especially during spin cycles.

Some units have separate motors for washing and drying functions. If one operation works but the other doesn't, you might have a single failed motor.

Seal and Gasket Issues

The door gasket on a combo unit needs to seal properly for both washing and drying. Check for tears, hardening, or mold growth.

Clean the gasket regularly with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals that damage the rubber.

Internal seals and bearings sometimes fail and cause leaks from the bottom of the machine. Signs include water puddles underneath or loud rumbling during spin cycles.

The bellows seal connecting the outer tub to the door can develop holes from sharp objects left in pockets. Inspect it carefully if you find water on the floor after cycles.

Some combo models use special seals around the heating elements. When these fail, water leaks during wash cycles or the heating element burns out quickly.

Preventative Maintenance

Keep your combo unit running longer with regular appliance maintenance.

• Clean the door gasket after each use to prevent mold and extend its life.

• Leave the door open between uses to let everything dry out inside.

• Run a cleaning cycle monthly using a washer cleaner specifically for high-efficiency machines.

• Clean the drain pump filter every month to prevent clogs and pump damage.

• Remove lint from all traps after every few loads. Combo units create more lint problems than separate machines because the lint stays in the same drum for both cycles.

• Check water inlet screens twice a year and clean as needed.

• If your model has a condenser, clean it every three months for efficient drying.

Use only HE detergent in small amounts. Regular detergent creates too many suds and causes problems.

Finding Replacement Parts

When you need parts, Sears Parts Direct carries genuine replacement components. Always order using your exact model number to get the right parts.

Avoid generic parts that claim to fit multiple brands. They usually don't work as well or last as long as manufacturer parts.

Some parts look similar but have different electrical specifications. Always match the exact part number, not just appearance.

Keep the old part until you're sure the repair is successful. Sometimes you need to compare the new part with the old one or return a defective replacement.

Control boards especially need to be exact matches. Even slight variations in model numbers can mean completely different control systems.

When to Get Professional Help

Some repairs are better left to appliance repair professionals:

• Sealed system repairs involving refrigerant in heat pump models need special equipment and certification.

• Control board replacements often require reprogramming or calibration that needs special tools.

• Drum and bearing replacements involve major disassembly and special tools to prevent damage.

• Motor replacements in some models require complete disassembly and balancing of components.

• Any repair where you can't identify the problem after basic troubleshooting might need diagnostic equipment we have in our service vans.

• If your machine shows error codes that reset doesn't clear, professional appliance repair often saves time and prevents buying parts you don't need.

Water damage to electrical systems needs careful inspection by a service technician to prevent future problems or safety issues.

We can help if your combo unit needs repairs beyond your comfort level. Our service team specializes in these complex machines and has the parts and knowledge to fix them right the first time.