Frigidaire Washer - Affinity Front Load Review

After doing some research on a problem with my Affinity Front Load washer that was showing an E23 error (problem with the drain pump or controller circuit), I am seeing that many people are having issues with the draining of the water at the end of the cycle. In my case, a wire from and underwire bra made it's way down to the pump and wedged itself into the impeller, effectively stopping it from spinning. Looking back to the days before this problem, I heard a noise that sounded like a playing card in the bicycle spokes, so it all made sense once I found the culprit.

Unfortunately (for us consumers) there is no easy - straightforward way to get to the pump, especially if you opt to stack the dryer on top of the washer. That would make life easier by far. There is an access hole in the bottom of the washer if you raise it up on blocks, but beware of the sharp edges. Other than that, you need to remove the fromt panel to access the pump. An internet search for a service manual for these models was succesful for me, and it was very well written, outlining the steps and parts that I needed to remove to access the pump. Now that the immediate crisis has been averted, and my washer is happily washing it's little heart out, I have some advice (albeit unsolisited)  to share to keep us from having to go through this repair again.

First off, front loaders are by design a different beast than a top loader. Since the drum is laying down, common sense would tell you that the chances of a rebel sock separating itself from the heard and heading off to drainland are much greater than that of a top loader. Let's face it, if you lay your garbage can down on it's side, you would find it a bitch to keep stuff in it. That being said, a net bag would be a great way to keep those small items from escaping and wreaking havoc with the drain pump.

Check pockets! The trap is designed to catch change and other small objects, but it is no maracle worker! It is designed like a large cigar tube with many holes on the sides. The trinkets pile up in the bottom while the water flows out the sides to the suction side of the pump. Eventually it will fill up, restricting the water flow out of the machine. A sock, handkercheif, or other small linen item is pretty much a show stopper. The fluff from a comforter or pillow would probably not be much better. It will plug up the holes and create enough of a restriction to cause you headaches. In my case the wire threaded itself right out one of those holes and into the pump impeller.

Should you be unfortunate enough to have to clean out the pump, and you are handy enough to attempt this yourself (it really is not all that difficult if you take your time), the pump (and drum) can be drained buy hooking a wet/dry vacuum to the drain hose. Unfortunately the check valve (flap) on the discharge side of the pump will prevent you from blowing air in to backflush the pump.

Hope this helps someone!

JB