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ok the pressure switch sounds more likely. i was simply using fill valve because that's the term i was being given by everyone. had no luck finding a manual today. Grr.

The pressure switch would be the square box-like part, attached to the clear tubing that goes TO the fill valve, correct? that, the pressure switch, where the clear tube attaches, looks like it has "muck" in it. someone on another site mentioned a clog so i cleaned it out a little. is there anything i can do to check the pressure switch itself?

Thanks!

Christensens

No, the tube from the pressure switch goes from its location in the console to a projection on the bottom of the tub. As I said, you really need a manual to diagnose the problem. It involves removing the wires from the pressure switch and testing it with an ohm meter. Also, as I said I'm not a pro and just assuming your washer is like the ones I have worked on.

O.K. Cyn, here's a couple links. One is for a manual the other is for the valve. I've dealt with these people and had good results.

https://www.repairclinic.com/0080.asp

https://www.repairclinic.com/0081.asp?RccPartID=2205

it's fixed! i cleaned some horrific "GUNK" out of the pressure switch "cap" on the side of it...tried to start the washer again and lo and behold, it stoopped where it was supposed to!! HOORAY!

thanks SO much for your time and consideration. REALLY!!!!! (THe pressure switch "box" or whatever you call it still looks quite mucky inside...is that something I can fix??)

Thanks!

Christensens

Hey, good job! You can usually fix most things if you're persistent. The gunk? Maybe fill an old dishwashing bottle with water and back flush it.

Glad to hear you found the problem. Just in case you're interested, the following link describes how a washer's water level control works.

- How does a washer's water level control work?

LINK > http://www.appliance411.com/links/jump.cgi?ID=803

JFYI

Dan O.

www.Appliance411.com/?ref411=Hotpoint+Washer

The Appliance Information Site

=D~~~~~~

Fill valve tube and pressure switch tube are 2 different things.

There is a small diameter tube (about as big around as a pencil) which is attached to the side of the tub, down low and leads up into the control panel.

I almost guarantee it is unhooked on one end. It must be reattached with the tub is empty of water.

FIXED! :) The tube you refer to WAS attached at both ends (that's what I was hoping was the problem). However, the pressure switch, if I am using the right name (the part down low that the clear tube attaches to near the base of the tub), was full of "junk". There's a small "cap" on one side of it attached with a small clamp, well, that was full of what looked like MUD. So was the end of the clear tubing.

I cleaned both of those out and the next time I filled the washer...it stopped where it was supposed to! Hooray :)

Thanks for your input...i'm so glad there are people out there wanting to help other folks who are such "newbies"!!!

Cynthia

Thanks!

Christensens

** However, the pressure switch, if I am using the right name (the part down low that the clear tube attaches to near the base of the tub), was full of "junk". **

The "pressure switch" (aka water level control - described at one of the previous links) is usually inside the control panel and has a knob attached to it for you to set the load size/water level.

The part you are describing is often referred to as the 'air dome'. On GE washer models (GE makes Hotpoint appliances) it does seem to get really built up with 'gunk'. Other makes of washers don't seem to have near as many problems in that area.

BTW. On the GE/Hotpoint models, I believe that air dome is not available separately from the main outer tub so *be very careful* it doesn't get broken off during cleaning or you might need to replace the whole outer tub ($$$+)!

JFYI

Dan O.

www.Appliance411.com/?ref411=GE+Washer

The Appliance Information Site

=D~~~~~~