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HomeRepair HelpWasher RepairWasher has a burning smell Repair

Washer has a burning smell

When your washer has a burning smell, unplug it and stop using it until you identify the cause. A washing machine burning smell often comes from the rotor and stator kit in a direct-drive motor. Wet or shorted stator coils can smell burnt, and a smoking stator or visible coil damage means the kit should be replaced. Next, inspect the main control board, motor control board, and control board for burn marks caused by a power surge or failed component. A washer that smells like burning rubber may have a worn water pump belt slipping on the pulleys, so check that the motor pulley is not worn and the water pump turns freely. A worn or frayed drive belt can also slip, create friction, and produce a washer burning smell. Check the parts driven by the belt, including the water pump and idler pulley, for anything seized or difficult to turn. Before ordering, enter your washing machine model number to find the exact replacement part for your specific washer. Repair Clinic carries the correct rotor and stator kits, control boards, water pump belts, and drive belts for many major brands.

01 - Washing Machine Rotor and Stator Kit

The stator is part of a direct drive motor that electrically drives the outer rotor. If the stator coils become wet or the coated wires on the coils short out, they can produce a burning smell. You can test the stator coils with a meter. If the stator is smoking, or smells burnt, it will need to be replaced.
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02 - Washing Machine Main Control Board

The main control board provides power to the various components of the washer. If the control board receives a power surge, or a component fails, the control board can short-out causing a burning smell. Inspect the control board for burn marks. A burnt main control board will need to be replaced.
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03 - Washing Machine Motor Control Board

The motor control board sends power to the motor. If the motor shorts out or a power surge occurs components on the board can blow out causing a burning smell. Inspect the motor control board for burn marks and replace if necessary.
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04 - Washing Machine Control Board

The control board provides power to the components of the washer. If the control board receives a power surge or a component fails, the control board can short out causing a burning smell. Inspect the control board for burn marks. If the control board is burnt, it will need to be replaced.
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05 - Washing Machine Water Pump Belt

The water pump belt can get worn and slip on the pulleys causing a burning smell. Check the motor pulley for wear and make sure the water pump turns freely.
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06 - Washing Machine Drive Belt

If the drive belt is worn or frayed it can slip on the pulley causing friction and a burning smell. Also check the components the belt is turning to make sure they turn freely. A stuck water pump or idler pulley can create enough friction to cause the belt to burn.
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07 - Washing Machine Belt Kit

Some washer models use two belts, one to run the transmission and one to run the water pump. If the belts become worn or burnt, they can be replaced together as a kit. A stuck water pump or transmission can create enough friction to cause the belt(s) to burn.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my washer has a burning smell?
Could a worn drive belt cause my washer to smell like burning rubber?
Why does my washing machine smell burning during the wash or spin cycle?
Can a control board cause a washer burning smell?
How do I find the correct replacement part for my washer?

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