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HomeRepair HelpWhirlpool Washer RepairWhirlpool Washer has a burning smell Repair

Whirlpool Washer has a burning smell

When your Whirlpool washer has a burning smell, stop the cycle and unplug the machine before inspecting it. A washer burning smell or washing machine burning smell most often comes from a failed rotor and stator kit. Wet or shorted stator coils can overheat and smell burnt, and a smoking or visibly damaged stator should be replaced. Next, inspect the main control board, motor control board, and control board for burn marks caused by a short or power surge. Any board with scorched components may be the source of the washer smells like burning and will need replacement. A worn water pump belt can slip on the motor pulley, while a frayed drive belt can slip against the pulley and create friction, often producing a burning rubber smell. Check that the water pump, motor pulley, and idler pulley turn freely because a seized component can overheat either belt. Enter your Whirlpool washer's model number to find the exact replacement part for your specific machine, including the correct rotor and stator kit, control board, water pump belt, or drive belt.

01 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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 - Whirlpool 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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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my Whirlpool washer has a burning smell?
Why does my Whirlpool washer smell like burning rubber during the spin cycle?
Could the rotor and stator cause a Whirlpool washer burning smell?
Can a control board cause my washing machine to smell like burning?
How do I find the correct replacement part for my Whirlpool washer?

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