Why does the washer run on wrong water temperature?

If you have a washer that runs at the wrong temperature even after setting the controls properly, there are a few things that you can check. Typically, you may need to check the water hose connectivity, the water heater inside the washer, temperature controls, and the control panel.

Key Takeaways

  • Make sure that the water heater is turned on and working properly. If the water heater is turned off or damaged, the washer will not be able to heat the water to the correct temperature.
  • If the hoses are not connected properly, the washer will not be able to fill with the correct water temperature.
  • In most cases, the issue is either with the heating element or the temperature control switch.
  • Check if the washer is still under warranty before doing any self-troubleshooting.
  • Depending on the model of your washer, it may use either an electronic control board or a switch to control the water temperature.
  • It’s important to rule out the switch of control board failure before going for the replacement (You can use a multimeter to do this).

What are the possible causes of washer running on wrong water temperature?

why does the washer run on wrong temperature

Some of the possible causes of this problem include:

Faulty Water heater

A faulty water heater will not be able to heat the water to the correct temperature.

This can cause the washer to run at the wrong temperature.

So, if you have selected the hot water wash, the washer may run in cold water settings since the heating element is non-functional.

Reverse Connection of Hoses

Just check if the hoses are connected in the right order.

If not, then this can also cause the washer to run at the wrong temperature.

Connecting the hot water hose to cold water and vice versa will not let the washer fill with the right water temperature.

Also Read: Are all washing machine hoses the same?

Faulty Temperature Switch

The water temperature is controlled by a switch.

So, a faulty temperature control switch will not be able to send the correct signal to the heating element. As a result, the heating element will not be able to heat the water to the required temperature.

Bad Inlet Valve

The inlet valve is responsible for letting the water enter the washer.

If there is something wrong with this valve, it will not be able to let the right amount of water enter the washer.

This can also lead to the washer running at the wrong temperature.

Wrong Settings

You might have set the washer to the wrong settings.

In a lot of cases, you may select wash settings that are not programmed to run with hot water settings. In such cases, the washer may run in cold water settings.

Defective Control Board

The control board might be defective.

If that is the case, you may have to replace the entire control panel.

Faulty Temperature Control Switch or Heating Element

How to Fix the wrong water temperature problem?

Since there is no single cause for the heating issue, you can narrow down the issue by looking at the below factors.

Turn on the heater

Check if the water heater is turned on. If not, then turn it on.

If the heater does not turn on, you may need to check the internal electrical connectivity and continuity of the circuits to see if the current is flowing properly or not.

You can do this by removing the control panel to access the heating element and then checking all the wires.

It’s recommended, you approach a professional to get this troubleshot.

Connect the hoses properly

Check the hoses and make sure that they are connected properly.

If required, refer to the user manual and reinstall the hoses.

Heating Controls

Typically, washers use either a switch-based mechanism or an electronic control board to regulate the water temperature.

In either case, they need to be diagnosed and fixed by a professional if the water temperature doesn’t seem right.

If you are doing self-troubleshooting at home, you can test the electronic control boards or the switches with a multimeter.

If the readings are not within the manufacturer’s specifications, then it’s likely that the component needs to be replaced.

Final Thoughts

There can be many reasons why your washer is running at the wrong water temperature.

The most common reasons include a faulty water heater, an incorrect hose connection, or a defective control board.

Before deciding to replace any part, you must check if the washer is still under warranty.

If the washer is covered under warranty, check with the manufacturer or the dealer to get it repaired or replaced.

If the washer is not under warranty, you need to rule out the different possibilities and then decide which part needs to be replaced.

If you can’t figure out the problem, we recommend calling a professional for help.

Hemant Sarkar is a seasoned techie with a diploma in computer science and an impressive track record of over 15 years in dealing with speakers, kitchen appliances, and various home appliance-related issues. He is widely recognized for his exceptional expertise in repairing dryers and washing machines from all major brands. In addition to his appliance repair prowess, Hemant maintains engaging blogs on topics related to music and speakers. For any inquiries or assistance regarding appliances or tech-related matters, you can reach out to him at: hemant (at) theportablelaundry.com.