They still have regular top loading washer machines.
go visit lowes or home depot.

The only machine you're likely to find that doesn't have electronic controls is the Speed Queen. Rotary dials on the panel *does not* mean there isn't electronics behind the console, the dials may be selectors to program an electronic board.

Directly disabling a locking lid isn't likely to work. The lock mechanisms have a sensor to confirm back to the control board that the lock is engaged and the machine won't operate if it doesn't get that confirmation.

However, you can find agitator-type machines that have manually-selectable water levels. Spray-saturation rinses to cut water use are common but most machines have an option (usually called Softener Rinse or the like) to enable a deep-fill agitated rinse.

It is hard to find a good washer. Frankly, I would be spending that $100, if you like what you have. Sad, isn't it?

I like my GE top loaders. The washer is not an HE, the dryer has an HE option on it if you want to use the sensor. The dryer was $499. and washer was $599. I like them. I thought the dryer door would be a problem because it opens towards the washer, but it goes all the way back so it's not in the way. Since washers and dryers are not made as well as they used to be, I bought an extended warranty which I don't usually do. I have 5 years of repairs at no cost to me.

Polyd - when you find it, please post info. Am looking for the same thing. Went to HD & L, no luck, salesman kept trying to convince me how great all the new features are. Should have ''stocked up'' on washers a few years ago. :-)

At 3 years old,unless it has been used to serve 3 families I would be repairing it. Do you have a friend with a volt/ohm meter? Odds are that a contact point is dirty or a safty switch malfunctioned.

I bought an extended warranty which I don't usually do. I have 5 years of repairs at no cost to me.

What?

MRB

I did allot of research on my model of washer and found a forum of users with the exact same issue as mine, and a possible fix for either a small home repair or ordering a $65 part to fix it myself. I'm going to try that. Failing that, I will look for an older washer. I can't stand the newer ones.

I think a $100 appliance repair is a bargain.

I also second the recommendation for buying from a used appliance store. My son and wife bought a used Speed Queen set several years ago and they're very happy with performance.

Dear All,

We were able to repair the washer ourselves with much internet searching. We found a video on how to take off the cover, and check the various sensors and a hose that detects water levels. The hose is located in the top panel, near the fabric softener dial. We disconnected the tube and blew through it, possible dislodging any gunk at the bottom that would cause the sensors to fail. It worked! I don't know how or why but the washer has washed 3 loads as it should. I was loathe to spend $100 on repairing an electrical / circuit board issue because usually those types of issues never tend to be a one off, if you know what I mean- one sensor fails and is replaced, only to be followed by other sensors failing and before you know it, you've spent enough on repairs to be more than halfway towards a new washer. I'd read to many issues on my model of washer and judging by other people's experiences with this model, once trouble starts its better to just get rid of it. I looked into the speed queens- a used one seems like the way to go when this one finally dies.

Congrats on the ingenuity to fix it, even if you don't like the machine. And for checking out options should the day come to replace it.

Good going!! Brilliant of you to try it.

You might consider putting in a standing search on your local Craigslist for any Speed Queens that come up for sale. If you get hold of one, you could always stick it in the garage if you have space.

I remember back in the 90s, people hoarded good toilets. Now we are hoarding good washing machines. I hope I am as carbon footprint conscious as possible, but dang it, we gotta get our clothes clean!

Any one else remember that Seinfeld episode where Newman had the good shower head?

I remember that episode! It gave me the idea to bring a regular shower head when we vacation in Vermont for skiing. The condo has those low flow heads, and Asko front load washers that wash maybe two ski garments at a time for an hour. I can't do anything about the clothes washer, but I take nice showers. I doubt I'm wasting water because my showers are a lot faster because I actually have water flow. Funny how they have these low flow shower heads and the shower is next to a Jacuzzi....

As far as a "traditional" washing machine goes, Speed Queen is the only one that is truly a traditional washer with a transmission and mechanical timer.

My new Admiral (Whirlpool) may have dials and an agitator, but it is a "high efficiency" machine in every other way. The dial control is a rotary switch, not a mechanical timer. Everything is controlled by the computer. It agitates by constantly reversing the motor rather than by a gear mechanism. (makes for a strange noise when agitating) It has a built in tachometer and motion sensor so the computer can read spin speeds and determine of a load is out of balance. It does not fill the tub to rinse on the normal cycle, it does a "spin rinse" to save water. It has a temperature sensor to control the water temperature so that cold is cold, warm is tepid and hot is warm. This saves energy to heat water. My wife is starting to regret not keeping our 30 year old Maytag.

It would be a great machine if I could re-program the computer so that it would cycle like an "old fashioned" washer. Because it is all computer controlled, it would be possible if someone who knew embedded microcontrollers put the time and effort into it. It would probably be a federal offense to re-program the cycles though. The Green Police would be knocking on your door.

I am buying a Speed Queen top loader shortly. This Admiral washer was just to hold us over. If anything, it validates our decision to go with a new Speed Queen.

arceeguy

Better hurry with the Speed Queen as they are changing the design to meet newer (more efficient) specs. Don't have the details but if you want to get a headache

Here is a link that might be useful: New Washer Specs

smith02, aren't those specs just for energy star rating qualifying?

BTW, I can open the lid of my SQ washer anytime except when it is spinning. I can open it to add bleach or softener during the cycle. When I was shopping for a new top loader washer a few years ago, none except the SQ allowed the lid to open during a cycle.

This post was edited by jellytoast on Fri, Oct 24, 14 at 15:44

>smith02, aren't those specs just for energy star rating qualifying?

Yep. And the manufacturers want to get that energy star rating. Speed Queen is no exception.

Thank you for the link. I noticed that all of the stakeholders referenced on the energystar.gov website were either washer manufacturers or the government, no end-users at all. Apparently we are not "stakeholders" in the process. We just get to live with the results.

I feel your pain, polyd. Your machine was well worth repairing.

I'm currently shopping for a new machine. My Whirlpool washer is working ok (noisy and cranky, tho), but the matching dryer isn't working. Both have had repairs over the years but have been wonderful machines. They are 20 years old, and I hate to buy new because I know I won't be happy. Seems you cannot get a truly "hot" wash. Currently looking at the Whirlpool 4800 or the GE2800.

Socks: Do you not like the Speed Queens? They still offer a totally hot wash--water on hot will be as hot as your water heater makes it.
Better warranty than Wpool or anyone by far.

Where are they carried, at Speed Queen stores?

@socks12345: Speed Queen washers and dryers are sold through independent appliance dealers, not big box type stores. If you go to the page linked to below and enter your Zip Code and select "Locate Dealer" from the pop-down in the section on the right titled "Locate a Dealer or a Servicer" you can find a dealer near you.

Here is a link that might be useful: Speed Queen - Home Laundry

This post was edited by dewguy1999 on Thu, Nov 13, 14 at 20:46

Hope the washer makers are reading these comments.
Bought a maytag about 3 years ago. Worst purchase ever.
The washer goes through the cycle leaves clothes dripping wet. Then I find
The clothes are still dirty. This has happened many times. Washer does not know what to do with wet towels. Now it quits in the middle of the wash, just turns itself off.
Worst of all is...
Maytags web site tells me that I am not loading the washer correctly. I'm suppose to make sure no clothes cover the middle of the washer, the clothes are supposed to be evenly balanced around the center. All of these things I do and it still doesn't wash.
Ladies, gents do we have time to do all this?
If maytag knows the washer needs this TLC then why not fix the problem?

Maytag says they make fewer house calls. I can't find a way to ask for a house call.

I believe that the new energy standards will stop even Speed Queen from pulling hot water in at the temp of your hot water heater. They have to stop making those washers and start "blending" the hot water to the new standard as of either 1-1-2015 or 4-1-15, if I understand it correctly. In other words, the new DOE hot = warm-ish at best. My dealer says SQ can sell off any old inventory -- and he says right now their factory is going gangbusters to backlog inventory. But they may not manufacture such washers after that magical date. I have seen discrepancies as to date. This was my dealer's understanding, and he is more friend than salesman. I have put my SQ on order as I am afraid to wait. I rarely wash on hot, but I'd like the option.

Can anyone shed further light on this? I hope I am speaking correctly.

Thank you, dewguy. I'll locate a store.

That's interesting and not surprising information, Miz.

We also have the complication of a tankless water heater. I've talked to the manufacturer, and they said the HE machines won't work well with it. Apparently the hot and cold in HE machines fill in alternating bursts, and the burst may not be enough to trigger the water heater. Or if it does, I can only imagine how many times the heater will be triggered on during the course of filling the machine once.

UPDATE: Looked at the Speed Queens. They look like great machines and have an excellent warranty. You pay for it though...a set is about $1400. They would probably outlive me.

This post was edited by socks12345 on Mon, Nov 17, 14 at 15:21

I don't know about y'all, but I'm starting to miss Granny's old wringer washer on the back porch. And I even ran my hand through it once. That was less painful than the confusion and poor performance we endure now.

Just FYI everyone, in 2020, Speed Queen has gone digital, too. Even their "Classic" model is all buttons and beeping now. It doesn't auto sense water level, but it doesn't let you choose, either: every load is large. No rinse & spin cycle. No light/quick wash. Machine won't do anything with the lid open. Powers down completely if you have low water pressure so the tub doesn't fill fast enough. You either have to drag the machine out to unplug for a minute or go to the fuse/circuit box. Etc, etc . . .

That "digital" change on Speed Queen happened in 2018 with introduction of the TR3/TR5/TR7 models. The transmission design was discontinued at that time, until it was reintroduced as the "Classic" in 2019.