1. What happens at each temperature setting (cold, warm, hot) when the hot water valve is closed and the cold water valve is open?
2. What happens at each temperature setting when the cold water valve is closed and the hot water valve is open?

@Sue --

Does "it's not fancy" mean you've got a plain-vanilla inexpensive top loader that you bought from a big box store and don't know how to find the sticker on the machine that gives the maker and model number? Does it also mean the machine does not have any sort of digital display that is showing an error code that somebody could look up for you?

So, first thing -- you are 100% sure nobody has messed with the water hoses recently? The most common cause of hot water coming in on a cold wash setting (at least IME) is that somebody recently detached the hoses for some reason and accidentally (or ignorantly) reconnected the cold water faucet to the hot side and vice versa.

Second, if you haven't messed with the water hoses before, now's the time to take off the cold hose and check the ends for clogs or crud on the inlet screens and the faucet. Start with the end that hooks to the washer. Make sure water is coming through the faucet and hose. (Aim the hose into a bucket before opening the faucet!) Next, check for clogs. Might be a screen on each end or maybe whoever installed your washer decided to dispense with them.

Next thing -- IME, if it isn't messed up hose connections or clogged screens, then it almost always turns out to be either gunk in the water inlet valve or else a failed electrical component (called a "solenoid") that controls the flow (in you case, it will be the solenoid for the cold water side.) Some people here would delight in fixing the valve by replacing the solenoid but most of us will just buy a replacement water inlet valve. Usually aren't expensive as washer parts go and usually an easy DIY project. You'll need the washer maker's name and model number (and maybe even the serial number for your unit) to buy one for a DIY replacement. Google it to find youtube videos on how to do it. Easy and fast for a pro to fix but not cheap for the pro's time.

If the hoses weren't swapped, and the water valve is fine, then IME the problem is most likely that main electronic control board has broken. Even six years ago, the the most basic knob-and-dial controls for "not fancy" top loaders were just a user interface for the board. That's when things may get hard to find, expensive and folks start suggesting a new "not fancy" washer which you hope to get six years use out of.

Thanks for info we'll

Lawerence, sure it just started to screw up I turned dial each setting and it was coming out hot on hot etc.I left it on cold where I wanted it and it stayed cold for 5 minutes then went back and forth from warm to cold, we just shut hot water off in the basement. Hard for someone messing with it when no one else lives here. I did try posting picture but it didn't work. It's a admiral . I don't need any fancy machine

Sue, it's not easy for someone from afar to offer specific advice without a reference to the MODEL NUMBER of the appliance of question. There is some generic advice that can be offered ... as JWVideo generously did above ... but specifics require the model number. Not providing it is like calling an auto mechanic shop, describing a problem, they ask what kind of car, and you answer "white."

A family friend that I ran across at the local grocery (she works there) once stopped me and said that her washer is having such-and-such problem. I asked what kind of machine, she pondered for a moment then answered, "It's white." I laughed and told her to call me with the model number when she gets home, then I can offer some advice. She never called.

Saying that "it's not fancy" is meaningless. Even "not fancy" washers can have electronics in the panel of which the user is unaware.

Your further info that "I left it on cold where I wanted it and it stayed cold for 5 minutes then went back and forth from warm to cold, ..." indicates that the machine may have what's called ATC (automatic temperature control) which is a sensor that controls the mix of hot and cold water so specific selected temperatures on the controls are neither too hot (to avoid wasting energy) nor too cold for detergent to work effectively (as can happen in the winter season when the incoming cold water is very cold). That is a normal and proper function of that feature, which you may consider to be a "fancy" feature but even "not fancy" machines can have it. You didn't provide the model number, so who knows about that ...

I have a washer that did this. I am far from a repair man but I did fix my beloved plain old washer.
Check the cold water inlet solenoid. It may be stuck shut or not working. It gets stuck shut with hard water crap and then only the hot water works. Or it may not be working and then it won’t open. Or is there a filter on one of those hoses that is clogged.
My cold water valve was stuck shut. The part only was around $20 and I was able to replace it with only moderate husband supervision.

Hmmm, sounds like computer, tablet or phone problems on top of the woes with the washing machine.

Not attacking you, just recognizing what seems to be added misfortune.

Another hmmm. My last two posts were replying to a couple of posts from Sue. They seem to have disappeared or at least I can no longer see them from my browser.

I saw those posts. Sue or a board moderator apparently deleted them.

I saw Sue's posts that have now been deleted, JW.

She should have apologized to you; I kept checking back in to see if she had. Nada, just disappeared posts that she had made.