I'm curious because this top-loading washer doesn't have an agitator like the washers I'm familiar with, but instead has a plunger at the bottom of the washer that agitates the clothes by moving up and down (I think). The washer also automatically sets its own water level, depending on how many clothes you've put in. I've had trouble with soap particles not all getting rinsed out, and even some sheets having areas on them not even getting wet. So I'd like to see what's going on while it's actually working.
I've now taken the interlock device apart. Totally confusing, which I'm sure was the engineers point. There is a small motor that pushes out a "tongue" that latches into the frame so you can't open the door, plus contacts that can sense if the tongue is retracted or extended.
There also seems to be some sort of an electronic "sensor" below the interlock tongue that maybe can sense if you've unscrewed the interlock from the machine, even while leaving all the wires attached. (I took the latch device out, and the control panel of the washer informed me that the door was not properly latched, and so would not run.) This sensor is a long (3/4"), thin (1/16") cylinder, with a wire attached to each end. The long dimension of the sensor is perpendicular to the motion of the tongue, and parallel to the washer frame. I wonder if this sensor is some sort of electro-magnet, or a light, or a resistor?
There are also two L-shaped metal pieces above the sensor, and beside the tongue, which are loosely captured in molded plastic pockets. I have no idea what their function is.
I'm enjoying all your comments, even if they don't bring me any closer to figuring out my self-imposed problem.
:)
Curiouser, June 2015
