Smoke and an Electrical Smell in a GE Prodigy Washer

Drive Motor

• A malfunctioning drive motor may cause the GE Prodigy washing machine to emit smoke and an electrical smell. Many washing machines have a reversing motor, which turns in one direction during the agitation cycle, but reverses direction to spin and drain. If the drive motor is faulty, it may continue to perform either one or the other function, but not both, and its inability to move in both directions can result in smoke and electrical smells. The remedy for this problem is to replace the motor.

Transmission

• A defective transmission may also be the culprit. On some washing machine models, the drive motor only turns in one direction, and there is a transmission with an electro-mechanical shifter which controls the change from agitation to spin. If there is a problem with the transmission -- or the transmission’s shifter -- these mechanical problems can cause electrical smells and the presence of smoke.

Water on Electrical Wiring

• Water contact with electrical components may be the source of the problem. The washing machine has an intricate electrical wiring system and if water leaking from any part of the machine makes contact with these components, it could cause smoking, an electrical smell and also a short. Depending on the placement of the dryer and the severity of the washing machine leak, it could also cause damage to the dryer.

Other Considerations

• The excessive weight caused by overloading the washing machine places extreme stress on both the motor and the transmission, which causes them to work harder, and can result in smoke and an electrical smell. In addition, if the oil that lubricates the transmission or motor is leaking, it will produce the same symptoms.