A Burning Smell in a GE Profile WPSR3100

Overloading

• The most common reason to smell burning from your GE Profile WPSR3100 is overloading. Although there are size selection options on the control panel, the top row of holes in the washer marks the most clothes it can hold. Packing clothes tightly into the drum or cramming them in to fit can overload the machine. Overloading causes the motor of the WPSR3100 to overheat and emit a burning smell. Select the correct load setting and never place more clothes in the washer than directed to stop the smell in this case.

Belt

• Your WPSR3100 washer uses a belt drive to operate the motor, transmission and pump. Friction with a worn-out or broken belt can cause a burning rubber smell. Other signs that something is wrong with your belt are loud squealing noises, the washer operating correctly only sporadically or the washer making noises like it’s operating but not. To correct the problem, you must replace the belt.

Electrical

• An electrical burning smell in your GE Profile WPSR3100 means something different. In this case, it can be anything from your washer’s transmission to the motor itself. This can be very dangerous, so you must unplug the unit as soon as you smell this type of burning. The fix is to replace the malfunctioning part and because these parts are essential the operation of the unit, replacing them can be costly.

Contacting GE

• To replace the drive belt assembly or other parts for your WPSR3100, order the part from GE’s customer service department (800-626-2005) and use your service manual as a guide to the replacement process. If you have a warranty on your washer, you must have a GE-certified repair technician work on it to avoid voiding that warranty. Call GE customer service for technicians in your area.