How To Use An Ohmmeter To Test A Washing Machine Pump
Tip
If you get a good reading on the ohmmeter, check the ports of the water pump. Small pieces of clothing such as a sock can get caught in the pump ports, causing it to malfunction.
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When water is not draining properly from your washing machine, it might be the result of a malfunctioning pump. The pump drains water from the washing machine tub and into the house drainage line. Washing machines either have an electric pump or a direct drive pump. Direct drive pumps rely on the motor directly and don't have any wires. Electric pumps connect to the motor with a belt and have two wire connections to check with an ohmmeter to ensure the pump electrical current is operating correctly. Using an ohmmeter to test a washing machine pump only lets you know whether the electrical system of the pump is working.
Step 1
Check the washing machine power cord to ensure it is unplugged from the electrical outlet.
Step 2
Turn on the ohmmeter and touch the probes together. Adjust the scale dial to zero.
Step 3
Find the two wires connecting to the side of the pump. Pull the wires away from the pump terminals. Always pull from the ends of the wires and not the middle.
Step 4
Touch a probe to each of the terminals on the pump. Look at the ohmmeter scale. The reading should be between 5 ohms to 10 ohms depending upon your washer model. A reading of zero or infinity, means the pump requires replacement.