How to Use an Ohmmeter to Test a Washing Machine Pump

Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Ohms is the resistance of electrical current in a component.
Image Credit: Polka Dot Images/Polka Dot/Getty Images

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.

Advertisement

Step 1

Check the washing machine power cord to ensure it is unplugged from the electrical outlet.

Video of the Day

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.

Advertisement

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.

Video of the Day

Advertisement

Advertisement

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...