Symptoms
- Cold cycle comes out hot or vice versa
- Water never seems to heat despite a hot setting
- Temperature seems inconsistent between loads
- Problem started after a hose was disconnected or reinstalled
Likely causes
- CommonHot and cold supply hoses crossed or swappedIf hoses were reconnected incorrectly after moving the machine, temperatures will be reversed.
- CommonOne supply valve partially or fully closedA valve that isn't fully open limits or blocks that temperature's water from reaching the machine.
- PossibleFailed dual water inlet valve solenoidThe valve has separate solenoids for hot and cold; one can fail while the other works fine.
- PossibleHousehold water heater issueIf hot water isn't hot at any tap, the problem may be the home's water heater, not the washer.
What to do
- Check a nearby sink to confirm your home's hot water is actually working and adequately hot.
- Verify both hot and cold supply valves behind the machine are fully open.
- If the machine was recently moved or serviced, check that the hot and cold hoses are connected to the correct valves.
- Run a hot-water-only cycle and a cold-only cycle separately, feeling the water as it enters to see if one side isn't working.
- If one temperature never comes through despite good household water, the inlet valve's solenoid for that side may be failing.
- If both temperature settings seem to give the same water temperature, have a technician test the dual inlet valve.
Tools and parts
- Wrench
Washing machine water inlet valveSearch: “washing machine dual water inlet valve”
When to call a pro
If hoses and valves are correct but temperature is still wrong, an appliance technician can test the dual water inlet valve solenoids.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.