The washing machine is one of the most useful marvels of modern technology. Rather than having to put all the work into washing your clothes, you can have a machine do it for you at an even faster rate.
Frigidaire Affinity Washers are quite popular for their affordability and ease of use. When it comes to Frigidaire washing machines, there are a lot of parts that keep them working and ensure that your clothes come out clean.
In this article, we will be taking a lot at the washer parts to better understand how the washing machine works. This should help when performing maintenance on the washer, cleaning it, or keeping it clean.
Frigidaire Affinity Washer Parts Diagram
Frigidaire Affinity Washer Parts Explained
Agitator or rotating disc
The agitator of the washer is located inside the tub. The function of the agitator is to perform the cleaning operation of the clothes. While the wash cycle is in full swing, the agitator rotates continuously and produces strong rotating currents within the water. This causes the clothes to rotate inside the tub.
The rotation of the clothes within water containing the detergent is necessary to ensure the removal of dirt particles from the fabric of the clothes. This makes the agitator the most crucial part of the washer as it rubs the clothes with each other as well as with water.
Depending on your Frigidaire affinity model, you might not find an agitator but rather, a disc that contains blades on its upper side. The disc rotates and the blades produce strong currents within the water. This causes the clothes to rub which helps in removing the dirt from clothes.
Printed circuit board (PCB)
The PCB consists of various electronic components and circuits programmed to perform certain functions depending on the number of clothes loaded in the washing machine. The components are artificial intelligence devices that sense the external conditions of the washing machine and make decisions accordingly.
The PCB will calculate the total weight of the clothes, and decide just about the quantity of water and detergent required, in addition, to the total time required for washing the clothes. From there, the AI will decide the time required for washing and rinsing.
Tub
Washing machines come with two types of tubs: inner and outer. The clothes would be loaded in the inner tub. This is where the clothes would be washed, rinsed, and dried. The inner tub features several small holes where water is drained. The external tub covers the inner tub. Its major function is to provide support during various cycles of clothes washing.
Water inlet control valve
The Water inlet control valve is found just near the water inlet point of the washing machine. The function of this valve is to regulate the amount of water required.
When you load the clothes in the washing machine, the water inlet control valve gets opened automatically and it closes automatically depending on the total quantity of water required. The water control valve is also called the solenoid valve.
Washing Machine Motor
The washing machine motor is coupled to the agitator or the disc and produces rotation. These are multispeed motors, whose speed can be changed as per the requirement. In the fully automatic washing machine the speed of the motor i.e. the agitator changes automatically as per the load on the washing machine.
Drive V-Belt
The drive belt is a component of the washer designed to ride on the pulley until the basket gets up to speed. If your washer drum will not turn or spin, it could indicate that the drive belt is faulty.
You may need to replace your belt. It is recommended to disconnect the power to your washer and shut off the water supply before you start your repair. This drive belt is a genuine OEM part.
Water Drain Pump
The water drain pump is located at the bottom of the washer. It is usually towards the back in top load models and the front in front load models. The function of the pump is to supply water during the wash cycle and drain out the water after rinsing the clothes or at the end of the cycle.
Some models feature a separate pump for the water inlet and water outlet, other models come with a single pump that performs all the functions. The latest washing machines use only one water pump for water draining.
Washing machine water inlet valve
The water inlet valve is located in the back of the washer. The function of the water inlet valve is to supply water to the machine during the wash cycle. The valve usually comes with one port for hot water and one for cold.
However, some front-load models only have one port for cold water and an internal heater to warm the water up to the required temperature. The inlet valve is designed to open and close when it receives electrical signals from the washer. This allows water enters the tub at the right times during a cycle.
Washer Drain
The drain hose is located at the bottom where it exits the washing machine. From there, it travels up to the nearby sink or standpipe. The drain hose drains the water from the washer. In most cases, it is made of corrugated plastic and comes in widths from 1 to 1.25 inches in diameter.
Washing Machine Console
The washing machine console houses the washer controls. There, you can select cycles and options. The console is usually located near the back of the washer in top load models and the front in front load models.
Behind the console and the panel are electronic components that control all the features and timing of the washer.
Timer
The timer of the washer helps the user to set the wash time for the clothes manually. There is also an automatic timer mode. In the automatic mode, the time is set automatically.
This action is performed by the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and the timer set depends upon the number of clothes inside the washing machine and the type of wash cycle being performed.
