Speed Queen FF7009WN Front Load Washer: Troubleshooting Guide

The Speed Queen FF7009WN is built for durability and reliable performance. However, even robust machines can encounter occasional issues. This guide covers common problems you might experience and provides troubleshooting steps you can take before calling for service.  

Important Safety Note: Always unplug your washing machine from the electrical outlet and turn off the hot and cold water supply faucets before attempting any inspection, cleaning, or repair. If you are uncomfortable with any step or if the problem persists, contact Speed Queen support or an authorized service technician.

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Initial Checks (Solve Simple Problems First)

Before diagnosing specific symptoms, perform these basic checks:

1. Power Supply:
   • Ensure the washer is plugged securely into a functioning wall outlet.
   • Check your home’s circuit breaker or fuse box for tripped breakers or blown fuses related to the laundry room. Reset or replace as needed.
2. Water Supply:
   • Confirm both hot and cold water supply faucets connected to the washer are fully open.
   • Check the fill hoses for kinks or twists that could restrict water flow.  
3. Door Latch:
   • Ensure the washer door is closed completely and latched securely. The machine will not start or operate if the door sensor indicates it’s open. Listen for a click. Check that no clothing is caught preventing a full seal.
4. Cycle Selection & Start:
   • Make sure a wash cycle is properly selected using the control panel.
   • Ensure the ‘Start’ button has been pressed.

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Issue 1: Washer Won’t Start

Symptoms:

• The machine has power (lights are on) but doesn’t begin the cycle when ‘Start’ is pressed.
• No power at all (no lights).

Possible Causes & Solutions:

1. Perform Initial Checks: Review the Power Supply and Door Latch checks above.
2. Control Lock (Child Lock): Check if the Control Lock feature is activated (consult your manual for how to enable/disable).
3. Delayed Start: Ensure the Delay Start option hasn’t been accidentally set.
4. Door Lock Mechanism: If the door seems closed but won’t lock (you don’t hear the lock engage), there might be an issue with the door lock assembly itself. Sometimes debris can interfere, or the mechanism may need service. (Error codes like E dL, Er, dL might appear).
5. Control Board Issue: If power is confirmed and the door lock seems okay, there might be an issue with the control board, requiring professional diagnosis.

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Issue 2: Washer Not Filling with Water

Symptoms:

• The drum remains empty or fills very slowly after starting a cycle.

Possible Causes & Solutions:

1. Perform Initial Checks: Review Water Supply checks above (faucets open, hoses not kinked).
2. Clean Inlet Screens: Sediment can clog the small filter screens located inside the water mixing valve connections (where the hoses attach to the back of the washer) and sometimes at the faucet end of the hoses.
   • Turn off water faucets and unplug the washer.
   • Disconnect the fill hoses from the back of the machine.
   • Carefully remove the screens (using pliers if needed) and clean them under running water. Use a soft brush if necessary.
   • Reinstall screens and hoses securely.
3. Low Water Pressure: Ensure your home’s water pressure meets the requirements (typically 20-120 psi).
4. Water Valve Issue: The internal water inlet valve could be faulty, requiring service. (Error codes like Er FL, E FL might appear).

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Issue 3: Washer Not Draining or Spinning Properly

Symptoms:

• Water remains in the drum after the cycle finishes.  
• Clothes are excessively wet after the final spin.
• The machine stops mid-cycle, potentially with water inside.

Possible Causes & Solutions:

1. Check Drain Hose: Ensure the drain hose is not kinked, crushed, or clogged. Verify the end of the hose is positioned correctly in the standpipe or laundry tub (not sealed airtight and at the correct height as specified in the manual).
2. Clean Drain Pump Filter/Trap: This is a common cause of draining issues. Small items (coins, buttons, lint) can block the pump.
   • Unplug the washer.
   • Locate the access panel for the drain pump filter (usually on the front bottom corner). Refer to your user manual.
   • Place a shallow pan and towels underneath to catch residual water.
   • Carefully unscrew the filter cap, allowing water to drain.
   • Remove the filter, clean out any debris, and rinse it thoroughly.
   • Check the pump housing for obstructions before reinstalling the filter securely.
3. Unbalanced Load: A severely unbalanced load can prevent the washer from reaching high spin speeds or cause it to stop.
   • Pause the cycle (if possible) or wait until it finishes.
   • Redistribute the clothes more evenly in the drum. Avoid washing single heavy items alone.
   • Restart the spin cycle or run a Drain & Spin cycle. (Error code Er ub may indicate an unbalance issue).
4. Too Many Suds: Using non-HE detergent or too much detergent can create excessive suds, hindering draining and spinning. Run a rinse cycle, and use the correct type and amount of HE (High Efficiency) detergent in the future. (Error codes like E SudS, Er, SL might appear).
5. Drain Pump Failure: If the filter is clear and the hose is fine, the drain pump motor itself might have failed and needs replacement.

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Issue 4: Washer Leaking Water

Symptoms:

• Water is visible on the floor around the washer.
• Water dripping from hoses or connections.

Possible Causes & Solutions:

1. Hose Connections: Check the fill hose connections at both the faucet and the back of the washer. Tighten if loose. Inspect hoses for cracks or wear; replace if damaged (recommended every 5 years).
2. Drain Hose: Ensure the drain hose is securely placed in the standpipe and isn’t clogged, causing water to back up. Check the connection point if it drains into a tub.
3. Door Seal (Bellows): Inspect the rubber door seal for tears, holes, or accumulated grime/mold that could prevent a proper seal. Clean the seal regularly, especially the underside folds. A damaged seal needs replacement.
4. Dispenser Drawer: Overfilling detergent or softener compartments, or a clogged/dirty dispenser drawer, can sometimes cause leaks, especially at the beginning of the cycle. Remove and clean the dispenser drawer periodically according to the manual.
5. Drain Pump Area: Check for leaks around the drain pump filter cap if it wasn’t tightened properly after cleaning.
6. Internal Leak: Leaks could originate from internal hoses, the tub seal, or the water valve, which usually require professional service. (Error codes like Er LE, E Ld might indicate a detected leak).

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Issue 5: Excessive Noise or Vibration

Symptoms:

• Loud banging, thumping, or grinding noises during operation, especially spin.
• Washer “walking” or moving from its position.

Possible Causes & Solutions:

1. Shipping Materials: Crucial for new installations: Ensure ALL shipping bolts and braces used to secure the drum during transit have been removed from the back of the washer. Refer to the installation manual. Leaving these in will cause severe vibration and damage.
2. Leveling: The washer must be perfectly level side-to-side and front-to-back.
   • Use a level on the top edges of the machine.
   • Adjust the leveling legs as needed (usually involves turning the leg and tightening a lock nut). Ensure all four feet are making firm contact with the floor. Ensure the rubber caps are installed on the legs.
3. Unbalanced Load: As with draining issues, an unbalanced load is a primary cause of noise and vibration during spin. Stop the machine and redistribute items.  
4. Solid Flooring: Ensure the washer is installed on a solid, stable floor. Weak or flexible flooring (especially wood joists) can amplify vibration. Consider an anti-vibration mat if the floor is sound but vibration persists.
5. Foreign Object: Coins, keys, or bra underwires caught between the inner drum and outer tub can cause scraping or grinding noises. This usually requires some disassembly to remove.
6. Component Issues: Worn drum bearings (rumbling noise that gets worse with spin speed) or shock absorber problems can cause persistent noise and vibration, typically requiring service.

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Issue 6: Error Codes Displayed

The FF7009WN may display error codes to indicate specific faults. Here are a few examples found in search results (refer to your user manual for a complete list):

• Er dr, E dr, Edr (Drain Error): Check drain hose and pump filter for blockages (see Issue 3).  
• Er FL, E FL, EFL (Fill Error): Check water supply faucets, hoses, and inlet screens (see Issue 2).  
• Er ub, E Ub (Unbalance Error): Redistribute the load (see Issue 3 & 5). Could also indicate sensor or suspension issues if persistent with balanced loads.  
• E dL, Er, dL (Door Lock Error): Ensure door is fully closed. Check for obstructions. May need door lock service.
• Ed 29 (Motor Connection Error): May indicate a loose connection between motor and control board. Often requires service check.  
• Er Co (Communication Error): Problem between control panel and main board. Try unplugging the machine for a few minutes to reset. May require service.  
• E SudS, Er, SL (Suds Lock): Too many suds detected. Use less/correct HE detergent. Run rinse cycle.

Resetting Codes: Often, after fixing the underlying issue, unplugging the washer for several minutes and plugging it back in can clear the code. If a code persists after troubleshooting, service is likely required.

Reach out if you have any questions!