Motor speed error — drum not reaching correct speed during cycle
The E59 error on the GE GTW685BSLWS indicates motor speed error — drum not reaching correct speed during cycle. This typically occurs due to motor tachometer or speed sensor failure giving incorrect rpm readings. A qualified technician can usually diagnose this in 15–25 min, but the steps below will help you understand the issue.
Safety Warning
This is a high-severity error. Unplug the appliance immediately and assess the situation before attempting any repair.
Safety Warning
This repair is recommended for certified technicians only. The diagnostic steps below can help you understand the issue before calling for service.
Common Causes of E59
- 1Motor tachometer or speed sensor failure giving incorrect RPM readings
- 2Drive motor not reaching rated speed due to mechanical resistance
- 3Control board motor speed circuit malfunction
- 4Transmission or gear case friction preventing drum from accelerating
How to Fix E59
- 1
Step 1
Disconnect the washer from power at the wall outlet
- 2
Step 2
Open the lid and reduce the laundry load — start with a half-full drum
- 3
Step 3
Plug in the washer and run a spin-only cycle to observe whether the drum reaches normal spin speed
- 4
Step 4
If spin speed sounds normal but the error still appears, the speed sensor is likely reporting incorrect data
- 5
Step 5
If the drum spins noticeably slower than usual during the test, the motor or transmission is resisting
- 6
Step 6
Call a technician to test the tachometer sensor and motor output to determine the root cause
Tools Needed
When to Call a Technician
Drum speed is below normal or error persists with a reduced load — motor tachometer or gear case needs professional diagnosis
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about GE E59 error
The E59 error on the GE GTW685BSLWS means the control board is detecting that the drum motor is not spinning at the expected speed. This could be a faulty speed sensor giving a false reading, or an actual mechanical issue preventing the motor from reaching full spin speed. A technician can test both the sensor and motor output to diagnose the cause.
Yes — the E3 error indicates the motor has stopped or stalled completely, while the E59 error indicates the motor is running but at the wrong speed. The E59 error is more likely related to a tachometer or speed sensor fault, while E3 often points to a motor coupling, belt, or motor winding failure. A technician can distinguish between the two with a multimeter test.
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