Whirlpool Washing Machine problem

[GTS]

My Whirlpool LA6300XPW4 washer turned itself on the other night (scared the h. out of me) and started filling the tub. I found that pulling the control in or out doesn't stop it running. If I try to manually advance the cycle to make it drain, it blows the breaker. I've had to leave it unplugged for now. I'm thinking that there's probably be a short in the control/timer unit itself which is not hard to replace. However, I'd like to be surer that it might not involve something else like a relay somewhere before buying one. This machine is old, but hasn't been heavily used and seems worth fixing if that's what it is. I'd appreciate any other ideas on this.

[Mikepier]

That is a wierd one, I don't think I've heard of that before. The only thing that comes to mind is maybe something is wet inside, or possible a wire is shorted to ground. You mentioned pulling the control knob has no effect, it could be the entire timer is defective.

[gfretwell]

If this is a wig wag machine (the ones with a belt) look at the wires going to the wig wag (arm that holds the 2 solenoids) they rub and short out.

[Stormin Mormon]

Get out of the house immediately. Call a priest.

[GTS]

That is a wierd one, I don't think I've heard of that before. The only thing that comes to mind is maybe something is wet inside, or possible a wire is shorted to ground. You mentioned pulling the control knob has no effect, it could be the entire timer is defective.

[GTS]

[GTS]

LOL. I might just do that.