As described in the tutorial How to Repair a Washing Machine, a problem that may occur preventing your washer from working is a faulty water inlet valve. Michael Chotiner is an expert in appliance repair and shares his knowledge for Home Depot. Here are some tips from Mike that I've asked him to share on troubleshooting a washer machine water inlet valve.

The water inlet valve has two gates that are connected to hot and cold water hoses at the back of the washing machine.

Each gate is controlled by a solenoid that sends electric power to open and close the flow of hot and cold water based settings for the wash temperature and signals from the water level switch. Malfunctions in the water inlet valve and associated parts can cause a washer not to fill properly, not to run and/or not to wash at the right temperature.

Unplug the washer and turn off the hot and cold water supplies before starting work on the inlet valve.

• Check the filter screens. Clogged filter screens in the supply hoses and water inlet valve can block water flow. Disconnect the hot and cold supply hoses from the inlet valve. Check inside the hose fitting for a filter screen and clean or replace it if it appears clogged or corroded. Also check for screens inside the hot and cold sides of the inlet valve and clean them—carefully. Inlet valve screens can't be easily replaced.
• Check the inlet valve solenoids. Depending on the washer model, you may have to remove either the back or top of the cabinet for access. Two wires are connected to each solenoid; pull them off one at a time and label them so that you can reconnect them correctly when the time comes.

1. Set a volt-ohm meter on the 'OHMS setting x 1' and test the solenoids for continuity. Touch the probes to the terminals on one solenoid. If the reading shows some resistance, it’s OK, but if the reading is 8 (infinity), the solenoid must be replaced. Repeat the test on the second solenoid.

• Replace the water inlet valve. If either or both of the solenoids show no continuity, the water inlet valve must be replaced. If you haven’t done so already, disconnect the supply hoses and gain access to the inlet valve by removing the back or top of the washer cabinet. Unscrew the fasteners holding the valve in place on the housing. Note the color and position of the wires attached to the solenoid, and label them. Then disconnect the wires by pulling the plugs apart. Disconnect the inlet valve from the internal tubes that send water to the tub.
• Write down the brand and model number of the washer, and if you can find it, the brand and part number of the water inlet valve. With that information, obtain a replacement valve from an appliance parts dealer and install it, reversing the disconnection procedure.

If washer fails to fill, partially fills, fills too slowly, or overflows, proceed to the next cycle phase once full.