I would just call SQ directly and tell them that the warranty was mainly why I bought the machine and now no servicer. When they start to give you another # to call ask them can they call them and set up the appt and then pass it on to you because everyone has given you the run around.

I had a similar problem with Maytag years ago about a certain servicer in my area that just kept putting me off but blaming it on Maytag. Finally the guy at Maytag put me on hold, called another servicer and then came back to tell me he would be there the next day and that they (Maytag) was finished using the previous servicer as of then. They (Maytag) even offered to pay for me going to the laundry-mat but I declined that part. I just wanted the machine fixed. I had waited for three weeks.

Dont get rid of your machine over this one incident, they will find someone. I have read where they got some bad timers but have the trouble solved now(almost anyway!).

I'll never understand why people come on this forum to complain before doing the necessary "leg work". Forget the dealer. Call Speed Queen directly or use the form provided on their website. Tell them exactly what has been happening with the timer and this is, in no uncertain terms, totally unacceptable, and it needs to be resolved immediately. Let them FIND and ARRANGE for someone to provide service for the machine.

Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

This is a common failure point on the SQ top load washers and why I will never understand the people who lament the fact that SQ is going to electronic controls.

Agreed with the above about doing legwork before posting here. Calling Speed Queen is one option, another is to visit their website where you can enter your zip code and get a list of authorized servicers.

Markb and hvtech I did do my legwork. I called the dealer first, because that's what I've always done in the past. I first looked on the website made a few calls one connected me to SQ and I called SQ again. The person I talked with pulled up a list of dealer/repair places that I had already talked to. Complaining? Maybe? I was more venting my frustration than anything. And, yes, having a less than 2years old expensive washer that no one seems to be available to fix, sitting useless is very frustrating.

I first looked on the website made a few calls one connected me to SQ and I called SQ again. The person I talked with pulled up a list of dealer/repair places that I had already talked to

Go to their website (speedqueen.com) then click "Find parts and service" in the upper right corner. Enter your zip code. Look at the list of service companies it gives you and see if there are any more you haven't tried calling yet.

If you have no luck with any of the companies on the list, call Speed Queen directly and tell them that all of their supposed authorized servicers in your area have refused to work on your machine and you want them to arrange a warranty service call for you, and they should remove those companies from their service database.

This looks like another classic example of blame the victim...so is speed queen's reputation real...or just enforced?...

This has absolutely NOTHING to do with "blaming the victim". It has EVERYTHING to do with assertively requesting that a problem be rectified to the satisfaction of the consumer thru proper channels. As the machine is relatively new and would be covered under warranty, Speed Queen has a LEGAL obligation to repair said unit.

The first mistake the OP made was involving the dealer, who obviously does not provide repair service. IMO, SQ should have been the primary contact with an explanation of exactly what the problem is relative to the timer. SQ would then provide a list of authorized servicers. If the OP could not find someone to service the machine, a call back to SQ and request they handle it. If you don't get the results you expect, you move up the "food chain". As I said previously, the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

This post was edited by markb on Sun, Feb 8, 15 at 10:48

The first mistake the OP made was involving the dealer, who obviously does not provide repair service. ???? Unless the dealer explicitly told me upon buying the product that they do not service, the dealer is the first call I'd make for a warranty service situation, or a service situation outside warranty.

I read the original post again. Maybe I'm misunderstanding. The OP called the dealer, who directed him/her to a known servicer which in turn refused to take the case. He/She then called several other servicers, one of which "connected me to Speed Queen" ... presumably Wayne was the SQ phone rep of first contact, who provided some other servicers to call which also all refused the case.

This looks like another classic example of blame the victim...so is speed queen's reputation real...or just enforced?...

Not blaming the victim, just trying to help the OP get their washer fixed. This is neither beagle_nc's nor SQ's fault, it is the fault of idiot "authorized" servicers who should have their positions revoked.

This post was edited by hvtech42 on Sun, Feb 8, 15 at 13:56

Boy, you guys are harsh. Beagle, it sounds like you've done everything possible but now you need to call SQ and insist they find someone to fix your washer. Otherwise you go to your state's Attorney General.

"???? Unless the dealer explicitly told me upon buying the product that they do not service, the dealer is the first call I'd make for a warranty service situation, or a service situation outside warranty."

Glenn,
The FIRST order of business prior to laying out hard earned cash for a purchase is to know if the seller also provides after sales service. If they do not, then the most accurate list of who can provide "factory authorized service" is obviously the factory who authorized it, in this case: Speed Queen. While a dealer can and should have a list of service providers, it isn't always up-to-date. My time is valuable and I like to get matters resolved with as few phone calls as possible.

"Boy, you guys are harsh."

It is/was not my intent to be harsh. I just try to look at the situation without an emotional bias in a matter-of-fact way. The OP bought a product that requires service and SQ provided a legal contract in the form of a warranty to guarantee said service. I know many people hate confrontation and I do as well. But sometimes you've got to "grow a pair" to get things done. When you've done your "due diligence", and I don't think the OP has, and still cannot get things resolved to your satisfaction, then this forum is the perfect place to vent your frustrations.

Garden Web is a well-known commodity throughout the world wide web and I can tell you that ALL the major appliance manufacturers have staff in customer service read this site daily. I commented on a thread on February fourth regarding Miele customer service and the abysmal lack thereof and was contacted via email from Miele Corporate in less than 24 hours.

I wonder if the 'authorized servicer' has people answering the phones that don't realize they are a servicer for speed queen. I would re-contact the dealer and explain that the referral they provided didn't pan out. The dealership needs to know if they are causing grief within their customer base.

mrb6228, It was the servicers i talked to. The dealer is working with the distributor to work with their repair company. The really sad part, for me at least, the three year warranty is a mute point. All the authorized repair companies are 40 to 45 miles from me and clearly out of "their service area". Raleigh is not a little town, one would think Speed Queen would have someone in the city. There was one that I checked with <before> i bought the Queens but he no longer works on them, has gone to Whirlpool only. Which I'm beginning to wish I had got in the first place. Not, really. I do like the SQ.

Speed Queen may end up send a commercial servicer out to fix your issue. The least they could do is ship you a replacement timer. They are easy to swap.

After a bazillion phone calls to "out of my service area" companies and several calls to Speed Queen, the 542 is up and running again. Randy at Appliance World worked really hard to find someone. Can't thank him enough! Michael at Southern Pride Services gets a shout out.
Thanks everybody for listening and all suggestions, much appreciated! If any of you are in the Raleigh area, I recommend them.

That wasn't so hard, now was it?

Thanks for the update!

Glad you got resolution, unfortunate that it was not timely.

Laundryvet

beaglenc, you have frightened me. I'm near Raleigh and my new SQ is sitting in the warehouse at Appliance Center in Durham, and the plumber is here as we speak prepping for it. AC has always said they service what they sell. Did you call them for a service referral? Heavens, I hope I am not going to regret this . . .

MizLizzie, do not be frightened! I promise you will not regret it. I got mine from Appliance World in Raleigh. And Randy worked reallyt hard to find someone and he did. If AC says they service what they sell then they will. You will not be sorry.
Michael with Southern Pride services was contacted by Speed Queen so no worries. He came on Monday pm and did a great job. I will admit that with the impending snow/ice forcast, I was a little worried that he wouldn't get here in time to fix it but he did.
Yes, I was getting frustrated and even thought about getting a maytag but I held out. I asked him about the maytag and his works "they are junk". Said he would trade me for the speed queen. I said nope, I'll stick with the queen.

These really are the best you can buy and I can't say enough about them.

Thank you! I am so glad you love yours. The laundry is piling up here so I will be putting it through its paces.