Washing Machine - No Spin

[rtcosic]

12 year old Siemens 1600 WLP.

I replaced the brushes about 2 months ago.

Yesterday it started tripping the power out as soon as the spin cycle started, but would complete the cycle once the power was restored. Filling and washing all proceeded normally.

After about 6 rounds of this once power was restored it skipped to the end of the spin cycle without ever starting to spin.

Now it doesn't trip the power but when the spin cycle is supposed to start it just sits there in a motionless sulk for the length of time the spin is supposed to take, then ends the cycle 'normally'.

No error messages are displayed, but I can't recall if it has the capability of displaying error codes.

It drains perfectly well and the filter isn't blocked.

Before I start to randomly poke about in the hope that some obvious fault will miraculously reveal itself does anyone have any suggestions where to start looking or further steps to take in diagnosis?

I fear the magic smoke may have escaped from the one of the circuit boards and this guide points that way. I hope for loose or missing connection!

 

[mike 109444]

Is the drain pump running during this non spinning spin stage ?
If the drum level switch is failing to drop out then it should stop the drum from spinning up (cos it thinks the drum is still full) but the timer may continue till end of cycle. The level is detected by a tube that runs up the side of the drum to a pressure switch. Usually removing the top should allow access to this switch. Pull pipe of and blow some compressed air down the tube to try and clear. It usually clogs up with unused washing powder (one advantage of those washing tabs/gell tabs).
Of course it may not be the above BUT this is an easy check to do. May be stating the obvious but be aware of mains across lots of the connections in the top of machine.

 

[rtcosic]

Is the drain pump running during this non spinning spin stage ?

Good question to which I do not have the answer.

I will check and follow up on your suggestion. That will be after lunch now as SWMBO has added another 'must do' at the top of the list.

 

[mike os]

It's 12 years old.... is it worth any more effort?

 

[jsf55]

Look for the drain/filter trap the pump is usually connected to this, all manner of stuff ends up there, jams the pump and wont empty, make sure you have towels and a couple of trays and a bucket to catch all the water.... does she wear under wire bras

 

[gaz1]

It's 12 years old.... is it worth any more effort?

mines roughly same age to buy now new would be 500.00 and the drums not big enough at that either

same problem as mine though will wash everything go through the cycle until it comes to the spin and wont spin at all
can drain the water if its selected but not spin it
clean out quick check and everything will work no problem then the problem comes back and wont spin again

model of mine is indesit 1400 or 1600 spin spun them so dry was great to iron them afterwards

 

[AndersK]

Will it self drain if you put down the drain hose at floor level?
Then you can test if it's related to drain pump by doing so just before the spin cycle is about to start.

 

[rtcosic]

It's 12 years old.... is it worth any more effort?

• Whilst its predecessor only lasted about 5 years, the one before that was bought second hand in 1979.
• Now that the boys have left home it only sees 3 loads per week rather than 3 per day.
• Few of the loads now include multiple pairs of grinder dust encrusted overalls.
• It had a new drum and bearings fitted at about 8 years old under warranty.
• The current replacement model costs £899-00 (or £1079 for the posh one).
  
• Why would I let an inanimate object cock its snook at me without at least attempting to get my own back?

Progress of a diagnostic type. Extracting the machine and setting it up to operate with the back off and accessible is a mission involving disassembly of half the utility room cupboards.

Filter had little in it - just the usual few strands of wire brush and some grinder dust, one small spring washer and a piece of green plastic coating garden wire.
It fills and drains with no problem
It doesn't trip the power

And for its pièce de résistance:

It doesn't turn the drum in any setting.

So I'm girding my loins to do battle with motor removal and inspection of the brushes - again.
After I've had a fortifying cup of coffee.

 

[the snooper]

Not sure if already said but check the wiring has not rubbed through on the casing, I had on that had done it and as the drum moved because of it spinning faster the wire earthed and tripped

 

[Hitch]

Pump worn out?
Last machines I've had that havnt spun, I've banged on a new pump for £10-15 and it's done the trick.

 

[rtcosic]

Pump worn out?

Don't think so - it will fill and empty as normal.

Removed the motor and found much more carbon dust than I expected. Blew it all out.

Some deposit on the commutator but not excessive:
View media item 10497
Cleaned with a few strokes of 240 grit and it cleaned up instantly, but is looking rather worn:

View media item 10498
No joy though. It will fill and empty but not move in any of the programmes I've tried so far.

More Googling unless some-one has a suggestion on how to bench-test the motor with 7 brown wires going to it.

I will recount them as this source suggests 6 is normal (the earth is separate before anyone suggested that is the 7th)

The motor looks exactly like this one.

I'm not splashing out £200 on the off chance!

 

[rtcosic]

Success of sorts.

I have cured the symptom and it's working again, but I haven't definitely identified the underlying problem, so I may be back in there in the near future.

This video helped enormously.

I spent ages with the continuity meter chasing pinouts and checking wiring in the machine. When first probed the over temperature switch was open circuit. When rechecked some time later it was made. I didn't do anything to it.

After several check runs in the machine I declared the motor good, buttoned it all up and reassembled the utility room.

Then I cleaned the utility room.

I haven't identified the issue that caused it to trip power and send the over temperature switch open circuit though.

If anyone needs it I have drawn the pinouts on my motor. I'm still not sure why the 7th wire is configured the way it is - I leave that as an exercise for the student:


View media item 10499

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Well done on getting it going again, but to me it's saying "well I gave you fair warning, so this time I'm not going to play" for when it stops next time.

Mind you, I am illiterate when it comes to elektrickery. . And with call-out costs being what they are ( if you can get someone to come) I'd be forced into looking to find a new machine.

 

[ronan]

Well done on getting it going again, but to me it's saying "well I gave you fair warning, so this time I'm not going to play" for when it stops next time.

Mind you, I am illiterate when it comes to elektrickery. . And with call-out costs being what they are ( if you can get someone to come) I'd be forced into looking to find a new machine.

"I'M GOING TO GIVE YOU A DAMN GOOD THRASHING".

 

[octo0072000]

think i would be tempted to change the over temp switch

 

[rtcosic]

think i would be tempted to change the over temp switch

So would I but it is crimped or spot welded onto the brass tracks embedded in the plastic carrier and I can't see an elegant way of replacing it - assuming I could find a replacement.

View media item 10500View media item 10501
It's now finishing its third wash of the day.

 

[octo0072000]

So would I but it is crimped or spot welded onto the brass tracks embedded in the plastic carrier and I can't see an elegant way of replacing it - assuming I could find a replacement.

View media item 10500View media item 10501

can you by pass it fit another sort of temp switch

one here various term settings 70 deg to 120 deg
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/17AM-Nor...hash=item3d87d08ae6:m:mKScO5h-LVBNtbm_3ZXvPXg

 

[rtcosic]

can you by pass it fit another sort of temp switch

Thank you for the link. I never have much success with the telephone camera and I can't read the temperature setting. If it throws a hissy fit again, I'll come up with a plan - it could be wired in line with the electrical connection outside the motor.