washing machine has stopped working , not a power issue

barrymanilow

Hi ,


I have a whirlpool washing machine . It's pretty old . It just stopped working yesterday .


I think its still getting power . I tested the socket and I can hear some action and pumping from but it never starts any cycle .


I don't know anything about washing machines . I presume it makes more sense to get a new one than pay a repair guy .


Are there any obvious thing I could check or can I presume it has given up the Ghost ? Never had a bearings problem as far as I know as it was not noisy at all .


Thanks for any ideas ,


B

Auguste Comte

Have a look on YouTube for cleaning the filter, it's usually accessed by a small flap at the bottom of the washer. It can get clogged over time or coins, hairclips etc can block it. Defo worth a try before you take out the cheque book.

barrymanilow

Thanks Auguste Ill give that a shot

Ten Pin

If the drum turns freely with the power off then it's unlikely to be bearings.

The pump is emptying any leftover water from last wash.

Does water start to fill? Could be a blocked inlet filter?

Does the drum rotate at all after you start the machine? If not then it could be the belt from motor to drum, you would still hear the motor turning (not the pump). If the motor doesn't turn, the motor brushes could be gone. It's a straightforward job to replace them.

barrymanilow

Hi folks ,


I replaced the motor brushes , the ones on it had a good bit of life left in them but I did it anyway . Still no improvement .The belt looked fine .


I plugged it in after putting in fresh brushes and with the back of the machine removed I tried a few cycles but I can see that the motor doesn't turn at all .



Is there anything else obvious ? or is the motor not turning with new brushes a sign that its done for ?


The machine is getting power though as the one function that creates noise is the" drain " function .


Could something jammed in the drain between the drum and the removable filter at the front stop the cycle from starting ?

Also I am wondering if it could be a door lock issue . The door lock has always been finicky and needed a strong slam to get it to start a cycle . Could the motor not be starting because it thinks the door is open ? In that case should bypassing it work ?


Thanks for any ideas

Ten Pin

Most machines won't start with door open so could be faulty door switch. Check door switch for any wires detached / broken from terminals. Check wiring around rest of machine.

Can you hear any relays and / or switches clicking in out when you turn machine on?

The Red Ace

set the wm for empty you should hear the pump run, next set for spin you should get motor action while being unable to open the door,, if both of these work I would suspect faulty solenoid valve not letting the machine fill

barrymanilow

thanks il try that , found a door interlock for cheap online , il try that too ,

barrymanilow

Solved ! It was the door interlock , replaced and working again , thanks again for all the inputs