I have a Zanussi condensing tumble dryer Model TCE 7124 W.
About 3 years old (heavily used).

Over a period it deteriorated. It would start drying normally, then after a while would stop (no heat, no drum rotation, nothing at all), but if I pressed the START button again, it would start.

It has now got worse. It will work for only 30 seconds, then it will stop and make a few clicking sounds. If I just leave it, it may dry in fits and starts over a long period, never for more than about 20 seconds at a time.

I can get it to work for 30 seconds easily enough by switching it off and on again – but it will only work for 30 seconds.

This is true for all programs and timer settings.

All the filters are clean, as is the condenser and, yes, I have emptied the reservoir. I have also tried cleaning the drum with vinegar, as suggested in the instruction book.

Strangely, it will sometimes work late at night or early in the morning (when it is cooler) – suggesting that the problem could be with a thermostat. I replaced this thermostat (the one just inside the door, at 12 o’clock) but it did no good. The heating element is definitely working - at least sometimes.

Does anyone have any clue what the problem could be?

Many thanks indeed

Patrick, January 2008

Had the exact same problem. My TCE 7124 is 10 years old now. One of the pins on the PCB was black and not totally fixed. A resoldering fixed the problem. Good as new :o)

Rolf, August 2014

the main pcb gets dry joints on transformer pins.resolder them and it may work.took me 2 hrs to find this on a machine.good luck

ck, January 2008