When I turn on the washing machine it goes straight to the end of the cycle and the machine will not drain the water and it is also not washing the clothes.I have tried un-screwing the cap at the front of the machine to see if there was anything stuck but this hasn't fixed the problem.

Siobhan, October 2008

Check the pressure switch -the system that determines correct water level in the drum. Its a round item about 3 inches across with several wires connected, it sits under the top cover. Its an air operated switch which tells the machine water has reached the correct level. Disconnect the thin rubber pipe from the switch and blow down through it to clear any blockage. Switch itself may be faulty but its more likely the pressure pipe is blocked.
Could also be a blown water heater or thermostat.
Repair and service your own washing machine. Go to www.2ndwave.co.uk/manual.html

dannyboy, October 2008