Most likely a blown heater element in the drier unit. Power off, drag machine out onto the floor, remove back cover and top cover. Check the fan in the drier unit - if its not rotating, the element will have overheated and possibly triggered a thermal cutout device which cuts off the power to the heater element. Some thermal cutouts can be reset, most need replacing. Only way to test is to disconnect the wiring and take resistance readings across the element and any thermal cutout device with a multimeter.
Check all wires and connectors generally for internal breakages - caused by movement of the wiring loom attached to the drum. Over a long period of time the wire strands inside the insulator break through metal fatigue. Although the outside of the wire appears ok the internal is open circuit. Pull on each individual wire - if theyre ok internally, they shouldnt stretch.
Washer Dryers work by having cold water trickle down the inside of the drum whilst hot air is being blown into it.The hot moist air from the washing converts back into liquid when it hits the cold water, and it is pumped out along with any fluff that may be with it. Unfortunately the internal ducts and channels get congested because of this fluff and prevent the cycle being completed. The condenser needs to be removed and cleaned out thoroughly and so does the sump and outlet hose. Another cause of drying problems is if the cold water is not getting through, so check the cold water supply from the valve. Washer Driers have a triple valve on the cold side, one is for the wash powder and rinse, one for the fabric conditioner and one for the condenser. On some washer driers a reverse timer has been fitted (allowing the drum to rotate in the both directions). Unlike the conventional timer this one cannot be operated by the user but is controlled by the main timer and when it is activated the heater is turned off. So if your machine has reverse tumble it could be that it is stuck in reverse. You will have to watch it for about 15 minutes or so to check if it revolves in only one direction.
Repair and service your own washing machine. Go to www.2ndwave.co.uk/manual.html
dannyboy, December 2008
