fault in motor drive circuit.
Some machines test the motor rotation on power up and if this is abnormal they simply abort the program. Check out the carbon brushes in the motor. Theyre graphite blocks which transfer mains power to the copper segments of the motor -Theyre probably worn down. They're quite cheap parts and easy to replace. Power off, drag machine out onto the floor, remove the back cover and locate the motor. May help if the machine is tilted at an angle or laid on its side. The brushes are at the other end of the motor from the drive pulley. The holders are plastic or bakelite and are generally held in with screws or plastic clips. Also, look at the copper segments they run on to check for burning or pitting. If the segments are burnt or damaged you need a replacement motor or a replacement armature (motor part) if you can source one. Occasionally may be a fault in the motor drive circuit board - in which case replacement of board only real option.
Some machines are fitted with an induction motor - this type of motor doesnt have brushes. Its a much heavier and more reliable type of device, but needs a component called a start capacitor to set it in motion. If the start capacitor is faulty the motor cant get the kick it needs to get going.
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. The timer can cause problems of this type, check for burnt connections or of course it could be an internal break in the motor itself, which would require replacement of the motor. Check the tacho coil for breakages in the connections. The tacho coil is a small generator coil on the end of the motor which provides a voltage proportional to the speed of the motor. This voltage is fed back to the speed control module to enable the machine to check the rotation, direction and speed of the motor. If the machine goes into spin as soon as you turn it on, the tacho coil on the motor is faulty or come off, sometimes the screw holding it on has just come undone and it has fallen off or the outer casing has come adrift.
Other possible causes of spin problems: Faulty pressure switch - machine "thinks" the drum is still full of water so wont enter the spin cycle. An easy way to check is to remove the hose connected to the pressure switch and listen for a click. Spin problems may also be caused if the machine reckons the load is out of balance, rearrange the load. If problem persists could possibly be a fault in the out of balance detector switch or the suspension and damping system.
Repair and service your own washing machine. Go to www.2ndwave.co.uk/manual.html
dannyboy, January 2009
