This has happened a few times now. The machine will stop mid cycle - latest was 53 minutes into a 1hr 27 min cycle. No error codes show up, but after a while on this occasion the time reverted back to 1:27 of its own accord, but never started. Other times the machine just stops and I have to switch off.

Peter Tresadern, January 2009

We had this problem with our Zanussi FS1155W washing machine. When this happened the 'END' light on the front panel was also flashing (3 flashes at a time).The problem turned out to be the pressure switch( found at the top of the machine, just under the top cover).Where I had turned the machine on its 'head' to fix a new component, it had caused water to travel back down the vacumn pipe that feeds into the pressure switch and this caused false messages to be sent to the machines cotrol panel when the machine was in action. I just took the pipe off the pressure switch, bloew down it to clear the water and re-assembled. It now works like new.Some machines might also need you to 'reset' the electrics, either by using a reset button( if your machine has one) or by disconnecting the various electrical connectors inside the lid and putting them back.

martin b., January 2009

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.

Check the pressure switch -the system that determines correct water level in the drum. If its giving an incorrect indication to the program timer machine will either overfill, refuse to fill or refuse to spin. Its an air operated diaphragm switch triggered by rising air pressure induced by the entry of water into an airtight vessel attached to the base of the drum. It tells the program timer that the water has reached the correct level, allowing it to proceed to the water heating stage in the cycle. Power off, drag machine out onto the floor, remove back cover and top cover. The pressure switch is a round item about 3 inches across with several wires and a thin rubber pipe attached. It generally sits just under the top cover. 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 or the vessel attached to the other end of the pipe is blocked. Some machines have the pressure vessel integrated as part of the filter unit, with a pressure chamber moulded into the top of the filter body. Remove the pressure vessel, put a small nut or screw in it, fill it with water and shake vigorously till any crud or residue is removed. Refit all parts, check that joints and connections are water tight.

Repair and service your own washing machine. Go to www.2ndwave.co.uk/manual.html

dannyboy, January 2009