I have a Zanussi FL 1032 washing machine which has recently started to trip the residual circuit breaker of the fuse board (consumer unit). I am guessing that the capacitor is breaking down because if I leave the machine off for a minute and then reset the mains trip switch, the program starts up again and continues to run for a little while before cutting out again.

Can anyone tell me if my diagnosis seems correct?

I have tried searching for a replacement capacitor but I am unable to find one easily. It is unusual in that it only has conections at one end. The other end is a molding for fixing the capacitor in place.

Mark, March 2009

Use Google Images - search Motor Start Capacitor - quite a large beast.

Should be relatively easy to source & replace but take care of any residual charge even with the power unplugged you may get a shock - short terminals with screwdriver to discharge it.

Take picture with digital camera before removing any wires - it may save later grief.

Good luck...

Peccavi, March 2009

i don't think the part you are talking about is the problem (mains filter).more likely to be a heater issue (low insulation to earth) or motor comms faulty.again low insulation to earth.tub seals also fail on these causing water to leak which gets on to the mains and causes tripping.with an insulation tester it is easy to test these components but without almost impossible other than replacing them one by one which isn't cost effective.element would be my first choice!

ck, March 2009