Power off and disconnect machine. First check the plug fuse and mains socket. Drag machine out onto the floor, remove back and top cover. If its an electronic machine, check main control board for additional fuses. Next check the door switch and the wires leading to it, because all the power goes through the door switch. Then check for a faulty or burned out main switch. Then look at where the wires attach to the timer, if its an electromechanical type. Burned plastic at the base of the connectors usually indicates a burnt out internal switch in the timer.
Possibly a duff connection on one of the board connectors. Power off, drag machine out onto the floor, remove covers, disconnect circuit board connectors and clean with toothbrush. May help to tighten them with a pair of pliers. Clean off any corrosion or crud, refit and test. Closely inspect the entire wiring loom and circuit boards, looking particularily closely at areas where the wiring touches the machine frame. Your'e looking for any signs of wear or fraying which would allow the bare wire to contact the frame. 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.
Repair and service your own washing machine. Go to www.2ndwave.co.uk/manual.html
dannyboy, April 2009