When I switch on the machine the on/off switch lights up and then starts to flash simultaneously with the mini load button. I can't run any programme and the only way to switch the machine off is at the mains.

The machine has been standing unused for a year - not sure if that would have anything to do with the problem.
Many thanks in anticipation of an answer

Moira, June 2009

One of the main problems with the Hot point WF541 is that the electrical multi plug joint are made with a "scotch lock" type of fitting this en-tales a steel plate cutting through the insulating sleeve of the wire and forming an electrical connection the problem arises when it also cuts some of the wires and compounded with corrosion and vibration from the machine this can cause a breakage that is difficult to detect and fix.
It was only luck that I found my fault!

Mike C S, November 2009

The flashing mini load neon means you have a motor triac fault, check the connections on the motor and module. It could be where the machine has not been used for some time the connections have corroded and just need a good clean. The on/off neon always flashes when you have a fault, it is the accompanying neon that indicates where the fault is.

casper---www.selfix-uk.co.uk, June 2009