I have a Zanussi WJS1397 Washer Dryer. What it will and wont do is very unpredictible. It mainly clicks on, at about 2 second intervals, through the program and only stops at Q (end of a woolens wash), no matter what program (whites/colours/woolens) it started at. Other times it will do part of the wash (either the main wash or the rinse but rarely both).
When it does the rinses, it normally only does one fill of water rinse, when it used to do two/three (depending on program).
When it actually does a spin, it doesn't stop when it reaches the tumble-dry stage. It doesn't even stop for the end of program, and continues through to the next program.
Tumble-drying lasts for about 10 seconds, with no rotation of the drum.
The machine had these probems about 2 months ago, which lasted for 2 weeks, then it seemed to fix itself, until a couple of weeks ago.
I have removed the two pressure switches, and they are changing contacts when pressure is blown into them. I also removed and tested the program dial unit, and checked that all the micro-switches activeted properly.
When water does enter, then it does go to the correct level.

Is there a unit that controls the timing for each stage?

JMc, February 2006

Make sure your water connection is on tight and not leaking. I had exactly the same problem, and it turned out to be due to the water supply leaking. 5 minutes and it was fixed and working perfect.

James Thompson, August 2007

Try checking motor see if there is anything loose.

barry, October 2006

Additional information:

I don't know if I reconnected the control unit (at the bottom back left of the Zanussi) incorrectly, but when it is supposed to do the first couple of rinses the fan (as part of the tumble drying circuit) is started instead of rinsing water.

JMc, February 2006