Hi, We have a Hotpoint WM51. Last week it tripped the fusebox as it began a cycle. When I turned the electricity back on at the fusebox, the machine went through the cycle, but at the end the door stayed locked. I took the lid off, reached in and unclipped the door so I could get the washing out, but then the door wouldn't lock again, so the machine wouldn't work. I replaced the interlock mechanism with a new one, thinking it might be that, but still it wouldn't lock. Also replaced the plug fuse (in desperation), still nothing. Anyone any idea what might be wrong with it, and how to repair it?

Simon, October 2009

When the door interlock wears out,it sometimes blows a track on the timer circuit board,(the neutral from the interlock).Take the timer off ,you should see the blown track,then solder a piece of wire from the first black plug to the blown track on the board.

bob, November 2009

its more likely it blown the track off the side of the timer, if it has there are two ways of fixing it, 1st a new timer, 2nd remove the wire that gets its feed from the timer off the block and extent the cable to the incoming supply and connect to the neutral

foot, October 2009

I don't know much about washing machines but not knowing about something has never stopped me sounding off about it...

The door will be told to lock by the control board - the control board will need to have two conditions satisfied before the locking mechanism is activated - First there should be a request to run a programme and secondly the door should be closed - both must be true.

If the door is not locking one of these will be true...

No programme selected
Door not closed
Door switch defective & failing to detect door closed
Control board defective - either ignoring inputs or not sending output to lock door
Door locking mechanism defective

It will certainly be nothing to do with the fuse in the plug - changing it shows your level of desperation...

My guess is the switch that detects the door being closed - but it's just a blind guess...

Good luck...

Peccavi, October 2009