Washing Machine. Blown Fuse; How to identify faulty part

[Mark Up]

I am hoping there is some knowledgeable "Kind Soul" out there that can help me. Our washing machine which is under 3 years old nows blows the 15Amp fuse in the plug (not the trip switch) either at the end of the wash cycle (or near the end of it) but certainly before the rinse cycle starts. We can put it on the rinse cycle only and it works.The socket is not the issue as I hav put an estension lead on the plug and put it in a difference socket but the fuse still blows in the plug. I am trying to identify which is the faulty part, can anyone advise me. The call out charge for an engineer is exhorbitant and as I don't know which part is faulty (and therefore the cost of the part) going down this route at this stage is not a viable proposition. If I can identify what is causing the fuse blow to then I can explore the possibilities. Maybe if it straight forward try and replace the faulty pary myself .Thank you for any advise/suggestions it will be greatly appreciated.

[Taf]

Triacs/Diacs can short out the mains when they fail (they are electronic switches that turn mains supplies on and off for motors, pumps, etc). Unfortunately they are usually part of a circuit board that is now replaced as a whole item (easier for the engineer, more expensive for you).

As the machine is under 3 years' old, it might be worth claiming for repair/replacement under the Sales of Goods Act (I think). Give Citizens Advice a call.

[raging bull]

Possible the pump, either wet through or siezed solid!
My bet is water on the pump connections under the drum.

[Mick Fisher]

Originally Posted by heero_yuy

It might be a failing heating element. Try a cold wash cycle.

1st rule is to have a good long look and listen. If all seems OK then I'd check out the heating element.

But...

The way they build them today and what is charged for spares and/or call out fees you might consider junking it. Depressing I know but.........

[raging bull]

Strange it blows a plug fuse and not trip circuit breaker?
Fuse blowing there must be hell of a current flowing through it, where as a circuit breaker would trip @ 1.5 times rating. - (missed out on rinse cycle only sorry)

---------- Post added at 15:54 ---------- Previous post was at 15:52 ----------

I pray for you it not element, right awkward things to replace due to way they are mounted.

[Mark Up]

Thank you for your responses. Our Zanussi washing machine has no cold water wash. The lowest temperature wash available is 30 degrees so it is difficult to test the heater element. The strange point is whatever programme we put it on it washes/works OK until it nears the rinse cycle. I have a fear we are looking at a new washing machine but it won't be a Zanussi unless we are able to idenify exactly what part needs replacing. The only other point wee did move the washing maching out of the kitchen to have a new floor laid but when we put it back and reconnected, it initially worked OK.

[Taf]

When our Zanussi failed, I called out the local agent. He did the repair and then told us that taking out an annual warranty would be cheaper, so I signed up for it there and then with him. During the next year it failed twice and both repairs were free under the extended warranty!

[Mick Fisher]

Originally Posted by Mark Up

Thank you for your responses. Our Zanussi washing machine has no cold water wash. The lowest temperature wash available is 30 degrees so it is difficult to test the heater element. The strange point is whatever programme we put it on it washes/works OK until it nears the rinse cycle. I have a fear we are looking at a new washing machine but it won't be a Zanussi unless we are able to idenify exactly what part needs replacing. The only other point wee did move the washing maching out of the kitchen to have a new floor laid but when we put it back and reconnected, it initially worked OK.

Bare in mind that I have been retired for 15 years and things have probably changed out of all recognition but then again maybe not?

Zanussi machines used to have a second pump to recirculate the wash water through the heater box and then up to an outlet at the top of the drum where the water then dropped onto the wash load. IIRC they used to call this system "JetWash" or something similar.

The hose connection at the top of the drum used to leak slightly after a while and allow water to run down the side of the outer container onto the drive motor. As it was only a tiny leak it could take awhile before the motor got wet enough to develop an earth insulation fault of a big enough magnitude to blow the fuse. Typically the end of the wash cycle or during 1st rinse would not be regarded as unusual.

You will be able to see a leak trace on the drum, if so, seal the leak with a new hose or glue it on with a contact adhesive/silicone whatever. Try a wash cycle and see if you have nailed it.

[Mark Up]

Originally Posted by Mick Fisher

Bare in mind that I have been retired for 15 years and things have probably changed out of all recognition but then again maybe not?

Zanussi machines used to have a second pump to recirculate the wash water through the heater box and then up to an outlet at the top of the drum where the water then dropped onto the wash load. IIRC they used to call this system "JetWash" or something similar.

The hose connection at the top of the drum used to leak slightly after a while and allow water to run down the side of the outer container onto the drive motor. As it was only a tiny leak it could take awhile before the motor got wet enough to develop an earth insulation fault of a big enough magnitude to blow the fuse. Typically the end of the wash cycle or during 1st rinse would not be regarded as unusual.

You will be able to see a leak trace on the drum, if so, seal the leak with a new hose or glue it on with a contact adhesive/silicone whatever. Try a wash cycle and see if you have nailed it.

Thank you for the advise. Do we have to take the back of the washing machine to check. If so is it something an "Amateur" can do. Could it be heater element that is at fault as the fuse in the plug seems to blow always roughly the same time towards the end of the wash cycle.

Originally Posted by Taf

When our Zanussi failed, I called out the local agent. He did the repair and then told us that taking out an annual warranty would be cheaper, so I signed up for it there and then with him. During the next year it failed twice and both repairs were free under the extended warranty!

Our three kitchen machines are all under an ongoing extended warranty. Costs us about £160 a year and worth every penny. One or the other of the machines needs attention at least once a year. We had the man out again just a couple of weeks ago to replace the door latch on the dishwasher. It was a 10-minute job for him but I shudder to think what it would have cost us if we'd had to pay there and then.

[Mick Fisher]

Originally Posted by Mark Up

Thank you for the advise. Do we have to take the back of the washing machine to check. If so is it something an "Amateur" can do. Could it be heater element that is at fault as the fuse in the plug seems to blow always roughly the same time towards the end of the wash cycle.

Initially, remove the top and see if you do have a hose fitted in the top of the drum and that there is a white stain (leak trace) going down on one side. If none of this applies then you have a different model or my info is out of date (likely ).

If it does apply then yes, sealing a leak or replacing a hose is something an amateur could do but always take the precaution of isolating the appliance from the main electricity while you are working on it..

The heating element would usually blow the fuse the minute it is switched on, typically at the beginning of a wash cycle.

[Taf]

If you can see the spade connections to the heating element, disconnect them and try a cycle. Ensure the disconnected spades don't touch anything though.