Washing machine starts but stops after a few minutes

Freddie Mcinerney · 19-12-2021 2:23pm #1

Hi there

I put on a load of washing this morning.

The washing machine starts, and water is added to the drum. However, after a few minutes the machine stops its program cycle.

I tried a few different settings and the same problem arises.

Any suggestions?

The washing machine was working okay yesterday.

Andrea B. · 19-12-2021 2:27pm

More detail.

It adds water and then?

What lights are flashing/solid?

Does door unlock?

dotsman · 19-12-2021 2:36pm

Have you checked the filter (90% of washing machine issues)?

Freddie Mcinerney · 19-12-2021 2:41pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118346427#Comment_118346427

Yes it adds water at the start. Then stops after a few minutes.

No lights flash. Start/Pause light stays on.

The door unlock after a minute when I put the dial back to 0.

Andrea B. · 19-12-2021 2:43pm

So the water that was added drains away automatically?

Freddie Mcinerney · 19-12-2021 3:01pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118346479#Comment_118346479

I checked the filter. Found €1 coin, 20 cent coin and a spring from a fountain pen.

Freddie Mcinerney · 19-12-2021 3:02pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118346501#Comment_118346501

Only when I put the program to drain.

Freddie Mcinerney · 19-12-2021 3:41pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118346479#Comment_118346479

I open the filter again from the front. Found another 20 cent.

Same problem.

Masala · 19-12-2021 3:46pm

You lucky you have a filter that you can access.

I have a zanussi and no access to filter .. so dreading the day that mine stops

Freddie Mcinerney · 19-12-2021 3:52pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118346757#Comment_118346757

Something like this

https://www.espares.ie/product/es1713983?utm_source=google+shopping&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=google+shopping&gclid=Cj0KCQiAzfuNBhCGARIsAD1nu-_ojYaxZHRCorK0qqh3fu58FNqxGwg0B7EVioyOWR4CLxfKB-LNJEIaAjfnEALw_wcB

Andrea B. · 19-12-2021 4:13pm

Have you tried mains plug power on/off?

Aside, i have not got a clue.

However, if it went to fill and the level detector did not sense a level in a preset time, it would be a fault scenario and cut off.

Assuming all else working, I suggest removing hose and checking filter at entry to machine, in case blocked and slowing fill.

Other side is where is remainder of fountain pen?

But if a drain pump prob, doesn't make sense that you can drain it.

19-12-2021 4:18pm

Never buy a washing machine without access to the filter.

It’s like buying a car you can’t change the tyres on. I’ve no idea why manufacturers would produce something so ridiculous.

Washing machine pumps are generally self cleaning, and will pass fluff and small items like buttons, but the filter is there more as a coin trap to catch anything bigger than the pump impeller can handle.

OP: it sounds like you’ll need to call a professional. It could be a water level sensor issue, a door lock issue or, more likely an electronic control board issue.

Freddie Mcinerney · 19-12-2021 4:48pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118346854#Comment_118346854

Thanks. Looks like I will have to do that.

Water enters drum at start. Then stops. Water stays in drum. Water then drains when I put onto drain program.

The spin program doesn't work.

Freddie Mcinerney · 19-12-2021 5:00pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118346841#Comment_118346841

I'm quite sure the rest of the foundation pen is not in the washing machine.

I unscrewed the inlet water hose from the mains to see if any blockage. Notice none.

Housemate did a wash last night. The drum spinned but when cycle was over the water didn't automatically drain.

Freddie Mcinerney · 20-12-2021 9:49am

I cleared out all the gunk in the outlet hose, under the sink and in the pipe leaving those.

Notice if I drain out all the water at the drain filter and then start. I can hear this ball bearing (marble) noise. However, if I don't drain out the water at the drain filter, prior to starting. I don't hear this noise.

Any other suggestions?

KildareP · 20-12-2021 9:59am

Does the drum turn at all after it stops taking in water?

If it only takes in water but never rotates the clothes then it's most likely either the belt or the motor (usually worn brushes).

If it's the belt, you'll hear the motor operating as normal but the drum won't turn.

If it's the brushes, the drum won't turn either but you'll hear no noise at all.

Freddie Mcinerney · 20-12-2021 10:10am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118350225#Comment_118350225

Thanks.

I can hear noise while the water is entering the drum. No spinning after the water entering. It just stops.

On the spin program cycle, I can hear the motor but no drum rotating.

The drum cycle, I can hear the motor and the drain works.

Manually I can rotate the drum. It takes a small bit of effort. Had checked underneath the machine earlier and the belt was rotating by the flywheel when I manually rotate the drum.

KildareP · 20-12-2021 10:17am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118350267#Comment_118350267

The drum cycle, I can hear the motor and the drain works.

You can hear the motor turning on and off as it would normally when the drum rotates?

If you take the back off the machine, does the motor flywheel rotate when you hear the motor rotating?

On the spin program cycle, I can hear the motor but no drum rotating.

You're probably hearing the drain pump rather than the motor.

padjocollins · 20-12-2021 10:24am

far from an expert but an issue i had with a siemens washing machine was worn out carbon brushes , i'd say this is a common issue . As far as i remember the symptoms were the water would pump to start the wash but the machine wouldn't rotate which makes sense if the carbon brushes don't have contact anymore. You can prob replace them yourself and if you buy a set , tape the spare set to the back of the washing machine , find a good google video tutorial on how to do the repair, add it here for others and bookmark it for future reference in years to come when you've got to rinse and repeat (pardon the pun)

Freddie Mcinerney · 20-12-2021 11:30am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118350295#Comment_118350295

Thanks.

Sorry, I meant to say drain cycle.

For the initial water inlet to the drum. Would that be carried out using a pump? Same as drain pump.

Can I operate the spin cycle program, to check flywheel if rotating without the inlet hose from the mains?Hose too short.

KildareP · 20-12-2021 11:37am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118350643#Comment_118350643

Water relies on mains pressure to fill the machine, there is no pump involved but there is a solenoid that acts as a tap that makes a hum that can often sound like a motor.

If, after filling at the start of the cycle, there is absolutely no noise then it is in all likelihood the motor and the brushes are the most common thing to go. Pretty straightforward to fix and cheap if you're willing to give it a go yourself.

Freddie Mcinerney · 20-12-2021 11:48am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118350317#Comment_118350317

Thanks.

I may check those later when I get a lend of a proper size Phillips screwdriver from the neighbour.

Freddie Mcinerney · 20-12-2021 11:51am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118350676#Comment_118350676

Cheers. Thanks for that. Machine was working grand on Saturday.

Will just need a proper size Philips screwdriver from the neighbour.

Freddie Mcinerney · 20-12-2021 12:45pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118350676#Comment_118350676

Hi

Would the brushes for the motor be a standard size or do they vary?

It is an oldish Nordmendes front load washing machine.

Thanks

Freddie Mcinerney · 29-12-2021 1:38pm

BTW the problem was brushes on the motor. If you can replace them yourself. Cost at least a tenner.

padjocollins · 29-12-2021 2:00pm

bingo , seems to be a common issue they wear depending on the usage . i’d buy another set and tape it to the back of the washing machine so you’re ready to go the next time it happens , hopefully that’ll be the reason why it’s on the blink. You can also buy brushless motor washing machines . prob a little bit more expensive . not that up on it .

Freddie Mcinerney · 29-12-2021 2:06pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118385965#Comment_118385965

Pat we got a call out. €80 fir them to turn up and €25 for their charge brushes. Hadn't the tools at the time to tackle it.

padjocollins · 31-12-2021 11:48am

u got it quickly fixed and have a good idea for the next time . not the worst thing unless cash is very tight. 👍️

Freddie Mcinerney · 31-12-2021 1:52pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118395112#Comment_118395112

Yes true. Hope get more years from it.

Washing machine starts but stops after a few minutes

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