Hi all

If anyone knows anything about domestic appliances I'd appreciate some help.

My Hotpoint ultima 1000 washing machine. When trying to start a wash the display reads e30 (motor fault). I've replaced the brushes but made no difference. I've also checked for continuity across the armature, is ok. the motor is earthed ok.

I get the feeling that the motor is ok and that the fault is on the pcb or a fuse somewhere but I don't know where to look next.

Any ideas?

Cheers
Mark.

Put a bike engine in it, ideally suited!

Does the drum turn freely?

What sort of noise does it make when the motor is trying to turn (if indeed any)

John
(who used to work for Hotpoint many years ago, and could certainly tell you how to fix a Hotpoint twin tub, or even a power wringer single tub, but that was years before electronic autos)

It doesn't make any noise or make any attempt to turn. Drum turns as it did before the problem.

It started a few weeks ago, switching off and on again worked for a few times but now its completely caput!

Any advice is more than welcome.

Thanks
Mark.

I think motor problems can be ruled out then. Have you tried putting a meter on the motor terminals when it's time for the motor to turn, to see if it's getting any voltage?

Next thing is to look at the wiring between the controls and the motor, then at the electronics themselves. Look for little fuses fixed to the pcb.

If there is no visible problem, no evidence of overheating or poor connections, then I guess it's time to look into getting a replacement PCB, if such a thing is available for your machine.

There comes a point, though when one has to compare the cost of repairs with that of a new machine, as I'm sure you realise. Maybe the way forward is to have the Hotpoint man out to have a look and then see what his estimate is (though find out what the call-out charge is first)

John

I've checked the wiring from the pcb to the motor and thats ok too, As you said I too feel that the pcb is probably faulty. The machine was bought second hand 4 years ago for £100 so its not done too badly, There's no point really in buying a pcb or paying for anyone to look at it.

Time for a new machine I think.

Thanks for your help.

Mark.

Have you been here and had a look around? There are plenty of profesionals on there with advice, I've fixed my Dryer and Dishwasher thanks partly to this forum.

UK Whitegoods

I could tell you exactly what the problem was - if it was a Zanussi! On that machine, there's a circuit board edge connector that goes dodgy after a few years - waggling the connectors a few times, taking it on and off, etc. usually fixes it for a few more years.

It might be worth trying the same trick on the Hotpoint - pull all connectors apart and replace them (a couple of times).

Has it got a keyhole symbol showing as well? It could be the door interlock mechanism. Was it cutting out before? Try pushing the door shut and holding it while you switch it on.

[Edited on 7/12/08 by Peteff]