Hotpoint WMA30 Cuts Out

[thornit]

Hi - Problems with Hotpoint WMA30

Machine will start,fills with water and starts to wash but after a few minutes machine will stop and all leds go out.
Only way to get it going is to unplug from mains and restart it,then it will do the same again but each time you restart it the time shortens before it cuts out.
Also cuts out the same on a spin program

Have checked motor brushes,look good as new.
Heater and thermistor both read ok on a meter.
Cleaned out drain sump but it was clear.

For the short time it runs everthing seems to be working fine.
Run out of ideas now,suspect it may be the control panel.
Anyone got any ideas please.

 

[yardie]

Usually fault code (flashing lights) would indicate a component fault, but the lack of a code displaying would point more towards control pcb or fascia panel.

Best to whip out the main pcb located inside first and look for anything suspect.

Might also be worth checking its not the mains socket/wiring.

 

[thornit]

Thanks for reply
Had the control board out.Couldn't see any burning,broken tracks
or dry joints.
A little bit of black carbon dust round the transformer TR! but it's an old machine.Is this normal?

 

[yardie]

Could be from belt or motor brushes. Best to clean it off, carbon is conductive and a build up could potentially damage your board.

Check the fascia panel board too! This may have water damage.

Have you tried using a different mains socket? Checked inside the plug? Checked mains cable for damage and wiring continuity, could be a break in the cable between the plug and machine.

 

[thornit]

Mains and wiring all ok
After it cuts out there is still mains voltage at the control panel.
Where is the fascia control panel?
All i've found is this panel at top hehind program switch

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131018482642

 

[yardie]

How does the machine switch on? Push button power switch or programme select dial

Have you inspected both sides of the pcb?

 

[thornit]

Select program and push start
no actual on off switch
just off position on program control

Checked both sides of pcb can't see any probs

 

[yardie]

Is there only one board?

Checked for dry solder joints?

 

[thornit]

Only one PCB that I can find
Can't see any dry joints
If machine has been off for a few hours it'll run for about 5 mins before it cuts out.
But if you restart it again it will only run again for a minute
or so.
Sounds like a component failing under heat.

 

[yardie]

Most likely xfrm.

You could try and apply heat to a small area of the board to see if you can get it to cut out sooner, this will narrow down component.

Thermal fuse on board?

Identify the components attached to the heatsink, these are likely suspects.