Hotpoint WDL5490 blowing fuses

[Dave176]

Hello all...This is my first post, and i'm at a loss at the moment.
I have a Hotpoint Aquarius Washer Dryer that has been playing up for a while with the dreaded flashing lights on the front....and has now decided to blow fuses!
After checking, it seems to be blowing on the Neutral side of the main heating element below the drum. Would it be a case of just replacing the element, or would it be related to the PCB on the bottom left?
I tested the element with a multi-meter but was surprised it wasn't showing a short across to Earth....! This has left me confused, Please can anyone help...??

 

[jj4091]

Disconnect the element & insulate the connectors then try it again. If it stops blowing the fuse then the element is probably faulty with the insulation only breaking down under load conditions.

 

[Dave176]

Many Thanks jj4091 for your swift reply.
I did as you suggested and it didn't blow any more.
I was given false information by a domestic appliance shop before coming on here. I metered across the terminals and it showed an open circuit. It wasn't until i removed the element that it was evidently blown.
Would this i wonder be related to the flashing lights syndrome that seems common on Hotpoints...?

 

[jj4091]

Flashing lights usually indicate an error code, perhaps it was recognising that the water was not heating or some other defect, but until you rectify the problem with the fuse blowing you won't know if you have another fault.