Washing Machine Help Forum

Thanks penguin45! exactly what I needed, cheers.

Hi

I have a problem with my Ariston Margherita 2000 AL129X.

The wash starts,water enters the drawer, and then being pumped out again after (about) half a minute, and then the dial starts clicking around the cycles.

From reading all the other threads,I counted the flashes, there were 2 of them.
Any ideas???

Frank

I have an Ariston Margherita AWD12S, S/N 212113749. It is about five years old.

It started playing up recently, so I checked the pump and removed a strip of metal that had come from a shirt. Now it behaves as follows when turned on on any programme:

- fills with water (couple of inches visible in drum)
- heater operates until some condensation is visible inside door (2-3 mins)
- No activity or noise for about five mins
- Pump kicks in and drains the machine and then continues pumping once there's nothing left to pump
- Only way to stop it is to turn it off

During this time, the light stays on and the dial remains in the original position.

I'll add that previously I've had to remove an object from the pump, with seemingly no ill effects.

Also, recently a wedge I have under one of its feet to keep it level became dislodged, resulting in pretty hefty vibrations. I replaced the wedge and it seemed ok for a few washes before the current problems. I don't know if that's relevant, but if I was a cicuit board in there, I'd be dizzy at the least!

If it's any help, I can put a video of it on youtube.

TIA,
Martin.

Check the carbon brushes in the drive motor. They don't give a fault code.

Power off before going underneath.

Penguin45.

That sounds probable.

Quick question to help confirm: On this model, should the drum rotate during the heating cycle?

I ask as I noticed the drum seems to move a degreee or so when the heating cycle starts, suggesting the motor tries to turn, but can't.

Thanks

It's during the initial heating cycle.

I've inspected the motor and, to my eye, it looks in pretty good condition. You can see for yourselves:

http://83.105.37.252/share/14012008126.jpg
http://83.105.37.252/share/14012008128.jpg
http://83.105.37.252/share/14012008130.jpg
http://83.105.37.252/share/14012008132.jpg

Have you any recommendations on how to proceed from here?

I really appreciate your help.
Martin

Unscrew the brush holders and make sure there is plenty of carbon stick left in them. Ensure free and easy movement.

You said the motor pulsed slightly - did it make an "ong" noise?

Penguin45.

Yes, for a few seconds, then the noise stops. Then you can hear the water warming up.

Armature in the motor has lost the will to live. If you take the belt off, the motor may turn over very slowly.

New motor required - can't honestly justify the expense in relation to the value of the machine.

Penguin45.

Yes, exactly as described.

However, I have two questions:

How much for a new motor?
What error code does eight flashes of the light mean?

Motor is p/no C00074221 - Dave on spares@ukwhitegoods.co.uk will give you a price.

8 flashes specifically means a problem with the heater relay on the pcb. It actually means that the pcb needs to be replaced, 19 out of 20.

Penguin45.

Do I win a prize?

)

Looks like I'll be shopping tomorrow. Thanks for your help.
Martin

I'm afraid you join a long list of the disappointed........

If you start from the viewpoint that a washer-dryer is a deeply flawed beast in the first place, then add The Indesit Company's idea of engineering, you really don't have much chance of long, reliable product life.

If you have to have a washer dryer, the Electrolux Group products are OK, Bosch is better. Personally, I'd buy a washer and find somewhere to put a compact tumble dryer. They'll do a surprising mount of work.

Penguin45.