Washing Machine Help Forum

Hi everyone,

My AEG Electrolux Lavamat L16830 washing machine (circa 2007, model s/n 914602122) won't spin. It gets to the end of the wash cycle, tries 5 times to spin, then resets itself with an E59 error code (no signal from tacho for 3 seconds).

The diagnostic modes that involve spinning similarly fail with an E59 code.

With the help of service manuals found on the web, I have taken the machine apart and measured the winding resistance of the motor (5.4 ohms between the X-Y, Y-Z and Z-X windings, right on spec) and the tacho generator (should be 121 ohms; I measure 246 ohms). The tacho generates a voltage when I rotate the motor. There are no signs of loose/missing tacho magnets.

It looks like the motor is working fine as it agitates normally during the wash cycle. It is just the high-speed spin that doesn't work.

On the basis of this, should I try to get/salvage a new tacho generator? Or should I look further to the motor controller board first?

On the offchance someone with a multimeter has a spare Elextrolux motor around, any chance you could measure the tacho's resistance?

Thanks for any advice
Stephen

It depends on which type of motor is fitted, if its Ceset expect a reading of 60-70 ohms, FHP motor 120-150 ohms, Sole could be 450-550 ohms. Check cable in plug & connections to P.C.B, mostly these faults are generated by poor cable connections, sometimes by carbon dust shorting motor wiring to earth (frame).
Suspect you have a FHP motor from reading you got.

Clearly the tacho works just fine. It's main function is during the low speed tumble and rinse distribution modes. Spin however is governed by the control board switching the respective winding on or off as required. Try operating the motor with the tacho magnet removed and it will immediately launch into full spin ( take the belt off first off course). If it doesn't then either the control board if faulty or the wires twixt the two not connected.

Thanks guys... I'll try those tests tomorrow.

The motor is an ACC-labelled induction motor, 310V 3-phase 3A 17500 rpm. According to the AEG EWM3000NEW control board service manual, it uses the tacho to regulate speed, especially when establishing out-of-balance at the start of each spin cycle.

The motor controller board has a transformer, whopping big capacitor, and a heatsink with diode rectifier and 6 triacs. The board looks in perfect condition. No signs of overheated or burnt out components, no dry joints or damaged PCB tracks, etc.

Stephen

steve_simmons wrote:The motor is an ACC-labelled induction motor,

Ah, didn't realise it had an induction motor fitted, that'll teach me for not looking it up on my laptopmabob.

Duff Inverter Board the most likely culprit.

Got it fixed! Inverter board was fine... culprit was an intermittent bad contact inside the tacho generator coil. I hacksawed the coil housing open, cut off the old wires, and soldered on new ones. We have done one load of washing with it this afternoon. Fingers crossed that it keeps going.

Thanks for your suggestions!

You is the man Steve....nice one pal!

Hmmm 2 weeks after ordering, UKWhitegoods just told me Electrolux has no UK stock for the replacement tacho generator, a Zanussi one with part number 50229052001. Other suppliers told me it will no longer be available.

Can anyone salvage a tacho generator coil from an old AEG, Zanussi or Hotpoint washing machine for me? Should have a coil resistance around 184 ohms.

Cheers
Stephen