My indesit washer will go thru cycles etc but the drum does not turn. I have checked the belt but appears ok. Drum will turn freely so not jammed . . . could it be the motor? - machine is about 7 years old. . . .is it time for a new one?
Solution Summary
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Indesit washing machine completes cycles but drum does not turn
- The problem
- An Indesit washer, about 7 years old, would go through its cycles but the drum would not rotate. The belt appeared intact and the drum turned freely by hand, so it was not seized or jammed.
- Likely cause
- The confirmed cause was the motor speed control module/PCB near the motor, which showed scorch marks. Carbon brushes were suggested as another possible cause, but were not confirmed in this case.
- What fixed it
- The speed control module was removed and taken to a local dealer, who resoldered the board. After this repair the washing machine worked again.
- Checks to try
- Belt checked and found to appear OK
- Drum checked and found to turn freely by hand
- Module inspected and scorch marks found
- Parts or tools mentioned
- Motor speed control module / printed circuit board
Safety: Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
3 Answers
The motors for these washing machines are ridiculously expensive compared with the cost of the new Indesit washing machines, but it could be just the carbon brushes worn out, which is worth fixing. If you take them off the motor you can see if they are worn.
If they are faulty, then at least one of them will be charred and blackened (as opposed to shiny) at the tip where it runs against the commutator of the armature.
Another common cause for the motor not working on old Indesit washing machines is the speed control module which is a printed circuit board (in a plastic housing) on the inside panel near the motor. You can take it off and look for burned out tracks (particularly where the connector at the bottom fits) or dry joints.
Related links:
Washing machine won't spin or drum won't go round (general troubleshooting advice)
Hotpoint and Creda carbon brushes diagnostics & fitting (This page is about Hotpoint / Creda carbon brushes but the principle of what to look out for to decide if the brushes need replacing is the same)
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The newer Indesit washing machines have an anomaly. If the motor becomes open circuit, the entire washing machine becomes dead. The lights come on but nothing works. This is the same symptom as a faulty door interlock and other faults, but it's worth mentioning because it is totally illogical for a washing machine to not fill or pump if the motor is faulty.
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