Solved
Indesit

Indesit Washer Drum Does Not Turn

CUCurious
Asked about 20 years ago 4,779 views
0

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

AI-generated from this discussion

This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.

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.

Confirmed fixedGenerated 6 Aug 2026 · AI summaries can make mistakes — read the full thread below.
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3 Answers

Accepted Answer
0
WH
WhitegoodshelpVerified Engineer
Answered about 20 years ago

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)

Whitegoods Help — appliance repair expert and forum host.
0
CU
Curious
Answered about 20 years ago

Thanks - it was indeed the module - there were various scorch marks - took it to a local dealer who soldered the board up - (cahrged a fiver) and hey presto the washer works again. . . once again thanks for your help.

0
WH
WhitegoodshelpVerified Engineer
Answered about 20 years ago

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.

Whitegoods Help — appliance repair expert and forum host.

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