Hoover Ecological Autowasher 1300 A3958/A3960
I have a Hoover Ecological Autowasher A3958 which must be at least 15 years old. It has been faultless over the years but now it is
very reluctant to start when I have selected the programme (Usually C)
In the past the timer began clicking through the settings until the correct position was selected and then stopped. Water then flowed in and
the washing cycle started.
In order to get it started I have had to resort to pulling the machine out, removing the top cover and tapping the switch sharply a few times
It then clicks through the settings and the process begins.
Do you think the timer mechanism is wearing out and if so are replacement timers still available for this rather ancient machine?
It is a dual fill and I am very reluctant to scrap it. Also, once going, it gives a very satisfactory wash.
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.
Hoover A3958/A3960 reluctant to start; timer likely faulty
- The problem
- A Hoover Ecological Autowasher A3958/A3960, around 15 years old or more, was very reluctant to start after a programme was selected. The machine would only begin if the top was removed and the timer/switch was tapped sharply, after which the timer clicked through, water entered and the wash cycle started.
- Likely cause
- The strongest supported diagnosis is a faulty timer/programme switch or a bad connection on the timer assembly, because tapping it repeatedly made it start. A hot-fill problem on programme C was suggested as an alternative only if the fault occurred on C alone, but the owner said other settings were also affected.
- What fixed it
- Recommended checks were to compare operation on programme C versus other cycles and, if it only failed on C, check the hot water supply and hot inlet valve. Based on the owner’s update that tapping the timer was needed on multiple settings, the forum’s diagnosis was that the timer was faulty. Replacement availability was doubtful and no repair was confirmed; replacement of the machine was effectively advised if a timer could not be sourced reasonably.
- Checks to try
- Tried other programme settings, not just C
- Observed that tapping the timer/switch made the machine start
- Advised to check whether programme C alone failed
- Advised to check hot water supply and hot inlet valve if only C failed
- Parts or tools mentioned
- Timer/programme switch
- Hot inlet valve
- Pair of pliers
Safety: Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
4 Answers
Hello John. There are still spare parts available for this model - Spare parts for Hoover washing machine (A3958)
C always used to be a hot fill only on Hoover washing machines. If it is, and the hot water is not available or the hot valve has a fault then it will not work on wash cycle C. This can easily tested for though by trying it on non fast coloureds cycle. If it works OK on that cycle but not on C (If C is whites) then check the hot valve and water supply.
Need Professional Help or Spare Parts?
Thank you for your help and suggestions Andy. Sorry I haven't replied sooner as I've only just checked into the forum. The washing machine is in my flat and I haven't been there since the end of October. From memory, the C position is for the hottest wash but I have tried it on other settings. The only way I can get it to start is to give the "timer" a few sharp taps with, in my case, a pair of plyers. The water enters the machine and the cycle begins. The timer is from EMW Electronics and apparently, is a replacement for LOGIC 88718034. John.
Thanks for the update John. If one of those old Hoover washing machines doesn't work on C but works on other wash cycles my money is always on the hot water not getting in because C is hot fill only. However, if there is a dodgy connection on the actual timer where when you give it a sharp tap it kicks into life the timer is faulty. I would call it a day.
I wouldn't be remotely surprised if anyone tried to order the part if they were told sorry it's not available and they just haven't updated their database. If by any chance they still have parts like that they genuinely should be grateful to accept £20 to get rid of it. The machine has been obsolete for possibly 30 years. Might be worth a try getting in touch and offering to take it off their hands. I had loads of those timers myself, all brand new, and I couldn't even give them away to fellow white goods engineers 15 years ago. I threw them all out. Anyone who paid £169.61 for it would need to be crazy or extremely rich with a big love of the washing machine
Need Professional Help or Spare Parts?
I've just realised that the part is listed as available but not "in stock" and "Normally dispatched within 10 working days". This means they don't have one, and will try to order it from Hoover if a customer wants one. So my comments above still stand, but are more applicable to Hoover themselves. I would think it unlikely that Hoover still have some but I suppose it's possible they didn't have the heart to throw them away. However, they should either throw them away or reduce the price to a nominal fee to get rid
Need Professional Help or Spare Parts?
Your Answer
Sign in to share your expertise and post an answer.
Related Questions
Hoover H-Wash & Dry 350. HELP !
1 answer • 2 replies
Hi I have just wasted 2 hours trying to get help for a hoover washing machine
1 answer • 2 replies
Hoover Otsein Next 3650T/1-37 error E03
1 answer • 2 replies
Hoover Washer stopping 1-2 minutes into cycle
1 answer • 3 replies
Hoover counterweight replacement
1 answer • 2 replies
Hoover Vision VHD 9143 ZD
1 answer • 11 replies
hoover VTS714 D21 wont spin
1 answer • 5 replies
Hoover VT 814D21-80 not working
1 answer • 4 replies
Hoover Visiontech washing machine fault
1 answer • 4 replies
Hoover wdyn 9646pg-30s shut down after 15 sec
1 answer • 11 replies