Beko washing machine motor fault
Model ECOWMB81445LW (ECO WMB 81445 LW)
We've had our beko machine for 4.5 years. No previous problems. Drum is now not turning at all. When I first did the diagnostic I got the code "f 13" however when I do it again it now says "4 17".
Hoping that it might be a carbon brush issue I have removed the back and motor however it looks like a sealed unit (no way to access brushes). I attach a photo of the motor (available to purchase for more than I am willing to pay for a replacement part).
While dismantling I noticed a slight blockage in the out pipe. I tested the machine again after clearing the blockage but no change. Could this have been the cause of the fault?
We keep it in the garage. Is this likely to reduce the lifetime?
Is this a common fault?
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
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.
Beko ECOWMB81445LW drum not turning, likely control PCB rather than motor
- The problem
- Beko ECOWMB81445LW washing machine drum stopped turning completely after 4.5 years. Initial diagnostic reportedly showed F13, later displaying 4 17. The motor appeared to be a sealed type with no accessible brushes. Clearing a slight outlet blockage made no difference.
- Likely cause
- The accepted advice said an outlet blockage would not stop normal drum rotation, only potentially affect fast spin if draining failed. The discussion supports either a motor circuit fault, wiring/connector fault, or PCB fault. Later posts from users with the same symptom reported the motor tested electrically sound and the fault was resolved by replacing the motor control PCB, so PCB failure is the strongest supported diagnosis, though not confirmed on the original machine.
- What fixed it
- Recommended checks were continuity testing on the motor, checking the motor plug, wiring harness back to the PCB, and the PCB connector, rather than gambling on a replacement motor. In similar cases within the thread, replacing the washing machine PCB board restored operation. The original poster did not carry out a repair and replaced the machine instead.
- Checks to try
- Diagnostic codes F13 and 4 17 reported
- Outlet pipe blockage cleared with no change
- Pump and filters checked in similar case
- Belt checked in similar case
- Motor continuity testing advised
- Motor plug and wiring harness continuity to PCB advised
- PCB connector check advised
- Parts or tools mentioned
- Multimeter continuity tester
- Washing machine PCB board
Safety: Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
11 Answers
Hello there. A blockage in the outlet pipe can't cause the motor to stop working. That's a totally different fault. The only thing a problem with draining the water out can cause is it can stop the motor going into the fast spin at the end. But it can't stop it from turning normally on wash and rinses and at the beginning of the spin cycle.
That looks like a puny little motor. It's a disgrace what they charge for them. The way to test the motor like that is with a continuity test meter across the pins. However you need to know which pins to test down. You could try testing with the multimeter continuity test meter to see if you get continuity across pairs of connectors but there are an odd number so maybe three of them are all connected if it has a split field coil.
If you can get continuity across all of the connections it would imply the motor is electrically sound. But ideally you should work out where the connectors go if you could take off the white cover by any chance. The motor is probably made to be unrepairable. It would be very unwise to just gamble on buying a new motor even if the price was palatable. If it isn't the motor at fault you need to check all of the connections on the motor plug and the motor wiring harness. And test continuity between each connector on the motor plug all the way back to the PCB. You would also need to check the connector on the PCB. If nothing is found then the PCB could be faulty but again, neither part is cheap enough to speculatively gamble on buying.
Need Professional Help or Spare Parts?
Hi ,I have a similar problem with a Beko 9kg WMB model .It was fine until yesterday when I noticed the drum wasn't turning during the cycle .I've gone through all the recommended steps to no avail .I've had it a while now but in saying that ,it was only used occasionally and has never given me any problems before .Pump is working and is clear as are the filters .I also removed back cover to check the belt and it too is fine .On putting it through test cycle first I received error message F13 ,suggesting the motor ,but on trying it since ,error message is now 0404 which I have trawled the internet to find a meaning for and only error message that corresponds is for a Chrysler car !Drum spins only when I turn it manually .I tried putting it on a short cycle with nothing in it but it seems to just keep filling up then emptying itself now !?! I'm a bit rubbish at DIY so don't fancy trying anything more technical in bid to repair {taking the back cover off made me feel like an engineer} Basically I just want to know if I should bin it and get a new one ,or ,hopefully get advice from someone who knows what their doing or can tell me what 0404 means .Error codes should be more straightforward .If LED display said ," I'm retiring " instead of secret codes it would be way less frustrating .I would really appreciate help .Thanks
When the washing machine drum stops turning it can be caused by many different faults. It's probably best to get an engineer, although sadly these days if it needs a new motor or pcb it is likely to be prohibitively expensive. To give you an idea, these are the common causes for this fault Washing machine drum not turning
Need Professional Help or Spare Parts?
Hi I have exact same problem.. can you please tell me how you resolved it
thanks
I ended up replacing it but that's not to say it can't be fixed .I decided not to chance calling out a repairman and getting a call out charge just to be told it couldn't be repaired and mainly because the mound of dirty laundry was expanding alarmingly !Good luck with it though and please post to let me know how you got on , for future reference ,
I also ended up replacing.
Although the guy who took the beko off me (from gumtree) was positive that it could be fixed. Just might not be financially viable unless you can do it yourself
Fixed!.... I decided to take a gamble and order a new Washing Machine PCB Board, this is a black box of tricks that is connected directly too and runs the motor. One thing I noticed with the defective PCB Board is that when I span the motor spindle by hand it offered some resistance but if I unplugged it from the board it rotated freely, however with the new board fitted and plugged in the spindle span freely..perhaps a useful test?
Fitting the new PCB board was simple just 2 screws and 4 plugs but at a cost of £100 ..was intending to send it back if it didn't work.
That's great news. However, as far as I'm aware you cannot send back parts like that. Spares companies are well aware that this type of part is extremely commonly misdiagnosed by people so I'm surprised that you weren't told when buying it that you would not be able to send it back unless it was actually faulty. Anyway fortunately it wasn't necessary so nice one
Need Professional Help or Spare Parts?
Sending parts back is not a problem ...eSpares return policy states - If you've simply had a change of heart or if the item doesn't fit, you can return it within 14 days of delivery for a refund. The item must be in re-saleable condition and its original packaging.
and the same goes for bekospares.co.uk
Good news, and helps save the planet from drowning under a sea of machines that could easily be repaired.
Ha ha it sounds like they copied it from a clothes catalogue
Need Professional Help or Spare Parts?
This little bit of info regarding the resistance of the motor was super helpful. I initially thought it was the motor but when I followed instructions on testing it with a multi meter it looked good. I had the thing in and out several times and noticed the resistance. I then by chance came across your post and took a punt too. Just fitted it and bingo it works fine. Cheers tarp
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