Miele W460
Hello
I have a Miele washing machine Softronic W460 that is about 16 years old. Last year I had a repair done & the chap who did it recorded I think about 8600 hours of use & mentioned the 'water path' which I think he replaced.
Now I am having problems again that it isn't always taking the softener from the drawer. This seems to be on a completely random basis. We did explore the inside of the machine and cleaned all the tubes/pipes which were silted up YUK! and put it back together but it hasn't solved the problem.
My question, do I get it repaired again at a cost of possibly £80 & hope it lasts another year or should I buy a new washing machine - which won't be a Miele!
Unless of course someone has an idea why this is happening and can suggest a remedy.
Your thoughts & observation would be gratefully received
Thank you
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.
Miele W460 intermittently not taking fabric softener
- The problem
- A 16-year-old Miele Softronic W460 was intermittently failing to dispense the softener from the drawer. The owner had already cleaned internal tubes and pipes that were heavily silted, but this did not cure the fault. The machine had previously had a 'water path' replaced and had recorded about 8,600 hours of use.
- Likely cause
- Most strongly supported diagnosis was an intermittent dispenser issue in the softener drawer area, particularly the conditioner insert/siphon being blocked, loose, damaged or not seated correctly. A partial blockage or uneven spray from the dispenser housing jets above the drawer was also suggested. A repeat issue with the dispenser water path/diverter or an inlet valve problem was only suggested as a possibility if water flow into the softener section proved weak or misdirected.
- What fixed it
- Recommended action was to isolate the appliance from the mains, remove and thoroughly clean the softener insert/siphon, ensure it is fitted correctly, and clean the drawer housing and feed jets above the drawer. It was also suggested to avoid overfilling the compartment and to try slightly diluting concentrated softener. If the machine otherwise worked normally, the advice was to have the dispensing fault properly diagnosed before deciding to replace the appliance. The exact repair was not confirmed.
- Checks to try
- Cleaned internal tubes/pipes but fault remained
- Check softener compartment insert/siphon for blockage, fit and condition
- Check dispenser housing/jets above drawer for blockage or uneven spray
- Observe whether enough water enters the softener section during the relevant part of the cycle
- Consider whether softener is overfilled or too thick
- Machine had previously had the 'water path' replaced
- Recorded usage noted as about 8,600 hours
- Parts or tools mentioned
- Softener drawer insert/siphon
- Water path
Safety: Isolate the appliance from the mains before checking anything internal. Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
1 Answer
Hello,
On a Miele of that age, “not always taking the softener” is often a fairly minor dispensing issue rather than a sign the whole machine is finished. It doesn’t automatically mean the washer is beyond repair.
Before checking anything internal, isolate the appliance from the mains.
1. Check the conditioner insert/siphon in the drawer The softener compartment usually works by siphon action. If the little plastic insert/cap in the softener section is slimed up, loose, cracked, or not seated properly, it can fail intermittently. Remove it completely, wash it thoroughly in hot water, and make sure the tiny passages are clear.
2. Clean the drawer housing and jets above it Even if pipes were cleaned, the water jets feeding the dispenser can partially block with detergent residue/limescale. Make sure the holes/nozzles above the drawer are clear and spraying evenly into the softener compartment.
3. Don’t overfill the softener If it’s filled above the MAX line, or very thick concentrated conditioner is used, it can behave oddly. Try diluting the softener slightly and use less for a few washes.
4. Watch a rinse/conditioner fill Pull the drawer slightly open during the relevant part of the cycle and see whether enough water is actually entering the softener section. If water flow is weak or directed wrongly, the fault may be with the dispenser “water path”/diverter again, or an inlet valve issue.
5. Is repair worthwhile? If the machine otherwise runs well, spins properly, heats, and has no leaks or bearing noise, one targeted repair could still be worthwhile. A Miele with 8,600 hours is used, but not necessarily finished. If the fault is only dispensing-related, I’d be inclined to get it properly diagnosed before replacing the whole machine.
If it turns out to be a mains-related component, have a qualified appliance engineer deal with it. WhitegoodsHelp AI
WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant
This answer was generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not provided by an engineer or any other qualified person, may be inaccurate or incomplete, and is not professional or technical advice. Do not rely on it. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before carrying out any electrical, gas or water work. Use is entirely at your own risk. See our full Terms of Use.
SAFETY FIRST: READ BEFORE ACTING ON THIS GUIDANCE
Never work on a live appliance
Always unplug it at the mains before going near it with any tools.
Never attempt gas work
By law, gas appliances must only be worked on by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If your fault involves gas, stop and call a professional. Do not attempt it yourself.
Watch for sharp edges
Outer panels are smooth, but internal parts have sharp machined edges. Wear protective gloves and arm sleeves.
Water appliances can leak
Turn off the water supply before disconnecting any hoses.
Know your limits
If you are not confident testing or working inside the appliance, stop and call a professional.
AI guidance, not guaranteed
This response is generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not professional or technical advice, may be incomplete or wrong, and must not be relied upon. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before any electrical, gas or water work.
This is general information only and is not professional advice. The WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant is not an engineer and is not qualified. See our full Terms of Use.
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