Rapid clicking and won't start (Swan SW2022W)
Hi. I went to turn on my washing machine this morning and it tripped the electrics with a bang. I returned the trip switch and tried again.
This is what's now happening:
As soon as I turn the programme dial to begin (which typically acts as 'power on' but doesn't start the wash cycle itself), a loud repeated clicking happens (as in, 4 clicks a second) and the lights across the whole top section of buttons all flicker. When I return the programme dial to the off position, the clicking stops a second later.
What I've tried, to no avail:
Checked the drum, seal and filter for debris.
Inserted a new fuse in the plug.
Plugged the machine into a different wall outlet.
Had an electrician in to confirm the kitchen electrics and sockets are ok.
I don't have a continuity test meter to trace faults. Reading the information on this site, something is telling me it could be related to the door lock - I think because the clicking sound is similar to the one I normally hear when the door unlocks after a wash - it's just that right now there are a continuous stream of clicks. As far as I'm able to check this, I can't see any obstruction.
Has anyone experienced anything similar?
The machine is a Swan SW2022W and it was in the house when I moved in 6 months ago. I use it once a week, if that. It will be out of warranty now but I believe it is about 3 years old. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.
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.
Swan SW2022W clicks rapidly and trips electrics, likely internal insulation fault
- The problem
- The washing machine tripped the electrics with a bang. Afterwards, turning the programme dial from off caused loud rapid clicking, around four clicks per second, with the top panel lights flickering. Switching back to off stopped the clicking shortly after. The machine would not start.
- Likely cause
- The accepted reply said the symptoms point to a probable insulation fault that caused the electrical trip, with possible damage to the PCB after the fault. This was presented as a likely diagnosis rather than a confirmed component failure.
- What fixed it
- No DIY repair was confirmed. The accepted advice was that tracing a fault that blows the electrics requires a specialist insulation test meter, so further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer. Replacement of the washing machine was also suggested as a realistic option.
- Checks to try
- Checked drum, door seal and filter for debris
- Replaced the plug fuse
- Tried a different wall outlet
- Electrician confirmed the kitchen electrics and sockets were OK
- Parts or tools mentioned
- Plug fuse
- Specialist insulation test meter
Safety: Because the appliance has already tripped the electrics with a bang, further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
2 Answers
It doesn't sound promising You need a specialist insulation test meter to trace faults that blow the electrics. So there's probably an insulation fault that blew the electrics and possibly damaged something in the pcb. You really need an engineer or a new washing machine to be honest.
Need Professional Help or Spare Parts?
Ah right, I had a feeling it might be something like that. Oh well. Thanks for coming back to me Andy, I appreciate it.
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