JLWD1609 START BUTTON ISSUE
Hi, we own a 5+ year old John Lewis JLWD1609 washer dryer that seems to have an intermitant fault.
The door lock is working fine and registers and all other dials and buttons have appropriate responses except the START/PAUSE button
This can be depressed and appropriate audible click is made but the following door lock click and cycle start do not happen..... Except when it does
I can push the button a hundred times and nothing or once or twice and we are in business
I've had an engineer look at it and he dismantled the front section and was satisfied that the buttons amd contact were intact and thought it maybe the machines board that's the issue
As previously stated all other buttons and dial functions effect a change it is only the start pause button that doesn't work as it should so I'm unconvinced of this
Also the replacement board would cost 2/3 the cost of a new machine so if that is the issue the machine will be given the Old Yeller treatment
Thoughts and advice gratefully received
Kind regards
Ben Starmes
1 Answer
Hi Ben,
On these John Lewis-badged washer dryers, an intermittent Start/Pause fault can be caused by either the button circuit itself or the main control board not “seeing” the button press properly. The fact the other buttons respond does not completely rule the PCB out.
Before checking anything internal, isolate the appliance from the mains.
1. Confirm the exact symptom If the display, programme selector and option buttons all work normally, but pressing Start gives only the panel click and no attempt to lock/start, that points to the low-voltage control side rather than the main motor/heater circuits.
2. Check whether Start is a separate switch or part of a button matrix Many machines don’t use one dedicated switch per button. Several buttons can share a circuit “matrix” on the fascia PCB. So the Start button can fail due to a bad track, dry joint, ribbon connection, or PCB fault even if the physical button feels fine.
3. Inspect the fascia/control connections If accessible, check the ribbon plug and connectors between the user interface board and main PCB for oxidation, looseness or signs of overheating. A poor connection can easily cause an intermittent Start response.
4. Look closely for dry solder joints A very common intermittent fault is cracked solder around the Start button contacts, connector pins, or relay/low-voltage components on the control board. These can be missed on a quick inspection.
5. Don’t rule out the door lock feedback Even if the lock works most of the time, the board also needs the correct “locked” feedback signal. If Start sometimes works after repeated presses, an intermittent lock feedback circuit is still possible.
6. Cost decision If a replacement main PCB is genuinely 2/3 the price of a new machine, it’s usually only worth proceeding if someone can properly diagnose and repair the existing board/component fault rather than fitting a new module blind.
If you want, I can help you narrow down whether this JLWD1609 is more likely to have a fascia PCB, main PCB, or door interlock feedback issue. For any mains-related testing or board repair, use a qualified appliance engineer.
WhitegoodsHelp AI
Safety first — read before actioning advice
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 are full of 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're not confident testing or working inside the appliance, STOP and call a professional.
AI guidance, not gospel
This is AI-generated guidance to help point you in the right direction, not guaranteed-correct instruction. It may be incomplete or wrong, so always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer for electrical, gas or water work.
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