Burnt motor wire
Hi all. New here so bare with me.
Two days ago I put a wash on as normal and whilst I was in the shower I heard a loud pop come from the washing machine. When I went into the kitchen the washing machine was completely off and I’m unable to get it back on at all. There was an electrical burn smell in the air. I decided to have a look in the back of the machine and found that the connector wire to the motor has been burnt, also there’s a lot of what may be like scale or rust on the male connector. I’ll attach photos for you to see. Anyway my question is, will I be able to repair this? And if so do you know how? If you have any questions feel free to ask.
P.s the connector is disconnected in the pictures. I done this myself and I did not find t like that, it was connected when I opened up the machine.
Many thanks
Jax
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.
Washing machine dead after loud pop and burnt motor connector
- The problem
- The washing machine stopped completely during a wash after a loud pop, with an electrical burning smell. On inspection, the motor connector wire was found burnt, and there appeared to be scale or rust corrosion on the motor's male connector.
- Likely cause
- Most strongly supported diagnosis is overheating from a high-resistance connection at the motor plug/terminals. The discussion also notes possible contributing causes including corrosion from moisture, damage in the wiring loom, a motor fault, or damage to the control board or mains filter. The exact root cause was not confirmed.
- What fixed it
- Do not reconnect or reuse the burnt plug. The advised repair was to inspect the motor plug and motor terminals for burning, pitting, looseness or corrosion; check for any leak above the motor area; inspect the wiring loom for heat damage; and assess the motor and control board for related failure. Replacement of the burnt connector or loom end, and possibly the motor if its terminals are damaged, was suggested. Exact repair was not confirmed, so further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
- Checks to try
- Motor plug and motor terminals checked for blackening, pitting, looseness or corrosion
- Checked above the motor area for leaks or moisture
- Inspected wiring loom for brittle or burnt insulation
- Motor considered as a possible fault source
- Control board or mains filter considered because the machine went completely dead after a pop
Safety: Isolate the washing machine from the mains completely before any inspection. Do not simply push a burnt connector back on or attempt live electrical testing.
1 Answer
Hi Jax. A burnt motor connector usually means a high-resistance connection has overheated, but the important point is that the underlying cause is not always just the plug itself. The motor, wiring loom, control board, or even water ingress can all be involved.
Before doing anything, isolate the washing machine from the mains completely.
1. Check the motor plug and motor terminals closely If the plastic plug is burnt or the spade terminals on the motor are blackened, pitted, loose or corroded, simply pushing it back on is not a safe repair. Heat damage often ruins the spring tension of the terminal.
2. Look for signs of a leak The “scale/rust” you mention could be corrosion from moisture getting onto the motor area. Check above the motor for leaks from the tub hose, sump hose, dispenser hose, bearings area, or heater seal.
3. Inspect the wiring loom Follow the motor wires back as far as you can. If insulation has gone hard, brittle, or burnt back into the loom, the damaged section needs proper repair or replacement, not tape.
4. Check the motor itself If the motor terminal has overheated badly, the motor may have a poor internal connection or partial short. Also inspect the carbon brushes if it has a brushed motor. Worn brushes can cause arcing, though they do not usually burn the plug on their own.
5. Check the control board A loud pop and machine going completely dead can also mean the PCB or mains filter has failed. If the motor plug burnt because of excessive current, the board may have been damaged too.
6. Can it be repaired? Often yes, but normally by replacing the burnt connector/loom end and possibly the motor if its terminals are damaged. If there is any doubt about the motor, PCB, or mains wiring, it’s best left to a qualified appliance engineer.
If you can add the make/model and clear photos of the motor plug, motor terminals, and surrounding area, that would help narrow it down. For any mains electrical testing or internal live diagnostics, use a qualified engineer.
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.
Need Professional Help or Spare Parts?
Your Answer
Sign in to share your expertise and post an answer.
Related Questions
Hotpoint F7 E2 Fault
1 answer • 1 reply
My Bosch washing machine is stuck on 33 minutes remaining
1 answer • 1 reply
Bosch washing machine door lock accidentally triggered with the door open – how I reset it
0 answers • 2 replies
Cant identify the correct replacement carbon brushea
0 answers • 2 replies
LG washing machine making intermittent noise — video link included
1 answer • 4 replies