miele novotronic W970, rinse light flashing
the machine is around 20years old. we brought it with us when we moved to nz. water is entering fine, and it is draining fine. i think it is when the drum wants to turn. so the blinking is intermittent. just at the times when the drum should be turning. is this an easy repair? and is it worth it considering the age of the machine? 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.
Miele Novotronic W970 flashing rinse light with no drum rotation
- The problem
- A Miele Novotronic W970, about 20 years old, fills and drains normally but the rinse light flashes intermittently at the points in the cycle when the drum should be turning. The reported fault appears linked to the tumble/motor stage rather than filling or draining.
- Likely cause
- The strongest diagnosis in the discussion is a fault in the motor/tumble system. Suggested possibilities were worn motor carbon brushes, a motor fault, wiring issue, control fault, or a drive belt problem. If the drum is stiff or jammed by hand, a seized bearing or trapped object was also suggested. The exact cause was not confirmed.
- What fixed it
- Recommended checks were to isolate the machine from the mains, see whether the drum turns freely by hand, listen for a click or hum when it should tumble, inspect the drive belt, and inspect motor brushes if accessible. If brushes or belt are at fault, repair may be worthwhile; if the problem is the motor, control module or bearings, repair value may be poor. No completed repair or confirmed fix was posted.
- Checks to try
- Confirmed water enters normally
- Confirmed machine drains normally
- Fault occurs when drum should be turning
- Check whether drum turns freely by hand
- Listen for click or hum when tumble should start
- Inspect drive belt
- Inspect motor brushes if accessible
- Parts or tools mentioned
- Drive belt
- Motor carbon brushes
Safety: Isolate the appliance from the mains before removing panels or inspecting internal parts. Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
1 Answer
On these older Miele Novotronic models, a flashing rinse light often points to the machine detecting a fault during the motor/tumble stage rather than a simple fill or drain problem. If water fills and drains normally, your suspicion about the drum not turning is a sensible place to start.
1. Isolate the appliance from the mains first before removing any panels or inspecting internal parts.
2. Check whether the drum turns freely by hand. If it is stiff, noisy, or feels jammed, look for a seized drum bearing, foreign object, or something trapped between drum and tub. If it turns smoothly, the fault is more likely motor-related.
3. Listen when it should tumble. If you hear a click or hum but no movement, common causes are worn motor carbon brushes, a faulty motor, wiring issue, or control fault. On a machine of this age, carbon brushes are a strong possibility if it has a brushed motor.
4. Inspect the drive belt. If the motor runs but the drum does not move, the belt may be broken or off. If the belt is intact, check the motor connections and belt tension.
5. Look at the motor brushes if accessible. If they are very short or unevenly worn, replacement may restore normal operation. However, not all versions use the same motor setup, so it is worth checking before buying parts.
6. Is it worth repairing? Usually yes, if it is only brushes or a belt. If it turns out to be the control module, motor, or drum bearings, the cost may outweigh the value unless the machine is otherwise in excellent condition.
If you are not confident with live electrical testing, motor work, or wiring checks, get a qualified engineer to diagnose it properly.
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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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