Hotpoint 9540W washing machine problem.

[Amrad]

I have a rather old Hotpoint 9540W washing machine, when I start it, on setting 1, it's supposed to rock the drum back and forth a few times, but it doesn't.

The motor seems to be running but the drum remains stationary. All subsequent operations are OK. I replaced the drive belt, but it didn't help.

Does anyone have any ideas as to what might be the cause of this problem? Thanks.

Regards,

Dave.

[Murphyv310]

Hi Dave.
Are you 100% certain the motor cycles on the initial two and fro motion of the drum? If it does there must be a simple mechanical answer, like a loose pulley or overly slack belt. If the motor doesn't cycle then there are a few possibilities, firstly remove the belt and try it again form the start of the program, if the motor cycles there could be insufficient torque, perhaps brushes, binding drum bearings, if the motor doesn't cycle then it could be brushes again, partially seized motor bushes/bearings or a control fault.
Good luck

[Amrad]

Hello Trevor,

To confirm that the motor does run, I tried again but as I had just done my washing, I didn't have anything to put in it!

When started, water was  heard flowing into the machine and I could hear the water valves  buzzing, as normal, but there was no activity from the motor, even after waiting longer than it normally takes to switch to the next operation, there was still no activity. Does it need to have something in the drum for normal operation?

I have just replaced the belt with a new one, which made no difference. The drum moves by hand as easily as it ever did, so I don't think it's the bearings. All other drum operations work normally, so I wouldn't have thought that it is the brushes. When I first noticed this, there was a small movement of the drum in both directions but now there is no movement for that operation.

Regards,

Dave.

[Murphyv310]

Could be something in the programming then. I not sure if there would be some form of sensor to detect if the drum was loaded or not. Might be an idea to check the control board, for what though I haven't a clue.
You might just have to live with fault if it doesn't effect the end result

[Amrad]

Hello Trevor,

No, it doesn't affect the end result, but I'd rather get to the bottom of it if possible, just in case it's a precursor to other problems.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Regards,

Dave.

[Amrad]

I not sure if there would be some form of sensor to detect if the drum was loaded or not.

Hello Trevor,

I have tried again with some old towels in the drum, it made no difference. I've attached some photos of the machine and motor brushes.

It looks as though it doesn't depend on there being anything in the drum, unless a different fault has developed!


Regards,

Dave.

[Murphyv310]

Hi.
The brushes look pretty worn.
I've noticed that worn brushes often stop the slowest rotation first, just might be the simplest answer.

[Amrad]

Hello Trevor,

What leads you to that conclusion? Not that I'm questioning your assessment, I'm just curious as to what it is about the brushes that leads you to that. Someone on another forum said they thought the brushes are serviceable but would need replacing before much longer.

Regards,

Dave.

[Murphyv310]

Hi.
As the brushes get near the wear limit the contact area reduces as they can tip in the holder and have less spring pressure, this often stops the low speed operation of the motor.
Our Bosch stopped working on the wash cycle some years ago and I was convinced it was control board problems. When I pulled it out I metered the voltage on wash to the motor and I was getting a feed, at that point I removed the brushes and they were at the limit with an odd wear shape.
I had the option of £36 brushes from Bosch or £5 cheap ones so I opted for the £5 ones for a test as I wasn't completely convinced. The problem was cured so after a few weeks I bought the proper ones, good job I did as the carbon powder was everywhere, I cleaned it all up washed the commutator and motor housing with isopropyl and fitted the genuine brushes, that was 6 years ago and touch wood all is still well.
Possibly worth a try with cheap ones firstly.

[Amrad]

Hello Trevor,

Thanks for the explanation.

Regards,

Dave.