Bosch Classixx Express Cycle problem after RCD Trip

[Marshk]

Today I found the electrics in the kitchen had tripped and the washing machine stuck in mid cycle.
After resetting the electrics the washing machine would not continue with the cycle or perform any new cycle including drain.

From powering on, when I select any cycle the flashing Start LED stops flashing and goes stationary as it should. Than after some seconds it does not start the cycle as it should and instead I get flashing Spin LED/Start/wash option LED’s accompanied with 3 sets of 3 beeps.

I have manually drained the machine and checked for blockages. I have also tried to follow some reset instructions online and that has made no difference. Not sure if they were appropriate for my machine.

I’m guessing it’s not the brushes as than the drain cycle should still work. Also guessing it’s not the heating element as again drain cycle should work. I have read RCD tripping is sign sometimes sign of suspect heating element fault.

Am I correct in my assumptions or does the Bosch handle faults in a different way ?

This leaves me to suspect it’s probably the PCB and possibly the heating element as well. I think this could be more expensive to repair than it’s worth so wondering.

If anyone can help with some further ideas to diagnose the problem it would be appreciated as I’m not best of positions to buy a new machine right now.

 

[jj4091]

What is the model number & are you sure it was an rcd & not an mcb that tripped?

 

[Marshk]

What is the model number & are you sure it was an rcd & not an mcb that tripped?

You are correct it was the MCB for the kitchen alone. The model is BOSCH Classixx Express WAE28162GB05

 

[jj4091]

For most BOSCH produced washing machines the reset procedure appears to be much the same and is carried out by following the steps as follows in order:

• Turn the program dial to the off or reset position (should be at the 12 o’clock position)
• Turn the dial to the 6 o’clock position
• Press and hold down on the spin button and simultaneously turn the dial to the 7 o’clock position.
• Hold the spin button for around 5 seconds and then release.
• Turn the dial to the off position

Once the machine is powered up again the error should be reset or cleared.
The error codes that I can find suggest a motor problem, so for what it takes I would first check the motor brushes as that is a strong possibility, they should be a minimum of 10mm long & free to move in & out of their holders under spring pressure. If the error will not reset after that then your suggestion of the pub being faulty sounds reasonable, but probably not an economic repair.

 

[Marshk]

I will try that reset procedure again and if that fails I will look at the brushes next. The heating element isn’t very expensive to replace so I will consider changing that after checking the brushes out.

I’m wondering if it is faulty brushes or heating element why doesn’t the machine still perform the Drain cycle ?

Can a single logged error on the Bosch machine ie worn brushes stop all cycles from working ?

 

[jj4091]

Worn brushes can cause some really weird faults. I doubt it is the heating element but just disconnecting it & insulating the wire terminals should rule it in or out if you don't have a multimeter to check for a short or open circuit.

 

[Marshk]

Managed to take out the motor and take a look at one of the brushes. Longer part of the angle is about 18mm long. See photo.
Im guessing it’s is worn down close to its limit but it could have been worse. I haven’t taken the other one out as I realised I will need to remember the angle for replacement brushes.

I’ve ordered the replacement pair as they were fairly cheap and the motor is already out. After swapping the brushes out I will check the heater element if my problem is still not resolved. Should’ve really done this first by simply disconnecting the heater as advised.

 

[Marshk]

Worn brushes can cause some really weird faults. I doubt it is the heating element but just disconnecting it & insulating the wire terminals should rule it in or out if you don't have a multimeter to check for a short or open circuit.

So I managed to swap out the brushes and tested the machine without any improvement.
I basically tried to run the drain cycle as a test.

Than I disconnected the cables to the Heater and tested again without success - same beeps and start light flashing after some time.
I also tried the reset procedure given earlier few times and this didn’t help too.

One odd thing I noticed is that the control panel around the centre area close to the Start button felt warmer than rest of area. Not sure if this is normal and I haven’t noticed before.

Is it all pointing to the PCB ?

 

[Marshk]

I have managed to get hold of a multimeter.

Can someone please guide me on how to test the heating element.

I want to do one last check before concluding it’s the controller board.

 

[jj4091]

how to use a multimeter but you would need an insulation tester to check the internal insulation is not breaking down