Hotpoint Aquarius WF340 Washing Machine flashing lights

[TMWeddingPlanner]

Yeah that would be great, if you don't mind. I'll try the old board tomorrow see what that does and then Monday I'll post some pix of the meter. Cheers

 

[yardie]

Whilst you have the old board to hand have a look at the 3 caps located in the middle of the board, black cylindrical shaped with silver tops, does one of them look as though its bulging at the top compared to the others.
Hard to tell from the photo but will be obvious to you.

 

[TMWeddingPlanner]

Yes, the largest one looks like that. I'll try to upload a photo.

 

[yardie]

Yes, will need to be at an angle sidewards.

 

[yardie]

Cap C17 is def bulging (though doesn't look severe and no signs of leaking, but thats not always necessary for a cap to fail, some look perfectly fine and have failed) and could be the cause of the flashing light issue you were having, quite a common fault.

The black soot could just be from the drum belt or motor brushes.

Let me know when you have the old board back in and have a hairdryer to hand.

 

[TMWeddingPlanner]

Okay so old board is back in, this also makes a 'power' type noise, it's only very quiet, my head is right next to the board to hear itso im thinking maybe I have over active hearing?!

As soon as I powered up all lights were flashing, switched it off at the wall and back on, no lights flashing so I've started a 40deg wash to see if the water heats up. Will let you know! Will see if I can hear those rattling noises too.

 

[yardie]

If your that close to hear it then its probably ok and expect its the transformer on the board, they do oscillate by their very nature which creates a buzzing sound. Or it could be the coil next to it or in the same region usually.

Ok, also when you next get all lights flashing get a hair dryer and gently and evenly heat that bulging cap. Might be hard to access it directly but heat in that general direction should do. Has it stopped the lights flashing? You will need to do this whilst the machine is still on and lights flashing.

 

[TMWeddingPlanner]

Soooo, it's heating up so that's good, don't have a faulty heating element.

It's making the same noise as the new board tho so that's puzzled me a bit, it's like a robotic type rattling noise and it's during the 'rinse and spin' cycle, what's more weird is it's in time with the water draining out as I can see the dirty water pipe move when it makes the noise. Unless it's always made the noise and I've just never heard it as it's had the back on always?

Will get the hair dryer ready for later!

 

[yardie]

Yes good news your heater is working.
Bad news the replacement board is faulty.

Let me know hair dryer results. The only thing thats likely to melt or distort is any plastic like the board housing, the board and components can withstand heat to a certain degree but best to keep the hair dryer moving and not concentrate heat in one spot.

 

[TMWeddingPlanner]

Done a few washes now. Turned the machine off then back on, lights flash for about 20 seconds then stop so haven't had the chance to use the hair dryer on it yet.

With respect to the part that seems to be faulty, should I contact the seller and say I think it's faulty or just ask to send it back? What can he do if it's faulty?

 

[yardie]

You'll need to see what his response is first but doubt they will have the means or knowledge to repair.

They may just fully refund and not bother with a return.

Possible they have another board but this one was supposed to have been fully tested.

Just say its faulty (and that your old board is back and working better) and see what solution they offer.

Actually, look at the ebay listing you bought, does it say seller refurbished in the description? If so, then yes they do repairs on boards but this was sold fully tested and refurbished, wasn't it? Check it out.

 

[TMWeddingPlanner]

I've sent this "Hi, thanks for sending the washing machine board out so quickly, unfortunately though it doesn't seem to work. The water isn't heating up on any of the cycles when it s installed. I've put the old one back in and that is working better than the new one. Could you advise what I do about getting a refund please. Many Thanks" see what happens[/i]