hotpoint washing machine burning smell & opens on spin

[flyer252]

Hotpoint WMXTF742GUK machine came up with flashing f06 error code..

machine working fine but today noticed a weird burning smell coming from the machine.. Then grey black smoke.. Stupidly I tried the door and surprisingly it opened on spin cycle!

Switched off machine and checked the forums, removed interlock and it is burnt, also the wires are burnt. I have not opened the machine from the top to check pcb or other burned wires or components

Now the question is: will replacing the interlock solve the problem or are the burned wires a sign that the pcb or other components are fried?

Its only a 2 year old machine and the fact that the machine can be opened on a spin cycle left me worried with kids in the house.

 

[flyer252]

 

[dishman]

You may want to repost this in the electric forum.

This, in my view, is a bit more specialist than a straight repair.

You have to work out what failed to cause the burning. It could be that something else has gone wrong to cause the burning in that location. It could be a lose connection.

But, isolating what failed, repairing it and sure being sure it is safe to continue using it is the difficult part.

I would also consider whether the machine could be in it's warrantee still?

Two years is not that old, and the fact it is an electrical fault would warrant speaking to the shop where you bought it.

The window for faulty goods is a lot longer than you may think. Especially if the fault could have been there all along.

This is from the monesavingexpert site:

"But that's not all. There's another piece of legislation called the Limitations Act (it's the Prescription and Limitation Act in Scotland) that can help you out.
You have up to six years after you bought a good to complain. (In Scotland, it's five years after you first realised there was a problem.)
This comes in handy if you buy goods, but don't use them for a few months or if something breaks after the six month rule and the fault was likely to have been there all along."

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/consumer-rights-refunds-exchange/#goods

It may be worth exploring that angle.

I would not admit to opening it up though.....

 

[jj4091]

Your machine is not covered by the current Hotpoint recall but I would still contact them as that appears to be both a safety issue & a possible fire risk. They should be interested in seeing your pics & visit your machine on an urgent basis in my opinion.

 

[bernardgreen]

I agree with jj4091

This is safety issue, if the fault allows the door to be opened while the drum is rotating then that fault has created a situation which has the potential to cause serious injury.

An adult trying the door with the drum spinning is a bit stupid. A child could try the door out of curiousity and maybe lose an arm.

 

[bernardgreen]

The company whose trademark appears on the door lock is ITWMetalflex. part of the ITW Group - Illinois Tool Works Inc.

http://www.itwmetalflex.com/en/products/wet-products/door-locks-for-washing-machines-and-dryers.html

This company has had directors who were listed as being resident in Illinois USA.

ITW LIMITED
Company number 00559693
Registered office address
Nexus House, Station Road, Egham, Surrey, England, TW20 9LB

 

[flyer252]

An adult trying the door with the drum spinning is a bit stupid. A child could try the door out of curiousity and maybe lose an arm.

I was checking the door because smoke was coming from that area around the door. And to my surprise it opened.

Only a 2 year old machine and wondering if repairing would be the best option as I am worried about the safety of the machine especially as I have a toddler in the house.

We are lucky that we were at home and noticed the burning smell otherwise could have ended up with something more serious.

 

[jj4091]

The company whose trademark appears on the door lock is ITWMetalflex. part of the ITW Group - Illinois Tool Works Inc.

http://www.itwmetalflex.com/en/products/wet-products/door-locks-for-washing-machines-and-dryers.html

This company has had directors who were listed as being resident in Illinois USA.

ITW LIMITED
Company number 00559693
Registered office address
Nexus House, Station Road, Egham, Surrey, England, TW20 9LB

Bernard, I'm not sure of the relevance of who the door lock manufacturers are, but I was suggesting contacting Hotpoint, urgently given their recent history of product safety recalls, rather than any one else as they are the company that are ultimately responsible for the safety of the appliance as a whole, not component manufacturers. Or was it just an observation?

 

[bernardgreen]

I agree that Hotpoint are the first place to go to. They are responsible to ensure products are safe and that components they buy in are fit for purpose..

Contacting a manufacturer's supplier of components can provide information about those components that the manufacturer is reluctant to provide.

 

[jj4091]

Yes & thinking about it, perhaps it might give some leverage if Hotpoint are reluctant to act.

 

[flyer252]

UPDATE..

So I contacted Hotpoint and I told them about the burning smell and they wanted to do a fire report, sent out an engineer to replace the faulty door lock and the wire that had burnt.

Repaired and all done free of charge.

So thank you for your replies and help

 

[dishman]

Great, glad it all worked out. it's always nice to get an update.....

I wonder if they have to notify any trade body or regulator as to the fact a potential fire risk fault occurred in one of their machines.

Well they send you a letter detailing what failed and why? I also wonder if there is a regulatory body they have to inform, as the failure seems like it could have been more serious....

 

[flyer252]

UPDATE

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-50811686

Hey guys so just an update.. Whirlpool have issued a recall on washing machines having the same issue that I posted in August 2018!

Why has it taken them over a year to issue a safety recall?

Check your machine

 

[jj4091]

Yet another catastrophe for Whirlpool, If this latest episode does not put them out of business then I don't know what will. Probably it will be yet another example of them having little regard for their customers after they have taken their money.

 

[jj4091]

UPDATE

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-50811686

Hey guys so just an update.. Whirlpool have issued a recall on washing machines having the same issue that I posted in August 2018!

Why has it taken them over a year to issue a safety recall?

Check your machine

You may not be out of the woods yet if they replaced it with an old stock door lock you may still have the same problem. Personally I would be wary of the repair they carried out.