Whirlpool AWG995 - Drum won't turn

[Atticus]

My wife tried to use the tumble dryer in our Whirlpool AWG995 washer dryer, but when she turned it on it tripped the circuit breaker. Now the washing machine drum doesn't turn. When we tried using the wash function it filled with water and drained and made all the usual noises but the drum wouldn't budge.

The machine is at least 5 years old and hasn't caused any problems before now.

Any advice offered would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Sleepyhead]

Check the brushes in the motor, if they are ok, check the wiring loom to the motor for broken wires. Further than that you'll need some test equipment to megger the machine and component parts.

 

[Atticus]

I did wonder if it might be a problem with the brushes, but this motor doesn't have any. I've had a quick look at the wiring but saw nothing. I'll have a closer look, including the control panel area, etc.

 

[Sleepyhead]

OK, got it.
Induction motor, uses a capacitor to kick start it and a small pcb to control it.
Check the wiring to the motor, check the pcb for burning and check the capacitor (you'll need a capacitance meter for this).
If all of these are ok and the motor itself is ok then it's down to a faulty programmer.

 

[Atticus]

Thanks Sleepyhead.

I looked at the wiring and couldn't see anything obvious.

I then looked at the capacitor, although there looks like 2 caps fitted in the corner. The one which I think is the relevant one is a white plastic ItalFarad RP-3, rated at 20 microfarads. I removed it and put my fluke (on the microfarad range) across the 2 terminals that were connected and got an open line.

Do you think that this could be the problem?

 

[Atticus]

I think I may have misused the fluke. After referrring to the manual, I tried putting the probes across the capacitor and timing the charge. It worked out at 30mF and although it says 20mF on the cap, I've got a feeling this is probably ok.

I don't have a megger - looks like I'll need to call someone in.

 

[JonB]

Stupid question ,but does it turn by hand (bearings).

 

[Sleepyhead]

Got a feeling that this one is going to be either motor, motor pcb or both.

 

[Atticus]

JonB - It does turn by hand and without any difficulty or noise.

Sleepyhead - I fear it's the motor but I'm not sure that I can do anything to confirm this. I don't have a megger.