Can you advise on our Zanussi Electrolux which won't go through its cycle?
Thank you for this forum and the opportunity to receive advice on our 4 year old Zanussi Electrolux DA 6142 dishwasher.
Our machine began to stick at different points in the cycle. By turning the "programme selector dial" on a notch or two, it would then continue the cycle. At first this was enough, but quickly it deteriorated further until about a week later it would do nothing except make a humming noise!
I wondered if the "timer switch" is at fault, but don't want to buy without being more sure.
I finally had my "Eureka" moment. The problem is the microswitch in the door catch.
The microswitch has somehow changed from "normally closed" to "normally open" which is really odd. It is a bit blackened on one end, indicating that it has blown in some way, probably someone opened the door just before the cycle had ended, causing the fault.
However, the door catch is designed to hold the button on the switch down until the door closes, at which point the button is released. So if you can get your head round this logic (no mean feat), when the door closes, the button is released, allowing the switch to go into its normal state - closed, allowing the cycle to begin.
In its faulty state the switch will only let the cycle begin if the door is open, so I can wash the dishes if I don't mind flooding the kitchen at the same time, leaving the door open!
How did I discover this? If you read one of my earlier posts I couldn't understand why my machine suddenly worked, then didn't. I retraced my steps and realised that I had detached the door catch while I had the "front (panel) off". With the door held closed it worked perfectly! The solution was right under my nose but I didn't spot it at the time!
Gerry
February 2008
Okay I have learned a few things since my last post here. I have dismantled the IWMS, and transfer pipes under the machine, and drained water out. There is remarkably little sludge (my wife always insisted we rinse plates first!). I checked the pressure switches and they appear to be functioning fine and connecting hoses clear, etc.
I am stuck as to what to check now. THe machine appears to be in constant drain mode, and will not begin a new cycle.
I would appreciate if any reader can help with advice on how to go forward here...
Gerry
February 2008
The problem seems to clearly be at the start of the cycle. The machine will not fill.
Does anyone have ideas on what I should be checking?
Gerry
February 2008
Unsuccessful. :(
Ah well. If anyone is kind enough to paste the following URLs into their browser they would see what the machine looks like and may be able to comment:
If I really have to take this out I am wondering how not to get water everywhere!
Thanks for reading
Gerry
February 2008
Am going to try to add a couple of images here. If I am successful, someone who knows dishwashers might be able to comment, and advise. They are of the view of the left side of the machine with cover removed.
After some homework, am investigating the parts, and am suspecting blockage of the system with food debris over a period of time. It seems to me that the problem is still there, and will rear its head again soon.
Gerry
February 2008
Bizarre. I put the machine on without dishes to observe exactly what happened, and it completed the Quick cycle without a hitch! I put it on the normal cycle and it is now merrily washing no problem. Confused
It has been lying for a week, and yesterday I opened up the front to begin exploration of the timer switch, etc. I cleaned the filters though they had little on them. Other than that I have done nothing to sort this, so this is inexplicable to me!
We'll try it again with dishes this evening, but clearly something WAS wrong with it, though maybe not that much.
Maybe someone might have a clue what is at the root of my dishwasher's temperamental behaviour.
Gerry
February 2008
Thanks ck for warning me on that one. I now have to find out how a dishwasher works! If anyone knows somewhere online I could access info to help me work through the possibilities and learn about my machine to identify the fault I would be grateful.
I have fixed other appliances in my home, but never had a dishwasher before, so now is the time to learn. At least it's not so urgent as a washing machine!
Cheers
Gerry
February 2008
it could be a timer fault but everything on the machine has to send back the correct info to timer otherwise it will stick until the correct signal from a component is received.Drain pump sticking not draining every time.pressure switch not working or blocked.heater not heating or faulty thermostat.not much direct help but lots of things need checking before you spend you pennies on a timer!!!
ck
February 2008
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