Posh Bosch SMS 6012 GB - timer sequence Becoming Erratic?

First it started to stop when at about 2 o'clock position, just before tablet dropped, needed a help over the click to open the hatch. Intermittently. Sometimes fine. Started two or more years ago. Machine is probably over 10 years old, had it since new.

Just recently it started executing the cycle without the dispenser hatch opening, leaving a soggy tablet in the dispenser.

Yesterday I came in to find it was making a unhappy noise and seemed stuck in the position it was, about 6.30 on the dial.

What is this usually symptomatic of please, if anything? I can fix most stuff from Microwaves to cars as a chartered engineer and DIY specialist with a full range of regiular electrical and mechanical tools, just need to know what works and what does not from someone who sees these things every day.

All help greatfully received.

Brian Catt
April 2010