My Indesit IDL500 stalls halway though the cycle?

If the first two lights on the display flash simultaneously, the pump is restricted in some way. I fixed mine in about 20 minutes, found some kind of elastic tape wrapped around the impeller shaft within the pump. Possibly something that Indesit put into the machine so it mysteriously malfunctions out of warranty!!Removed it carefully and it seems fine now. The inside of the machine was spotless - not bad for 3 years old. I found the machine straightforward to work on and easy to take apart and re assemble.
First, ensure that the mains electricity is disconnected from the unit, and then switch off the water supply. I found it easier to remove the 3 screws from the rear of the machine that hold the floor plate on, before tipping it on its back and removing the 3 screws at the front. Remove the floor plate and disconnect the microswitch, making a note of which wire is at the top. (A notebook or digital camera is handy if you are uncertain). The pump is the bit with the drain hose attached to it, but it is also attached to the drain in the centre of the dishwasher and must be separated from both ends.
Next, I removed the small ecectrical comnnector from the motor, then the drain hose from the pump using a set of pliers on the hose clip, then removed the single screw from where the pump is joined to the drain. The pump then twists to unlock, and can be withdrawn easily. Any obstructions may be visible at this point, but I needed to split the pump completely to get to the root of my problem. To split the pump body you will need a small torx screwdriver or bit ro remove the 3 screws that hold it together. Once these are out, you can split the pump and get to the impeller.In the great Haynes tradition, "reassembly is the reverse of dismantling"!! Good luck - don't be afraid to have a go, be methodical and don't forget to check all connections before you wheel the unit back into place.

Mark C
February 2008