Mend > Washing Machines

Diagnose Servis Rainwave bushless motor fault?

So, the tub on my machine is not turning. I've had the motor out and dismantled it. It is an electronically-controlled bushless induction type with what looks like a Hall-effect position sensor, so it is not a problem with bushes. Stuck to the top of the coil is what looks like a thermal fuse. It looks like it has got hot, but I can't say if this is normal or not. Otherwise the motor looks in good condition and the spindle turns freely.

I have located the control circuit, and nothing seems to be amiss. Unfortunately the circuit seems to be directly connected (hard) to the harness.

From this point I don't think I can investigate more without causing undoable damage, so before I plunge in...

How should I proceed to diagnose the fault? How could I work out if the problem is with the motor windings or that thermal fuse (if that is what it is), or with the control board?

Help is very much appreciated.

Dale
November 2006

Servis Servis Rainwave Household Appliances, Washing Machines Motor Fuse Sensor

Yes! Thank you, thank you, so much. I had a good look at the capacitors (there were two of them) and sure enough one had popped its head. A new one was 5.22 from Maplins and it's working again!

And there I was on the verge of wasting 200 quid on a new motor. I can't put in words how grateful I am to you, thank you.

Dale
November 2006

i think that your problem is with the motor capacitor, this is located within the vicinity of the motor and is used to kick start the motor into life.it is a very cheap part to buy so i would try this first. the part will not cost any more than a fiver and if that does not work look on the pcb for blow marks etc.

chris lavis
November 2006