Dimplomat / Limona HJA 8552 won't start?

Hi - we have a washing machine purchased from howdens around 7 years ago - model number HJA 8552 (which i gather is a either a Dimplomat or Limona brand).

We turn the machine on and select a normal 40 degree wash, at this point the 'Stop' LED is blinking every second. If I press the start button, I can then hear water running through the detergent drawer. Water runs for around 5 seconds, then all activity stops. The Start LED remains lit, as does the door lock LED, and nothing is flashing.

It has, on a couple of occasions, filled the bottom of the drum with a couple of inches of water, and selecting the 'drain' program has drained the water away.

The Spin function works fine.

I have removed the back cover and located a sensor with 2 wires in the rear of the drum - I assume this may be a temperature sensor. I have removed it and cleaned the muck off it, but it made no difference.

Does anyone have any ideas what to try next?

Many thanks in advance.

Mike.

Mike
February 2015