Zanussi TCE7124 Stopping – Test Cycle = LEDs cycle left to right

Hiya

We’ve an (admittedly rather old) Zanussi TCE7124 consenser dryer.

We have issues with it randomly stopping/pausing during cycles, whilst the “Drying” LED remains lit like normal. After a few minutes, it resumes again.

You can sometimes hear the drum briefly start, then immediately stop. It feels to me like an overheating or failing motor issue maybe, or a failing NTC thermistor?

In the past, a deep clean inside and out, especially the main PCB and switches, sorted out prior issues, but I don’t imagine it’ll work this time!

If it’s beyond economical repair then we’ll let it go but I’d like to give it (another) go before writing it off.

Trying the test cycle (Hold Start, turn to B, turn to 30mins, turn back to C):

1. With an empty unit or from cold: It completes the cycle(s) fine, even when repeated. (Assuming no lights at the end means it’s fine.)
2. When it’s been playing up, e.g. with a load: LEDs repeatedly flow from left to right, with beeping (like Knight Rider, but only left to right, never right to left.)

Any thoughts?

– Julie

PS I do have electronics and electrical repair experience, plus a degree in the subject, and I’ve also the tools, for reference; but I’m not super brave!