Re: Electrolux D’W ESL614 heater on at wrong time
Most likely the ‘pumping’ noises she heard are the wash motor spinning with no water in it. That would also explain why the heater was on with no water in the tank.
This is the old style sump with the “blue” siphon tubes that block up. First remove the large filter then the cap that covers the siphons. Clean them out and pour some water down the holes they come out of to dislodge any muck. Then refit the siphons and cap. From underneath the machine, remove the ‘U’ shaped clear hose under the siphon pot and clean. Also clean the nozzles on the sump. Refit the hose and pull off the pressure switch hose and the valve safety shut off hose at the sump end. Blow down the hoses to test the pressure switch and to dislodge the locked off valve. Refit the hoses and test machine.
If the valve is still locked out (hums but no water) a sharp tap on the inlet hose ferrule at the back of the machine with a small hammer will free it off. (do this with the valve humming). Everything should now function.
Hope that helps,
Steve.