Hotpoint Aquareius DF61 – not filling

Hi – our DF61 is not filling – it’s about 5 yrs old – check the water inlet pipes and pressure – all fine, so it is with the washer itself. It’s got a dial on the front to start the washcycle. When it’s in the OFF position, I can switch the power on button ON, and it will try and start immediately before the dial is moved to the ‘Start’ position for the washcycle – strange. It makes pretty normal sounding whirring noises (i.e. not totally silent), it will drain – I put a bucket of water inside and it was drained out – so it seems to be able to perform the draincycle, but you cannot hear water entering – the washcycle just stays on the ‘wash’ bit, and when you look inside, there is no water coming in at all. Checked the inlet filer on the inlet port at the inlet hose connection, and that is clean. The outlet filter in the base of the interior is clean also. The spray arms appear to be free from blockages.

When first noticing the problem, the washer had been on for about two hours or so, and there was an unusual smell – don’t think it was an electrical burning-type smell, but it was distinct – this was still when it was on the ‘wash’ bit of the washcycle (since it doesn’t get beyond that).

Guessing it might be the solenoid valve. Think the pump is working since the washer makes whirring noises when switched on (i.e. not totally dead).

Appreciate any thoughts. How much is a solenoid valve and how easy is it to fit ? Any pictorial walkthrus on the Net showing replacement of a solenoid valve (for this or any other washer ?). Thanks.