Hotpoint SDW85 not heating

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  • February 25, 2015 at 2:06 pm #84215
    al2
    Participant

    Hello All

    My Hotpoint SDW85 blew the mains fuse half-way through a cycle and also tripped the switch in the main box. It is the Chinese-made version (unfortunately).
    This also happened a few months ago, and I never did get to the bottom of what caused it, but I replaced the fuse and it has been operating correctly for a few months now. I suspect the mains filter may have been the cause, but I figured if it worked well and it meant I might have to change the fuse every so often, then I could live with that. Checks on the mains filter did not show any odd resistances, so I left it at that, whilst realising that it could still be breaking down under mains voltage.

    This time, however, it is slightly different. On replacing the fuse I attempted to run a cycle and all seemed well until about 30 minutes was remaining. It then threw up a ‘AL08’ code, which I realise is a heater timeout error. This seemed to stack up, because the water in the machine was still cold at this point. Subsequent cycles have confirmed that the water is not heating.

    Now I believe it could be one of 4 things – the element itself, thermistors, the pcb or a wiring fault. Is this correct?
    My question to all you kind folk is…
    how do I get to the heater element please? I assume it is accessible from the base of the unit. I should get a low resistance reading of about 25 ohms… is this correct? Also, where are the thermistor(s) please, as this is probably the second thing I will check?
    I’m handy enough with a screwdriver, but don’t want to waste my time removing panels and components which don’t need to be.
    Regarding the wiring, that should be obvious, but am I right in thinking that if it is a pcb fault then that needs to be programmed by an engineer?
    Thanks in advance for any assistance.

    February 25, 2015 at 2:55 pm #425040
    iadom
    Moderator

    Re: Hotpoint SDW85 not heating

    First of all let me say that to continue to use any appliance with such a fault that you know about is very ill advised to say the least. :rolls:

    The heating element is accessible by removing the base and needs testing for insulation leaks. The resistance is immaterial with this fault.

    There is only one thermistor which is hard wired to the PCB in any case and is not a likely source of the initial fault. The pcb does not need programming on these.

    The most common place for wiring breaks is inside the door near the hinges but TBH these Indesit machines rarely last long enough for the harness to deteriorate to that extent.

    February 25, 2015 at 5:32 pm #425041
    al2
    Participant

    Re: Hotpoint SDW85 not heating

    Thanks for your reply, Iadom, and I take your point completely!
    If I were to bother trying to repair it, I’d replace the mains filter (as a matter of course) and firstly the element.

    However, I’m really in two minds whether it’s worth it, in light of how long these machines generally last. If I were to cut my losses and just go for a new one, what would you recommend for a slimline?
    If you’re not allowed to give recommendations, I will understand, but even to point me in the direction of a half-decent make would be good.
    Miele are out of my price range and I won’t be touching Hotpoint/Indesit again.
    Incidentally, it’s about 5 years old, has had less-than-average use (as I live on my own), so I’m sure I could get something for it on a well-known auction site (as spares or repair).
    Thanks.

    February 25, 2015 at 5:34 pm #425042
    al2
    Participant

    Re: Hotpoint SDW85 not heating

    Thinking about it, is it mains that goes directly to the element?
    If so, and the insulation was breaking down as you suggest, that would make sense that the mains fuse would blow, wouldn’t it?
    In which case it may be worth taking a gamble on it.

    February 28, 2015 at 10:39 pm #425043
    al2
    Participant

    Re: Hotpoint SDW85 not heating

    Ok, well I think it’s pretty obvious what the problem is!
    After pulling aside the components that were in the way, burning was very evident around the connector. Why oh why they have to use those horrible hose clamps which cannot easily be undone… but that’s another matter. What’s wrong with good old-fashioned jubilee clips? I suppose the answer would be to attempt to stop the likes of me replacing parts!!

    Anyway, back to the burning. Unfortunately, the connector was badly burnt and I need to know which way round the wires connect to the new element. There is a pink and a blue wire and I will obviously have to attach a new connector, so does it matter which way round they go?

    P.S. In my haste, I pulled the connector off without noting which way round it was…dohhhh, schoolboy error! :rolls:

    If anyone could assist I would appreciate it.
    Thanks.

    February 28, 2015 at 11:27 pm #425044
    iadom
    Moderator

    Re: Hotpoint SDW85 not heating

    It doesn’t matter as long as you replace the connectors with insulated AMP tags.

    Those clips are purely a cost saving exercise. :rolls:

    February 28, 2015 at 11:35 pm #425045
    al2
    Participant

    Re: Hotpoint SDW85 not heating

    Thanks again Iadom. I’ll take your advice on the proper connections to use.
    I also took your advice on leaving well alone that Ebay one for £150 and decided to repair the one I’ve got.
    Thank goodness for forums like this and the knowledge that goes with it.

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