AEG L76685FL heating element failed for a second time

[Pedzter]

Hi All,

Last year I purchased an AEG L76685FL washing machine from John Lewis and 3 months later, in late August, the heating element failed. It was duely replaced under guarantee and since then i’ve been really cautious about using limescale treatment in washes, regularly running maintenence washes and also using hot washes at least once a week to help keep it all clean and fresh inside. However, yesterday i noticed that the machine isn’t heating up again and so another engineer visit has been booked for this Thursday.

I wanted to check in with you guys to see if this is commonplace with modern machines, i know they’re no longer built like they used to be but is it really fair to have a heating element fail every few months?

I’m in the second year of the guarantee and i believe i have an additional year after this with John Lewis. AEG recently wrote to me to tell me i’m in the final year of *their* guarantee and offered a service plan for around £140 a year to cover any future repairs. I’m now considering taking this out so i’m covered for any future heating element failures but i feel like that shouldn’t be necessary for a machine that’s only just a year old.

In your experience, are these service plans worth it? Should i just accept that the machine will likely fail every few months? And is running hot washes (60-95 degrees once or twice a week) excessive use that would cause a heating element to fail so regularly?

I appreciate your helpful words and assistance!

Pedzter

[Martin]

Re: AEG L76685FL heating element failed for a second time

Heater failure is a rare event and cheap to replace should they fail anyway. Extended warranty? Waste of money. Just put that money aside in a building society account and see how much you’ve saved instead. 😉

[Seamy]

Re: AEG L76685FL heating element failed for a second time

There’s an element available for them that’s recommended to be used in hard water areas if they go continuously, has a more shiny coating, also some have steam option which has different element than the normal.

[Pedzter]

Re: AEG L76685FL heating element failed for a second time

Hi Seamy, that’s good to know, we’re most definitely in a hard water area. Do you happen to know if we can request the element or if it’s better to purchase it and fit it ourselves?

Ours is the model with the steam function too so not sure if that impacts which one we get?

[electrofix]

Re: AEG L76685FL heating element failed for a second time

From what I can see the steam machine takes in just enough water to cover the heater and then boils it. What worries me about that system is unless your floor is level it is possible for some parts of the heater to be more submerged then others. All heaters these days contain a thermal fuse ( unlike the old days when I have had washing with brown dots on where the heater had toasted them) This fuse is set a temp low enough so the outer drum could not catch fire. if the machine is not reasonably level front to back it may be possible to exceed the fuse temp and blow it

you also have to remember that 1 or 2 hot washes a week and if you use the steam function means your heater get more use than most

I am not saying you are at any fault here as the manufacturers can design with use in mind but it seems more and more its cost that drives things not quality.

if the heater has blown look at it when it comes out and look for

limescale would have to be quite a bit to blow it
colour differences in the metal. steel changes colour when its heated. you only have to look at a motorcycle exhaust as it comes out of the cylinder to see the hottest parts. different colours mean different temps have been reached but only if the heater is above the waterline

mechanical damage from coins etc

you could also see if they are prepared to guarantee this heater for any length of time regardless of the time left on your warranty. all new parts should come with some warranty as a fitter I guarantee all parts I fit so I assume they will as well. As a guide ask them how long they would guarantee it if the part was fitted outside warranty

Dave

[Author]

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