Bosch SMV50C00GB/25 mains connector melted

[AnotherBill]

Would be eternally grateful for any help…

Consumer unit MCB (not RCD) tripped, accompanied by burning smell from dishwasher. Dishwasher still worked after reset but mains cable connector, at dishwasher end, is badly melted. A new cable might well ‘work’, but the connector terminals themselves, within the dishwasher look pretty messed up so I’d want to replace the whole thing rather than risking reuse.

First obstacle… The connector seems to be part of a control module, floor level on right hand side. It looks like it should be removable through an access hatch, but does not move easily. I found one locking tab on the side, but it’s still not moving much.. Is there some trick to releasing it? Or does the whole base have to be removed… and is that as hard as I think?

Also, is suggestive of a common fault? I’m assuming it’s been caused by a simple weak contact spring in the mains connection, but realise that assumption may be optimistic.

Thanks again, appreciate the help that you folks give.

[electrofix]

you looking at just under £150 worth of parts

new programmed power board 750152 £133.13
mains power cable 12005926 £14.22

there was a recall for a power cord problem on Bosch dishwashers but it only seems to be USA. but it might be worth checking

Dave

[AnotherBill]

OK, Got the module out with the help of a Youtube video. It was in German (I think) but I was able to follow the plot, showed me where to apply a tiny bit of force.

So, the mains connector is soldered to the PCB and is most certainly a deceased component, charred and holed, even though it still seems to work. I could maybe buy a new connector and solder it on, but reluctant to do so – there’s a lot of amps there and I’d want to keep an eye on it for a few weeks to make sure it’s cool, yet that’s not exactly convenient once the machine is back in service.

I’m guessing the usual, and safer, fix here is simply a new control module?

[AnotherBill]

electrofix wrote:you looking at just under £150 worth of parts

new programmed power board 750152 £133.13
mains power cable 12005926 £14.22

there was a recall for a power cord problem on Bosch dishwashers but it only seems to be USA. but it might be worth checking

Dave

Many thanks, Dave, our posts crossed. You confirmed what I thought.

I’ll drop an email to Bosch, re possibility of mains cable recall.

– Bill

[Mihangel]

There’s no recall, this is nearly always caused by the cable not being fully inserted when originally installed and can take a long time to actually burn out

[electrofix]

Mihangel wrote: There’s no recall, this is nearly always caused by the cable not being fully inserted when originally installed and can take a long time to actually burn out

only seen it once, and it would be the one i ordered a new motor for and only found it when i tried to fit it

did try to unsolder the connecter. Dont even go there, double sided print real pig to get off

gave up in the end and scrapped it

Dave

[AnotherBill]

Mihangel wrote: There’s no recall, this is nearly always caused by the cable not being fully inserted when originally installed and can take a long time to actually burn out

Not sure I go for that, the connector seemed fully seated before I removed it, it was quite hard to remove given the burnt plastic.

Moreover, the melted areas on the tips of male plug and female match exactly, suggesting they were in contact, hence fully seated.

See here for example recalls..

https://midamericaappliancerepair.com/blog/maker-of-bosch-expands-dishwasher-recall-to-663000-models/

Over the past two years, BSH Home Appliances, which announced the recall with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, has received five reports of the power cords overheating and causing fires that resulted in property damage.

US & Canada only though. That might be justifiable – with their lower mains voltage, higher currents flow, which might result in poor connectors overheating more easily.

But the problem could also be whisker growth within the connectors, in which case our 230V would maybe present a bigger hazard by arcing more readily?

I’ll be interested to discuss with Bosch, now awaiting response.

[Mihangel]

Not in this country, I know for certain there is no recall in the UK. I have access to all safety recalls for Bosch appliances and this is not one of them.

[iadom]

Still a bloody silly design to stick the mains plug on the pcb.

[electrofix]

iadom wrote:Still a bloody silly design to stick the mains plug on the pcb.

add that to the motor and the plastic tub and these machine have so many bad points

Dave

[AnotherBill]

I’m trying not to form a strong opinion of the machine as I’ve no experience upon which to base an opinion. I’m a bit alarmed though as our kitchen has a suspended chipboard floor, I don’t like the thought of a smouldering plug in close proximity.

Usually these days, when something needs fixed, I just pay somebody else to fix it. But we’ve been trying hard to adhere to the ‘stay at home’ and ‘no visitors’ messages, and a professional repairer would have been a visitor.

Apologies is that seems unsympathetic to professional engineers who might be grateful for the work, I know it might. Hope all are getting by, in terms of finances as well as health.

[electrofix]

dont worry about that, as a professional engineer i will only go out to necessities at the moment. That roughly translates into cookers and washers. Dishwashers, since you can get a bowl and fairy liquid and easily wash them, does not class in my book as an emergency.
like you i dont want to get or spread this disease

in your case i think it may be beyond economical repair unless its under 2 years old or you have an extended warranty

Dave

[AnotherBill]

It’s about 5 years old but If i can fix for parts only, sub £200 and within a few days for parts to arrive, I’ll probably take that option.

A new machine might make more sense but we’d want to go out and look them first, which would mean waiting a few weeks at least.

At least we’ve two full bottles of fairy liquid in stock.

[electrofix]

have a really good look around where the plastic base and the stainless meet all the way round. its a known weak point and they often leak

beware also the motors are another weak point and do fail

you stand the risk of fitting a timer and having the motor fail

you could get a new Beko for £229 or a Smeg for £349 both carry 2 year guarentee

so for £81 more you get 2 years peace of mind

Dave

[Mihangel]

Definitely worth speaking to Bosch, if it’s under 5 years old (even by a few days) they’ll usually give you a discount if not free on the parts. But as Dave says it’s not classed as essential so won’t be entertained at the moment. I’m not trying to be pedantic in any way but the motor is actually really reliable, it’s the element that’s wrapped around it that’s a piece of crap

[Author]

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