Electrolux WE170V Semi-Comm’ Washing M/C (914535400 00)

[jontymox]

Dear all,

Wondering if anyone could shed some light on a couple of problems with the above washing machine?

The appliance is drawing water from one or more of the triple cold water fill valve solenoids, even when the machine is switched off.

This is accompanied by an intermittent, yet very loud buzzing noise from the electrical drain valve/unit adjacent to the fill valves and dispenser.

The fault/s have been reported to Electrolux, as it is/was under warranty.

However, the customer has “virtually given up on Electrolux,” and asked if I would take a look for them.

Initially, Electrolux sent an approved engineer/company to visit, and they replaced the triple cold water valve which didn’t solve anything…

Having waited several weeks, a different engineer visited and said he could not solve the fault/s, and left, having also flooded the floor when he left the drain hose adrift!

Evidently, my customer has tried contacting Electrolux many times, and complained, but has received poor service and an unusable washing machine!

It is one of two identical appliances my customer purchased from Electrolux, and as they are getting nowhere with the manufacturer’s called me.

Although I don’t usually look at semi-commercial appliances, I’ve ascertained the symptoms, and started by replacing the triple solenoid fill valves to make sure one wasn’t faulty.

However, the constant filling remains, and I don’t understand why!

Could the electrical drain valve unit be the root cause??

Any help appreciated, before I refer it back to the manufacturer’s.

jonty

[electrofix]

thats an odd one

did you try unplugging drain valve and see what happened ?

if you let me have your email will send you any tech i can find

Dave

[Hollytree_Technical]

I have not seen this particular machine but have dealt with several commercial units.
My guess is this: It sounds like the problem is that the water valve is receiving power when the machine is not expecting it to, the drain valve (assuming that it is the valve version and not a regular pump) is closed by the incoming water pressure, this causes the machine to start registering the incoming water on the level sensor (and maybe even by the flow meter on the valve) so the machine realises that there is a fault and then applies power to the drain valve control valve which releases the water pressure from the valve allowing the drain valve to open and drain the water after which it switches off the control valve which causes the whole cycle to start again.
In theory it should be going into alarm mode.
I would suggest taking a good look at the main board for any damaged components.
There is a service manual for it here http://verwaltung.privatklinik-schlossstrasse.de/wp-content/uploads/pdf-uploads/Waschmaschine_Bedienungsanleitung_english.pdf

Jem

[Hollytree_Technical]

Page 47 section 10.17.1.2 suggests that it may be deliberately activating the valve due to water level.
I would suggest that if there is nothing visual on the main board that you unplug the valves one at a time till to isolate which one is at fault and then change the corresponding TRIAC on the module (assuming that you don’t mind a bit of soldering.
Pages 36 to 38 explain the theory of operation for the drain valve if you are not familiar with it.

Jem

[jontymox]

Thanks for your help, Jem,

I need to have a look at the info’ that you’ve kindly supplied, and try and work out the fault/s, as I’m not familiar with such appliances.

jonty

[jontymox]

Thanks Jem & Dave,

Re-visited today, and remain flummoxed that water is drawn through cold water triple valve, even with machine unplugged! (only way to stop flow is by turning ball valve off)

Tried disconnecting wiring plugs to components such as valves, pressure switch and main board.

Removed board, and no sign of burning etc.

Will return tomorrow, and try and perform Diagnostic Mode as per info’ kindly provided.

Thanks again,

jonty

[electrofix]

if its filling with no power it can only be a valve fault

did you get the info i sent you including a bulletin on that very problem

Dave

[jontymox]

Yes, thanks Dave,

Just working my round it, as been really busy today.

Oh, it appears the fault is known to Electrolux…. as per your kindly supplied info’ & bulletin below.

In new washing machines, during the first month in operation it may be found that: with the appliance turned
off (OFF) and the tap open, water enters the tub; this problem is due to foreign bodies that have become
trapped between the solenoid valve membrane and body, or to the fact that the water pressure is below the
minimum values of 0.05 MPa (0.5 bar), causing it to malfunction.

Agreed, filling when no power must be a mechanical fault, so I replaced the triple fill valve yesterday, and although I’m pretty sure the water pressure is fine will try and confirm.

Will also check for any grit etc in valve filter, and did notice a small leak from the “auxiliary detergent dispenser” unit at the rear of the main dispenser unit.

I don’t know the function of the above, but there are what appears to be vacuum pipe/s connected to it?

jonty

[jontymox]

Good afternoon,

Have now established that water is being drawn through the electric (solenoid) drain valve unit adjacent to the rear of the dispenser, even without power, and that the water pressure is fine. (can only be stopped by switching off ball valve)

A small bore water tube is connected to an adaptor which is screwed to the rear of the triple water valve, and the above drain valve.

Another small bore tube is connected between the drain valve, and the “auxiliary detergent dispenser” fitted to the rear of the main dispenser unit, and a third small bore tube is connected between the drain valve, all the way to the drain valve assembly in the base of the machine.

So, I wonder if I should be ordering a replacement electric drain valve solenoid unit, (as I have no idea if/how to test it!) or looking at the drain valve assembly in the base, as I’m not familiar with the operation of sluice drain systems?

jonty

[electrofix]

well if i am reading this correctly

the mains water pressure is taken to the drain solenoid and is pick up before the valves
it then is fed into a 3 way valve
if un energised this pressure is fed to diaphram in the drain valve in the sump hose.
if energised the valve switches off the pressure and releases the pressure from the drain valve to allow it to open

with your problem i can see 2 possible faults if i am reading things correctly

1 faulty drain control valve. it is supposed to allow the pressure to hold the drain valve closed but if its leaking i would expect your water to be leaking down the 3rd hose which seem to vent to the soap hose.
turn water off. disconnect pipe going to draw from drain control valve. turn water on, if water comes out of this tube replace drain control valve. During this test machine is unplugged

2 faulty drain valve in the sump hose. there could be a hole in the diaphram in the drain control valve

that my take on it unless you think i may have it wrong

jems manual explains it better how this thing works

Dave

[jontymox]

Thanks again Dave,

Will return and update.

Hope all well with you.

jonty

[jontymox]

p.s. have now had time to have a better look at all the info, which is very interesting, and I’m much clearer now!

Thanks again Jem & Dave

[electrofix]

it is an iteresting system

to be honest i have learnt as well, so if i come across one i will be better informed

Dave

[jontymox]

This afternoon I replaced the faulty drain solenoid valve, and the constant drawing water problem is now cured!

However, struggling to obtain a replacement auxiliary dispenser (8084606014) from Electrolux, who cannot provide an eta!

Thanks again gents,

jonty

[Author]

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