Hotpoint WMA58 Tripping Out

[Wagstaff]

Ok, my machine has a few miles under its belt, but it’s been a good machine over the years. I’ve put new brushes in once and emptied the filter of all manner of things the kids have left in their pockets. It was still going strong until the other day.
The pump has been a bit noisy for the last few washes. Friday morning it started ok and I left it for its cycle time whilst getting ready for work. The lights were flashing, the machine was still full and the pump was making a horrible sound. I turned it off.
I’ve emptied it, tuned it on its side, removed the pump and split it to see the impeller, which had a length of pajama cord wrapped around it. I freed it, the impeller turned ok, so I put it all back together.and righted the machine.
Plugged it in, flicked the switch and it tripped the RCD.
Wondering if the pump had bunt out, I’ve unplugged it. It still trips the RCD. If I unplug the unit where the mains comes in, it doesn’t so I figured it something inside the machine.
Thinking maybe something has got water in as I’ve turned the machine on its side, I’ve had a fan heater blowing warm air in through the back for a few hours then left it overnight.
It still trips the RCD.
Is there anything else I can check?
I don’t want to have to buy a new machine as this one is still mechanically sound and I prefer the build quality to modern machines.
Any help offered would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Wagstaff.

[Martin]

Re: Hotpoint WMA58 Tripping Out

The wires that come down from the control panel down the front metal panel can short against the cabinet. (common fault)

[Wagstaff]

Re: Hotpoint WMA58 Tripping Out

Thanks for that Martin.
I must admit, I was thinking of dropping the machine on it’s other side to see if I had dislodged something and could “lodge” it back.
I am currently at work. Where do I need to look for the possible short?
Is it a case of just grabbing the harness and moving it around to free it up?

[Martin]

Re: Hotpoint WMA58 Tripping Out

Wagstaff wrote:Is it a case of just grabbing the harness and moving it around to free it up?

No, if a wire or wires have shorted against the sharp edges of the metal cabinet then the damage needs rectifying and carefully repositioned to prevent it reoccuring.

[Wagstaff]

Re: Hotpoint WMA58 Tripping Out

Thanks again Martin.
Please excuse my lack of experience in repairing these things, but on this machine only the top panel comes off and a small panel at the lower rear.
How do you gain acess to see where the possible short is (hence my suggestion of literally waggling the harness).
As you said, it’s a common fault. Is there a common area for the short to occur?

[Martin]

Re: Hotpoint WMA58 Tripping Out

Wagstaff wrote:Is there a common area for the short to occur?

Where the wires come down to the motor across the tub from the front right hand corner. Access only available from underneath and/or by removing the front panel. As the tub vibrates so too does the wiring loom.

[Author]

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