JLWM1203 doersn’t heat the water – no error code

[winelight]

My JLWM1203 doesn’t heat the water. How do I know? Because on a 60C cotton cycle, it consumes only 0.1kWh, and at no time takes more than 600W (and that only while it’s spinning, the rest of the time the max is around 280W – that will be the drum motor).

So, I realise this could have several causes – heater itself, thermistor, or even control board.

The only clue I have before I start to take it apart is that the wash cycle always takes much less time than initially indicated. So a 2 hour cycle would take only about 90-100 minutes, a 100 minute cycle only about 80 minutes, and so on.

I always thought that this was because the water inlet temperature was higher than expected and therefore it took the machine less time to heat the water than anticipated; now I am wondering if the thermistor is faulty, and is suggesting that the water is up to temperature when it isn’t, so the heater never gets turned on. But if so, why don’t I get a “too hot” error code on 30C cycles?

OK so I need to take it apart and test the heater with a meter as a first point… a clue as to where the heater is would be good. Is it at the bottom front on this model? (This is of course a Zanussi ZWM12xxx with a John Lewis label.)

[electrofix]

Re: JLWM1203 doersn’t heat the water – no error code

heater is first thing to check normally at the back on Zanussi units
on most Zann units if unit does not heat it just moves on without heating so no error code

Dave

[winelight]

Re: JLWM1203 doersn’t heat the water – no error code

Many thanks for that – should I check the carbon brushes while I’ve got the back off anyway? (They’re not easy to get to on this model, apparently, so I’m not keen on doing it if I don’t need to.)

[winelight]

Re: JLWM1203 doersn’t heat the water – no error code

Apologies – there is an error code, and it is E69. So that’s a new heating element I need…

However, I’m having trouble figuring out which one I need. There are three model numbers for the JLWM1203 (mine is 91452251400), that’s the first complication. Second complication, I’ve seen elements at prices from £15 to £65 (some don’t include the thermistor, they expect you to recover it from the old element).

On this site, I can’t find an element specifically listed for the 1203.

[Martin]

Re: JLWM1203 doersn’t heat the water – no error code

The correct genuine heater part number you need is : 1325064234

It comes complete with the correct rated thermistor fitted. See HERE.

A pattern heater can be fitted but be sure to use the thermistor from your old element as the rating of the pattern one may be way off. The genuine from Zanussi is the safest, cheapest option IMHO 😀

[winelight]

Re: JLWM1203 doersn’t heat the water – no error code

Many thanks – judging by the age of the machine I think it’s pretty clear the element has failed, I’ll order a new one before I start taking the machine apart (first step is taking the door off the utility room, then removing the tumble dryer, it will be a long job).

[winelight]

Re: JLWM1203 doersn’t heat the water – no error code

Can’t imagine why it’s failed… looks to be in mint condition to me.

[Seamy]

Re: JLWM1203 doersn’t heat the water – no error code

There are reinforced heaters available, which have a different coating on them.
Available in 230v 1950w 1326730007 white tipped and 240v 1950w 1326730106 grey tipped.
Heaters should be of the type fused both legs & it is not recommended to swap NTCs.

[winelight]

Re: JLWM1203 doersn’t heat the water – no error code

Useful – thanks.

[Author]

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