Miele W865 problem

[Sam7]

Hello – 16yr old machine keeps flashing ‘check inlet’ which I’ve done and no problem found. Machine does not run through any programme and does not draw conditioner from the drawer. I’m suspecting PCB issues and have removed it ready to send off to someone (anyone?) to test but before I do I might do rudimentary test with my cheap multimeter. I’ve identified the cylindrical fuse but not sure which of the four orange coloured relays to check and how to test them. Any guidance greatly appreciated! Thanks, Simon

[Specialist01269]

When you say that you’ve checked the inlet, what have you checked and what have you found ?.

[Sam7]

I only checked the inlet pipe filter at the supply end where it connects to the service/isolation valve…

[Specialist01269]

The inlet would include the isolation valve: Is water getting through it, the pipe to the machine: Same again. The inlet valve: Is it getting power, is the coil open circuit, is water getting through the valve when energised etc.

[electrofix]

you have to go through a sequence of event to be able to fault find

what I need to know first is what happens

when does the check water light appear
when you turn on ?
when you start a programme ?
3 -5 mins after you start a programme?

will the machine pump out and do a spin cycle ?

Dave

[Sam7]

Hi Dave – thanks so much for taking an interest in my Q. For the last few months the ‘check inlet’ light had been coming on at the end of the wash cycle prior to spin. We got used to just choosing spin manually at the end of each wash cycle. It first started happening only when we chose the mixed fabric programme, now the ‘check inlet’ light comes on within about 10 secs of any programme being selected. Thanks again for your input I really don’t want to dump this machine when everything else about it is so well made and still in great condition – but I can’t afford the massively high cost of a Miele technician (£350 quote!!).

[Sam7]

Isolation/service valve all good – supply healthy

[electrofix]

well my first check would be the inlet valves themselves
start programme and see if the valves energise
with a machine of this age the rubber diaphragms in the valve split and it stops the valve opening leading to longer fill times and hence the light with this old machine you can sort of cheat it by pouring water in the draw when it is supposed to be filling

Dave

[Sam7]

Ok – I have taken day off tomorrow to try and make progress. I need to refit the PCB and put the machine back together and then reconnect pipework before I start. I will leave the top off but unsure what visual clues I should look for re the inlet valves working or not?

[electrofix]

you can hear them buzzing very quietly and if you put your finger on top you can feel them energise if the coil is ok

if they don’t energise you would need to check the coils with a multimeter obviously don’t touch any wiring we so hate to loose a forum member

Dave

[Sam7]

hahah will take due care and report back – thanks again – talk tomorrow if you’re around.

[Sam7]

I have put the machine back together and temporarily plumbed it back in in anticipation of running a test programme and timing the occurrence of any fault lights flashing. Is there any particular programme I should choose?

[electrofix]

I normally head for rinses but no does not matter

Dave

[Sam7]

Ok thanks for quick reply – will report back later

[Sam7]

Ok – turned on the ‘rinse’ programme – heard normal sounds emanating from the input valve assembly at the rear. Waited a good minute or so before seeing any water appear inside the drum. The ‘check inlet’ light came on several times for about 10 secs a time over the course of about 4 minutes during which time the water level never got above what looked like a small puddle about 10mm deep I’d estimate. Machine then drained itself and now has ‘check inlet’ flashing continuously, ‘rinses’ flashing continuously and ‘anti-crease/finish’ constantly on. At no stage did the drum rotate (not sure if it should have done). I’m leaving it in that state until you advise me otherwise!

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