Smartdrive 500 – GW500B

[SeaComms]

Hi, have had this machine since new and has never missed a beat (approx ’92).

Last few weeks it starts to fill normally for approx 4 seconds, then pauses for 4 seconds – does this 4 times then give a repeating 1 second beep and the 4th LED from the left of the wash indicator is on solid.

So far have been lucky and powering off/on a few times it runs the full cycle, but appears to be taking more power downs each time.

Any clues? The diagnotsic sheet that is supposed to be under the panel is missing of course so I do not know how to enter or navigate the diagnostics mode.

Any help greatly appreciated, cant affor to replace it at the moment!
Dave.

EDIT: After further plowing through this site I decided it might be the water level indicator not noticing the water level rising. On closer inspection have noticed the last techy to pull it apart (mind you this was 1993) has jammed the hose between the right side of the display panel and the cabinet effectively squashing flat about 1 1/2 inches of the tube – how it has worked for the last 13 years like this is quite amazing. Now trying to get tube back into shape and will see how I go.

[Penguin45]

Re: Smartdrive 500 – GW500B

Phase one diagnostics –
Hold “Wash Temp Down”, then “Power”. Wait for the two beeps, then push “Advance” once. Use “Spin” buttons until “Hold” and “Slow spin” lamps are lit. Fault code will be displayed across the wash board – read right to left in binary code – ie – 1+2+4+8 etc……….

Sounds like the classic cold valve fault though……..

Regards,
Penguin45.

[SeaComms]

Re: Smartdrive 500 – GW500B

Wow Penguin45 – that was a quick response! Thank you!

OK, followed your instructions (all except for no two beeps tho on entering diagnostics?) and reading the screen from LEFT to right (starting with long wash LED) is 10001000 (code 136 if my memories of binary are correct?)

I fixed the squashed level indicator hose in the last 5 minutes (while you were so quickly responding!) and it seems to have fixed the fault?

Cheers, Dave.

[Penguin45]

Re: Smartdrive 500 – GW500B

Curious – 10001000 is technically a motor stall fault……. If it works, leave it alone!

See how she goes…..

Penguin45.

[SeaComms]

Hi all, dragging up an old post of mine. Thus machine has been working well for the last year, but now started doing the same thing again – ie, starts to fill, then clunks off, then back on and fills for a few more seconds, then off, then back on etc..

It does this 4 times then quits if I dont get to it and give it a quick thumps on the top 🙂

It was getting quite bad tonight so I decided to whip the top off and check that hose that was previously squashed. All looked good, so fiddled a little with the hose then stuck it all back together. Now it was filling fine without stopping. Looked back a few minutes later and there was water everywhere – it would not stop filling!

Pulled the hose off again, couldnt see any probs, tried again (this time set to low) and it just keeps filling.

Ran the codes, shows as 10001000 (17 or 136?) as per the original problem.

Any clues? Single man with 2 kids here now running out of clothes!!

Dave.

EDIT: I was perusing the rest of the site and worked out that I had removed the hose and reconnected it while there was still water in the bowl…. Drained the bowl and made sure the pressure line was clear of water and reassembled – seems to be working now 🙂 Doesnt explain the error code tho!

[Penguin45]

Re: Smartdrive 500 – GW500B

The machine is supposed to absolutely empty when the air hose is pulled or replaced, otherwise the airchamber at the other can fill with water. Pull the hose off at the top and get the machine empty and re-try.

Penguin45.

[SeaComms]

Ok guys, further to the post and further to the original replies months ago (that said my codes were a motor stall) I have noticed now when it stops during filling that the tub is not turning. I give it a spin by hand and usualy it fires up again.

So it would appear my original diagnosis of the air hose being blocked was false! I also read on here somewhere that the bowl should spin freely, mine has what feels like thousands of very powerful magnets locking it into positions about every 1/2 centimetre or so. Cant tell if it was always like this, but i dont seemto remember it. It is quite firm to start it moving, but once moving spins free util locking back to stationary.

Normal or not? and if normal, why will the tub sometimes not spin under its own power (now happening several times per wash cycle). I did notice slight traces of water around the pump hose and the bottom of the bowl, perhaps water leaking into the bearings and they are stuffed? If so, is that time for a new machine…

Cheers, Dave

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