Smeg Dishwasher fault

[admin]

I have a Smeg dishwasher (model DW164) that is reporting an error (Alarm E3 – not heating the water).

I got my usual guy (who has repaired otehr domestic appliances) to have a look – his reply was basically, that “this is just boards and computer chips”, and that we needed a Smeg engineer with the right diagnostic software to find out what the problem is.

Is this true – the only Smeg guys I can find charge an exorbitant callout fee – perhaps I would be better off just replacing the machin (it is about 3 years old)?

Many thanks for any help

[kwatt]

Hi Rickla,

We do Smeg here and I don’t consider us expensive at all, especially compared with most other trades that call to the home.

However, what you’ve been told is not entirely true in that the most obvious cause would be a heater or thermostat failure, both of which are relatively well priced from Smeg TBH. Or it could just be that the wash stat has tripped and a simple labour charge will put it right. I would be very surprised if it was the one and only PCB in the appliance that was faulty given the description. Also there is NO diagnostic software for any Smeg appliance to date.

What I often find is that a lot of the local repairers don’t see too many of these and that leads to a fear of them which is unjustified and they have had no training at all on the appliances and therefore are totally unfamiliar with them. Unfortunately the old adage holds true when it come to service largely, “you get what you pay for”.

K.

[admin]

Re: Smeg Dishwasher fault

K

I appreciate your reply.

Just to bring you upto date – we called out the official Smeg service representative – £65 call charge (though no further charge if repairable on the day).

Diagnosed as a faulty controller, replacement cost £160 + £8 carriage (not carried in kit of spares).

To me this is outrageous – but perhaps I am out of date. Bottom line is that given a fixed call-out charge, there is no incentive for the engineer to do anything other than diagnose the most expensive part possible as a failure, and then fix it in 5 minutes (his estimate!).

How can we have any trust in this?

Consequently we are now looking for a cheap (ish) reliable fully integrated dishwasher (full size) – any recommendations gratefully received.

Richard

[sparkey]

Re: Smeg Dishwasher fault

Rickla wrote

reliable fully integrated dishwasher (full size) – any recommendations gratefully received.

BOSCH 😀
(Then use your local aproved service engineers if it ever breaks down, cheaper than manufacturers own service department)

[Penguin45]

NEFF – it’s still Bosch quality, but probably more available. Be warned – it’s still got a digiboard in it though!

Rule of life – you gets what you pay for………….

Also, you need to put the cost of service into perspective with the cost of the appliance in the first place. Smeg appliances are generally expensive, so factory service and parts tend to be as well. The appliances are generally reliable. so it’s more bad luck than anything when you get a major failure as you have described.

The digiboard in the Bosch is around £85 + vat if I remember correctly – and they can and do fail!

Good luck,

Penguin.

[eastlmark]

Re: Smeg Dishwasher fault

Get the smeg repaired, its WAY better than the Bosch neff model and the parts are cheaper too. and with intergrated stuff its never a straight swop when replacing appliances. I would question your repair mans charging of a carriage charge though….
Perhaps if you let us know your postal area someone here could help you out cheaper.

[admin]

Re: Smeg Dishwasher fault

Yes – I’m beginning to think that I may be cutting off my nose to spite my face here!

Looking around – I can get a new integrated dishwasher for around £300 (or more!) – but when I then add the hassle of fitting it (taking off plinths and doors as well as the actual fitting) I am beginning to believe that I should pay for the new controller.

I guess it’s all down to luck in the end. What are the chances of something else failing in the short term on the Smeg, vs the cost difference of a new machine?

Thanks to all for their advice.

[Pat-UK]

Re: Smeg Dishwasher fault

I know i’m new here and don’t really wanna step on peoples toes but have you considererd having the board repaired ?? this is a massive saving on the cost of a new PCB, and repaired boards are usually covered by a waranty by the repairer.

I am not familier with the model you mention, but I would assume it’s unlikly to be a proccessor fault, most likely to be Triac or relay or even somthing as simple as dry joint failed.

As I say I am new, but am very willing to prove my worth, knowledge and experiance with anyone that will benifit, so if you think i may be able to assist you please let me know.

[kwatt]

Pat, the problem is getting the boards done and most of us don’t go to component level repairs and, neither do the manufacturers. So to properly warranty the repair for 12 months in order to meet the DASA Code Of Practise as well as the manufacturer’s if you’re an agent we have little option.

I’m not saying it’s not an option at all, just pointing out why we follow that route. 😉

K.

[Author]

Posts