Smeg WMI16AAA – failed with error code E11

[neilball]

Our trusty Smeg WMI16AAA packed in at the weekend with code E11 – the cycle starts, the machine fills, the water heater switches on then at the point that the drum would start to spin we get the warning alarm, code, and the machine then empties.

I found a link that gives a very brief description of the error code meaning (something about a triac on the motor controller failing) so can anyone shed any light on the likely nature of the fault and whether a repair is worthwhile on a machine that gets heavy domestic use (running more than once every day) and is now over 6 years old.

Our local service agent cannot get anyone to me for a week or so (we’re near Kelso in the Scottish Borders) so I’ve got until the end of the week to look at the options.

If the repair is not worth the costs then would anyone recommend a particular make/model of integrated machine. It has to be integrated as my wife simply will not tolerate a free-standing model 😯

Our local retailer in the town now favours Beko appliances and offers a competitive price (plus removes the old machine which saves me a job), so any horror stories about current models would be welcomed!

[Specialist01269]

Re: Smeg WMI16AAA – failed with error code E11

Hi: The Motor control Triac is a small component mounted on the controller & is used to switch your motor On / Off, E11 as you rightly said shows that the Triac is faulty. It is possible that this fault is due to a bad connection on the PCB but more likely that the part is failing under load & needs replacing, if this is the case then board replacement is the only option as I don’t know anyone who repairs these boards. If you know a good Electronics Engineer then they may be able to replace the Triac for you rather than replacing the rather expensive PCB.

[neilball]

Re: Smeg WMI16AAA – failed with error code E11

Thanks for the reply 😀

I do know a number of people with the skills to fault-find and fix at component level but it would be the time issue as non are local and we would also need to check and order in a replacement triac.

Could you give a guide price for a replacement PCB, that at least gives me a feel for what the service engineer is likely to charge for the job.

[Specialist01269]

Re: Smeg WMI16AAA – failed with error code E11

Hi: You may need to take a deep breath 🙂 PCB is between £110.00 – £140.00 + VAT / Carriage.
If you were to remove the PCB yourself & send it to 1 of your friends to test it would be a lot cheaper, suitable Triacs are available from http://www.cpc.co.uk or http://www.rscomponents.co.uk.

[neilball]

Re: Smeg WMI16AAA – failed with error code E11

Well I was half-expecting the complete assembly with fitting to be well on the way to the cost of a new machine.

Will the control board be easily accessible? If it is I can get it taken out and sent on for repair to see if the machine can be kept going for a while longer.

My background is in commercial & residential controls so I’m pretty handy at stripping down and re-fitting, it’s just that I also know I’m crap at soldering so likely to do more damage than good with a soldering iron! 😆

[Specialist01269]

Re: Smeg WMI16AAA – failed with error code E11

First things first, just try re-seating all the connectors to the PCB & Motor to see what happens, you may get lucky & this will cure the fault.

[neilball]

Re: Smeg WMI16AAA – failed with error code E11

Not a loose cable, all are sound (have unplugged then reseated them).

Is the triac on the main board behind the front panel at the top of the machine or is it hidden away somewhere else?

[Specialist01269]

Re: Smeg WMI16AAA – failed with error code E11

Not sure exactly where the control PCB is mounted on this machine. If you look at the motor & follow the wiring harness from it you’ll find the controller at the other end.

[neilball]

Re: Smeg WMI16AAA – failed with error code E11

Well I had a better look and found the main control board – right behind the front panel at the base of the machine. Not easy to get to at all!. I’m not surprised that there is a fault – the case and board have become detached from the mounting points, in fact the case is in pieces!! My guess is that the drum has given it quite a whack when the machine was working.

So it needs a new case before we start looking for the fault on the board and I’m guessing that if it has been knocked around by the drum without any cover on it I’m only surprised it has not failed more spectacularly! It could easily have shorted out something on the control board as well as mechanically damaging the board itself.

It looks like a pig to access as I’ve not spotted any easy way in other than from below with the base removed (not easy on such a heavy item). Am I missing something obvious here or is this typical of the way bits get placed in inaccessible locations to prevent easy servicing and repair 😯

I’ve already decided that I’m not going to be trying to get at it or do anything more. I’ll wait for the local service agents to let me know their thoughts on repair costs and see what I’m up against. Seems likely that there will be a WMI16AAA going to the tip soon.

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