Whirlpool AWM5125/5 stopping at various points in cycle

[Dirtyclothes]

Hi,

Newly registered after googling and finding the forum. Couldn’t find a similar fault already in the forums and wondered if anyone can help – please.

The machine stops at various points in the cycle – seemingly when it reaches the end/start of the next process. The only way to get it going again is to turn it off at the power button on the front, wait a few seconds then back on again. Sometimes it will ‘pick up’ and go thro’ the next process – sometimes I have to repeat the on/off until it works.

The filter is clear. I’ve checked for loose connections (power off of course) but nothing obvious. The pump seems to be working fine – pushes the water out at a fair pressure and no dodgy noises.

Is this problem related to ‘system checks’ for want of a better phrase e.g. is there a dodgy solenoid or even worn brushes that are responsible?

Any ideas?

Many thanks

[helo_75]

sounds like its syphoning to be honest

was the end of the drain hose pushed right down the waste pipe?

it should only be down 3-4 inches

it seems common on whirlpool machines that

and before you say its been ok for x amounts of months/years, it does happen when the pipe gets sludged up

[Dirtyclothes]

Re: Whirlpool AWM5125/5 stopping at various points in cycle

Thanks for quick reply. The drain hose came prefitted to the machine so, unless I’m being a bit thick and missing something, I don’t think this is the cause. Any other ideas?

Thanks

[helo_75]

ok

so your machine came prefitted to the waste of your home?

i think not

would u like to read my post again, and think about what i wrote?

[Dirtyclothes]

Re: Whirlpool AWM5125/5 stopping at various points in cycle

Once again thanks for quick reply.

The installation is not as (I think) you believe. The machine is plumbed into a fitting at 90 degrees to the waste pipe of the sink e.g. between the sink and the U bend. What I have noticed before and thought ‘that can’t be right’ is that the other end of the u-bend is higher than the point at which the washing m/c is fitted. This has been the case for some years (I know you said not to say this) – I’ve since fallen out with the plumber responsible over other issues! The current machine (approx 2 years old) has always been plumbed in this way as was the 80s Zanussi it replaced which spent the last 2 years of its distinguished life also plumbed in that way. BTW I already checked the u-bend and found it clear of obstruction.

Thus the syphoning you suggest is, I guess, likely albeit for different reasons. I’ll try a bit of headscratching tomorrow before a trip to get some fittings. Will post the outcome.

Once again many thanks. If you think I’ve got it horribly wrong please let me know.

[Dirtyclothes]

Re: Whirlpool AWM5125/5 stopping at various points in cycle

No joy.

Have tried the machine with the waste removed from the ‘dodgy’ arrangement under the sink and exiting straight outside (thro’ the cat flap) and still have the same problem. I’ve also removed the waste pipe completely and confirmed no blockage – similarly with the pump and the waste pipe from the drum. Once re-assembled it’s still not working. So, I’m £1 richer and have some confused and annoyed cats but no working washing machine.

More details on the fault. I set to ‘6’ – normal wash. The machine fills without problem and turns normally, empties then stops. If I then switch off and on at the front it does the same – fills, turns, empties then stops. The timer stays at a position between ‘6’ and the everyday wash symbol. I’m happy the water is getting in and out OK.

Now suspect the timer and/or some part of the control circuit.

Any ideas please?

Thanks

[Washman]

Re: Whirlpool AWM5125/5 stopping at various points in cycle

Hi

Is the drain pump running , if not then it may be you need a new pump.
Set machine to spin and you should hear the pump running.

[Dirtyclothes]

Re: Whirlpool AWM5125/5 stopping at various points in cycle

Hi,

yes, the pump’s running fine. I’m happy that the water’s getting in and out.

[Penguin45]

Re: Whirlpool AWM5125/5 stopping at various points in cycle

I suspect that you have a controller problem. You need to eliminate all other components. You know that the pump abd motor works; you’ll need to break out a test meter and test the heater, valves, pressure switch function for resistance and connectivity to the timer/pcb unit. If all these components are working, the only thing left is the controller.

4812 282 19884 is the p/no. Be very sure that it’s what is required, as it ain’t cheap. spares@ukwhitegoods.co.uk will get you one promptly.

Stay safe, power off if you intend to do this yourself.

Penguin45.

[Dirtyclothes]

Re: Whirlpool AWM5125/5 stopping at various points in cycle

Many thanks – I’ll check it out. Is there any way I can get my hands on a circuit diagram (or a ‘typical’ circuit diagram)? I’m an electrical engineer and I guess I could work it out but it would be quicker and more exhaustive if there was something to work to.

Thanks

[Dirtyclothes]

Re: Whirlpool AWM5125/5 stopping at various points in cycle

OK. Have tried continuity tests on various bits and all seems OK. That and the very erratic nature of the fault, combined with the rather ‘nasty’ feel to the timer operation have pretty much convinced me that the fault lies there – e.g. sometimes it spins, sometimes it doesn’t. As advised by Penguin45 (many thanks) on his last post these are a bit expensive and a lot of money down the drain if it’s not the cause. So, given that cost and time are of the essence I think we have 3 options:

1. Order a controller. Self fit. Cost of controller xx pounds. May not solve the problem.

2. Call out a professional. Call out cost could be wasted if the conclusion is we need a controller. How much will call out cost be approximately? Benefit is the fault could be found elsewhere and more economically fixed.

3. The machine is approx 3 years old and has very heavy usage so I guess by average standards is effectively 4-5 years old e.g. close to the end of its miserably short design life. Is an expensive fix worth it now or do we just follow the herd and dump and replace? Would love an ISE machine (like the ethos) but cashflow and the speed with which I can simply drive to Currys and shove a new one in the boot is a compelling reason to consider more rubbish now then buy something decent in a couple of years (last time this happened was at approx 7.30am on a weekday morning. I had it’s replacement plumbed in up and running with a load of washing by 9.30am)

Mrs Dirtyclothes is tending towards option 3 – not because of a lack of faith in her beloved but because the mountain of clothes from last week’s holiday is still there and the kids are back at school tomorrow. So it would be the easy option but I still baulk at the cost and the notion that repairable goods should be disposed of.

I guess a lot of this is down to the cost of the controller, which I’m finding out and the probable call out charge and how quickly I can get bits. Can anyone offer any ideas on this please?

I’d also welcome any comments on my dilemma

Thanks

[Penguin45]

Re: Whirlpool AWM5125/5 stopping at various points in cycle

If you’re in/around Leeds, you can have an ISE5 tomorrow……….

It’s the typical problem with the mainstream machines – they hammer you for parts. What was it new? £300? With the VAT, it’ll come to over a third of the cost of the appliance. Debatable whether or not it’s a value for money repair. If the machine has been hammered, there won’t be too much left on the motor brushes by now and the pump is probably starting to become noisy. Fortunately you can fix them with “generic” components, rather than Whirlpools own, but you have future expenses to come……

THIS is worth a read, as is THIS

Cheers,
Penguin45.

[Dirtyclothes]

Re: Whirlpool AWM5125/5 stopping at various points in cycle

Hi,

Given that the price of the timer is the thick end of £100, the fact that it may not fix the problem and, most importantly, the lead time is over a week the choice must be new machine.

I loath the current throwaway culture hence spending my time trying to fix this thing. It’s not a money thing nor am I a dedicated ‘tree hugger’ but built in obscolesence has long concerned me particularly when those responsible in this and other industries make big noises about what they do for the environment whilst behind the scenes having policies more environmental damaging than say 10-20 years ago. Earlier in the thread I mentioned the old Zanussi. It was a second hand machine when I got it and travelled with me to various places in my early post university days before finally settling in to family life. White goods are not something to get sentimental about but that machine never needed repair until the fateful day by which time bits were hanging off the front and the paintwork was distinctly yellow – that’s the way things should be made!

So I’m sold on the ISE principle. It may be a little flawed but seems to me a very worthy attempt to get things right. However I am a practical being and do fear a trip to casualty if I delay getting the new machine in. I’m near Peterborough so what are the chances I can get an ISE5 (or 2) here tomorrow or Tuesday morning latest?

End of rant and thanks …

[Penguin45]

Re: Whirlpool AWM5125/5 stopping at various points in cycle

ISE agents are HERE – you’ll be in the East Midlands grouping.

Penguin45.

[Dirtyclothes]

Re: Whirlpool AWM5125/5 stopping at various points in cycle

Many thanks – have made contact. Pity I’m not closer to Leeds (well at least in this respect) as I’d like you to make the sale considering your helpful and unpaid advice but I guess ultimately the cooperative benefits if, of course, I can get an ex stock machine and don’t end up legging it down to Curry’s.

Will round up the post as either a satisfied customer or disgruntled would be …

[Author]

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