Apr 222009
Any washing machine experts out there?
All these mechanical breakdowns are driving me to bankruptcy. First my gas boiler packed in and I'm waiting for a new pump, which means I have no hot water and I stink like a rotting polecat. And now the washing machine has given up, and the repair guy says he'll charge €75 to even look at it, but that it's probably the printed-circuit control board, which will cost another €100. That's €175, and I could probably replace the bastard for twice that.
However, if I could find a replacement PCB at a reasonable price, I'd fix it myself.
Any suggestions? You never know. It's worth a shot.
(It's a Zanussi, model number FX1265W)
Be green. Join Freecycle, and get a free (used, working) one. My neighbour works for a department store in Limerick, and they take in used appliances as part of the WEEE directive process. Believe it or not people are *still* replacing perfectly good appliances just because they don't match the colour of their new kitchens.
Don't have such a thing, but I know a guy…
He sells these as-new (really) machines that BoldPilot mentions but gets in wrecked ones also and as a result has an amazing amount of parts for older machines. He's kept my 20 year old machine in perfect order – always has the bit I need when others tell me it can't be had and to buy a new one.
If you want his number drop me a line.
Might be worth fixing the boiler first, no point putting clean cloths on a dirty body. Just a thought good luck.
By the way do you have freebay in Ireland, everything free as long as you can collect.
Hi bock,
describe the WM symtoms and lets see if we can trouble shoot it
Bock,
You've had a rough few days.
Now you know how Jesus felt! Nails banged into hands and the washing machine of turin packs in just when you need to get that shroud looking its brighest!
What you need now is Charlton Heston to come down from the Clare Hills with the "10 Components" needed to guide the deluded machine back towards the path of gentle cleaning while retaining colour.
Amen.
Check this page, PCB expensive either way, might be as handy to let someone else do the work!
http://www.espares.co.uk/parts/washing-machines/zanussi/fx1265w/p/1085/332/0/566999?page=15
why not just google for the part? have you considered trying recycling centres? firstly though i'd suggest you try to identify the problem. i was once told the pcb was gone in my washing machine. turned out to be a loose connection on the on/off switch. everytime the machine went into spin mode it stopped. what are the symptoms with your machine?
Right. The symptoms are simple: the lock keeps clicking as the solenoid engages, but the machine doesn't start washing. I replaced the lock with a spare one, but it didn't help.
I'm interested in BoldPilot's suggestion, because I couldn't give a flying fuck what colour the machine is. More info, perhaps?
I've googled for the part, but I have it on good authority that these things can vary subtly and I could easily end up buying something that doesn't match the wiring.
Mr Pimp is correct. The boiler needs to be fixed, and I have people working on that too, but they're in charge of the timetable. I'm just the guy paying out the money.
Sorry Bock. There is no nuance of the FX1265Z I don't understand intricately. But the FX1265W? Woudln't know where to start with that model. Sorry mate.
Freecycle for Limerick:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/limerick-freecycle/
Membership is subject to approval (just send the mod a short message to validate your application – helps eliminate spammers & scammers).
Once in, scan the "offers", if nothing doing post a "wanted" ad. In the meantime I'll ask my neighbour to keep an eye out for a tidy machine.
Bock, please be supersonically careful, if you decide to fix the washer yourself. Your finger is still healing without further incident, I hope. I do hope that all the mechanical devices are fixed soon and without further incident to man or machines.
People are nice.
I did once take a washing machine apart and put it back together again and it worked (replaced seal, tightened belt, cleared a long time awol sock from the drum surround – the uses you can put curtain wire to!). But, I have to admit it was a pre-motherboard version. And I'd no idea that they have a load of concrete inside to stabilise the spinning drum.
Anyway, from your description it sounds like the solenoid is faulty, or at least that the connections aren't sound.
have you tried removing and reconnecting the ribbon connector from the pcb? saw a machine advertised on the community notice board in 4ahome
Conan — The solenoid is working. The door actually locks but nothing else happens.
Gerry — I did all that. Still no joy.
perhaps the pcb does not realise the door is closed? could also be a fault with the detergent door. not sure how the contacts work on those doors though
I've tried two different locks and checked all the connections, so it looks as though the pcb is screwed.
Sometimes the sequencing of the switching gets screwed up. There's nothing simple like a reset button, I suppose? What about the inlet valve switch, is it all controlled by the PCB? PCBs gave us the pork crisis, now they're fucking with your washing machine. What next?!
Gas plumber; only one I know who doesn't bullshit you and will do the job right is on 087-2586413 name of Arnold. Has a base in a tiny house just down the road from the Redemptorists. Board Gais will send you a bunch of duffers who's sole function is to get you to spend tons on lots of spare parts.
As for the washing machine, go out to O'Meara's (Car sales etc) on the ballysimon road, they have the contract locally to deal with all electric goods-recycling from every outlet in Limerick. This includes washing machines. If they have your model they will sell you any part you want. Bring a few tools and be prepared to do the work your self although they will do it if they're not too busy.
They send the stuff to China I think and the Chinese aren't bothered about a part missing, all part of the service it seems!
p.s. Three months ago about, Eamon Close died. He was known locally as the washing-machine man and could and did fix any problem machine brought to him. Unfortunately he's gone now.
I think you may have known him too.
i know a brilliant guy who has fixed a few washing machines for me – he doesnt overcharge and will be honest and straight with you if you want his name and number drop me a line
Hi occasional contributor, Please send me on the name of the washing machine man you know who does not overchange. I picked up your cmment on the webside
may i have name of washing machine man please?