Hotpoint Wt640 Machine Seems To Freeze During Cycles

[dinky]

Hi everyone I have had my hotpoint WT640 for around 5 years and until recently it has been fine. It has a digital counter display and the machine seems to freeze during cycles and can often stay frozen for 10 mins or longer and not do anything. It also only works on certain programs now, doesn't always spin the clothes thoroughly and it will complete a cycle then go back to the middle or beginning of the cycle to repeat it! I don't want to replace the machine as I like it but is it possible for me to fix this or is it better to replace it? Thanks in advance

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Does it do this when it is gearing up for spin either mid rinses or at the final spin? Sometimes if they can't balance the load they can play up.

[dinky]

It will do it at any point during a cycle but mainly when its at the half way point

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

When it is frozen what is the machine doing? Is it doing anything or stopped completely? Make sure the pump filter isn't partially blocked. It's worth checking this page too just in case it's struggling to settle some loads as that can cause it to stick for a while trying to settle them and also result in not spinning at full speed

http://www.whitegoodshelp.co.uk/washing-machine-wont-spin-just-one-item-or-very-small-loads/

[dinky]

Thanks for your replies Andy. The machine does nothing whilst its stopped, no motion or noise. Do you mean the filter on the outside near the bottom on the front?

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Yes the pump filter is usually at the front near the base of the machine though I would only suspect that if the washer doesn't seem to be emptying the water properly. If it's stopping completely and going silent but then starting up later and carrying on, eventually finishing and spinning OK it would imply the pump is working OK. Certain parts such as the motor or heater can in theory go open circuit mid-wash and halt the programme only to cool down and kick back in after a while.

There is often a static heat part on the wash cycle where everything can stop for 10 mins or so, sometimes maybe without even the heater on to allow either the water to heat up or for biological detergents to get to work. However, if you've had the washer for 5 years I'd assume you were familiar with whether it does this or not.

To be honest it's the kind of fault that needs an expert repairer to try and get to the bottom of.

[dinky]

Great info however, would it be cheaper to repair or replace the machine?

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

It's possible the fault is caused by something relatively simple, or complex, could be reasonably priced or expensive. That's the nature of this one I'm afraid.

[dinky]

Okay thanks Andy