Something stops the power

[Steve F]

My Zanussi essential 1400 looked like it was dead, but I checked the fuse and socket - both OK. I opened the top (with power off), and traced the power lead in to the PCB box. I disconnected the output plugs in turn, to see if that was the problem, and with the end one disconnected (four red wires), the lights came back on the display and the different times showed for the different programmes. The machine seemed to try to start, bit of a turn of the drum, then nothing. The four red wires seem to go the the front control panel. I have had the machine for about 10 years, and I feel it doesn't owe me anything, but I'm curious as to what is causing the problem.