Hoover Ecological Autowasher 1300 A3958/A3960

[John Pentland]

I have a Hoover Ecological Autowasher A3958 which must be at least 15 years old. It has been faultless over the years but now it is

very reluctant to start when I have selected the programme (Usually C) 

In the past the timer began clicking through the settings until the correct position was selected and then stopped. Water then flowed in and 

the washing cycle started.

In order to get it started I have had to resort to pulling the machine out, removing the top cover and tapping the switch sharply a few times

It then clicks through the settings and the process begins.

Do you think the timer mechanism is wearing out and if so are replacement timers still available for this rather ancient machine?

It is a dual fill and I am very reluctant to scrap it. Also, once going, it gives a very satisfactory wash.

 

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Hello John. There are still spare parts available for this model - Spare parts for Hoover washing machine (A3958)

C always used to be a hot fill only on Hoover washing machines. If it is, and the hot water is not available or the hot valve has a fault then it will not work on wash cycle C. This can easily tested for though by trying it on non fast coloureds cycle. If it works OK on that cycle but not on C (If C is whites) then check the hot valve and water supply.

[John Pentland]

Thank you for your help and suggestions Andy. Sorry I haven't replied sooner as I've only just checked into the forum. The washing machine is in my flat and I haven't been there since the end of October. From memory, the C position is for the hottest wash but I have tried it on other settings. The only way I can get it to start is to give the "timer" a few sharp taps with, in my case, a pair of plyers. The water enters the machine and the cycle begins. The timer is from EMW Electronics and apparently, is a replacement for LOGIC 88718034. John.

 

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Thanks for the update John. If one of those old Hoover washing machines doesn't work on C but works on other wash cycles my money is always on the hot water not getting in because C is hot fill only. However, if there is a dodgy connection on the actual timer where when you give it a sharp tap it kicks into life the timer is faulty. I would call it a day.

I wouldn't be remotely surprised if anyone tried to order the part if they were told sorry it's not available and they just haven't updated their database. If by any chance they still have parts like that they genuinely should be grateful to accept £20 to get rid of it. The machine has been obsolete for possibly 30 years. Might be worth a try getting in touch and offering to take it off their hands. I had loads of those timers myself, all brand new, and I couldn't even give them away to fellow white goods engineers 15 years ago. I threw them all out. Anyone who paid £169.61 for it would need to be crazy or extremely rich with a big love of the washing machine

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

I've just realised that the part is listed as available but not "in stock" and "Normally dispatched within 10 working days". This means they don't have one, and will try to order it from Hoover if a customer wants one. So my comments above still stand, but are more applicable to Hoover themselves. I would think it unlikely that Hoover still have some but I suppose it's possible they didn't have the heart to throw them away. However, they should either throw them away or reduce the price to a nominal fee to get rid