Zanussi FLS1183W will not spin

[Archippus]

I have a Zanussi FLS1183W. It will wash, but not spin. I have read the troubleshooting guide and consequently have tried the following without success:

- Checking for obstructions in drain pipes

- Checking correct function of drain motor

- Checking that pressure switch pipe is not blocked

- Checking that pressure switch works (3 clicks each given different combinations of continuity from the 8 connector pins. Have not been able to check that combinations are correct since I cannot find a wiring diagram. However I have confirmed that machine is correctly detecting partial and complete filling.)

- I have also removed and replaced all connections to the control board.

Any advice would be most welcome. I would prefer to repair rather than replace!

Many thanks in advance

Edited July 5, 2019 by Archippus
Additional information

[Archippus]

I forgot to say that I also tried running the spin with air pipe disconnected from the pressure switch. No success.

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

To clarify, does  the motor and drum run ok on wash and rinse, and on spin cycle but just not the actual fast spin? Also, have you checked the carbon brushes?

[Archippus]

Hi Andy,

Thank you for getting back to me so quickly.

I replaced the brushes a few months ago so they should be fine I think.

The motor and drum run fine on wash and rinse. The machine will not spin at any point in the programme. During rinsing it just sits with the drain pump going for several minutes then moves on. Eventually gets stuck at the end when I presume it is trying to do the fast spin.

Is there a separate set of motor connections for spin that I should look for and check?

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

It’s possible for one of the brushes to have not bedded in properly and jammed. Not likely but should be double checked to be sure.

Also double check the connections on the motor plug especially as they have been recently disturbed. Make sure none of the pins in the motor or the motor plug are loose and pushing down. 

It’s possible for a fault in the PCB or module to cause issues though I wouldn’t recommend replacing it only checking for dry joints and connections.

 

[Archippus]

Thanks again for your help.

I have checked that the brushes are not jammed and also have replugged the connections at the motor.

I have looked at the side of the PCB that I can see without removing it. No dry joints apparent.

Is there anything else you would suggest I try?

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

I don’t think there’s anything left to try. It sounds like either a faulty connection somewhere or an intermittent fault on the PCB or even motor. If you had spare parts to try fitting that’s one thing but to buy them in the hope it will fix the fault is way too much of a gamble. 

If really committed to not giving up try contacting QER repairs to see if they can test the PCB. 

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Have you tried testing with a load in the drum in case by any chance it doesn’t spin with no weight in the drum? Long shot but worth a try. 

[Archippus]

Again thanks for your help.

Having a load in the drum does not seem to change things sadly.

I have removed the motor and will give it a thorough inspection and if that is unsuccessful I may contact QER. Do they do any special rates for customers referred from your site?

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

No mate. I’ve not really talked to them about anything like that.

[andyr12345]

wonder if the mechanical pressure switch is getting correct signal to tell it the drum is empty of water? - what normally happens is that if the water pressure switch gets correct pressure from an empty sump/air pressure chamber then it will go into spin mode, if it thinks it has any water in there that could stop it from going into spin. 

I know you have said you have checked the pressure tube for blockages, thats good, but you could put the washer into spin mode (no water in drum) and try blowing (or is it sucking?) that tube (as its attached to the pressure switch) and see if you can hear a click or 2 from the pressure switch and with the machine on and in spin programme and sucking or blowing that tube see if the machine will go into spin mode. I had a machine once and the actual clear tube from the pressure chamber to the switch looked pretty clear with no blockages but the pressure chamber was full of soap gunk and there was some gunk where the pipe goes onto the pressure switch when I cleaned that gunk out the pressure switch/level switch was getting the correct pressure and went into a spin. It might not be that on yours but maybe worth a try? 
 

[Archippus]

Hi,

Many thanks for all your help. I obtained a 2nd hand control board and that has solved the problem!

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

That's great. Thanks for the update.