odd behaviour from AEG washing machine puump

[crisisguy]

have an AEG 86810

the drain pump runs if there is no water in the machine. If i put some water in the drum, close the door and then put on the drain cycle the pump wont run

ive cleared out the filter and the pump impeller  is clear of debris. I can see it run with the filter off. the moment i put the filter back in and add some water it stops running

 

i cant work out why

 

any suggestions

 

 

 

 

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Is the pump impeller actually spinning and can it be easily stopped with a screwdriver (gently)? What I’m getting at is if the impeller was loose on the shaft it might appear to spin but would easily be stopped by the weight of water. 

[crisisguy]

the impeller cant be stopped easily with a screwdriver so its not spinning on the shaft. and I can hear the pump motor does not cut in when water is present - even a  small amount seem to trigger some sort of sensor that cuts out the pump

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

It sounds like there's nothing wrong with the pump then. Sadly I can't think of anything right now that would explain your problem. I know that some washing machines cut the pump when there is no water inside, but that's the opposite. The only thing that changes when water is inside the machine is that the pressure switch is activated. But I've never heard of the pressure switch cutting power to the pump. Obviously when water is inside the washing machine then clearly power to the pump (when required) is essential. I have an article about how the pressure system works, but as I haven't had this issue before I'm not sure how helpful it is likely to be How a washing machine controls water levels
 

[crisisguy]

Appreciate the help Andy

 

I think next step is to tear it down