Beko washing machine 'ends' within seconds of running any programme

[Dodster]

I have a Beko WMB714422S washing machine which has been working fine until suddenly, it has started ending the programme within a few seconds of starting.  I've checked all the guides, found out how to enter test mode etc - there is an error code (E03) displayed and then I run through all the test procedures, they all work fine - it spins, fills, empties etc.  E03 suggests something to do with the heating element but that doesn't explain why it ends any programme I try so quickly as the heater wouldn't have kicked in at that point?  Any help would be gratefully received - the washing machine is in a house in Shetland so it's not very easy to get an engineer out to look at it!

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Hi there. Do you have the exact wording of the error code E03? Is the heating element shouldn't be energised for a minute or two and even then usually if the heating element is not functioning it takes the washing machine 10 to 15 minutes to realise that the water is not getting any warmer and abort with an error code.

Earth faults can cause strange problems with washing machines, so that's a possibility. An earth fault is present instantaneously. Unfortunately though you need a specialised insulation test metre to test for an earth fault. Alternatively it may be possible that the heating element is open circuit and the software can detect that. 

[Dodster]

3 hours ago, Whitegoodshelp (Andy) said:

Hi there. Do you have the exact wording of the error code E03? Is the heating element shouldn't be energised for a minute or two and even then usually if the heating element is not functioning it takes the washing machine 10 to 15 minutes to realise that the water is not getting any warmer and abort with an error code.

Earth faults can cause strange problems with washing machines, so that's a possibility. An earth fault is present instantaneously. Unfortunately though you need a specialised insulation test metre to test for an earth fault. Alternatively it may be possible that the heating element is open circuit and the software can detect that. 

Thanks for the quick response Andy.  I could only find the following re E03:

"This error code is again related to the heater in the washing machine, however, this means there is a constant stream of heat. You need to examine the control board relay for the heater but again this is something that should only be done by a professional."

I don't have a wiring diagram (and I'm way beyond my very novice experience level here) to establish where the relay is for the heater to test the circuit.  The other suggestion was to test the resistence of the heating element itself which I did as that was easy to identify and it was fine.  I did think earth fault so I tried it in a different socket in case that was the culprit but it's the same.

So I'm at a bit of a loss!

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Yes best not get too involved in the PCB. By earth fault I mean on the heating element or elsewhere in the washing machine. You need an insulation test meter for that. 
 

[Dodster]

OK, thanks Andy.  Looks like I'll have to get someone out although I did read somewhere that if it's the PCB that's gone, it's probably worth getting a new machine by the time you pay for parts and labour!

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Aye it’d be at least £100