AEG 8000 Lavamat Model:L8FEE965R - sort of broken(ish)!

[Lewisco]

Good afternoon,

I have a AEG 8000 Lavamat Model: L8FEE965R Prod No. 914550649/00.

About a month ago, the display started showing error code E91.  I tried the resets etc, to no avail.  Then the machine started to make the switch off chime at different times during the wash, even though the wash was still occurring as normal.  Then the display would go blank with the switch off chime and the display would turn on and off intermittently.

Now, if I turn the machine on at the plug and press the on button, it will not turn on.  I will leave it, and within 10 mins or so, the start up chime will chirp.  In that time, I have to run to the machine, select a program and press start before the screen switches off and the machine doesn't function.  If I'm lucky, I get there in time and the wash will go through just fine, although it's occasionally chiming away (on and off) during the wash.  The display when lit works perfectly, but will either flash on or off in a blink or be on for three to five seconds before going blank, therefore nothing working for a few mins at a time.  There is no pattern to this. 

I've had a look at the control panel PCB and the main master control board.  I cannot see any burnt out connections etc.  Obviously, there is power going through the system and it works when it wants to.  This suggests it's not due to vibration.  The machine finished a wash 10 mins ago, and it's still singing to me.

I've had the machine for about 8 years, this is the first issue I've had with it, and it's a really good bit of kit, still runs quietly and washes well otherwise.  I'm thinking a straight forwards main control board replacement (part no 973914550649003 £179 on AEG site.)  Am I barking up the right tree here?  Various different forums state it's rarely the control panel PCB that goes wrong, which is a shame as they're about £40.

If anyone could help, I'd be rather grateful.

 

John.

[Whitegoodshelp]

Hi. E91 error on my AEG book says it's a problem between the display board and main pcb. It could be the display control board, the main pcb, both, or neither and just a wiring fault. So no, it would be wreckless to speculatively replace the main pcb with a 4-1 chance of fixing it. 

Even an engineer wouldn't know which it is. There's never any physical sign and there isn't any test. An engineer would just write it off or if it was under some warranty they would order and fit a control panel and main pcb. 

[Whitegoodshelp]

It's very much a long shot but it would be wise to try a totally different wall socket just in case there is a power supply problem. Temporarily use an extension socket if it's the only way to do it. 

[Lewisco]

That's brilliant, cheers.  I'll try that, though I doubt it, as although the display goes off and the machine still continues, suggesting uninterrupted power supply.  

You suggest it may be either the display PCB or main control board.  In that case, I'll purchase the display PCB first and see if that works.  As I said, the intermittence of the on/off issue occurs when the machine is at rest and not on a cycle, so I don't think that there is a mechanical connection that's loose, but it may suggest a faulty transistor/gate on a board.  The wiring looks in good order, no pinches or abmornalities. 

The machine isn't cheap, so I'd sooner try with a fix first.  It's well out of warranty as well, so no luck there.

Thanks for your assistance on this matter, it's much appreciated.  I'll post the results of the fix (positive or negative) as to aid anyone else who may find they have this issue in the future.

[Whitegoodshelp]

Hi. It's possible you could replace both boards at great expense and it still doesn't fix it because it is a connection fault somewhere between them. 

Connection faults on all the connectors and wires between them should be checked first. Personally I would buy a new one as 7 years is average life of a washer now but good luck if you persevere.