Who knows about washing machines?

[HenryDorsetCase]

Our 2003 model Westinghouse LF708C has shat itself. It appears to want to work but the digital display flashes "SE" which means (apparently) "Sensor error". google suggests that relates to something to do with the wiring or wiring loom, but a squizz inside the machine (what the hell else was I supposed to do with my Sunday arvo, enjoy myself?) doesnt reveal anything obviously out of place or broken.

Whaddya reckon? Do i suck up the call out fee, and get the service guy out to look at it, or roll the card at Hardly Normal for one of those Bosch ones (with a guarantee etc)?

Does anybody get this sort of stuff fixed any more, or are we totally immersed in that "throwaway" culture??

[fokky]

does this help
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=364dzVsBs2o

[HenryDorsetCase]

not so much, but entertaining nonetheless!

[Grumph]

Nine times out of ten when a washing machine shows that error it will be the lid safety switch. It is possible to bypass these on some machines - where the switch gives continuity with the lid closed it's easy, just cut and join. Don't know about yours sorry.
Be aware that if the switch is bypassed an unsuspecting user - wife, partner etc - can get a nasty surprise.....but they shouldn't be lifting the lid anyway.

[The Lone Rider]

Not much help in fixing...

But if you end up getting a new one, remember to strip off any large copper looms and the metal casings.

I've made a few hundred in last few months just taking workshop offcuts, and any stainless from house renovations to a recycler. Made $100 just last Thurs from some brass offcuts left over from machining.

[FJRider]

Is there a reset button ... ???

[flyingcrocodile46]

Does anybody get this sort of stuff fixed any more, or are we totally immersed in that "throwaway" culture??

You need to be talking to one of these

[avgas]

Check the contact for the lid sensor. It usually a little button where the hinges are.
The other sensor is usually a little knock sensor down where the motor is.
Both should be pretty simple contact swiches i.e. open contact/closed contact. which means you should be able to see if its working with an ammeter. Use the diode setting if you think it has a bit of a short.

[cs363]

By the sounds of it, you've had the machine disconnected from the power - so if it's got a wee brain, you'll have reset that already.

Note that the lid safety switch may be electromagnetic, so you may not see any buttons/contacts etc.

That machine being a fairly high tech front loader, has an abundance of sensors any of which could crapped out. If everything looks like it's connected properly and the control panel & the printed circuit have not been exposed to water (has the machine been moved recently?) then it's probably worth calling in an expert, but tell him you just want the fault identified and a quote to repair it.

At least that way you're sure that it's either A) Fucked or B) Repairable at reasonable cost, which are both nice to know before shelling out more money on a new machine.

On the other hand, it's an eight year old machine - if it's had a thrashing, maybe it's time for a new one? It almost sounds like you're looking for an excuse to buy a new one....

[neels]

Broken washing machines are the devil's work, the cost to repair is probably more than it's worth on trademe.

When our last one died, a piece of shit F&P that got fixed 5 times in 4 years and then finally shat itself, we bought a cheap korean LG thing. Hasn't missed a beat in 6 years, which I take as proof that the entire korean nation is in league with satan.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Korea make bloody good TV's and cellphones too. Samsung FTW

[Winston001]

Yeah, I agree with Neels, broken washing machines are not worth the journey to hell.

They are fixable but we mere mortals do not hold the "one ring".

I've been through this recently after repairing a seemingly good machine. Sod it. After 3 weeks of Google, diagnostic codes, shagging around with valves etc, I gave up and bought a new one.

There are some things in life a man should just buy new: fridges, washing machines, chainsaws.

Especially chainsaws. Stihl for the win!!

[HenryDorsetCase]

service guy came out and traced the fault to a sensor that is part of the motor. Solution: new motor. Yeah but nah.

He's sending me a price, but I think it will be at least half the cost of a new machine, on something 8 years old. And its not like a motorbike, is it ??(where decisions like that are easy to make.... and you know, cost effective)

So, likely I am in the market for a new washing machine. Fanbloodytastic.

[avgas]

I am in the market for a new washing machine. Fanbloodytastic.

Buy a Samsung or LG. I will never (repeat...NEVER) own any other brand of washing mashine.
- They are cheap
- They last a very long time
- They do a good job
- They are simple (aka 1 belt, 1 motor, 1 plc)