Our washing machine how now stopped working, we have electricity switched on, but it seems when we go to push the button to start wash, it does pop out as if to begin, but washing cycle doesn't begin, and doorlock doesn't come on. Please assist, thank you

Lisa and Steve, April 2005

Door interlock is often to blame rather than the on/off switch. It contains a small heater which, when the machine is turned on and set to a program, heats up and causes a piece of metal to change shape. This in turn both locks the door and allows the program to continue - the time it takes to heat up explains the slight delay you used to observe between turning the machine on and the light coming on.

Sadly, this is rather a delicate mechanism liable to failure after a few years. I bought my last one from:

http://www.anglianappliances.com/

because they were handy, but you might find a cheaper source if you shop around.

I fitted it quite easily from the top on a WD61, I bet the WM51 isnt much different... there were two screws near the door catch that went though a white plastic plate into the switch behind. Make sure you note where the wires go! Oh, and there was a tricky little lip thing on the white plastic plate that made refitting fiddly.

J Skaife, April 2005