The bar in the centre of the programme dial which allows a programme to be selected or changed no longer engages with the outer ring and I cannot change the washing programme. It feels as if a spline has stripped. How do I take out the unit and fit a replacement.

M.J.Camp, June 2004

I had exactly this problem on a Zanussi Washer-Drier (WJS1397W). I found that getting at the works of the dial was well nigh impossible. However, although the indicator ring isn't engaged, the programme selector is working as normal when you turn it. So I marked the programmes with an indelible marker pen on the body of the machine: cheap-and-nasty-looking but effective. Line up the pointer on the knob (not the dial, which is probably out of alignment) with 'Off', mark this point, and then 'feel' your way through the programmes, using the no-longer-turning dial as your guide as to where you are.

F Howlett, June 2004