If your washing machine is not turning on, then it could be because of a range of different reasons.
Most of the time it’s because there is no electrical supply, or the fuse has blown. We will be going through everything you should do to get your washing machine back on.
It’s important to remember that before you try and repair your machine you should make sure it’s unplugged and isolated from the electrical supply so that you can work safely.
Let’s take a look at everything that can cause your washing machine to stop turning on.
Check the plug socket that the machine is connected to
A common problem that causes a washing machine to lose power is when the electrical socket that powers the machine fails.
A quick way to check if a plug socket has failed is to plug your machine into a different socket which is preferably on a different electrical ring.
You can use an extension lead to power the machine from a different socket. If the machine gains power, then there’s a good chance that the original socket has failed.
Try replacing the fuse in the plug
Another simple explanation for a washing machine losing power is that the fuse in the plug has blown.
Most washing machines will require a 13-amp fuse and you can pick them up in most home and DIY stores.
You can also temporarily borrow one from another appliance so you can quickly identify if the fuse is to blame for the lack of power.
If you replace the fuse in your machine and it regains power, then most of the time the problem will be solved.
In some cases, the fuse will have blown in the plug due to an electrical fault with the machine such as a problem with the motor or the heating element.
It’s important to remember not to use the wrong amperage fuse because it can be dangerous especially if the fuse is rated higher than the one specified for that appliance.
Check the mains cable
Next, you should move on to testing the mains cable which goes from the machine and plugs into the electrical socket.
If your washing machine has been installed in a tight space, then there’s a chance that it was trapped when it was installed which can cause it to become damaged.
It’s also possible that an animal has chewed through the cable which is also one of the reasons a washing machine will trip the electrics due to the power leaking from the cable.
You should start by visually inspecting the main power cable and look for any signs that it has been crushed or clamped. If there are any flat spots in the cable, then it might need to be replaced.
If you have an electrical multimeter then you can also test for continuity from both ends of the cable which will give you an idea of if power can travel from one end to another.
Another reason a cable will fail is if it has melted on the plug end which is usually quite obvious especially if you started by checking the electrical socket.
You can often source the correct cable for your machine by using the model number on an online spare parts website.
Check the interference filter
The interference filter can be found by removing the lid from the machine and looking at the back where the main power cable connects to.
When a main interference filter fails there are obvious signs of bulging, and the top of the filter can become split.
You can also test it by using an electrical multimeter to test the continuity between the pins and check to see if power can travel through the filter.
If you think that the filter has failed, then you can often find the correct replacement part online for your machine.
Swapping out a broken mains filter is usually straightforward and can be made easier by taking pictures of where all the cables go so you can reattach them more easily when you fit the new one.
Inspect and replace the printed circuit board
The final part of your machine that you should check if it’s not powering up is the printed circuit board.
It’s common for a PCB to fail on a washing machine and it is also often one of the most expensive repairs to carry out on a washing machine.
To diagnose a faulty washing machine control board, you can start off with a visual inspection which can often reveal common problems such as burnt electrical tracks and bulging capacitors.
If the control board all looks to be in good condition it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s working correctly and if you have tested everything else on the machine, then there’s a good chance that the PCB is the problem.
If you do find that the control board is faulty then you should consider the cost of replacing the part to the cost of replacing the machine.
You might be able to save money by sourcing a used replacement PCB online and they are often just as good as buying a new one.
Washing machine control boards are often not interchangeable so it’s important that you get the correct one for the model and serial number for your machine.
Summary
That sums up everything that you should do if your washing machine has suddenly stopped turning on. Here is a summary:
- Start by testing the plug socket that the machine is plugged into – A quick way to do this is to use an extension lead and plug the machine into a different socket that is on a different mains ring
- Try replacing the fuse in the plug – Most washing machines will require a 13-amp fuse and swapping it out for a new one is quick and easy
- Make sure that the main cable is in good condition – If it has been trapped or caught behind the washing machine then it might be stopping the machine from receiving power
- The mains interference filter is what the mains cable connects to and can be accessed by removing the lid from the machine – Check for any bulges or obvious signs of failure and if you have access to an electrical multimeter you can test it for continuity
- If you have tested everything and your machine still doesn’t power on, then it might be because the printed circuit board has failed – You can often diagnose this fault by looking at the circuit board and checking to see if there are any signs of failure like a blow or burning marks across the electrical tracks
That’s everything that you need to know to repair a washing machine that no longer turns on.
