20 year old Bosch washing machine cuts out during wash cycle?

Question

It's plugged into an extension socket with a safety cutout which I restart and it does respond, the hotter the wash, the more often it cuts out. Once the wash cycle is finished it just carries on as normal. Any advice gratefully received

Answer 1

Simply plug it into an ordinary extension lead- one without a safety cut out.

Assuming your appliance is fused that should be sufficient for safety reasons and it will resolve your problem.

Don't overload the extension lead with several items plugged into it as the washer will draw a significant current on its own.

Answer 2

Yes it is 20years old but it is beneficial to understand why this has happened in the first place even if you plan to replace the machine.

My thoughts are that you are in a hard water area (?) and you have not bothered using a water softening product in the machine or used the increased amount of detergent as recommended for hard water areas(?).

This means that the element is chocked with limescale hence causing overheating problems.

If this possibly is the case then firstly don't plug it into an extension lead as the machine will draw too much of a current to be safe on an extension. Then put it on a wash cycle (empty) with a packet of "washing machine cleaner & descaler" available from supermarkets/hardware stores. Then always use a water softening product like aqua-soft or calogen with every wash cycle. You may well resolve the problem by doing this but if you don't you now know the importance of using a water softening product in hard water area.

Answer 3

No advice on what to do for that problem but if you're looking for a new (cheap/reliable/efficient) washing machine, you could check these out. 20 years is a long time for one appliance to last!

http://viewpoints.com/Washing-Machines

Answer 4

It could be that its getting too hot and drawing too much current as a consquence it cuts-out. The heater may well be on the blink but because of its age I would suggest you replace the machine; the cost of repair would not really be worth it unless you can do it yourself.  

Answer 5

Really it is time to buy a new one.  This is so old that it may not be electrically safe any more.  It is doubtful if a repairman could even source parts for it at this age.  It owes you nothing, it has done you excellent service, send it to the tip.  I hope your new one last as long.

Answer 6

You are lucky it has lasted 20 years.

I think it is time to invest in a new one.

Answer 7

Kaz & Huge are right, If you (or a friend) knows what to do,  find the model no./ part no. for the heating element you may drop on lucky & find a suitable replacement part, a knowledgeable friend may be needed to fit it.

Well done on not being part of the 'throw away nation', with a bit of luck we'll prolong the life of your washer for another decade or two, (at which time you'll probably be able to sell it to a collector & make ten times what it's worth now. ;-)

A friend of mine just last week took his very old but still working twin tub & wringer to the dumpit site because his sons have bought him a new modern washer. He didn't believe that his old washer was worth anything!

Answer 8

ITS TWENTY YEARS OLD MATE....get a new one

Answer 9

The insulation on the heating element is breaking down.

I would suspect that even if spare parts are still available, the cost of repair is more than the machine is worth.

Still it does not owe you anything does it?

Answer 10

May be the thermostat is on its way out or the heating element.  If it is ok on the rinse cycle and this only uses cold water.

Answer 11

These machines are not built to last for 20 years, My advice is get a new machine.

Answer 12

Sounds like you're ready to burn down your house and maybe everyone in it at some time when you do your wash.

This MUST sound unsafe to you, what you're doing!  Time to get a new washer and you shouldn't be plugging it into an extension cord!!!!!  You've been pretty d**n lucky so far.