Common washing machine problem
Washing machine won't turn on? Here's what to check
When a washing machine will not turn on, it is often not the machine at all but the socket, the isolator switch above the worktop, a tripped breaker or the fuse in the plug. If power is reaching the machine, the door lock is the most common fault inside it, with the on/off switch and the control board behind it.
- £75 fixed labour fee, plus parts
- Usually repaired the same or next working day
- Parts and labour guaranteed
What you might be seeing
- No lights, nothing, when you press the button.
- Lights come on but nothing happens when you start a programme.
- It trips the electrics when you switch it on or part-way through a wash.
- It stopped mid-cycle and now won't come back on.
Checks that are safe to do at home
If you are happy to have a look yourself, these are the checks that are safe to do. Unplug the machine first. If you would rather not, just give us a call. We're always happy to help.
- Test the socket with something else, like a lamp. Washing machines often share a socket with another appliance and the spin can knock the switch off.
- Check the isolator switch above the worktop, if there is one (a switch marked 'washing machine' or with a picture of one). It is easily knocked. Look at the plug and cable too. If either is damaged or scorched, do not use the machine.
- Look in the fuse box for a tripped breaker or RCD and reset it once. If it trips again straight away, stop. That is an electrical fault for an engineer.Do not keep resetting a breaker that keeps tripping, and do not use an extension lead to get round it.
- Check the 13 amp fuse in the plug, or swap the plug fuse for one you know works.
- Switch off at the wall for two minutes and try again. If the lights come on but the programme will not start, make sure the door is shut properly and the child lock is off. On some machines the power button needs holding for a few seconds.
Electrical Safety First has general advice on using a washing machine safely.
Rather we had a look?
That is fine too. Ring us with the make and what the machine is doing, and we will give you the price before anyone comes out. Most of these are done the same or next working day.
Still not working? The likely causes
Most common first, and how we tell them apart on the day.
No power reaching the machine
The socket, the breaker, the plug fuse or a damaged cable. The checks above find most of these.
Door lock (interlock)
A common fault inside the machine. Lights on but it will not start is the usual sign.
On/off switch or wiring
Tested with a meter.
Control board
Tested after the simpler causes, because it is the most expensive part.
A fault that trips the electrics
Usually the motor, the heater, the suppressor, a wire shorting, or water getting onto an electrical part. We test each in turn.
What the repair costs, and whether it is worth it
Our labour is a fixed £75 for a freestanding machine or £85 for a built-in one, including VAT, whatever the fault. Parts are extra and quoted first. The part prices below are based on Hotpoint parts when we last checked. Other makes can cost more or less.
| Repair | Typical part price | Typical total | Worth it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plug, fuse or wiring fault | £0 to £10 | £75 (£85 built-in) | Usually yes |
| New door lock | £10 to £49 | £85 to £124 | Usually yes |
| New on/off switch or suppressor | £10 to £40 | £85 to £115 | Usually yes |
| New control board often borderline on a cheaper machine | £85 to £324 | £160 to £400 | Depends |
Many machines that will not turn on are inexpensive to fix. A control board on an older, cheaper machine is the exception, and we will give you the price before you decide.
What repairs usually cost, part by part · Is it worth repairing your washing machine?
Error codes that mean this fault
If your machine shows a code, it is telling you which circuit failed its check. These are the ones that point to this fault.
| Make | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Hotpoint and Indesit | F01, F12 | What it means → |
| Samsung | AC / AE, UC | What it means → |
| LG | PF, CE | What it means → |
| AEG, Zanussi, Electrolux | EH0 | What it means → |
Related problems: Door won't open · Not spinning · all common problems
Questions people ask
Why does my washing machine trip the electrics?
Something inside is leaking current to earth, usually the motor, the heater, the suppressor, a wire shorting, or water getting onto an electrical part. Stop using the machine and do not keep resetting the trip.
The lights are on but it won't start. What's wrong?
Usually the door lock. The machine will not start until it senses the door is locked, so a failed lock, its wiring or a broken catch all look the same from the outside. It is an inexpensive part and a short job.
Is it the control board?
Less often than people think. The board is the most expensive part, so we test the power supply, the door lock, the switch and the wiring first. If it is the board, we will give you the price before we order one, so you can decide whether the machine is worth it.
If it is still not turning on, ring us and we will find the fault.
- 1
Ring or book online. A photo of any error code helps.
- 2
We tell you the likely fault and the price before anyone comes out.
- 3
We come the same or next working day, fix it and run a wash with you.
Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 5.30pm