Miele not recognizing that door is closed.

[zach485]

Hello, my Miele W485 from 2001 is unable to start because the machine is not recognizing that the door is closed when it is. I took off the front plate and had a look at the door lock. I don't think the problem is with the door lock itself, as whenever i would 'close' the door lock with a screwdriver whilst the machine was on, the machine would make a short click that seemed to be coming from the electronics. The door button on the control board does not do anything as well.
If anyone has an idea on what this may be and how to fix it, please let me know.
Thank you in advance.

 

[richnz]

When you close the lock

with a screw driver or door does the light next to the start button start flashing?

 

[zach485]

"When you close the door lock does the start button flas

No, it does not.

 

[richnz]

If you have a multi meter and are handy...

The door lock has 3 pins.

If you remove the door seal retaining spring and undo the two torx screws holding the latch in place, you can peel the seal back and unclip the latch from the holder.

Check (without power going to the machine), that there is continuity between 1 & 2 when the latch is closed.
The pins are labelled 1, 2 and 3 on the black side of the case.

If there is no continuity, then you can unclip the black side and clean the brass contact with a small nail file/fine sandpaper.

I am assuming your machine has the same style latch as what I have on hand.

 

[zach485]

Hello, richnz.
There is continuity between pin 1 & 2.
Do you have any idea what the fault must be?
Sorry for the late reply.

 

[richnz]

Interesting

Hi,

I was not expecting this.
The door lock wires run to the on/off/door button unit.

Other than checking this button unit for corrosion/continuity I am stumped.

There are two wires that run from the button to the EDPW control unit. They seem to connect to the ribbon cable and when the button is pressed for the door it seems to complete a circuit to send power to the EL unit.

Does your machine have an EL180 electronic unit above the drum?

Richard

 

[zach485]

Hello Richard,
My machine does have the EL180-A.
Regards, Zach.

 

[henene4]

If the machine does not recognise the door is closed it won't open the door either.

That machine should have a load size indicated on the display, right?
Does that work?
(There are several W485 variants, I would suspect you mean the Softtronic FL version...)

If so the machine thinks for sure the door is open.

Next idea would be replacing the door button if the door lock checks good.
Would be cheaper than the main control board which could be the next culprit.

There should also be a wiring diagram in the front panel when you remove that or swing that open.

 

[richnz]

Does this machine have a light?

Check that the light cover is fitted correctly.

 

[zach485]

Hello, henene4.

Yes, the load indicator does work.
I don't know which variant of the w485 i own, how will i know, and what are the differences between the variants?
I do believe that the culprit is within the electronics at the control panel or the EL-180 itself, as when i spin the drum by hand when the lock is clicked in, the motor will try and stop the spinning, meaning that some parts of the machine does recognize that the door is closed.
If the repair is too expensive i might give it away or take it apart for spares, as the rest of the machine is not in the best condition..

 

[richnz]

An explanation

If the start LED does not flash and the door release button does not open the door, then the drum lamp cover might not be correctly closed.

There is a switch that checks if the lamp covers correctly locked. If it is not then the symptoms you describe may arise.

 

[zach485]

Hello, richnz. Thanks for the reply

Although I don't think it's the light cover that's the culprit (you're talking about the cap that's on top of the light, right?), earlier, I tried to take it off from the light and it seemed to be stuck on pretty well, because I wasn't really able to pull it off. Furthermore, I haven't messed with the light since I replaced the rubber seal a year ago.
What exactly is the switch that you're talking about? I might be able to try it out

 

[zach485]

The solution

I fiddled around with the light a bit, using the technique in the link below, and after went to check if the machine would start and it did! Thank you!

Drum lighting fault — Miele Washing Machines — Domestic & General Guides

Drum lighting fault — Miele Washing Machines — Domestic & General Guides

domesticandgeneral.tmtx.co.uk