Miele W1903.

[mielefan]

Hello ladies and gents!

I have a Miele W1903 washer that isn't working. It started about a month ago when I noticed the clothes came out damp. Then they started coming out wet and now the machine won't wash clothes at all. I checked the pump and it's fine. I know this because I was able to manually put the machine on spin and it worked. However, now the washer lights just go to END in about two minutes. I've stood and watched last night. So, I believe the bearing is good and both motors.

I bought the washer used about six years ago. It was owned by a man that loves all things German including Audi's and Miele's. It has worked flawlessly for me, we do about 4 loads per week and I have never used the 1200 rpm spin cycle which I was hoping would make the machine last longer.

What could be wrong, I'm assuming it's the control board. They cost about 200 bucks and the machine should be worth trying to save. Is this my best route?

I would rather not buy one of the newer 3000 series. Sadly, I'm finding almost zero used 19xx series washers online whether I look at craigslist or ebay. Any suggestions?

 

[henene4]

2 motors?

Are they actually using 2 motors on these? I thought Miele switched to single motor designs way before the electronic models.

Anyway, what is it doing during these 2 minutes? Nothing, just filling, or maybe even tumbling? If it's just going through all cycle steps one by one without doing anything, you might be right.

So far, I'd not put a bet at the boards yet. Depending on what it is doing now, I'd first rule out a bad water level switch or short carbon brushes. Short carbon brushes sometimes don't make the washer just not tumble at all, they just rob it power, thus not tumbling/spinning with clothes, but if the drum is empty.

But, if you go into the Deluxe forum, and scroll down some topics, there are some links to matching service manuals.

 

[mielefan]

Hmm, I think it has a water pump motor and of course the drum motor.

I could buy a W1926 that someone is selling locally for parts. Does anyone think I could use the control board from a W1926 and mount it on my W1903?

What about having the machine serviced and upgrade? They could fix the current issue, replace the motor brushes etc. Is it worth it and how much?

This is a stretch, I've thought about buying a PW6065 Little Giant if my beloved W1903 is really shot. As you all know, this thing costs about 4 thousand. However, the Little Giant is the only real Miele 220 volt machine available in the United States.

 

[henene4]

The W1926 is a bigger/deeper machine, thus, as long as you don't get a matching system setup plan (seperate manual telling you how to configure the electronics), you can't transplant the electronics due to different speed and such parameters.

A service call in the US is AFAIK really freaking expensive. But fixing it is most likely done pretty OK.
But I guess, the manual attached can get you through diagnosis and repair pretty simply.

The Little Giants are really a 1:1 copy of a professional machine, so you'd get a true laundromat machine. But that means parts and servie are even more expensive.

http://applianceassistant.com/ServiceManuals/w1900_series_miele_clothes_washers.pdf

 

[richnz]

Check the hoses are clear

If any of the hoses are snotted up then it can think the water is pumped out when there is still water in there.

Check the hose from the pump that rises upwards to the detergent drawer.
Check the hose that goes from the detergent drawer to the anti-siphon chamber at the back. (pg31)

Check the pressure chamber is not crudded up too (pg29). At the front of the machine.

R

 

[launderess]

Check the brushes

You can find the technical/service manual online for Miele 1900 series. You'll need it in order to run through the built-in electronic diagnostics and understand the results.

When H-Axis washers either will not spin at full speed (or at all) and or tumble it usually is an indication of carbon brushes wanting attention.

 

[mielefan]

Here's a small update:

My wife and I ran the Fault Diagnosis. All functions seemed to perform normally. The machine filled with water strongly, the drain pump expelled water strongly and the spin cycle ran strongly.

When we attempted to start a normal wash at 140 degrees, the machine was abnormally quiet and nothing happened. After 2 minutes, the led indicator light "END" lit up and that was it. What should I do next?

I was a member previously, you guys were a great help back then just as you are now. Thank you!!

 

[launderess]

What should I do next?

Call Miele USA. *LOL*

That or sit down with the technical manual and try to learn what error code (if any) is being generated and how to fix.

http://www.manualslib.com/manual/818702/Miele-W1903.html#manual

 

[mielefan]

After posting the above comment, I realized just how much the following statement from Page # 29 in the manual makes perfect sense: "If water level 1 is not reached within the programmed “water intake time” (2 or 4 minutes), the Inlet Valves are closed; the program is cancelled and the Drain Pump is operated for 90 seconds."

Does anyone agree that this (Water Level Switch) appears to be my problem? How can this be repaired?

 

[richnz]

The water level switch

responds to pressure changes inside the pressure chamber which is connected to the tub.

For it to work properly the hoses and the chamber must be clear.

Start there and then turn to the pressure level switch.

 

[launderess]

Sometimes When An Issue Isn't Clear

With a Miele appliance it *might* be wise to call in Miele service and at least let them sort out what is wrong, then go from there.

As one who has sunk >$800 in parts/service costs into "Big Bertha" to keep that older machine running know such bills aren't easy to stomach. But the alternative to poking around and or going on blind hunches can often be a worse alternative.

When things like the suspension system, bearings, pump and a few others go, that is easily sorted. The electronics absent a clear fault code are another matter.

It isn't helping matters that Miele telephone techs aren't as forthcoming with aide as they once were. Sadly now it seems most won't help with self-diagnosing but are quick to setup a service call.

Unlike my 1070 your 1903 isn't considered so "ancient" by MieleUSA that they sneer and almost are loathe to touch. *LOL*

 

[richnz]

Don't be shy.

Take the machine apart. Have a look inside.
You will need a T20 torx screw driver and probably a 10mm socket or spanner to undo any door bolts (If your machine is of that generation).

Here is a video to watch. F51 is regarded as a pressure sensor fault but in this case was not. You can see the problem towards the end.

 

[launderess]

There is nothing like a Miele

Personally would suggest taking a page from my book; bite the bullet and have Miele service in for the 1903, then pick up something for use to take some of the workload.

Have the Oko-Lavamat as a more modern "European" washer complete with all bells and whistles. In addition of course have my Hoover TT as well so am well sorted.

Your Miele is getting on but nearly as old as mine. Just as with a good automobile or any other major investment as things get up in years things will start to go. Again the only thing I wouldn't repair on my Miele is the bearings. But so far have had....

New door boot
Speed selector switch replaced
Cold water inlet valve replaced
Shock absorbers replaced
Suspension springs replaced

Had one been more handy probably could have done most if not all these repairs, but since aren't had to ring up Miele.

My unit now knocks during certain spin cycles, am sure the old girl is on her last legs, so don't use her as often. Want to get at least a few more years out to justify cost of last repair job (new suspension springs) before machine heads to knackers yard.

You might find in some ways and for certain loads another machine might suit better than your Miele.

Unless badly stained/soiled (which *NEVER* happens in our house, *LOL*) find can get on faster with multiple loads using either the Hoover and or tubs and one of my mangles. A final rinse and spin in either the Miele or AEG still is much faster than the hour or longer it takes to get though just one load in either.

 

[mielefan]

Here are three photos of my beloved Miele W1903 and my newest addition to the family, the Miele W1119. In the top picture you can see my Miele T1520 which I've never used but is my spare dryer when the other unit finally dies.

I plan on taking the W1903 apart and fixing whatever is ailing her. She has many good years left, just needs some maintenance.

 

[launderess]

Miele W1119

Good for you!

Where did you pick up "Baby"?

Have seen several such machines on the curb in NYC, but lacking yet another 208v-240v connection wasn't that interested.

 

[mielefan]

I was very lucky to find the W1119. Not many 220 volt Miele's exist anymore in good condition. From what you guys and gals have taught me, the W1119 was the last 220 volt sold here in America except for the Little Giant. She was designed as a built-in style washer which is why she has that flat front panel, no window sadly. I paid $ 300.00 dollars which I thought was fair. I'm not sure why the W1119 has two inlet hoses, one cold and one hot. I thought all 220 volt Miele's were just one hose? I love the digital readout of "time remaining" on the W1119 versus the W1903 but I actually like the manual controls on the 1903 better.

The W1903 just needs to be taken apart and repaired. She was working great up till a few weeks ago. I will open up the 1903's cabinet and take a look at the pressure chamber and all hoses this weekend.

 

[launderess]

To the best of my knowledge all Miele washers sold in USA

Except Perhaps for a few certain models require both a hot and cold water connection.

Even if you want use such as "cold fill" Miele recommends the use of a "Y" connector and two hoses.