Siemens WDT2 IQ300 condenser dryer problem

[davetranter]

No idea whether this is a common fault or not.....
Dryer runs for about 15 minutes from cold then stops with 'empty tank' light lit.
No condensate in tank. Switch off, and back on.... Runs for 2-3 minutes, then stops again....
Continues stopping every couple of minutes until you get fed up of the game!!!

Belongs to a disabled friend of mine who can't cope with it, and her carer is getting fed up with it, too!!

Heat exchanger thoroughly cleaned (hot and cold sides), as much internal ductwork as can be reached without major dismantling thoroughly delinted/desludged... No change in symptoms ...
There is no float or other detector in or near the condensate tank, so I assume it is unhappy with the humidity level in the circulating air, but really don't want to dismantle until I have some idea what I am looking for.

Any suggestions (including 'Scrap it!!', if appropriate) welcome!!

Many thanks for any ideas

Dave T

 

[henene4]

Should be a doable fix

First, run it and listen if you even here the condensate pump running. If its not running you'd have to replace that and that would mean tearing in quite a bit.

Next, if you take out the condenser, you will see that there is a small flapp on the bottom of the condenser chamber. It has 2 snap in points, when you unclip them, you can flip it up and take it out.
Below that flap there is the area that collects the condensate and houses the pump and the float switch.
You should be abled to locate the float switch in the back.
Try cleaning out as much lint out of there as possible and check if that helps.
If the pipe leading up to the tank or the pump are blocked, you most likely will have to dismantle the machine to be abled to clear the blockages.

If you have the full model number (should be listed on a sticker in the door opening) you can look at the exploded view of the machine on the Siemens homepage in the spare search page.

If the moisture sensor would be the issue, it would just switch over to cooling and then to off without any fault displayed.
But cleaning it can't hurt (metal bars on the inside of the drum, just behind where there filter is housed; some strong cleaner and a good wipe with vinegar).

Given that this is a pretty cheap machine (not even heatpump) putting to much effort into it wouldn't be worth it probably.
A good cheap new heatpump dryer would be a lot more efficent (energy usage about halfed, even on an A+ model probably) and a lot more gentle.

 

[davetranter]

Thanks, Henene4

.... For a rapid and detailed reply.

The condensate pump is running. I will make another visit to my friend soon, and look for a label in the door area.

The data plate on the back gives WT46E381GB/48 as the model number. Does this sound right??

Many thanks

Dave T

 

[henene4]

Exactly right

https://www.siemens-home.bsh-group.com/uk/sparepart/finder/detail/WT46E381GB/48#/tab=spare-section-3

If you go to exploded view, then page 5, if you look at item number 0509, that is the service lid I meant.
That is what covers the water collection area.

That exploded view also helps to just find your way around the machine.

 

[davetranter]

Thanks again........

Had a quick look at the diagrams, especially the position of the various sensors.... I will look at the dryer again at the weekend, and let you know how I get on ;-)

Best wishes

Dave T

 

[richnz]

Youtube

has plenty of Bosch type dryers with similar "issues".

I'm assuming the float switch is stuck in the up position?



shows someone who removed the side but you may be able to go through under the condenser as mentioned above.

 

[rolls_rapide]

It looks as though, when I finally need to replace my ancient Zanussi condenser dryer, that I won't be buying a Bosch/Siemens... they're clearly far too much hassle.

Any recommendations as to which brand to buy (assuming that it is a condenser I decide to go for)?

 

[henene4]

AEG

For both condenser and heatpump.

First, they reverse properly. They even have a bedding cycle that apparently never tangles bedding, no matter what.

Second, they are pretty gentle.
The heatpump dryers are known for the low temps.
The condensers give you full temperature flexibility: Full temperature throughout the cycle, stepped temperature reduction (Sensitive option) or low temp (Delicate option).