Zanussi Dishwasher Problems

MrsB_2

Hi Guys, This is my first post on this board so hoping I've come to the right place and that you might be able to help.

I've got a Zanussi dishwasher (just about 2 years old) which my MIL bought second hand for us about 10 months ago (just as it was out of warranty). It worked perfectly for about 7 months, then just before Christmas it went haywire.

It seems to be some sort of temperature problem as it no longer cleans anything that's fatty (it makes it emulsify instead!!), and has stopped drying too. I've put up with it as we cant really afford to replace it and the quote for repairing was a £50 plus vat call out charge (including all labour) plus parts. I can find the call out charge but was wondering if anyone had any ideas on what the faulty part was likely to be, and if they had any rough ideas of what it would cost? Or better still - if anyone had any ideas on things I could try myself to fix it? DH is technophobic so not much help, and I'm 21 weeks pregnant so limited to what positions I can twist myself into to get to the mechanical bits!! :rotfl:

Any help greatly appreciated - and if I'm in the wrong place, please shift me!!

Cagey

Welcome to MSE MrsB.

Not too sure what the problem is going by the info given but if it is not drying then it may be the heating element. Have a look at the element & if there are some bubbles or rough bits on it then is more than likely faulty. You could also check if it is taking in water & the arms are turning properly by opening the door quickly when on a wash cycle.Set the arms back to front or side to side to see if they have moved as they will stop quite quickly when you open the door.

MrsB_2

Thanks Cagey,

Sorry to be dense but cant see the element - where should be looking?

I assume the arms are spinning cos everything comes out clean apart from the fatty stuff. Did call a local repair man last night and he suggested disconnecting the water inlet hose for half an hour to see if there's an air lock and it's not taking in enough water. Does that sound like a sensible suggestion?

Thanks again for your help.

Cagey

Never say never but I would be surprised if removing the hose & refitting it did any good. If you stop the machie halfway through the wash the water should be just below the level of the door. If this is the case then it is taking in enough water. The element sits at the bottom of the tub & normally about 1/4inch thick running round sides & back .

MrsB_2

Cagey wrote:

Never say never but I would be surprised if removing the hose & refitting it did any good.

:rotfl: You were right - no good at all!! I think I'm going to have to give in and call him out. He said he'd do a free estimate. What's a reasonable price to pay for labour and parts??

Thanks again for your help!!

Cagey

I think you could be in for an expensive repair. I am sure some of these guys charge up to £70 callout & so much for every 10 mins after that. You would be better to get an estimate, although that would be difficult for anyone until they check it out & find out whats wrong.
Remember there are a lot of cowboys out there & you are always better to go on recommendation if you can find anyone thats had an appliance repair.

across

why dont you set up quartely direct debit for repair plan it would be cheaper in the long run and you'd get it repaired by proper workman mine costs £74.00 for my dishwasher a year (quarterley installments so you wont need to pay a great big bill at once)
i'm sure i was covered from day one though it and it proberly wont be much more than youd pay with a callout charge now but you have a years peace of mind!
hope this helps as an idea good luck!!
08705 997 799 is domestic and general!

Davidboy

I am sorry to say that Zanussi are rubbish now. Used to be brilliant but Electrolux bought them...say no more!!

Buy Bosch!

D