Some info FWIW - I couldn't find much info online when I started to trouble shoot the issue I had with my newly purchased, but used, Miele Novatronic W1930 washing machine..
Having had some bad experience with over priced - poorly performing - European appliances .. I convinced myself that an older used Miele Washer was an ok risk. This washer unit was the bottom half of a stacking washer/dryer combo unit. This was actually serendipitous as it made getting into the machine through the top quite simple - I don't know what a stand alone machine is like to open up.
Paid $200 after answering an add on Kijiji . The owner did not have it plugged in to the requisite 3 pronged plug so I couldn't use the power switch see what condition it was in before my purchase - front door wouldn't/won't open without power but discovered there was a mechanical over ride when I got it home and found a manual online. .
Fortunately only women had looked at the unit prior to my purchase so they didn't have the strength to rip the door off its hinges trying to open it.
So any way -- paid the $200 and then called a moving company as it was too heavy to lift by myself. Got a pretty good deal cause they picked up/delivered 45 miles away for $75 (plus the $40 tip for the two guys that worked hard to carry this heavy SOB up and down some nasty stairs without cursing me!). Then I had to call an electrician ... who also did a pretty fine job of putting in a set of breakers and running a line about 25 feet to a 3 prong box for the washing machine plug. I think this was $100 all in .. which I thought was a pretty decent price. And a very neat job!!
So now we are pushing about $410 PLUS my time and trips back and for to pay etc etc and find a mover and an electrician etc for a USED washer (apparently my wife is right - I am an idiot!).
Sooooo the machine works GREAT for about 4 months.... then a little "tap" light starts coming on before it finishes the wash cycle. There is still water in the drum when the door is open (aaargh!!).... up until now the 1600rpm spin cycle damn near dries the load without resorting to a dryer - in fact most times I throw the damp clothes on a line in the basement and they dry overnight.
So anyway -- I get this flashing light next to the image of a "faucet/tap"
Now the search "on line" begins...what does the light mean?? Apparently the light means that the machine is not administering water (or sufficient water) during one of the cycles (either the first fill cycle or a subsequent rinse cycle).
When I open the machine (very simple and intuitive) there are valves connected to the back of the machine where the hot and cold water feeds enter. The hot water "valve" (or solenoid as you wish) has the external hot water hose, a power lead and an internal hose connected to it. when I run a cycle I can see that the hot water valve lets water flow through it. A-OK
The cold water "valve" (or solenoid) has the external cold water hose, a power lead(s) and three internal hoses connected. (BTW - all internal hoses terminate in the box that contains the soap dispenser so all water coming into the machine is routed through the detergent/bleach/softener dispenser before entering the tub)... it doesnt seem so "A-OK" .. in fact when I set the machine for cold water only fill .. the water barely trickles..
Online I discover a new cold water valve (solenoid??) isnt cheap ..made in the Fatherland by gnomes apparently. But discover that the Canadian Miele importer is actally not too bad in terms of price - cheaper than the online sources I have checked!! Also the Miele service rep I speak with is VERY pleasant!! Yes he has the valve .. yes it is in stock and yes it can be shipped PDQ.. I vacillate for a week wondering if I want to spend the $200plus (what if something else breaks??). The Miele rep keeps my enquiry on file. Says to quote the telephone number if I call back.... when I do another rep picks up the order and I get it delivered within 3 days. In Canada where I am .. this is a minor MIRACLE!
Installation R&R of the valve is simple (again - intuitive) .. the "Oetiker" hose clamps that are OEM are confusing to me... I think I will have to cut them off replace them with worm gear clamps...and I read on line about the proper technique to clip them off. But as it happens a simple (light) pinch with a set of pincer pliers undoes the clamp ... and "saints be praised" the clamps are completely reusable by simply positioning them on the hose and squeezing the "ears" together gently - which causes the clamp to reconnect!! Very fine!
Working like new again!!!
Long winded - sorry.
Having had some bad experience with over priced - poorly performing - European appliances .. I convinced myself that an older used Miele Washer was an ok risk. This washer unit was the bottom half of a stacking washer/dryer combo unit. This was actually serendipitous as it made getting into the machine through the top quite simple - I don't know what a stand alone machine is like to open up.
Paid $200 after answering an add on Kijiji . The owner did not have it plugged in to the requisite 3 pronged plug so I couldn't use the power switch see what condition it was in before my purchase - front door wouldn't/won't open without power but discovered there was a mechanical over ride when I got it home and found a manual online. .
Fortunately only women had looked at the unit prior to my purchase so they didn't have the strength to rip the door off its hinges trying to open it.
So any way -- paid the $200 and then called a moving company as it was too heavy to lift by myself. Got a pretty good deal cause they picked up/delivered 45 miles away for $75 (plus the $40 tip for the two guys that worked hard to carry this heavy SOB up and down some nasty stairs without cursing me!). Then I had to call an electrician ... who also did a pretty fine job of putting in a set of breakers and running a line about 25 feet to a 3 prong box for the washing machine plug. I think this was $100 all in .. which I thought was a pretty decent price. And a very neat job!!
So now we are pushing about $410 PLUS my time and trips back and for to pay etc etc and find a mover and an electrician etc for a USED washer (apparently my wife is right - I am an idiot!).
Sooooo the machine works GREAT for about 4 months.... then a little "tap" light starts coming on before it finishes the wash cycle. There is still water in the drum when the door is open (aaargh!!).... up until now the 1600rpm spin cycle damn near dries the load without resorting to a dryer - in fact most times I throw the damp clothes on a line in the basement and they dry overnight.
So anyway -- I get this flashing light next to the image of a "faucet/tap"
Now the search "on line" begins...what does the light mean?? Apparently the light means that the machine is not administering water (or sufficient water) during one of the cycles (either the first fill cycle or a subsequent rinse cycle).
When I open the machine (very simple and intuitive) there are valves connected to the back of the machine where the hot and cold water feeds enter. The hot water "valve" (or solenoid as you wish) has the external hot water hose, a power lead and an internal hose connected to it. when I run a cycle I can see that the hot water valve lets water flow through it. A-OK
The cold water "valve" (or solenoid) has the external cold water hose, a power lead(s) and three internal hoses connected. (BTW - all internal hoses terminate in the box that contains the soap dispenser so all water coming into the machine is routed through the detergent/bleach/softener dispenser before entering the tub)... it doesnt seem so "A-OK" .. in fact when I set the machine for cold water only fill .. the water barely trickles..
Online I discover a new cold water valve (solenoid??) isnt cheap ..made in the Fatherland by gnomes apparently. But discover that the Canadian Miele importer is actally not too bad in terms of price - cheaper than the online sources I have checked!! Also the Miele service rep I speak with is VERY pleasant!! Yes he has the valve .. yes it is in stock and yes it can be shipped PDQ.. I vacillate for a week wondering if I want to spend the $200plus (what if something else breaks??). The Miele rep keeps my enquiry on file. Says to quote the telephone number if I call back.... when I do another rep picks up the order and I get it delivered within 3 days. In Canada where I am .. this is a minor MIRACLE!
Installation R&R of the valve is simple (again - intuitive) .. the "Oetiker" hose clamps that are OEM are confusing to me... I think I will have to cut them off replace them with worm gear clamps...and I read on line about the proper technique to clip them off. But as it happens a simple (light) pinch with a set of pincer pliers undoes the clamp ... and "saints be praised" the clamps are completely reusable by simply positioning them on the hose and squeezing the "ears" together gently - which causes the clamp to reconnect!! Very fine!
Working like new again!!!
Long winded - sorry.
