The short answer
On the FWN line, a machine that will not start is usually waiting on an interlock rather than broken: a door lock that has not confirmed, a tap that is closed, or a control lock left on. On this page the supply and the lock lead, because between them they explain most machines that appear dead. Every one of those is free to rule out, and together they account for most of these calls.
What you are seeing on the FWN line
- The display lights but start does nothing — An interlock is open or a lock is set. The control has power and is refusing.
- It locks the door and then sits silent — It is waiting for water. Check both taps before anything else.
- NEAR MISS — it starts and then stalls part-way — That is a cycle fault rather than a start fault: the machine got far enough to find something it could not complete.
Causes, most likely first on the FWN line
- No supply at the machine — Ranked first on the FWN line because a dead display is not an appliance fault at all: a tripped breaker, a socket behind the machine that has worked loose, or an RCD that went during another job explains it entirely.
- The door lock is not confirming — A worn striker or a tired lock leaves the machine lit and silent. Close the door firmly and listen for the click and the lamp.
- A child lock or delayed start is set — Holding the lock button for a few seconds clears most panels. A delay counts down quietly and reads as a refusal.
- The water supply is closed or restricted — Last, and quick: open both taps fully and listen.
Check in this order, and why that order
- First — reset the breaker fully and check the socket — Switch right off and back on. A dead display with a healthy breaker points at the socket or the cord behind the machine.
- Then — close the door firmly and watch for the lock indicator — A click and a lamp mean the machine is satisfied. No lamp, or a door that has to be pushed, is a lock fault.
- Only then — check the display for a lock symbol or a countdown — Hold the lock button for a few seconds. A delayed start is silent and looks identical to a refusal.
- STOP here if the next check needs a panel off or a meter on live terminals — Everything above can be done with nothing dismantled; past it the checks need test equipment.
Models in the FWN family
Reference| Model number | Family key |
|---|---|
| FWN6ZR**116T*** | alliance:washer:fwn |
| FWN6ZR**119T*** | alliance:washer:fwn |
Before you open anything
Safety
Unplug the washer or switch off its breaker before removing any panel or reaching into the pump — a capacitor can hold a charge after the power is off, and the drain impeller can start without warning. Close both supply taps before disturbing a fill hose. A loaded drum is heavy: never tip or walk a machine with water still in it, and get a second pair of hands rather than levering it on the door.
Where the owner job ends
Call when the supply is proven, both taps are open and the door locks properly and the machine still does nothing, because the next checks are the lock circuit and the board supply with a meter. On the FWN line, call rather than continue if the console or the rear panel has to come off. Call immediately if the machine trips its breaker when switched on, or if there is any burning smell around the door lock.
Other faults covered for the FWN line
Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 12 years experience
Experienced technician with 12 years specializing in washing machine and dryer repairs across all major brands.
