Tips from the Engineers
Practical answers from Archimede network engineers to the most common appliance problems. Every tip comes from first-hand experience across more than 196,000 repair interventions.
Hobs
The display shows error E2 — what does it mean?
Error E2 on your induction hob display? An Archimede engineer explains what this code means and what action to take.
After a storm, the display shows error E8 — what kind of problem is this?
Error E8 on your induction hob after a storm? An Archimede engineer explains what this code means and what to do.
The display shows E9 and it won't turn on — what fault is this?
Error E9 on your induction hob and it won't turn on? An Archimede engineer explains the fault and what to do next.
The burner only works on low — why?
Your gas hob burner only works on the lowest setting? An Archimede engineer explains what to check and when to call for help.
A burner won't light — what's causing it?
One of your gas hob burners won't light? An Archimede engineer explains the most common causes and what to check first.
The burner won't keep the flame lit — what's wrong?
Your gas hob flame goes out after releasing the knob? An Archimede engineer explains the most likely cause and why you need a professional.
There's a smell of gas — what should I do?
Can you smell gas coming from your hob? An Archimede engineer explains the immediate steps to take and the possible causes.
The electronic ignition spark stays on constantly — why?
The ignition spark on your gas hob keeps clicking non-stop? An Archimede engineer explains the cause and what to try before calling for help.
The ignition knob is stuck — what should I do?
The ignition knob on your gas hob is stuck? An Archimede engineer explains what's likely wrong and why you need a professional.
The hob is sparking when turned off — how is that possible?
Your gas hob is sparking even when switched off? An Archimede engineer explains what's happening and how to fix it.
The induction hob is cracked — what should I do?
Your induction hob glass is cracked? An Archimede engineer explains whether you can keep using it and when replacement is the best option.
The induction hob no longer detects the pan — why?
Your induction hob no longer detects the pan? An Archimede engineer explains the possible causes, from incompatible cookware to a faulty sensor.
The power trips when the hob is turned on — why?
Your induction hob trips the power when you turn it on? An Archimede engineer explains the likely causes and what to try first.
The induction hob keeps turning on and off by itself
Your induction hob keeps switching on and off by itself? An Archimede engineer explains the possible causes, including pan size and power surges.
Two zones are not working — why?
Two zones on your induction hob have stopped working? An Archimede engineer explains the two most likely causes.
Ovens
Electric oven: Don't leave it unused for long periods
Why you shouldn't leave an electric oven unused for too long. An Archimede engineer explains the risk of short circuits from moisture build-up.
There's a smell of gas when the valves are opened — what's causing it?
Can you smell gas when you open the oven valves? An Archimede engineer explains the likely cause and what to do immediately.
The display shows error F10 and there is a strong burning smell — why?
Error F10 on your oven display and a strong burning smell? An Archimede engineer explains the likely cause.
The display shows F130, the oven heats up then stops — what's causing this?
Error F130 on your oven — it heats up then stops? An Archimede engineer explains this fault and what needs checking.
The built-in electric oven door won't close — why?
Your built-in oven door won't close properly? An Archimede engineer explains the most likely cause and whether you can fix it yourself.
At 100 degrees the heating element seems faulty, strange noises come from the fan which then stops — what's the fix?
Your oven's fan is making strange noises and stopping? An Archimede engineer explains the likely cause and what to do.
The oven is not heating — what's wrong?
Your oven is not heating up? An Archimede engineer explains the three main components to check.
Only the grill works — what's the reason?
Only the grill function works on your oven? An Archimede engineer explains the likely cause and what needs checking.
The steam oven overheated and wouldn't switch off — after unplugging it, it now won't turn on again. Why?
Your steam oven overheated and now won't turn on? An Archimede engineer explains the three components to check.
The oven is short-circuiting — why?
Your oven is short-circuiting? An Archimede engineer explains the most likely cause and what to check.
The temperature is impossible to control and always reaches 180 degrees — why?
Your oven always reaches 180 degrees regardless of the setting? An Archimede engineer explains the possible causes.
The oven trips the circuit breaker when switched on — why?
Your oven trips the RCD or circuit breaker when you turn it on? An Archimede engineer explains the most common cause.
The oven won't turn on — what could be wrong?
Your oven won't turn on? An Archimede engineer explains the most common causes and what to check first.
Washing machines
Washing machine: how much detergent should you use?
Are you using too much detergent in your washing machine? An Archimede engineer explains why the correct dose matters.
Washing machine: which detergent — liquid or powder?
Should you use liquid or powder detergent in your washing machine? An Archimede engineer explains why powder is the better choice.
Washing machine: how to load it (check the weight of your laundry)
Are you overloading your washing machine? An Archimede engineer explains why load weight matters and how it can damage your appliance.
The washing machine won't drain, all the lights are flashing and the display shows error F05 — what's going on?
Error F05 on your washing machine and it won't drain? An Archimede engineer explains what to check and when to call for help.
The door seal is damaged — what's the cause?
The rubber door seal on your washing machine is damaged? An Archimede engineer explains the cause and why professional repair is essential.
The door won't open and the washing machine is stuck with laundry inside — what's wrong?
Your washing machine door won't open and the laundry is trapped inside? An Archimede engineer explains the cause and what to do.
The programme is selected but the drum won't spin — what's causing the malfunction?
Your washing machine drum won't spin despite selecting a programme? An Archimede engineer explains the most common causes.
The washing machine makes a loud noise during the spin cycle — what's causing it?
Your washing machine makes a loud noise during the spin cycle? An Archimede engineer explains the most common causes and what to do.
The washing machine isn't heating the water — what's the reason?
Your washing machine isn't heating the water? An Archimede engineer explains the most common causes, from the heating element to the control board.
The washing machine trips the power immediately when turned on — what happened?
Your washing machine trips the power as soon as you turn it on? An Archimede engineer explains the most likely cause.
After a heavy storm the washing machine won't turn on — why?
Your washing machine won't turn on after a thunderstorm? An Archimede engineer explains the most likely cause and your options.
The washing machine won't turn on — why?
Your washing machine won't turn on? An Archimede engineer explains the most common causes and what to check first.
Dryers
Dryer: Is it right to use fabric softener during the washing machine cycle?
Should you use fabric softener before tumble drying? An Archimede engineer explains why it can cause problems with your dryer.
Dryer: Clean the filters after every cycle
Why you must clean your tumble dryer filters after every use. An Archimede engineer explains what happens when you don't.
Error code E60 — what is causing the malfunction?
Error E60 on your tumble dryer? An Archimede engineer explains this overheating alarm and what could be causing it.
The dryer is leaking water — why?
Your tumble dryer is leaking water? An Archimede engineer explains the most common cause and what needs to be done.
The dryer is very noisy — what's causing it?
Your tumble dryer is making unusual noise? An Archimede engineer explains the most common causes of a noisy dryer.
The dryer is no longer drying properly — why?
Your tumble dryer no longer dries properly? An Archimede engineer explains the most common causes and what to do about it.
The dryer doesn't finish the cycle and clothes aren't dry — what's wrong?
Your tumble dryer stops mid-cycle and clothes are still damp? An Archimede engineer explains the most likely causes and fixes.
The dryer stops 15 minutes after starting and shows an error — why?
Your tumble dryer stops shortly after starting and shows an error? An Archimede engineer explains the likely causes.
The dryer won't start and is smoking — is it serious?
Your dryer won't start and is producing smoke? An Archimede engineer explains whether this is a serious fault and what could be causing it.
The drum won't spin and the display shows error E50 — what's wrong?
Error E50 on your tumble dryer and the drum won't spin? An Archimede engineer explains the most likely causes.
The display shows error E70 and the dryer has stopped — why?
Error E70 on your tumble dryer and it has stopped? An Archimede engineer explains the cause and what to try first.
The dryer turns on but won't start, and the display shows error EH0 — what's the reason?
Error EH0 on your dryer — it turns on but won't start? An Archimede engineer explains what is happening and what to try.
Dishwashers
Dishwasher tablets: can the plastic wrapper damage the appliance?
Can dishwasher tablet wrappers damage your machine? An Archimede engineer explains when the plastic might not dissolve and what to watch for.
Dishwasher: should you rinse plates before loading?
Should you rinse plates before putting them in the dishwasher? An Archimede engineer explains why it matters and shares maintenance tips.
Dishwasher: removing odours — avoid DIY solutions
Tempted to put a lemon in your dishwasher to remove odours? An Archimede engineer explains why that's a bad idea and what to use instead.
The dishwasher won't stop, forcing me to unplug it — what's happened?
Your dishwasher won't stop and you have to unplug it? An Archimede engineer explains the most likely cause and what to do.
The dishwasher door won't close — what's the cause?
Your dishwasher door won't close properly? An Archimede engineer explains the most common cause and a quick fix.
The dishwasher isn't heating the water — what's causing the malfunction?
Your dishwasher isn't heating the water? An Archimede engineer explains the most likely cause and how to identify the fault.
The power button doesn't work — why?
The power button on your dishwasher doesn't work? An Archimede engineer explains what to do.
After selecting the wash programme, the machine restarts from the beginning, the alarm sounds and it stops — why?
Your dishwasher keeps restarting, sounds an alarm and stops? An Archimede engineer explains the anti-flood sensor and what could be triggering it.
What does the E1 error code mean on a dishwasher?
Error E1 on your dishwasher display? An Archimede engineer explains what it means and what you can do about it.
The dishwasher turns on but doesn't fill with water — what's wrong?
Your dishwasher turns on but doesn't fill with water? An Archimede engineer explains the most common causes and what to check.
Fridges
There's a problem with the fridge door seal — what can I do?
Problem with your fridge door seal? An Archimede engineer explains your options depending on the model and whether a DIY fix is possible.
I think I've punctured the freezer coil — can it be repaired?
Accidentally punctured the freezer coil? An Archimede engineer explains whether a repair is possible and what your options are.
The freezer fan is noisy — what's going on?
The freezer fan is making noise? An Archimede engineer explains the likely cause and a simple fix you can try at home.
The display won't turn on — what happened?
The display on your fridge won't turn on? An Archimede engineer explains the possible causes, from power supply to electronic faults.
The interior light won't turn off — why?
The light inside your fridge won't switch off? An Archimede engineer explains the cause and the simple fix.
The fridge is leaking water from the bottom — what's causing it?
Your fridge is leaking water from underneath? An Archimede engineer explains the simple cause and an easy fix you can do yourself.
My fridge is noisy — what's going on?
Your fridge is making unusual noise? An Archimede engineer explains the most common causes, from levelling to compressor faults.
My fridge isn't cooling enough — why?
Your fridge isn't cooling enough? An Archimede engineer explains the most common causes and what to check first.
The fridge isn't cooling but the freezer works perfectly — why?
Your fridge isn't cooling but the freezer works fine? An Archimede engineer explains why this happens and whether a repair is worthwhile.
The fridge is cooling too much or too little — why?
Your fridge is cooling too much or too little? An Archimede engineer explains the most common causes and what to watch out for.