By Techsmith Electronics Kenya | πŸ“ž Call or WhatsApp: 0704843613


Need a quick fix? Jump to the problem below, or scroll down for detailed step-by-step guidance.
Techsmith Electronics Kenya offers fast, affordable Von washing machine repairs across Nairobi and beyond.

Β Common Von Washing Machine Problems

ProblemLikely CauseEstimated Repair Cost (KES)
Machine won’t turn onPower supply fault / blown fuse500 – 1,500
Not spinningFaulty lid switch / worn belt1,500 – 4,000
Not draining waterClogged pump / blocked drain hose1,000 – 3,500
Leaking waterWorn door seal / loose hose1,500 – 4,500
Excessive vibration/noiseUnbalanced load / worn drum bearings2,000 – 6,000
Not filling with waterFaulty inlet valve / low water pressure1,500 – 3,500
Error codes on displayControl board / sensor fault2,500 – 8,000
Clothes not clean after washDetergent dispenser fault / wrong settings500 – 2,500
Burning smellMotor fault / overheating3,000 – 7,000
Door won’t open/lockFaulty door interlock1,500 – 4,000

πŸ’‘ Not sure what’s wrong? Call or WhatsApp 0704843613 for a FREE diagnosis from Techsmith Electronics Kenya.


πŸ“‹ Table of Contents

  1. Von Washing Machine Won’t Turn On
  2. Von Washing Machine Not Spinning
  3. Von Washing Machine Not Draining
  4. Von Washing Machine Leaking Water
  5. Von Washing Machine Vibrating or Making Noise
  6. Von Washing Machine Not Filling with Water
  7. Von Washing Machine Error Codes
  8. Von Washing Machine Not Cleaning Clothes Properly
  9. Von Washing Machine Burning Smell
  10. Von Washing Machine Door Won’t Open or Lock
  11. Why Choose Techsmith Electronics Kenya?

1. Von Washing Machine Won’t Turn On

Quick Answer

Check your power socket, fuse, and power cable first. If all are fine, it’s likely a faulty control board or start capacitor requiring professional repair.

Detailed Steps

Step 1 β€” Check the power supply

  • Make sure the socket is working by plugging in another device.
  • Inspect the power cable for visible damage or fraying.
  • Check if your circuit breaker or MCB has tripped β€” reset it if so.

Step 2 β€” Check the door latch Von front-load washing machines have a safety mechanism that prevents the machine from starting if the door is not fully closed. Open and firmly re-close the door, then try again.

Step 3 β€” Inspect the control panel

  • Look for any error codes or indicator lights on the display.
  • Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds to perform a soft reset.
  • If the display is blank and unresponsive, the control board may be faulty.

Step 4 β€” Check the fuse The machine has an internal fuse near the power entry point. A blown fuse will cut all power to the machine. This requires opening the machine β€” leave it to a professional.

Repair Cost Estimate: KES 500 – 1,500 (fuse/socket) | KES 3,000 – 8,000 (control board)

πŸ“ž Call Techsmith Electronics Kenya: 0704843613


2. Von Washing Machine Not Spinning

Quick Answer

An unbalanced load is the most common cause. If redistributing the clothes doesn’t help, you likely have a worn drive belt, faulty lid switch, or a failing motor capacitor.

Detailed Steps

Step 1 β€” Redistribute the load An overloaded or unbalanced drum prevents the spin cycle from engaging. Open the machine, remove some clothes, and redistribute the remaining load evenly around the drum.

Step 2 β€” Check for error codes Modern Von machines display a spin-related error code (often E3 or similar). Note the code and refer to the error codes section below or contact Techsmith.

Step 3 β€” Inspect the lid/door switch (top-loaders) The lid switch tells the machine the lid is closed before spinning. If it’s faulty, the machine won’t spin even with the lid shut. You’ll hear a click when the lid closes β€” if there’s no click, the switch is broken.

Step 4 β€” Check the drive belt On belt-driven Von models, a worn or snapped belt will stop the drum from spinning. You may notice the drum turns freely with very little resistance β€” a sign the belt has broken.

Step 5 β€” Check the motor and capacitor A failing motor capacitor is common in Kenyan environments due to power fluctuation. Signs include a humming sound when the machine tries to spin but cannot.

Repair Cost Estimate: KES 1,500 – 4,000

πŸ“ž Call Techsmith Electronics Kenya: 0704843613


3. Von Washing Machine Not Draining

Quick Answer

A blocked drain pump filter is the most common cause. Clean the filter first before calling a technician.

Detailed Steps

Step 1 β€” Check the drain hose

  • Ensure the drain hose is not kinked, bent, or blocked.
  • The hose outlet should be positioned between 60cm and 100cm from the floor β€” too high or too low prevents proper draining.

Step 2 β€” Clean the drain pump filter Most Von washing machines have a small access panel at the bottom front. Behind it is a pump filter:

  • Place a towel and shallow dish to catch water.
  • Slowly turn the filter cap counter-clockwise to release trapped water.
  • Remove the filter, clean out lint, coins, or debris, then refit it.

Step 3 β€” Run a drain-only cycle After cleaning the filter, select a spin/drain cycle to test. If water still remains, proceed to Step 4.

Step 4 β€” Inspect the pump If the filter is clear but water isn’t draining, the pump itself may be faulty or jammed with a foreign object. This requires professional disassembly.

Step 5 β€” Check the control board In rare cases, the control board fails to send the signal to activate draining. This is usually accompanied by other symptoms like error codes.

Repair Cost Estimate: KES 1,000 – 3,500

πŸ“ž Call Techsmith Electronics Kenya: 0704843613


4. Von Washing Machine Leaking Water

Quick Answer

Leaks from the front are almost always a worn door seal. Leaks from the bottom usually point to a loose or cracked drain hose or pump.

Detailed Steps

Step 1 β€” Identify the source of the leak

  • Front leak: Likely a worn or torn door seal (gasket).
  • Bottom leak: Could be the drain pump, drain hose connection, or tub seal.
  • Under the dispenser drawer: Clogged or misaligned soap dispenser.

Step 2 β€” Inspect the door seal Open the door and carefully examine the rubber gasket around the door opening for tears, holes, or mould buildup causing poor sealing. Even a small crack can cause significant leaking.

Step 3 β€” Check hose connections

  • Pull the machine away from the wall and inspect the inlet and outlet hose connections for looseness or cracking.
  • Tighten any loose clamps with a screwdriver.

Step 4 β€” Check the detergent dispenser A blocked soap drawer can cause water to overflow and appear as a leak from the top of the machine. Remove and clean the drawer thoroughly.

Step 5 β€” Check the drum seal (tub bearing seal) Older Von machines can develop a leak from the rear drum seal where water escapes around the drum axle. This is a major repair but necessary to prevent motor damage.

Repair Cost Estimate: KES 1,500 – 4,500

πŸ“ž Call Techsmith Electronics Kenya: 0704843613


5. Von Washing Machine Vibrating or Making Noise

Quick Answer

Vibration is usually an unbalanced load or unlevel machine. Loud banging or grinding noises during spin point to worn drum bearings β€” book a repair promptly to avoid further damage.

Detailed Steps

Step 1 β€” Level the machine

  • Use a spirit level on top of the machine.
  • Adjust the levelling feet (usually at the front) until the machine is perfectly level on all four corners.
  • Rock the machine gently β€” if it wobbles, one foot is not touching the floor.

Step 2 β€” Check the load balance

  • Avoid washing single heavy items like duvets alone β€” they clump to one side and cause violent spinning.
  • Add a few extra towels to balance the load.

Step 3 β€” Check for foreign objects in the drum Coins, bra wires, and buttons can get trapped between the drum and the tub, causing a scraping or rattling sound. Remove items from drum and run the machine empty to test.

Step 4 β€” Check the drum bearings Worn drum bearings produce a loud rumbling or grinding sound, especially during the spin cycle. You can test this by turning the drum by hand when the machine is off β€” rough, scratchy movement confirms bearing wear.

Step 5 β€” Inspect the shock absorbers (front-loaders) Von front-load machines have shock absorbers that dampen drum movement. If one has failed, you’ll notice excessive side-to-side movement during spin.

Repair Cost Estimate: KES 2,000 – 6,000 (bearings are on the higher end)

πŸ“ž Call Techsmith Electronics Kenya: 0704843613


6. Von Washing Machine Not Filling with Water

Quick Answer

Check your water supply tap first. If water supply is fine, you likely have a clogged inlet valve filter or a faulty water inlet solenoid valve.

Detailed Steps

Step 1 β€” Check the water supply

  • Ensure the tap connected to the machine is fully open.
  • Check if water pressure in your home is normal β€” low pressure is a common problem in many Nairobi estates.

Step 2 β€” Clean the inlet valve filter

  • Turn off the water supply and disconnect the inlet hose from the back of the machine.
  • You’ll see a small mesh filter inside the valve inlet β€” clean it under running water to remove sediment and debris.
  • This is one of the most common Von washing machine problems in Kenya due to hard water and sediment.

Step 3 β€” Test the water inlet valve The solenoid valve controls water flow into the machine. If the machine turns on, makes a humming sound, but no water enters, the valve may be electrically faulty and needs replacement.

Step 4 β€” Check the pressure switch The pressure switch monitors water level. A faulty switch may incorrectly signal that the drum is full, stopping water intake prematurely.

Repair Cost Estimate: KES 1,500 – 3,500

πŸ“ž Call Techsmith Electronics Kenya: 0704843613


7. Von Washing Machine Error Codes

Quick Answer

Note the error code displayed and use the table below for common Von error codes. Most errors require a technician β€” do not ignore them as they can lead to bigger damage.

Common Von Washing Machine Error Codes (Kenya)

Error CodeMeaningAction
E1 / F1Water not filling / inlet valve faultCheck water supply & inlet valve
E2 / F2Water not drainingCheck drain pump & hose
E3 / F3Motor fault / spin errorRedistribute load, call technician
E4 / F4Overflow / water level sensor faultCall technician immediately
E5 / F5Motor overheatingLet machine cool, check ventilation
E6Door lock faultCheck door latch, call technician
E7Temperature sensor faultRequires professional repair
E8Communication error / control boardRequires professional repair

Detailed Steps

Step 1 β€” Perform a hard reset Unplug the machine from the power socket, wait 5 minutes, then plug back in. This clears temporary error codes caused by power surges β€” very common in Kenya.

Step 2 β€” Note the code and cross-reference Write down the exact code shown on the display and refer to the table above or the Von user manual.

Step 3 β€” Do not ignore persistent error codes If the code returns after a reset, the underlying fault needs professional diagnosis. Continued use with active error codes can cause secondary damage and increase repair costs significantly.

Repair Cost Estimate: KES 2,500 – 8,000 (depends on fault)

πŸ“ž Call Techsmith Electronics Kenya: 0704843613


8. Von Washing Machine Not Cleaning Clothes Properly

Quick Answer

Most commonly caused by overloading, wrong detergent dosage, or a blocked detergent dispenser. Also check you’re selecting the correct wash cycle.

Detailed Steps

Step 1 β€” Check the load size Overloading is the number one cause of poorly washed clothes. The drum should be no more than ΒΎ full to allow clothes to tumble freely through the water.

Step 2 β€” Use the correct detergent and dose

  • Always use HE (High Efficiency) low-foam detergent for Von front-load machines.
  • Too much detergent creates excess foam that actually reduces washing performance.
  • Hard water in Nairobi may require slightly more detergent β€” but do not overdo it.

Step 3 β€” Clean the detergent dispenser Remove the detergent drawer completely and clean all compartments under warm running water. Caked detergent residue blocks proper dispensing.

Step 4 β€” Run a drum clean cycle Over time, mould and detergent residue build up inside the drum. Run a 60Β°C empty cycle with a drum-cleaning tablet or white vinegar monthly to keep the drum hygienic and effective.

Step 5 β€” Check the wash temperature Cold water wash cycles may not remove heavy stains. Select a 40Β°C or 60Β°C cycle for heavily soiled loads.

Repair Cost Estimate: KES 500 – 2,500 (usually a service/clean)

πŸ“ž Call Techsmith Electronics Kenya: 0704843613


9. Von Washing Machine Burning Smell

Quick Answer

Stop using the machine immediately. A burning smell almost always means an electrical fault β€” motor overheating, wiring fault, or a failing capacitor. This is a safety risk.

Detailed Steps

Step 1 β€” Switch off and unplug immediately Do not continue using the machine. Switch it off at the wall and unplug it to prevent fire or electrical hazard.

Step 2 β€” Allow the machine to cool Wait at least 30 minutes before inspecting or moving the machine.

Step 3 β€” Identify the type of smell

  • Burning rubber: Worn or slipping drive belt.
  • Burning plastic/electrical: Wiring fault, control board, or capacitor failure.
  • Burning smell + smoke: Motor burning out β€” requires urgent professional repair.

Step 4 β€” Do not attempt DIY electrical repairs Electrical faults in washing machines involve high voltages and risk of serious injury or fire. Always use a qualified repair technician.

Step 5 β€” Book urgent repair A burning smell that is electrical in origin will worsen quickly and can write off the machine entirely if ignored. Early intervention saves money.

Repair Cost Estimate: KES 3,000 – 7,000

πŸ“ž Call Techsmith Electronics Kenya urgently: 0704843613


10. Von Washing Machine Door Won’t Open or Lock

Quick Answer

Front-load Von machines lock the door during operation for safety. If the door won’t open after a cycle, the door interlock (child lock) may have failed, or there’s still water in the drum.

Detailed Steps

Step 1 β€” Check for water in the drum Von machines will not unlock the door if there is water inside. Run a drain/spin cycle to remove water, then try opening the door again.

Step 2 β€” Wait for the machine to cool Some Von models lock the door until the drum cools below a certain temperature after hot wash cycles. Wait 2–3 minutes after the cycle ends.

Step 3 β€” Check for child lock activation Check if the child lock indicator is lit on the control panel. To deactivate, typically hold the child lock button for 3–5 seconds (refer to your model’s manual).

Step 4 β€” Perform a power reset Unplug the machine for 5 minutes, then plug back in. The door interlock should reset and release.

Step 5 β€” Emergency door release Most Von front-load machines have an emergency release cord inside the filter access panel at the bottom. Pull it gently to manually release the door. Only use this when the drum is empty of water.

Step 6 β€” Replace the door interlock If none of the above work, the door interlock mechanism has failed electrically and needs replacement by a technician.

Repair Cost Estimate: KES 1,500 – 4,000

πŸ“ž Call Techsmith Electronics Kenya: 0704843613


πŸ”§ Why Choose Techsmith Electronics Kenya?

At Techsmith Electronics Kenya, we specialise in washing machine repairs across Nairobi and surrounding areas. Here’s why hundreds of Kenyan households trust us with their Von appliances:

  • βœ… Experienced technicians trained on Von and all major brands
  • βœ… Genuine spare parts sourced locally and from manufacturers
  • βœ… Affordable, transparent pricing β€” no hidden charges
  • βœ… Fast response β€” same-day or next-day repair available
  • βœ… Warranty on repairs β€” peace of mind after every job
  • βœ… We come to you β€” doorstep repair service across Nairobi

πŸ“ž Book a Repair Today

Call or WhatsApp: 0704843613

Don’t let a faulty washing machine pile up your laundry. Contact Techsmith Electronics Kenya for fast, reliable, and affordable Von washing machine repair.


Techsmith Electronics Kenya β€” Your trusted appliance repair partner in Nairobi.

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