Posting this for the archives in case it helps anyone searching for it in future.
Whirlpool AWM8103 front loading washing machine, about 10 years old. Pretty sure the internals of this will have been used in many other brands and models.
Some minor rust (it's been in a bathroom) but otherwise in remarkably good condition inside and out. Rubbers all good. Been a good machine, owned from new, and I thought it worth a bit of time and effort to fix. Sure many people would dump it and buy new. Anyway...
After moving it to new house, it refused to run. Selecting a programme then pressing start resulted in the usual clicks and whirrs, then at the point where the drum turns and water begins to fill, it would halt with the door open light flashing.
Googling showed this is not an uncommon fault. It appears to be the machine's response to something 'unusual' happening, like water failing to fill or the motor not turning. It's indicating a fault, not that the door is open. Quite why the designer didn't elect to use one of the two
7-segment displays to show a fault code, I don't know.Fault was the motor brushes - worn almost right down to the brass sleeves. Set of new brushes from local independent appliance repair shop, 19 quid, and we were back in business.
Not too bad to fit, not necessary to remove the motor, access possible with the machine tilted forward leaning against a wall/cupboard using towel to prevent scratches, then working from underneath lying on the floor.
The replacement brushes come in a plastic carrier. Each is held by two screws, and the screw holes in the carrier are designed such that they grip the screw lightly to prevent you losing it in the bowels of the motor. You fit the screws in the plastic carrier, offer it up to the motor then tighten the screws. There are two dowels on the carrier which sit in corresponding holes in the motor body to ensure correct positioning.
As supplied, the plastic carrier had a small lug holding the brush in against its spring tension, presumably to prevent breakage during transport and storage. You snap off the lug to release the brush, then compress it with a finger while offering the carrier up to the motor.