All,
Summary: My AEG appeared dead - but wasn't.
Just a hint for anyone else who hits the same problem. I discovered a coin stuck in the out-take on my AEG washing machine yesterday. Having dismantled the out-take near the pump to remove it and reassembled, I test ran the machine - worked fine.
I then carefully shoved the machine back under the worktop, switched it on and - nothing, no lights or anything! I eventually got the door open manually (as per the booklet) and the light in the drum came on so it wasn't the fuse. I tried all I could but nothing worked and taking off the top, there were no obvious loose wires. Eventually I gave up and prepared myself for a call-out and bill!
But this morning, we had to give it "one last try", switched it on and voila - it's working. I can only assume that the microprocessor crashed or similar (but no idea why it would) and powering it down overnight allowed all voltages to drop to zero and it rebooted this morning. Of course if you read this NG and find me mopping the floor of water tomorrow, you'll know I was wrong ;-).
Paul DS