NB - before you attempt any work, please check our safety guide.
There can be a number of reasons why your programme does not start. The most common reasons are:
The door is not locked properly.
You held the start button down for too long or not long enough
The washing machine has the 'Timer' or 'Delayed Start' set so for it to start later
The Control Lock or Child Lock might be on
1. The door is not locked properly.
Close the door properly until you can hear an audible click. If the machine is overloaded then the door may not shut properly. Also check that there are no items of clothing jammed between the door and the housing.
2. You held the start button down for too long or not long enough
For most washing machines, you need to hold the 'Start' button for slightly longer than other buttons on the control panel (usually for 1 to 2 seconds). This is designed to stop accidental operation of the machine. So pressing it quickly will not start the programme. If you hold the button down too long then the machine may jump to 'Pause' and so not start.
3. The washing machine has the 'Timer' or 'Delayed Start' set so for it to start later
Turn off the Timer/Delayed Start and the programme should start up immediately.
4. The Control Lock or Child Lock might be on
If the control lock/child lock has been activated, you might not be able to start the programme. To get the programme running, you first need to switch off the control lock/child lock. This usually involves pressing a stand-alone 'control lock' key or combination of keys for 3-5 seconds.