Washing machine dial keeps turning and clicking
A washing machine selector knob clicking round continuously on its own means the machine has aborted the programme due to a fault. This is a crude fault-detection method used on older machines – particularly older Indesit and Hoover models. The point in the cycle where the clicking starts can help narrow down the cause, but the range of possible faults is wide.
On older washing machines without digital displays, a continuously rotating selector dial is the machine’s way of indicating that something has gone wrong. Unlike a modern error code, it gives very little information about what the fault actually is – but the timing of when it starts can still provide useful clues.
What Does the Clicking Dial Mean?
When the selector knob clicks round automatically, the machine has detected a fault and aborted the programme. The control system is cycling through positions looking for a valid state. This method of fault indication is extremely basic and provides almost no specific diagnostic information beyond the fact that something has gone wrong.
On most modern washing machines this behaviour has been replaced by digital error codes or flashing indicator lights. If your machine shows lights flashing alongside the clicking dial, note which lights are flashing and see our guide on washing machine lights flashing – the light pattern may give more specific fault information than the clicking alone.
Using the Timing to Narrow Down the Cause
The point in the cycle where the clicking begins offers the most useful diagnostic clue available.
| When the Clicking Starts | Possible Cause | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| During or after the rinse cycles | Drain fault – machine cannot pump water away | Check the pump filter for a blockage |
| After several minutes on the wash cycle | Heating fault – water not reaching temperature | Washing machine not heating water |
| From the very beginning | Control board fault, wiring, or insulation fault | A qualified engineer should investigate |
| At any unpredictable point | Intermittent fault – connection, PCB, or thermistor | A qualified engineer should investigate |
Why Is It So Difficult to Diagnose?
The clicking dial mechanism gives no specific fault code – only that the machine has aborted. The range of possible underlying causes is wide: a drain fault, a heating fault, a low insulation reading on the heater or motor, a faulty PCB control module, a faulty thermistor, or even just a poor electrical connection somewhere in the wiring. Even experienced engineers can find this type of fault difficult to trace because there is so little information to work from.
For broader context on why older fault-detection systems offer such limited information, see our guide on appliance error codes – friend or foe? and our guide on washing machine sticking or stopping mid-cycle for a broader look at this type of fault.
How to Reset an Indesit Washing Machine With a Selector Knob
Some older Indesit washing machines have an unusual programme reset procedure. On these machines, turning the selector knob while a programme is running does not cancel it – the machine will simply click the knob round trying to find and resume the original programme. There is no cancel button on these models.
To properly reset the programme on an older Indesit with a selector knob and no cancel button, follow these steps:
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Turn the machine off using the on/off button.
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Turn the selector knob to a dot or any “off” position on the dial.
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Turn the machine back on and watch for rapid flashing on the indicator light.
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Turn the machine off again, then select the new programme you want to run.
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Turn the machine back on – the new programme should now start correctly.
If the selector knob continues clicking round after being reset, the machine has detected a genuine fault that needs to be investigated. The reset procedure only clears the programme state – it does not repair whatever caused the abort. The machine needs to be diagnosed and repaired.
Need a Qualified Engineer?
If the clicking persists after checking the pump filter and drain, the fault is likely beyond straightforward DIY repair.
Related Guides
Washing Machine Lights FlashingHow to read and report flashing indicator light patterns – which can give more specific fault information than the clicking dial alone.
Washing Machine Stops Mid-CycleA broader guide to diagnosing washing machines that abort or stop at different points in the cycle.
Washing Machine Pump FilterHow to locate, access, and clean the pump filter – the most common cause of drain-related programme aborts.
Washing Machine Not Heating WaterCauses and diagnosis for a machine that fails to heat the wash water – another common reason for programme abort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my washing machine selector knob clicking round on its own?
The machine has detected a fault and aborted the programme. The rotating dial is the fault-indication method used on older machines – particularly older Indesit and Hoover models – in the absence of a digital display. It provides very little specific information about what has gone wrong, other than that something has caused the programme to stop.
Can I tell what the fault is from when the clicking starts?
Sometimes. If clicking starts during or after the rinse cycles, a drain fault is the most likely cause – check the pump filter first. If it starts after several minutes on the wash cycle, a heating fault is more likely. If it starts immediately or at unpredictable points, the cause is likely electrical – a PCB fault, wiring issue, or thermistor problem – and a qualified engineer should investigate.
How do I reset an Indesit washing machine with a selector knob?
Turn the machine off, turn the knob to an off or dot position, turn the machine back on and wait for rapid indicator light flashing, then turn it off again. Select the new programme you want, then turn back on. On these older Indesit models, turning the knob mid-programme causes the machine to click round searching for the original programme rather than cancelling – the specific off-switch reset procedure is needed to clear the state properly.
Will resetting the machine fix the clicking problem?
Only if the clicking was caused by a one-off event such as an unbalanced load or a temporary glitch. If a genuine fault is present, the machine will abort and the dial will start clicking again. The reset clears the programme state but does not repair the underlying cause. If clicking continues after a reset, the fault needs to be diagnosed and repaired.
8 Comments
Grouped into 8 comment threads.
0 replies Yes Kirsty, if the clicking continues it's detecting an error. Unfortunately this is a very crude error detection system and gives little clue what the error is apart from when it actually gets triggered. If it is draining the water ok (apart from spinning them) then it could be a motor fault (possibly worn carbon brushes) or even a pressure system fault. If it's only partially draining the water it could be a partial blockage in the pump, pump filter or somewhere else. You are probably going to need an engineer to work out which.
0 replies I have a old indesit w135 dial was clicking last night and stuck with clothes in. Managed your reset and got clothes out. Tried to do a spin as clothes were water logged and it started clicking again. Does this mean something wrong with spin cycle. Thank you (So I tried a economy wash cycle 8 it washed it drained but when it came to spin started clicking)
I have a old indesit w135 dial was clicking last night and stuck with clothes in. Managed your reset and got clothes out. Tried to do a spin as clothes were water logged and it started clicking again. Does this mean something wrong with spin cycle.
Thank you
(So I tried a economy wash cycle 8 it washed it drained but when it came to spin started clicking)
0 replies Thank you so much for this article, your tip for the restart worked perfectly on my old Indesit.
Thank you so much for this article, your tip for the restart worked perfectly on my old Indesit.
0 replies Andy thank you so much, the reset worked! Really appreciate it âï¸âï¸âï¸âï¸âï¸
Andy thank you so much, the reset worked! Really appreciate it âï¸âï¸âï¸âï¸âï¸
0 replies Thanks, the reset fixed the problem of the dial rotating continuously. The machine was 30 minutes from landing on the dump!
Thanks, the reset fixed the problem of the dial rotating continuously. The machine was 30 minutes from landing on the dump!
0 replies Thank you!!!! Indesit washing machine program dial was just spinning around clicking, very glad I found this website! I followed the steps given to reset, and that sorted out the problem! Thanks again!
Thank you!!!! Indesit washing machine program dial was just spinning around clicking, very glad I found this website! I followed the steps given to reset, and that sorted out the problem! Thanks again!
0 replies Unusual, but maybe a motor fault which only happens when it tries to turn a load, or a poor or loose connection somewhere which gets disturbed when the washing causes the drum to move around, or even a small leak which only happens when washing is in and the drum shakes around on spin. It depends exactly when it happens on the cycle as to which one (if any) to suspect.
Unusual, but maybe a motor fault which only happens when it tries to turn a load, or a poor or loose connection somewhere which gets disturbed when the washing causes the drum to move around, or even a small leak which only happens when washing is in and the drum shakes around on spin. It depends exactly when it happens on the cycle as to which one (if any) to suspect.
0 replies Washing machine knob spins around and doesn't work with clothes on it, but works properly without clothes.
Washing machine knob spins around and doesn’t work with clothes on it,
but works properly without clothes.
Yes Kirsty, if the clicking continues it’s detecting an error. Unfortunately this is a very crude error detection system and gives little clue what the error is apart from when it actually gets triggered. If it is draining the water ok (apart from spinning them) then it could be a motor fault (possibly worn carbon brushes) or even a pressure system fault. If it’s only partially draining the water it could be a partial blockage in the pump, pump filter or somewhere else. You are probably going to need an engineer to work out which.