The problem: white goods (e.g. washing machines) are going further into the enshitification direction. The Internet of Shit is becoming unavoidable for new appliances. Your washing machine will likely depend on Internet and connect to a server that tracks your usage.
For the past 20 years or so they already have kill switches where they refuse to function if an error occurs. The manufacturer conceals from consumers the procedure to reverse the kill switch. So even if you can fix your machine, you can’t.
The fix:
Stop supporting the motherfuckers. When your machine breaks down, try to fix it. If you fix it mechanically but the kill switch blocks you from starting it again, don’t repeat the same stupid decision to buy a new one.
Instead, wash your clothes by hand until you find a dumped machine. Then fix the dumped machine, if you can. If it has a spinning drum, give it a hand spin and make sure the ball bearings are good before going further because they have made those irreplacable in recent decades. Repeat as needed.
If you’re just starting out and have not had a machine previously, don’t make the stupid decision of buying a machine that is made to exploit you. Look for a dumped one and own that shit.
Hand-washing isn’t as bad as bending over and and helping the predatory motherfuckers eat your soul. If you want easier hand-washing, buy a washboard from Ohio (USA); those probably never break down. Or this repairable machine from India \url{www.thewashingmachineproject.org}.
“But my addiction to convenience is too overbearing - I must buy”
Try this before you do that:
- Find the model you would normally buy.
- Write to the manufacturer and falsely state that you have that model and ask for the service manual (not the user manual), and ask for the software reset procedure. Or call them but be ready to give them a fake story of breakage to legitimise your request.
- Watch as the mfr ignores you, evades, or tells you to fuck off and buy a new machine.
You will not get the svc manual from the manufacturer. Still feel like buying it after knowing how they treat customers after they think you bought their product?