My hotpoint wma31 won't start, the program lights up when selected but the wash won't start. any ideas what could be the problem, it's a great machine otherwise and its never happened before. its also 13 yrs old i'm ashamed to say but like i said it's been very reliable up until now.

It's a good machine. Well done for keeping it that long. It sounds like maybe it thinks the door is still open. (What happens if you intentionally try to start the program with the door open - It the result exactly the same? If it is, then it's probably the door interlock sensor.

If this is the case then you may find that a couple of good slams of the door will free off anything taht is sticking. Otherwise, you may have to check to see if there is a wire off the sensor (They do fall off sometimes) or.. after 13 years, it may need a new door sensor