I have a washing machine motor that, although relatively new, no longer
works. I believe it's a "capacitor start motor"(*). I've
- disconnected it from the washing machine
- tested resistance across wires (there are five).
- found current flows freely between all wires.

I don't know much about electric motors, especially AC ones, but I
understand there should be two separate coils with the capacitor
providing a phase-shift. But if current flows freely between the two
coils then it's bad news - it would seem the coils have melted and
shorted. Basically, it's good for the bin.

Is this the only possible explanation?


* The casing says "asynchronous monophase" but according to wikipedia
there should be a centrifugal switch but I couldn't find it - could it
be a different type of motor? Could that explain the short circuits?