DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

We have a Zanussi washing machine which is about 6 years old. It has recently decided to 'play up'.Sometimes it will not come on whatever programme is selected though the power light on the machine is on. Yesterday it filled with water then stopped. Eventually got it to drain after leaving it for a while and trying the controls a few times, then selected wash programme again but would not start, power light still on. After much control turning and leaving it for a while, more than once, it started and finished the cycle ok. Wife much stressed as we had just returned from hols with loads of washing!
I suspect the main control unit, if it is that are they expensive to replace? Could anything else be causing the problem? Any advice welcome.