You don't mention any model number, just say "older".... then I assume your washer has a mechanical dial/timer (those ones that move by themselves during the cycle).

Maybe it's just a programming mistake. I mean : if you select a very short cycle on the timer AND a very hot setting on the temp dial, the machine has not enough time to heat up to the target temp, expecially if your model is a cold-fill-only one (eg quick wash + 203°F is impossible to have).

On the contrary, maybe sometimes - in a hurry- you forget to set the temp dial on a hotter setting ?

Provided it is not a programming mistake, the culprit may be a loose connection due to vibration as long term effect.
Unplug the washer and tell hubby to open the rear of the machine and check the heater connectors that are on the lowest part of the outer tub.

Now *****if your husband is really aware of electricity hazards**** and knows how to use an electric test meter he could plug in the washer, run a very hot cycle and ***wait 10 mins*** and check the connectors with the meter if there are 220 Volts. If there AREN'T 220 V the culprit is NOT the heating element but may be a relay

If there are 220 V but there is no heating, unplug the washer and check the resistance on the two heater connectors. If the resistance is virtually infinite the element is broken and need to be replaced

Here is a link that might be useful: in this thread : how to get a new heating element

Naw, Hidrooman
The problem is intermittent. Earlier this day it did not heat for the first load of a sheet. But just now its heating on the second load.
Ive had this unit for quite a while now. I will admit I occ forget to change the knob to max heat. Plus I use the long cycle the most. so its not operator error.
It say type "Wm90 " and is mechanical. I know it has a longer number I would need to look it up
yes, iread that part 5 and 6 Asko thread previously.now your link is UK, right? would not that be more expensive than ordering from Asko itself??? I am in Kentucky
Thank you so much for answering. so appreciate it, Sir.
I will print this out for Hubby. He is very very handy. We have lots more time than money.
Thanks
Jean

Here's another option if your ASKO is as old as mine (early 90s?): The "controller" function is something that is coordinated by a gizmo that's sort of like an old player piano roll. It's a drum about the size of TP inner cardboard roll with a lot of protrusions. As it turns around its axis the little tabs connect with other little tabs to mechanically turn off this or that internal function, like spins, fills, pauses and heating segments. Mine became worn and started to misbehave on the counterclockwise drum rotation segments (wouldn't rotate just sat there until the it was programmed to reverse, when it did just fine.)

My DH stuck his little electrical testing meter prongs here and there and determined that it wasn't actually any of the individual motors, heaters, pumps, etc. Instead it was the central control mechanism where little tabs had broken or worn off and therefore didn't activate what they should at the correct points in the cycle.

This controller-roller thing is located in the top of the machine in the front left corner and was pretty easy to replace once we had the correct part. And once replaced all was well again in my world. I think it cost more than $50, but less than $125 for the part, so not too troubling. You just had to take off the back cover and winkle off the top (takes some doing, until you see how). Then there's your (possibly) defective controller right on top, ready to be fixed.

Since your heating problem is intermittent, I'd guess it's not the actual element, but something in the chain of its sensors or controls. That's why I'd check on the "controller".

You can tell if you have the same sort of mechanical system as mine this way: turn your selection dial to any cycle position (with door closed, of course), wait a minute then advance it forward (clockwise) to any other position. Do you hear a series of mechanical clicks and snaps? That's the roller thing catching up with the new point selected on the dial. If you hear that, you've got a mechanical machine, and probably one of these controlers like mine.

I'm sure my DH could help talk yours through a check or repair.

BTW, it is possible to operate the machine with top or back off (though with both off the spins are a bit wild!) If you have no children or pets that could get in, this a way to observe the cycle while running which can be informative, though noisy.

I'm rather skeptic ... don't think the timer is the actual culprit ( there were further odd behaviours), rather a connector that has gone loose because of vibration. This may explain the intermittent problem