Electronics are considered the most vulnerable part of a washing machine, so one day, the owners of the device may notice the fact that the washing machine buttons or the entire control panel do not work. And there is absolutely nothing surprising that in most cases it is the keys that require repair, because they are exposed to more than other elements or may get powder and rinse aid on them.
Causes of key failure
If one or more buttons on the washing machine do not work, you need to figure out the reasons for this condition, and only then proceed to repair work.
The most common reasons for the failure of the washing machine keys are the following:
- There are problems with electronics: there is no electricity in the home, the socket into which the machine is plugged in is faulty, there are damage to the wires or plugs. This kind of problem can be fixed on your own, but only with basic electrical knowledge.
- No liquid supply to the device. In this situation, the indicator lights on the control panel light up, but the machine cannot be controlled using the keys and switch.
- Pollution.If the control panel is heavily dirty, the buttons may not work; in this situation, you need to thoroughly clean the device, following the rules specified in the instructions for using the device. The main thing is to perform these steps with the machine completely switched off and de-energized.
- The door is poorly closed or the hatch locking device has become unusable. In this situation, even if you press the buttons, the machine will not start, as it warns the owners of the equipment against a possible flood. On smart machines, for example, from Indesit, an error code is always displayed.
In some situations, you can get rid of the existing problem by briefly disconnecting the washing machine from the electrical network, resetting the existing settings and restarting the program. If such actions do not give the desired result, then more detailed diagnostics will be required and, most likely, repair work will not be possible.
Repair work
Work to adjust all the buttons located on the control panel directly depends on the cause of the malfunction, as well as the actual keys that do not want to function.
Extension cord failure
Technical experts recommend connecting the washing machine directly to the electrical network. If this is not possible, then when purchasing an extension cord, it is recommended to opt for a device that is protected from overloads.
If, when using an extension cord, problems were noted with the operation of the buttons on the control panel of the washing machine, then you should immediately examine the wire for the presence of melted plastic and burnouts. When there are no external signs of failure, you should try connecting another electrical device through an extension cord.If the device does not function, the adapter should be replaced. This option will be much less financially expensive than replacing buttons or an entire control panel.
The hatch lock does not close
If the hatch lock is not locked, then not a single button on the washing machine will work, since there is a high probability of water leakage. In this situation, it is recommended to try to press the door harder; if there is no effect, then most likely the lock is broken. Next, it is recommended to examine the condition of the hole into which the lock tongue should fit. It is possible that debris got into the hole.
In addition, it is recommended to check the condition of the lock itself:
- the door opens;
- two bolts are unscrewed, with the help of which the UBL lock is secured;
- the sealing rubber of the hatch is bent and the clamp is removed;
- By putting your hand behind the body, you need to remove the lock and disconnect the wiring.
The serviceability of the lock can be checked with a multimeter. If a breakdown is detected, then trying to repair the lock yourself is useless; it will need to be completely replaced.
Power button repair
If power button doesn't work, then you need to remember that in old washing mashines the wiring from the noise filter goes directly to the “Start” button. Therefore, without closing the top cover, you should check all the contacts of the button. In the case where no problems were detected externally, it is recommended to use a multimeter to check two wires: phase and neutral. This activates the button because it needs to check whether it connects the pin.
If you have a modern model of a washing machine from Samsung or LG, the wiring is directed directly to the control module.Therefore, first of all you will need to check the electronic unit.
If it is still certain that the start button does not work and needs to be replaced, then the following actions are performed:
- The control unit of the machine is completely removed. Once the problem area is located, it will be quite easy to identify, since the damaged area will be dark.
- The broken part is replaced (most often it is a controller or capacitor). For this purpose, a small silicone window is cut out from the inside of the board and the burnt element is soldered off. At the same time, you should cut out the silicone on the other side so that you can bend the part. Now you can start soldering the new part. The area where repair work was carried out is covered with silicone to protect against moisture penetration.
- If the parts are in perfect order and after pressing the button, it simply sticks, then you need to clean the inside of the panel using napkins and a degreaser. Initially, the button and socket are wiped from the outside. Then the button is removed from the grooves, and the latches present on the button are released.
- The “Start” button is pulled towards itself, after which the key and the socket into which it is inserted are wiped. Then the control panel is reassembled in the reverse order.
- After assembling the panel, the functioning of the machine buttons is tested.
The machine does not respond at all to key presses
If only two keys “On” and “Off” function on the control panel, then there is a high probability that the “child lock” mode has automatically turned on. In this situation, it is not enough to simply disconnect the machine from the electrical network and then connect it again.You will need to simultaneously press buttons such as “Function” and “Spin”. After completing these manipulations, you should make sure that the lock no longer lights up on the display.
The sensor does not function
There are a number of modern washing machines that are equipped with touch buttons. If these keys stop working, they will need to be completely replaced. The only way to fix the machine is to buy a new control panel and place it in the old place.
If you have such machines, it is recommended to take measures to reduce the humidity in the room and protect the buttons from the effects of detergents, since it is these elements that most often cause the touch buttons to malfunction.
The need to repair the control panel
When repairing a control panel, the question often arises whether it is necessary to completely change the control panel or whether you can leave everything as is. The answer directly depends on the non-working key:
- If the start button does not function, then the owner of the machine will not have the opportunity to wash his things. In this situation, it is simply impossible to do without repair work.
- If the rotary toggle switch is not working, it will not be possible to switch the program and wash certain types of clothes. If the temperature switch is broken, the quality of the wash will decrease significantly. In such a situation, everything directly depends on the owner of the machine; if he does not wash delicate or overly dirty items, then repair work can be postponed.
In a number of situations, the machine’s self-diagnosis system displays a fault code on the screen. In this situation, you need to find out the meaning of the code and only then make a decision regarding repair work.
It is worth noting that problems with the operation of the washing machine buttons can also arise in the presence of electrical interference. All washing machines have an FPS filter installed, which muffles this interference, but if it malfunctions, it can also negatively affect the operation of the control panel, preventing the device from starting.
