When our equipment such as a washing machine breaks down, we are certainly upset. Our head is filled with thoughts about expensive repairs and, perhaps, about buying a new washing machine. And the first step in solving this problem, in our understanding, is to call a technician who can diagnose it and carry out work to fix the breakdown. From this article you will learn what error F4 means in the Atlant washing machine.
Possible causes of malfunction of the Atlant washing machine
But, as a rule, modern washing machines themselves are ready to report the cause of their breakdown. And if an error occurs on the indicator of your Atlant washing machine, then, knowing its code, you can independently begin to diagnose it and subsequently repair it. Error F4 in the Atlant washing machine indicates that the drainage system is faulty. Possible reasons for this error to appear include:
- The drain system is clogged: drain filter or drain hose;
- Electrical or mechanical failure of the pump;
- Malfunction of the electronic control module;
- There is no communication between the pump and the control module due to a defect in the wires.
How to repair an Atlant washing machine yourself
Let's start simple
Experienced technicians recommend starting inspection, troubleshooting and troubleshooting with the simplest, because in 99% of cases the cause of the malfunction “lies on the surface.” Before starting work, make sure that you have the appropriate qualifications and, first of all, take care of your safety.
First, unplug your device from the power supply and check the condition of the drain hose. It may be bent, disconnected, or clogged. If so, return the hose to the correct position, remove foreign bodies, or reconnect it.
At the same time, check if your drain filter, which is located in the lower right part of your device, is not clogged, and you will see it if you open the special small door. Unscrew and rinse the filter, removing foreign objects from it. and then replace the filter. Do not forget to place a special container for water before starting work.
Also check the drain coupling. Its purpose is to fix the connection of the water supply to the washing machine. If foreign bodies or defects are found on the coupling, it should be cleaned or replaced with a new one.
From simple to complex
If after these steps error F4 does not disappear, or the reason was not in the drain hose, then proceed to diagnose the washing machine itself: drain, and then pull out your device to a place convenient for you and turn it over on its left side.
To carry out the work you will need:
- Voltage tester;
- Screwdriver Set;
- Pliers.
Checking connecting wires
Before diagnosing and replacing the pump, make sure that the connecting wires between the pump and the electronic module are intact.Visually inspect them for breaks, and, if necessary, check their integrity with a tester.
Dismantling and diagnostics of the drain pump
Once you are sure that the wires are intact, dismantle the drain pump. To do this, you will need a Phillips screwdriver, with which you need to unscrew 3 screws and remove the pump from the washing machine. Before replacing the pump, make sure that the operation of its blades is not interfered with by foreign bodies and, if necessary, remove them from it.
If removing foreign bodies from the pump does not help, and you are convinced that nothing is interfering with the operation of the blades, then this most likely indicates an electrical malfunction of the pump and it will need to be replaced. But make sure it is working properly by diagnosing it. To diagnose the drain pump, you will need a multimeter. Switch your device to resistance measurement (“continuity test”) and use the tester probes to “stand” on the pump terminals. If resistance values appear on the screen of your device, then it is working. If not, the sump pump will need to be replaced. So don't rush to replace the drain pump without checking it. When selecting a pump, please contact the original manufacturer. The Atlant washing machine is equipped with a pump of the Askoll series.
Electronic control module
If you have performed all of the above actions, including diagnosing the pump, but error F4 still intrusively lights up on the indicator of your washing mashine, then the problem is in the control module, which is its “brain”.
We note that its breakdown does not occur so often, but if it does happen, then most likely you will need to replace your electronic module, since diagnosing and repairing it is far from easy.You will need not only a soldering iron and soldering tools, but also various electronic components. For example, the cause of frequent malfunctions of the electronic unit are faulty triacs and triacs. Various elements of the board are checked by “diagnosis” with your tester, and also, first of all, by you visually.
If you are a radio amateur or your activity is directly related to electronics, then you can test your strength by finding a description and schematic diagrams of boards that can be installed in the Atlant washing machine: 5521xx, 5522xx, 5523xx. But the best option is to replace the faulty control module with a new one.
How to avoid breakdowns in the future
But first of all, I would like to note that any breakdown can be prevented by your careful attitude to the equipment. If you follow the basic requirements for operating your device, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of it breaking:
- Do not allow foreign objects to get into the machine drum, as they may interfere with the drain;
- Use only high-quality laundry detergents and add them in the right quantities;
- Carry out periodic inspections and, if necessary, maintenance at a service center.
- Connect your device only to working outlets with a voltage of 220 volts.
