A modern automatic washing machine is a device designed to make life easier for a person, so it is not surprising that its slightest malfunction in the eyes of the owners looks like a disaster. Do not get upset in advance. A program failure in a washing machine is not a reason to panic, but a call for immediate action.
Common failures and their manifestations
Since the washing machine has a complex structure, the washing program can go wrong due to the failure of a variety of parts and mechanisms. In this case, the cause of the problem can be damage to both electronic components and actuators. Most often, failures occur in the event of:
- a surge or a sharp drop in voltage;
- failure of the control module;
- incorrect operation of one or more sensors;
- breakdown or clogging of drain parts;
- wear of the electric motor brushes;
- problems with the heating element.
A failure can manifest itself in different ways. The washing machine may "freeze" and not respond to user actions. Sometimes it seems that the washing is going normally, but the program execution time is delayed, occasionally it suddenly breaks off at one of the stages.
The machine takes too long to wash
This is one of the most common failures. It is typical for models from most famous manufacturers, such as: Electrolux, Siemens, Bosch. If time passes and the status of the indicators does not change, the washing program may have gone wrong. In this case, you should not immediately disconnect the device from the network and start the wash again; you need to observe at which stage the failure occurred and identify the problem.
The reason for “freezing” at the water intake stage may be low pressure in the system, a clogged hose or a broken inlet valve. In the case of new models from well-known manufacturers, this situation will be accompanied by the appearance of an error code on the display.
Stopping during the drain after the main wash could indicate a blockage in the drain or a clog in the drain hose. If the noise of water being drained is clearly audible, but at the same time it is entering the tank, the problem is in the pressure switch, which cannot determine the level in the tank. Sometimes the reason for this situation lies in the control module.
How to stop washing
The first thing to do if there is a failure in the washing algorithm is to stop the program.The option of pulling the plug from the socket should only be considered as a last resort. We must not forget that after switching off, the hatch lock will be removed, but the water will remain in the drum and if it is opened, it will spill out onto the floor.
You need to stop the washing machine correctly. To find out how this is done, you should look at the instructions for your specific model. In most washing machines produced Samsung, Ariston, Indesit and others, to reset, just press and hold the “Start” button. Sometimes the Pause button is used for this.
Running the diagnostic program
Modern household appliances of famous brands, in particular any new model of Indesit washing machine, has a built-in self-diagnosis program. In this mode, the control module queries all components and assemblies of the washing machine and displays an error message. This method may not always answer the question of why a failure occurs, but it is worth using.
How to enter this mode is described in detail in the instructions; the procedure directly depends on the manufacturer and brand of the device. For example, in modern Samsung models, to do this you need to hold down the “Rinse” and “Temperature” buttons and turn on the power.
Typically, testing is completed quickly. If problems are detected during operation, an error code will be displayed. All that remains is to decipher it and make a decision on further repairs.
Causes of common failures and their elimination
A failure of the washing program, in which the device freezes or stops for a long time at some stage of operation, is a reason to start repairs, but before taking decisive action, you should reset the device. To do this, you need to stop the washing machine (if possible correctly), then completely turn off the power for a while.
Drain system
Often the washing program fails when The washing machine is trying to drain water. The main wash stage has ended, the sound of the pump running is clearly audible, but the water does not drain out. Automation cannot determine the reason, which is the cause of the failure.
A problem with a drain not working can be caused by a clogged hose or a blockage in the drain, but most often the cause is the drain filter. It catches threads and small items of clothing that have come off during washing. The filter needs to be cleaned.
This part is located at the bottom of the washing machine behind the decorative panel, but you do not need to unscrew it immediately; you must first remove the water from the tank. Modern Bosch and Siemens models provide an emergency drain hose for this purpose.
After complete removal of water, unscrew the filter itself. In this case, it is worth stocking up on rags and preparing a container to collect the water that remains in the pipe and drain pump.
Heater
Failure of the heating element This is one of the common problems with washing machines Electrolux, Zanussi, Indesit and others. In the case of hard water in the system, salts settle on it, preventing normal heating. The control module gives the command to heat the water and detects the heating element, but the temperature in the tank rises too slowly. Often this situation is accompanied by a message about the impossibility of heating water.
To fix the problem, you will have to partially disassemble the washing machine. The algorithm for checking and replacing the heater varies noticeably; before starting work, you should carefully study the instructions and watch a video on the topic.
Often software failures occur not due to the failure of the heater, but due to a thick layer of scale that covers its surface. To avoid such a situation, you need to pay attention to the maintenance of the washing machine and regularly use cleaning products.
Engine problems
Another possible cause of software failures is the electric motor. This is often a reliable part; in LG models its service life is much longer than the service life of the washing machine itself, but breakdowns do occur. This applies to a greater extent to commutator motors; their weak link is the brushes. They are erased, contact with the armature windings disappears. As the brushes wear out, the engine begins to operate unstably, and the sensor that controls it cannot maintain the proper speed.
Control module and wiring
The most important part of a modern washing machine is control module board. Essentially, it is a small computer that controls all components and assemblies of the machine, controlling the washing process. Failures caused by damage to circuit elements are the most difficult failures of a washing machine.
In most models, the board is located at the top of the machine, sometimes in a sealed case, but before proceeding to its dismantling and inspection, it is worth checking the integrity of the wiring and the condition of the contact pads. We must not forget that the washing machine operates in conditions of high humidity; oxides form on the detachable parts, preventing normal contact.
In addition to moisture, the enemy of wiring is vibration. Most well-known manufacturers, for example, Atlant, Bosch, Zanussi, do not skimp on details, but there are models in which the wire is cut end-to-end. This is a problem, strong vibration leads to damage to the wires, and the pads often disconnect spontaneously.
Testing the wiring is not a problem; a multimeter is enough for this. Check all wires and replace if a break is found. Next we move on to the control module board. You need to remove it and disconnect all the wires going to it. Inspect. Particular attention should be paid to the following:
- loose terminals;
- traces of melting on circuit parts;
- mechanical damage to the board;
- frayed wires and tracks;
- darkening of the textolite.
All this can cause a failure.Diagnosing the control module of a washing machine is a complex job that requires knowledge and skills. The parts are mounted on a multilayer board, and one wrong move can destroy it. The best solution to the problem at home is to replace the entire module.
Failures in the operation of a quality washing machine program rarely happen. You should not worry too much about them, just as you should not ignore the problem. Even if restarting the wash is successful, constant malfunctions in the machine can be a symptom of a serious accident. You need to look for the cause of the failure and eliminate it. similar entries from this section
