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Where does the burning smell of a washing machine come from? The laundry is loaded and the program starts as usual, what is causing the bad smell? Such a problem cannot be ignored, it is urgent to disconnect the equipment from the network. After that, calmly start troubleshooting.
Why Does My Washing Machine Smell Burnt?
If your machine is connected through an RCD, then turn it off as well. First of all, check the outlet, it may have melted. Then it is better to contact an electrician. If the plug with the socket is in order, then exclude other causes. Not always the smell of burning indicates a malfunction, sometimes the matter is in the intricacies of operation:
- The new washer smells like burnt plastic when heated. This happens at first, when parts and elements heat up during washing. But if the technique is not new for a long time, then it is worth considering.
- When washing with a new powder or soap, it smelled of burning. Sometimes mothers wash baby clothes with soapy shavings or powder that is not suitable for the machine. Means can stick to the coil of the heating element, which leads to an unpleasant odor. Run the program at high temperature to get rid of buildup.
If nothing helps, then you have to look for a malfunction. SMA smokes with damaged wiring, contacts, electronic parts of equipment. Here are the main reasons that require the intervention of the master:
- The contacts of the noise filter or heating element are burnt.
- The tracks or contacts of the control board are burned out.
- Washer wiring shorted.
- The drive belt has frayed.
- Short circuit due to water on the motor.
- Drain pump overheating.
- Contamination of the heating element, the ingress of foreign objects on the spiral.
All these reasons require careful inspection, diagnostics and repair of equipment. You can independently inspect and find the place of the problem. But to repair or not – it’s up to you.
Washing machine repair
Attention! Independent intervention in the internal parts of the equipment and work with electrical contacts is dangerous. Therefore, without special knowledge, it is better not to take risks and contact the master. We will nevertheless describe the general sequence of actions so that you understand how to conduct a check.
Filter and heater wiring problems
The electrical contacts of the washer often suffer from high humidity and oxidation. The point is not only in the intake of water into the drum, but also in the place where the machine is installed. Condensation often collects in the bathroom, which settles on all surfaces. Also, the operation of electronics is affected by voltage drops in the network.
If the SMA smells burnt, inspect the line filter wires. It is located under the top cover of the case. Do this:
- Remove two screws from the back.
- Slide the cover forward, remove it from the case.
- There is a filter on the side wall.
- Inspect the wiring, contacts.
The presence of burns, black plaque indicates damage. Items need to be replaced. You also need to inspect the heater contacts:
- Remove the front or rear panel of the CMA.
- Under the tank are the conclusions of the heating element.
- Inspect them for damage.
To get rid of plaque on the spiral, which is in the drum, run a program with hot water and the addition of citric acid. If after that the smell of burning has gone again, then mechanical cleaning or replacement of the element is required.
CMA wiring damage
All electrical components of the machine are connected by wires that lead to the control module. So the block can control the operation of equipment, sending signals to its nodes to turn on and off. If the wires are shorted, their coating may melt, so the machine smokes and emits an unpleasant smell during operation.
It is necessary to inspect all contacts and connections that lead from one node to another. In case of damage, seek help from the master. The video from the user Repair BT shows another option for burns:
Drive belt failure
At the base of the tank is a bearing that can wear out over time. As a result, the pulley warps and the belt frays. When spinning at high speeds, the smell of burnt rubber is felt and black smoke comes out. In such cases, the bearing and belt need to be replaced.
To replace the drive belt:
- Unscrew the bolts around the perimeter and remove the back cover.
- Remove the old belt.
- Put the new one on the motor pulley immediately, and then, scrolling, on the drum pulley.
To replace the bearing, you will have to disassemble the SMA, remove the tank from the body and knock out the worn part from the seat. You can buy a set of oil seal and bearing in the parts store.
Engine damage
A cracked tank leads to leakage and moisture on the electric motor of the car. Then a short circuit occurs. In this state, the equipment cannot be operated, so you need to disassemble the case and troubleshoot.
Carefully inspect the washer tank. It could crack when hit by a foreign object. A small crack can be sealed, otherwise the tank will have to be replaced. Also inspect the engine and diagnose its performance. In the event of a malfunction, the replacement is carried out as follows:
- Behind the back cover under the tank is the motor.
- Disconnect the chips from the engine.
- Twist the mounting bolts.
- Swinging the knot back and forth, remove it from the body.
When a short circuit occurs, the motor winding often suffers, so repairs are unprofitable, it is better to completely replace it.
Pump malfunction
Non-stop operation of the pump leads to the smell of burning and damage to the unit. To replace the pump in the Electrolux and Zanussi washing machines, you will need to dismantle the back wall. For Siemens, Bosch, AEG models, it is necessary to disassemble the front panel, but in SMA Samsung, Whirlpool, Beko, Kandy, access opens through the bottom.
Next, do this:
- Prepare dry rags.
- Loosen the clamps, remove the drain hose and pipe from their places.
- Loosen the bolts or turn the pump counterclockwise.
If the electronic part of the pump breaks down, install a new spare part. The disassembly steps are shown in the video All about washing machines at the link:
Now you know what to do if the equipment breaks down. We recommend that you entrust electrical problems to a professional. But to inspect the components is quite within the power of an ordinary user.