Service center employees claim that failures of heating elements in washing machines occur most often. In this article, we will look at the causes of heater failure. You will understand what signs will help determine the problem of the heater, how to replace the heating element (heater) in the Bosch washing machine with your own hands.
Why does the heater break
Heating the water in the washer is very important, since in hot water things are washed efficiently and efficiently. But, unfortunately, the service life of the heater is 3-5 years.
There are several reasons why an element fails:
- Natural wear. The element constantly heats up and cools down, which shortens its service life.
- Scale. Raw water contains salt impurities that do not dissolve and settle on the surface of the heater. The thicker the scale layer, the more difficult it is for the heater to transfer heat. As a result, it overheats and burns out.
- Voltage fluctuations in the network can lead to a short circuit. It, in turn, leads to an open circuit of the heater, a breakdown on the body. Also, the reason that the element does not work may be the burning of the triac on the electronic board. The triac is responsible for the operation of the heater, therefore, if it malfunctions, the heating element does not receive a signal for action. Then you will need to replace or repair the heating element in the Bosch washing machine.
For long-term operation of the heating element, it is recommended to use emollients or install a water filter.
Symptoms of a malfunction
How can you identify the problem? Signs of failure of the heating element in washing machines Bosch Classixx 5, Bosch Maxx 4, Bosch Maxx 5 and other models may be the lack of water heating.
To check, place your palm on the hatch glass after 20 minutes from the start of washing. If it’s warm, it heats up; if it’s cold, it doesn’t.
Pay attention to linen after washing. In cold water, things are washed worse, they smell musty. It happens that the machine system itself signals a malfunction, shows the error code F19 on the display. Then the user knows exactly what to check.
Preparing for replacement
First of all, you need to purchase a new heater. You can do this by removing the heating element from the washing machine and going to the store with it, or pick up an element by the brand and model of the CMA.
It is necessary to determine where the heating element is located in the Bosch washing machine and what tools will be needed to replace it.
Some users are afraid to do the work themselves, since the Bosch SM heater is located behind the front panel. Therefore, you have to disassemble the front body of the machine.
Tools
You will need:
- end heads;
- flat and Phillips screwdrivers;
- multimeter to check the element.
Progress
Before removing the heating element from the Bosch washing machine, you need to remove the front panel:
- Unplug the machine.
- Remove the top cover by unscrewing the two screws on the back.
- With the panel aside, pull out the dispenser tray. To do this, click on the latch in the center.
- Behind the tray are three bolts that need to be unscrewed.
- Unscrew the additional bolt on the other side of the control panel and remove it upwards.
- Set the panel screws aside.
- Detach the bottom panel. You can use a flathead screwdriver if the panel is clip-on.
- Open the loading hatch, remove the clamp by bending the sealing collar.
- Tuck the cuff inside the drum.
- Loosen the last screws holding the door. Don’t forget the door lock bolts.
- Set the front panel aside.
You have now accessed the element. Let’s figure out how to change the heating element in the Bosch washing machine:
- the heater is located at the base of the drum;
- take a picture of the location of the wires so that you can connect them correctly later;
- open the connectors, remove the wires from the element;
- unscrew the nut of the central bolt, but not completely.
- push the bolt inward to wring out the gasket;
- prying the edges with a flat screwdriver, remove the heating element.
Now take the thermistor out of the old heater and install it in the new one. Lubricate the element seal with detergent, this will facilitate installation in the CM. Clean the seat from dirt and scale, install the heating element in place by connecting all the wires.
Our recommendations will help you do the work yourself if you are consistent in your actions.
Don’t forget about safety. Watching a video on the topic will help you: