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If you notice a malfunction in the automatic machine – it does not heat the water – it is likely that the heater has failed. A heater malfunction can be caused by several factors, which we will consider in this article.
You will also learn how to replace the heating element in the washing machine with your own hands.
Causes and symptoms of a heating element malfunction
How can you understand that the cause of the breakdown is in the heater? You can assume a breakdown by external signs:
- There is no water heating.
- Some CMA models stop working in the middle of washing.
- The linen is poorly washed, a musty smell is felt.
- The CM displays an error code.
Before removing the heating element from the washing machine, check the following:
- Is there really no hot water? After all, depending on the selected mode, washing can take place in cold water. So, when you start the “Delicate Wash” program, the water temperature is only 30 degrees. If you make sure that the temperature is set to high, then 15 minutes after the start of the program, put your hand on the hatch. If it is warm, the water is heated.
- Is the washing machine connected correctly? It happens that if the hoses are connected incorrectly, the water, not having time to collect, immediately drains. As a result, the heater simply does not have time to heat up.
For what reasons it may be necessary to replace the heater coil in the washing machine:
- A short circuit has occurred. As a result of a short circuit, the contacts of the element burn out, so it loses communication with the control unit. You will need to replace the wiring or remove and install a new heating element.
- The reason is the scum. This is enemy number one for all washing machine elements. Why is scale dangerous? Collecting in large quantities on the heater, it prevents the element from giving off heat, which leads to overheating and breakage. The temperature sensor that measures the temperature of water heating may also fail. To make sure that there is scale, you need to know how to pull out and remove the heating element from the machine.
Where is the heater
To understand where the heating element is located in your washing machine, you need to inspect it. Usually, if the back cover is quite large, then the heating element is located there.
Keep in mind that for brands such as Indesit, Ariston, Electrolux, Kandy, the heater is at the back. For BOSH, Samsung and LG washing machines, the heater is located behind the front cover.
If you are unsure of the location of the part, first remove the back panel as it is the easiest to unscrew. Now proceed to dismantle the heating element of the washing machine.
The progress of work on replacing the heating element in the washing machine
Disconnecting the washer from power and communications, you need to move it away from the wall. Then do it like this:
- In SMA with the location of the heating element at the back, unscrew the bolts around the perimeter of the rear panel. Leave her alone. Below the tank you will see a heater.
- To get to the element from the front, you need to pull out the detergent tray. Unscrew the control panel screws and unfasten the latches. Now remove the plinth panel and drain the water from the drain filter. After opening the hatch door, remove the collar of the cuff and fill it inside the tank. After unscrewing the screws at the top and bottom, remove the panel to the side. The heating element is under the tank.
Before changing the heater, it is necessary to check it. This can be done without removing the element from its place. You will need a tester configured in Ohmmeter mode. Do this:
- Disconnect all wiring connectors from the heater.
- Connect tester probes to heater contacts.
- Measure the resistance: indicators equal to 20-30 ohms are considered the norm.
To remove the heater from the machine, loosen the nut on the center bolt and push it into the tank. Prying off the edges with a screwdriver, pull out the element.
Now about how to insert and connect the heating element in the washing machine: take a new heater, insert it into the socket, tighten the nut and connect the wiring.
It remains to assemble the machine and run it for testing.
Knowing how to replace and install a heating element in a washing machine, you can easily handle the repair yourself. Video on the topic will help you: