Why is the washing machine motor not working?

Why is the washing machine motor not working? There may be several reasons – it depends on the type and structure of the electric motor. If you are faced with a similar situation at home, before calling the master, you can conduct an independent diagnosis.

How to get to the motor and fix the breakdown, read the article.

Types of engines and the causes of their failure

There are three types of motors used in washing machines. This:

• Asynchronous. It was used in old-style washing machines.
• Collector. Installed in all washing machines.
• Inverter. It is used only in the most modern models.

An inverter or direct drive motor is the most difficult to check due to the assembly features. A system with such a drive is equipped with self-diagnosis, which, in the event of a motor malfunction, will display an error code on the display. If this does not happen, then you can inspect the device yourself.

The structure of asynchronous and collector motors is similar. To check them, you will also need to disassemble the CM and pull out the motor. In the collector most often there are problems:

• With brushes. The soft graphite material wears off over time, especially if you’ve overloaded the machine frequently.
• with lamellas. Due to a short circuit in the network or overvoltage, the lamellas on the collector peel off.
• with windings. An interturn short circuit or open circuit could occur in the stator and rotor windings.

Therefore, if the engine on your car does not turn on, proceed to disassembly and inspection.

How to fix a breakdown with your own hands

Let’s start by disassembling the SMA and removing the motor from the case.

inverter type

Direct drive motors can be found on LG and Samsung CMA models.

You can independently remove the inverter motor for inspection, but it is impossible to repair it yourself if it is faulty.

• After disconnecting the machine from power, unscrew all the bolts around the perimeter of the rear panel.
• To remove the motor rotor, unscrew the screws securing the motor wiring.
• While holding the rotor stationary, remove the center bolt.
• After removing the rotor assembly, unscrew the bolts around the perimeter of the stator assembly.
• After removing the stator, disconnect its wiring.

Upon inspection, did you find burnt parts? Contact the service center. If you need to replace the motor winding, it will be easier to buy a new one.

collector type

This type is used in washing machines of the Indesit, Kandy, Samsung, Ariston, Veko, Electrolux brands.

To check the collector motor of the washing machine, you need to get close to it:

• After removing the back panel, under the tank you will find the engine.
• Note or photograph the location of the wiring and disconnect it from the motor.
• Unscrew the mounting bolts, remove the motor from the housing.

Brushes

The brushes rub against the rotor, so they wear out. Then contact is lost, and the motor circuit breaks. At the same time, the motor begins to lose power, work jerkily, then start, then stop.

If you notice sparking when connecting the motor to the network, this may indicate problems with the brushes or lamellas. We have described how to check the engine in previous articles.

• On the sides of the case you will find protruding elements – brushes.
• Unscrew their fastener and pull out of the case.
• If they are worn out, replace them in reverse order.

Even if one brush has worn out more than the other, both parts need to be replaced. Otherwise, it will lead to uneven impact on the rotor and problems in operation.

Lameli

During long-term operation, the brushes rub depressions in the lamellas of the collector. Also, the lamella may peel off because the rotor is shorted or jammed. You can understand this during a visual inspection. If burrs, irregularities are observed, the anchor is removed and installed on a lathe for turning.

The gaps between the lamellas are cleaned. To check them, ring the gaps with an ohmmeter. If the device shows a short circuit, then you need to clean it harder.

You can determine the malfunction of the lamellas by scrolling the rotor. A loud noise indicates a breakdown.

Подшипники

Motor bearing wear leads to friction between the stator and rotor. Inspect the rotor: if it has begun to wear out, it must be replaced along with the bearings. When spinning, the rotor will rotate unevenly, making scratching sounds.

To remove the bearing from the motor, you will need a special puller. Choose it depending on the size of the bearing. When installing the puller, focus on the inner ring.

To put the bearing on the shaft, you can heat it with a blowtorch. After cooling, it will clearly sit in place.

Windings

When the stator and rotor windings are shorted or broken, the motor loses power, hums, but does not turn. If the motor overheats and the thermostat activates, the washing machine will not work, the wash will not start.

The windings are checked with a multimeter – ring the wiring and lamellas. It is impossible to re-install the winding in case of a malfunction with your own hands. Therefore, it is easier to replace the CM engine.

Now you know what to check if the engine does not start. Operate the machine according to the instructions, then all its parts will last much longer.