Panasonic washing machine malfunctions – how to fix

Japanese washing machines Panasonic (Panasonic), despite the quality, are also prone to breakdowns. How to fix the problem yourself, read below.

If desired, the user can perform an independent repair of the washing machine. Moreover, the self-diagnosis system will facilitate your troubleshooting.

Typical breakdowns of SMA Panasonic

Despite popular belief, malfunctions in Panasonic washing machines do not occur due to low-quality parts. Often the cause of problems are such factors:

• Power surges in the network. Due to sudden voltage drops, the electronic components of the washer often fail. Contacts, wiring burn out, if the surge protector fails, the elements of the control board break.
• Incorrect operation of the SMA. Neglect of the instructions leads to frequent overloads of the machine, the use of a large amount of detergents, damage to the drum with small objects.
• Poor-quality, hard water affects the internal parts of the Panasonic washing machine. Its elements are overgrown with scale, which leads to breakage.

What problems the user may encounter during operation:

1. Blockages in the drain and intake system. If your machine does not drain well or does not draw water, the reason is clogged system elements. It can be filters, hoses, branch pipes. It is also possible that the pump is faulty.
2. Spin problems. Linen is wrung out of poor quality? There were problems with such parts: pump, pressure switch, engine, tachogenerator. If one of the components fails, the spin cycle either does not start at all, or runs very weakly.
3. Washing in cold water says he has a problem with the heating element, which is responsible for heating the water.
4. In case of problems with the drive belt, the washer drum stops rotating. The belt is probably worn, broken or stretched.
5. In the case of self-draining of water, the reason may be an incorrect connection of the SMA or a malfunction of the electronic module.
6. Water leakage occurs when the connections are depressurized or there is a problem with the parts.
7. The hatch door does not close or open after the end of the program. This happens as a result of wear of mechanical elements, a malfunction of the blocker or lock.

CMA Panasonic Trouble Codes

Knowing the error codes allows you to repair Panasonic washing machines with your own hands. Error codes specific to Panasonic NA-16VX1, Panasonic NA-14VX1 and other models:

Fault repair

In order to carry out an independent repair, follow our recommendations.

Eliminate blockages in the system

If you notice that water is not being drawn into the tank, follow these steps:

1. Turn the shut-off valve, it may be closed.
2. Check for water in the plumbing.
3. Check the inlet hose. Maybe he twisted, leaned over – this interferes with the passage of water. Unscrew the hose and rinse under the pressure of water from the tap.
4. At the junction of the hose with the washer there is a mesh filter. Take it out and clean it.

If the waste water does not drain after washing, it is necessary to check the following components of the Panasonic washing machine:

We solve the problem with spinning

If the washing machine refuses to wring out the laundry, do not panic, take the available measures:

• Check if the mode is correct. The No Spin program may have been installed by mistake. Change the mode to the desired position. The same applies to the spin speed: if it is too low, the laundry will still be wet at the exit.
• Spinning may also not work due to clogging, because the water does not go anywhere. The drain pump is checked.

The cause of the malfunction may be a breakdown of the electric motor or its tachogenerator.

• After disconnecting the machine from the mains, remove the rear panel by unscrewing the fastening screws.
• Below, under the tank is the washing machine engine.
• Disconnect the connectors leading to the motor.
• Loosen the fastening screws.

Take out the motor and inspect it. Check tachometer. In the event of a malfunction, you need to replace the element – installing a new motor takes place in the reverse order.

After removing the back cover, additionally check the drive belt. If it is damaged or worn, it is best to replace it immediately.

Replacing the drive belt takes place in the following sequence:

1. Put the belt on the motor pulley immediately.
2. Then gradually move to the drum pulley, rotating it at the same time.

As you can see, you can repair the malfunction yourself.

Restoring hot water

When washing takes place in cold water, this is noticeable by the unpleasant smell from things, the stains remaining on them. How to check the lack of heating at home:

• Start washing.
• 15-20 minutes after the start of the cycle, place your palm on the hatch glass.
• When the water is heated, the glass will be warm.

If the glass is cold, the heating element is probably out of order. To replace the heater, you will need to remove the front housing of the Panasonic washing machine. There is nothing complicated in this work, everything can be done by hand:

1. Disconnect the SMA from the network and communications.
2. Remove the top panel by unscrewing the bolts at the back.
3. Pull out the dispenser tray.
4. Unscrew the screws securing the control panel, remove it.
5. Open the hatch door by bending the rubber cuff, remove the metal clamp.
6. Tuck the cuff inside the tank.
7. Disconnect the wires of the locking device.
8. Remove the bottom cover.
9. Remove all screws that secure the front panel.
10. Removing the panel, under the tank you will see a heating element.
11. Disconnect all wires immediately.
12. After loosening the central nut, push the bolt inward.
13. Take out the heater.

Replace element in reverse order. Video on the topic will help you:

Replacing the door lock

Sometimes users are faced with the problem of a loosely closed door, sometimes the hatch is completely impossible to close. Washing in this case does not start.

What to do? Do your own repairs:

• To replace the lock (UBL) of the door, open the hatch.
• Loosen the screws securing the lock.
• Having unfolded the cuff, pry the outer collar and remove it from the machine.
• Pushing the cuff to the side, remove the locking device.
• Unclip the wire harnesses. You can immediately rearrange the wires to a new device.

Also check the serviceability of the door handle, the stability of the side hinges. All this can lead to problems with locking the hatch.

How to replace the mechanical elements of the door, see the video: