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What to do if the washing machine does not respond to pressing the button? In the article we will give step-by-step instructions, tell you whether it is possible to repair or replace the buttons with your own hands.
Washing machine electronics are the most vulnerable part. This applies to the control panel and buttons on it. The keys are constantly exposed to the user, powder, rinse aid gets on them, which leads to failure to work.
Causes and signs of breakage
How to determine the cause of the malfunction by external signs:
- The start button does not turn on. When pressed, the machine does not react in any way.
- Pressing the “Start” key causes the LED to light up, then nothing happens.
- When you select the “On / Off” button, all the lights start flashing.
Why buttons don’t work:
- A strong impact on the buttons leads to the fact that over time they sink.
- The cause of the breakdown may be a detergent that has got on the panel. As a result, the keys stick.
- The contacts leading from the electronic board to the buttons are broken.
Note! If, after purchasing and installing the washer, the power button does not work, the reason is a factory defect. Contact warranty service.
Most often, buttons that are subject to frequent impact break. These are the Start, Pause, program selection buttons. Also, the rotary selector fails.
Diagnostics of malfunctions, their elimination
Before looking for the cause of the malfunction, disconnect the machine from the network and communications. Start checking with the simplest element, which does not require disassembly of the machine.
Voltage problems
It happens that you try to start the washer, but nothing happens. It is not necessary to immediately contact the service, perhaps your electricity is turned off. In this case, you just need to wait for it to resume.
There are also power surges in the network itself. If the voltage level is too low or vice versa exceeds 220 volts, then the washing machine will not work. To check your guess, take a multimeter, set the toggle switch to voltage measurement mode. Attach one probe to the COM jack in the socket, the other to the VΩmA jack.
Keep in mind! Network problems can occur if your neighbors use high-powered equipment.
If you find problems in the network, then you will need the help of an electrician.
Extension cord defective
It is recommended to connect the washing machine directly to the mains. But if you use an extension cord, choose a quality device with overload protection.
Carefully inspect the wiring for burns or melted plastic. If outwardly everything is in order, connect another device (lamp, charger) through the extension cord and check its operation. If the device does not work, replace the adapter.
Hatch lock unlocked
If the door lock is not locked, the wash will not start because there is a risk of water leakage. Try to press the door tighter – if it does not come out, the lock may be broken. In this case, check the hole that the lock tongue enters. Maybe there was debris in there.
Also check the lock itself:
- Open the door.
- Unscrew the two bolts that secure the UBL lock.
- Bend the sealing rubber of the hatch and remove the clamp.
- Putting your hand behind the body, remove the lock and disconnect the wiring.
You can check the lock with a multimeter. We wrote more about this in previous articles. If there is a malfunction, then the part cannot be repaired, a complete replacement is needed.
Noise filter not working
Since the washing machine is a powerful device, an FPS filter is provided in its design, which dampens interference. Thanks to him, other appliances in the kitchen (TV, radio) do not interfere.
You can check if the filter works like this:
- Unplug the washer.
- Remove the two screws that secure the top cover.
- Slide it away from you and remove it from the case.
- You will notice a filter against the wall in the corner. It looks like this:
- Inspect the wiring and surface of the part. As a result of a power surge, the filter could swell, and the wires could melt, burn.
- After disconnecting the wiring and unscrewing the fastening screw, remove the filter from the housing.
- FPL contacts are called by a multimeter.
From the noise filter, the wiring leads directly to the “Start” key. Without closing the top cover, check the button contacts. If there is no external damage, ring two wires with a multimeter – phase and zero. To do this, turn on the button to understand whether it connects the contact or not.
Such a wiring device – from the filter to the “Start” key – is typical for early brands of washing machines. In modern models, the wiring leads directly to the control module. Therefore, the electronic unit is checked next.
Faulty control board
Checking the command apparatus is not an easy task. It’s best not to do this on your own. All elements and contacts of the board are checked with a multimeter in a certain order. Therefore, if there is a suspicion of its breakdown, contact the service center.
What to do if on the panel, except for the “On / Off” button, not a single key works? Are all the buttons broken? No. Most likely, “Protection from children” was installed.
Disconnecting the machine from the network will not help to remove the lock. It is necessary to simultaneously press the “Spin” and “Function” keys. Check that the lock is no longer displayed on the display.
What to do if the sensor does not work
If the touch buttons on the panel of Ariston, LG and other washing machines do not work, then they need a complete replacement. You can purchase the touch panel separately and install it in place of the old one.
Most often, sensors fail due to high humidity in the room or when liquid detergents get in. It is advisable not to install such equipment in the bathroom, since its electronics are very “delicate”.
Is it possible to replace the buttons of the washing machine with your own hands, or is it necessary to call the master? The answer is unambiguous – you can. Proceed in sequence:
- Before starting work, unplug the washing machine from the mains.
- You need to remove the dispenser tray. Pull it towards you while pressing the latch in the center.
- After removing the screws on the back, slide the top cover away from you and set it aside.
- Unscrew the screws that are located behind the dispenser tray.
- If there are screws on the other side of the panel, remove them.
- Unclip the plastic latches using a flathead screwdriver.
- Before you disconnect the wiring, take a picture of the location of the connectors. This way you can connect them correctly.
- After removing the panel from the case, you will see its components. This is the panel housing and the control unit, which is mounted on latches.
- Release the latches and set the control board aside.
- Now you can see the buttons.
- All keys and selector are removed with a simple push from the outside, so changing them is not difficult. The design is very simple, the buttons simply click on certain areas of the board. Therefore, the board is checked without fail.
After removing the old elements, start installing new ones. All you need is your hands and a screwdriver to do this. Then the electronic module is put in place, the latches are latched and the wiring is connected.
If during disassembly you find that debris, powder, gel got into the button connectors, try cleaning them and checking again. You may not need to purchase new parts.
Is it necessary to repair the control panel
Before fixing the panel, did you think: is it necessary to change all the elements because of one button? The question is which key is not functional.
- If the start button does not work, you will not be able to turn on the washing program – repair is required.
- The rotary selector does not work – it will not be possible to switch the program and wash certain types of things. And if the temperature toggle switch is broken, the quality of washing will drop sharply.
Of course, if a button that is rarely used or not used at all is faulty, then you can try to continue to operate the washer. However, this is dangerous. After all, the reason may be a malfunction of the module section or contacts. Therefore, it is recommended not to delay the repair.
In some cases, the self-diagnosis system of the washing machine may display a fault code on the display. For example, if a module fails. Then you need to find out the meaning of the code and take appropriate action.
Replacing the buttons on the panel is not difficult with your own hands. But when it comes to electronics, use the services of professionals.