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Decided to wash clothes, loaded the drum, but the modes on the panel do not switch? This may indicate a serious breakdown in the washing machine. The reasons are both wear of parts and external factors.
How to independently determine why the washing machine does not switch washing modes? What to do to troubleshoot? You will find answers to these questions in the article.
Why the washing machine does not turn on the wash mode
If the selected washing mode does not work, try another program. Also try to run the “Rinse” and “Spin” mode.
If the CMA does not include them, then the problem is in the malfunction of the parts. If the spin or rinse works, then pump failure and problems in the drain system can be ruled out.
It’s good if the washer shows an error code on the display: then you will quickly figure out why not a single mode starts. But such luck is rare. For example, in automatic machines from the manufacturer Indesit, with such a malfunction, no error is generated. What to do?
- Check the heating element (heater). You can understand that the heating element does not heat water without disassembling the case – put your palm on the glass of the hatch. This should be done 15 minutes after the start of the wash. If the hatch is cold, it means that the water has not heated up, which indicates problems with the heater.
- A more serious problem is the breakdown of the electronic module, the “brain” of the machine. Its replacement is not cheap, and repairs are possible only in a service center. If the module is faulty, then the mode will not be selected and the washer will not start.
How to deal with such problems?
Washing programs work intermittently and go astray
If you encounter these malfunctions, use our tips to carry out repairs yourself.
Checking and replacing the heating element
How does the heating element affect the fact that the washing mode is violated or does not work? A temperature sensor is located in the heater body, which measures the temperature of the water – each mode requires its own. When the water reaches the optimum level, the thermistor sends a signal to the control board, which turns off the heating element.
If washing takes place in cold water, then the sensor does not work, and the process can last indefinitely without switching.
To correct the situation, you need to check the heating element and replace if necessary.
If you have a Samsung, Bosch or LG car, then the heating element is located in front of the case. If you use Indesit, Ariston, Virpul washers, you need to look for the element in the back.
If you have a Samsung, Bosch or LG car, then the heating element is located in front of the case. If you use Indesit, Ariston, Virpul washers, you need to look for the element in the back.
- To remove the back cover, unscrew the screws around the perimeter. Sometimes this requires removing the top cover by unscrewing the two screws on the back.
- To dismantle the front, start with the detergent tray. Open it, press the latch in the center and pull it towards you.
- Unscrew the bolts behind the tray – usually there are two to three of them. Also remove the bolt on the other side of the control panel.
- Use a flathead screwdriver to pry off the plastic panel latches.
- The wires can not be disconnected by placing the panel on top of the CM case.
- Opening the hatch door, bend the edge of the sealing rubber. Pry off its clamp and remove. Fill the seal inside the tank.
- Unscrew the two bots of the UBL lock. Disconnect its wiring connectors.
- Remove the plinth panel from below. Unscrew all the screws at the top and bottom of the front panel, lift up and remove it from the case.
From below under the tank you will see the exits of the heating element. You can check the part with a multimeter in resistance measurement mode. Disconnect the heating element wiring and attach the tester probes to the contacts. If as a result it shows infinity, then the heater is faulty.
The cause of the breakdown could be scale, burnout of contacts when closed. In any case, you need to replace the element. To do this, buy a new part that exactly matches the model of your car.
- Loosen the central bolt of the heater by unscrewing it with a screwdriver not completely.
- Push the bolt inward, pry the edges of the heating element and pull it out.
- Remove the temperature sensor from the heater housing. If it is working, it must be installed on a new part.
Installation takes place in the reverse order.
Checking and replacing the control unit
If the selected mode in the washing machine is lost or the mode switch jumps without your influence, then the cause of the malfunction is in the main module. Perhaps the SMA has completely stopped working.
Don’t delay repairs. You can inspect the board yourself, to do this, remove the control panel, as described above. Take a picture of all connectors and disconnect from the block.
To remove the board from the block, you need to open the plastic latches, use a flat screwdriver for this. Inspect the board – look for burnt elements. If most of it burned out, then the part cannot be repaired, only a replacement will be needed.
If in doubt, it is best to take the board to a service center to have it repaired. It will cost less than buying a new unit.
You can buy a new element in specialized stores. Be sure to check if the module is programmed. Otherwise, pay extra for its setup.
Now you know what to look for if you cannot switch the mode on the washing machine. Some breakdowns you can fix yourself.