Today, household appliances firmly entered our lives. The apartment of modern people is filled with TVs, PCs, a vacuum, an air conditioner, a dozen kitchen appliances, etc. Of course, the washing machine takes a worthy place in this list.
Unfortunately, this complicated technique periodically breaks down. Of course, the warranty greatly simplifies this problem, but even it does not relieve from additional troubles, and, sometimes, from costs. But many problems are often caused by very simple reasons, the elimination of which does not require much effort and skill. In this case, most people can easily eliminate them on their own without the intervention of specialists. Of course, this requires the correct determination of the fault cause. Diagnostics solves this problem, but requires some skill. Therefore, even a simplified classification of the most common failures can be useful for diagnosis.
Of course, spinning is one of the main functions of a modern washing machine, reducing and simplifying the entire washing process. Of course, the lack or limitation of this mode significantly reduces the device functionality. The water in the tank and the wet laundry after end of last cycle indicative this problem.
Usually, it occurs due to insufficiently fast drum rotation, poor drainage due to a clogged filter, insufficient pump performance or failure of the electronic module.
The signs of this problem include:
– water in the tank after last cycle;
– increased noise level during draining;
– no water drain;
– wet clothes;
– increase in cycle time due to too slow draining;
– automatic reset mode;
– “Spin” button does not activate spin mode.
The reasons
1. Fault pump, clogged filter or drain hose.
Many users can check and, if necessary, replace the pump by yourself.
2. Pressure Switch fault.
A faulty water level sensor does not generate a signal for the electronic module. Accordingly, the control system does not fix the water in the tank and does not start draining it. Usually, pressure switch is located at the top of the washing machine.
2. Failure of the control module.
The control board contains triacs that form control commands for the actuator relay.
The failure of any of them, for example, due to a short circuit, blocks the supply of voltage and, accordingly, the execution of a certain function. But its diagnosis and replacement requires qualification.
3. Faulty motor.
Worn motor brushes or burnt wiring can limit its rotational speed. Accordingly, the washing machine does not provide the required centrifugal force in the spin mode.
4. Faulty Hall sensor or tachometer.
As known, the tachometer controls the rotation speed or rpm of the electric motor. Accordingly, its failure blocks the information to the control module, which limits the electric motor rotation speed to prevent its overload.
Primary diagnosis
Initially, it is necessary to check random factors, including cancellation of the spin mode, activation of the Child Lock or delicate wash mode.
In addition, some models do not support the imbalance control option when the laundry is unevenly distributed over the drum surface. In this case, the control system automatically stops the cycle to prevent dangerous vibrations at high speeds. Accordingly, the user must visually check the uniform distribution of the laundry in the drum.
Many modern models have a test cycle in standard mode to adjust the optimal rpm. It will also be useful in this situation.
If these actions did not help, the failure requires further diagnosis.
Wet clothes and water in the drum
This situation indicates a fault in the drain system. The check includes removing the pump filter and, if necessary, cleaning it. A small tray will eliminate the risk of water leaking onto the floor when removing the filter.
After this, you can visually check the impeller rotation on the pump in the spin or drain mode. A serviceable pump rotates it very quickly. Slow rotation or lack of it indicates a pump fault. Unfortunately, more accurate diagnosis requires removal of this node.
This algorithm includes:
– loosening the clamp on the pipe and its removal;
– disconnection of electrical wiring;
– removal, disassembly and cleaning the pump;
– reassembly and checking the impeller rotation.
The lack of a positive result indicates a failure of the pump and the need to replace it.
Testing the Pressure Switch includes:
– draining;
– unloading linen from the drum;
– removing the back of the washing machine;
– disconnecting the pipe of the pressure switch, which is usually located near the wall.
– checking and, if necessary, cleaning the pressure switch.
Of course, it must have clean contacts and serviceable wiring.
Its check requires only 10 cm hose, whose diameter coincides with the external diameter of the inlet socket. The user must strongly blow into the free end. Good sensor will generate clicks, the frequency of which depends on the air flow power. When using a multimeter, the resistance of a good sensor should also vary depending on the air flow. Otherwise, the device requires replacement.
Wet clothes, but the drum without water
This situation may indicate an electric motor fault. In this case, its insufficient power may not provide the required rotational speed for spinning the laundry. Diagnosis includes:
– remove the back panel, drive belt and electric motor;
– visual inspection of the motor brushes wear and, if necessary, their replacement. Their length must be at least 15 mm.
Usually, the service life of brushes reaches 5 years with an average intensity of work.
– visual inspection of the wiring;
– checking the motor winding with a multimeter.
Motor rotation speed
Electric motors of washing machines use Hall Sensor or Rotor Position Sensor or tachometer to control the rotational speed. In models with direct drive, the Hall sensor is located near the motor winding for better interaction with its magnetic field.
As known, the Hall effect uses the occurrence of a potential difference on the sides of a metal plate in a magnetic field under the influence of direct current on the plate.
Some models automatically control its serviceability. For example, Indesit models form an F02 error code when it breaks.
In the absence of this option, checking its serviceability requires a multimeter. The coil resistance of a good sensor usually varies for different models in the range of 60-70 Ω and it is constant with fixed rotor. Manual rotation of the motor shaft changes the resistance, which indicates its serviceability. Otherwise, it requires replacement. This video demonstrates testing the Hall sensor in LG models with direct drive.
