Diagnostics of washing machines for malfunctions

Today, a washing machine in the house is as much a necessity as a bed or a chair. Few people refuse such technology. But if a breakdown occurs, then you have to call the master, who must be well versed in technology and make high-quality repairs. But situations are different, even if you call the master, he may incorrectly determine the breakdown or deceive you, inclining you to costly repairs.

Therefore, it is best to start diagnosing the washing machine with your own hands. Luckily, today washing machines are equipped with self-diagnosis systems like, for example, LG washing machines have a Smart Diagnosis system that allows you to determine a breakdown without any additional knowledge. But even if your washing machine does not have such a system, you can still diagnose it yourself.

If your washer gives any error, or you notice a malfunction in its operation, you can read about washing machine malfunctions in the relevant section of our website. Here we will analyze them all and tell you how to diagnose common breakdowns and fix them.

Washing machine does not turn on

This is one of the most common problems that you can encounter while operating a washing machine, fortunately, the cause can be not only a breakdown. Below we list all the possible reasons for when the washing machine does not work after turning it on.

• No electricity - check if there is an electric current in the outlet, the machine or RCD may have been knocked out, or the outlet itself or the wire of the washing machine has broken.
• Broken power or start button - this can also be, perhaps the power button is oxidized or completely broken.
• Sunroof not closed or locked – check if the laundry loading hatch is closed, if it is closed, then the problem may be with the blocking of the hatch. The hatch lock may also be broken.
• Noise filter defective - on washing machines, a noise filter is installed immediately after the power cord, which, if it fails, prevents electricity from passing further. Check it out.
• Broken electronic control module - this is the “brain” of the washing machine, which can also fail, if it is he who is broken, then you cannot do without calling the master.

Washing machine drum not turning

Here we will analyze all the situations when there are problems with the rotation of the washing machine drum. This can be either a breakdown of the engine itself or other parts of the washer.

The motor does not rotate and does not make any sounds

• Motor failure - if you do not even hear the sound of the engine and the drum does not rotate, then the reason may be that the engine itself has burned out. For motor checks ring its windings for integrity.
• Broken heater - the second reason for this situation can be a breakdown of the heating element, if the heating element is out of order, the machine may not start the wash and give a corresponding error on the display.
• Problem with the control module - as we have already said, the control module is responsible for performing all functions in the washing machine. If it is out of order, then you need to call the repairman.

Engine does not turn but hums

There may also be several reasons for this:

• Foreign object between tank and drum - often, before washing, we forget to pull out change and other items from the pockets of clothes, which then fall into the washing machine. These items can get stuck in the washer between the drum and tub, causing the drum to jam. To eliminate the malfunction, you need to remove the heating element and pull out foreign objects through the hole in it.
• The electric motor broke - perhaps the problem is in the motor itself, or rather in its windings. Part of the windings may not be working, and the motor does not have enough power to start rotating.
• Worn motor brushes - This is a fairly common and typical situation. Brushes wear out over time and need to be replaced.
• Stuck drum bearings - this situation is possible if your bearings are worn out and you did not replace them on time. If so, then you will have a serious repair with a complete disassembly of the washing machine.
• Control module failure - if the electronic module is out of order, then it can either be reflashed or replaced. But this business should be entrusted to professionals.

The motor is spinning and the drum is standing still

• Drive Belt Problems - if your washing machine is not with a direct drive, then it is likely that your belt has fallen off, loosened or broken. In order to find out for sure, it is necessary to remove the back wall and check the integrity of the belt. If he flew off, then you need to dress him in place.
• Foreign object between tank and drum - if a foreign object got into the space between the tank and the drum, then it could jam the latter. In this case, the engine rotates, but the belt slips. Most often you will hear the characteristic whistle of the belt.
• Pulley unscrewed - the pulley is attached to the drum and connected by a belt to the engine. It is possible that the pulley mount is completely unscrewed, and it rotates, but does not rotate the drum itself.

The motor only rotates the drum in one direction.

There may be a reason only in the control module of the washing machine, which is responsible for the direction of rotation of the engine. Some models of washing machines also have motor rotation control boards, which can be the cause of this problem. In any of these cases, you need to contact a specialist.

Drum is spinning too fast or too slow

Here we will analyze a question that is not related to spinning. You can read below about diagnosing a malfunction of a washing machine when the spin cycle does not work.

• Loose drive belt - when this belt is loosened, it begins to slip and idle, while the drum may either not rotate or rotate at low speed and not gain the necessary speed. Remove the back cover and replace the belt with a new one.
• Engine brushes worn out - if the motor brushes are worn out, then their contact with the collector is broken, which leads to a loss of power of the engine itself.You need to replace them with new ones.
• Faulty motor winding - if one or two windings on the motor burn out, then it will still continue to rotate, only with a large loss of power. In this case, the drum will not be able to rotate quickly. Here it is necessary to check the engine for integrity and replace if necessary.
• Problems with the tachometer - a tachogenerator is installed on the engine, which measures the number of revolutions of the motor. If the signal from it is incorrect, then the engine speed may “jump”. Most often, the reason lies in the fastening of the tachometer. You need check the tachometer for operabilityand also check its fastening.
• Control module failure - the control module may fail and begin to incorrectly “set” the drum rotation speed. Contact a washing machine repair service.

Washing machine does not spin laundry

We have already written detailed instructions on what to do if washing machine stopped spinning clothes. Here we will also describe the diagnostic principle of millet and the possible causes of this problem.

• Spin off – you may have activated a washing program that does not spin the laundry. It is also possible that a separate spin off function is activated. A rare reason when the spin off button is broken.
• Machine overloaded or unbalanced – if the washing machine does not have unbalance and overload control, and you have put too much laundry on it or it has piled up. Then the machine simply will not be able to spin the drum to the desired speed. Distribute the laundry evenly or wring out in parts.
• Worn belt - if the drum drive belt is worn out, then under load it begins to slip and the drum cannot spin.You will need to replace the belt.
• Engine problems – the motor brushes may be worn out, or the motor windings are faulty. Because of this, the motor power is lost, and it cannot spin the drum during the spin cycle.
• Water does not drain - perhaps for some reason, which we will discuss below, the water does not leave the washing machine, and therefore there is no spinning.
• Broken control module - this part, if broken, can cause this problem. It can be replaced or reflashed.

The machine does not drain the water or the water drains by gravity

If the machine does not drain the water, then the problems may be as follows:

• Clogged water drain filter – it is possible that small parts or hair got into the pump. In order to clean it, unscrew the drain filter and clean out all the debris from there.
• Clogged drain hose or water drain pipe - a blockage could occur in the drain hose or in the pipe that is connected to the pump. To clean the nozzle, lay the machine on its side and remove the nozzle from the drain pump, then clean it. The drain hose may become clogged over time, in which case it can be replaced.
• Broken pump - if the drain pump is broken, then the water will also not leave the washing machine.In this case, the pump needs to be replaced.
• Sewer pipe or siphon clogged - to check this, disconnect the drain hose from the sewer and lower it into the tub or sink and run a test wash.
• Broken electronic module - if it is the module that has broken, then it is best to contact the specialists.

If the water from the washing machine leaves by gravity, then most likely the problem is with its incorrect connection to the sewer.Check that the height of the drain hose connection to the sewer is 50 cm from the floor. You can also use a siphon for a washing machine or a special anti-drain valve.

The machine overflows or underfills water

You can read a separate instruction on what to do in a situation where the machine takes on too much or too little water, here we will briefly describe the possible causes.

• Faulty pressure switch - This is a water level sensor in washing machines, which is responsible for determining the fullness of the tank and gives a signal to the control module. If it fails, then the washing machine “does not know” how much water is in the tank, so it can be either overfilled or underfilled.
• Faulty water supply valve - if the valve fails, then the water may flow without stopping, and the water may also flow too slowly. Check fill valve performance to rule out this possibility.
• Clogged mesh filter inlet valve - this filter is installed under the hose in the water supply valve. If it becomes clogged, the water will flow slowly. In order to clean it, unscrew the inlet hose, remove it and rinse it under strong water pressure.
• Poor pressure, or the water supply tap is not fully open - open the faucet in the sink and check the water pressure, also check whether the water supply tap to the washing machine is fully open.
• Electronic module defective - Another reason why the machine may not add or pour water into the tank. You need to call a washing machine repairman.

The machine makes noise and vibrates

It is not uncommon to find a situation where the washing machine starts to literally jump around the bathroom or vibrate. It also happens that washing machine hums when spinningstarts making strange noises during operation. This may be due to the following reasons, which you can diagnose yourself:

• Wrong installation of the washing machine - this is the most common reason that the machine vibrates during washing and especially spinning. Check to the machine is level.
• Transport bolts not loose - if you have just bought a washing machine and installed it, check that the transport bolts located on the back wall have been unscrewed. If they are not removed, then the machine will, in the truest sense of the word, jump, and will soon become unusable.
• Imbalance – check that the laundry is evenly distributed over the drum. If it lies in one lump, then vibrations are possible during the spin cycle.
• Worn bearings - if you hear a noise that occurs during the rotation of the drum, then it is likely that the bearings in your washing machine have worn out. In order to change them, you must completely disassemble the washing machine.
• Weakened counterweight - perhaps one of the counterweights that are mounted on the tank to make the structure heavier and dampen vibrations has relaxed, and it knocks during operation of the washer. Check counterweight mountings.
• Worn springs or shock absorbers - perhaps one of the springs on which the tank hangs has stretched or completely burst. It is also possible that the shock absorbers no longer perform their function and they have a lot of play. For such reasons, the tank begins to knock on the walls of the washing machine. Check and replace defective parts.
• Stretched drive belt - when the belt is stretched, the machine starts to "whistle", if you hear such a whistle, then the belt is probably stretched, and it's time to replace it.
• Loose fittings or housing - the reason is possible that the engine mounts are loosened, other parts and even the fastenings of the housing walls themselves can also be unscrewed. As a result, you will hear a knock and noise during washing. Check and tighten any loose bolts.

Washing machine door won't open

In a separate article you can read about what to do if washing machine door won't open, and here we will talk about it briefly.
Washing machines have an automatic hatch lock, which is activated as soon as you start the washing program and deactivated after the end of washing, after 1-2 minutes. Therefore, if you have just turned off the washing machine, then you must wait for the specified time, and then open the hatch.
Also, the door may be blocked if there is water left in the washing machine. If so, then read above what to do if the machine does not drain the water.

The machine is leaking

If a water leaking from washing machine, then there are two options: either the tightness is broken in one of the nodes, or the machine refills the water, and the water starts to flow through the top. Read a little more about water transfer.

The tightness can be broken in the following places:

• tank breakdown - the tank may crack during operation, in which case it needs to be replaced.
• Pipe connections broken – check all connections of branch pipes and hoses. Clamps should be everywhere and there should be no leaks anywhere.
• Drain pump snail broken - if the snail itself is broken, then it must be replaced with a new one.

The machine does not heat water

If you notice that your washing machine has stopped heating water, then one of the following reasons is most likely to blame:

• Burnt out heating element - The water heater can eventually fail and burn out. In order to be sure of this call the heating element and if it breaks, replace it with a new one.
• Thermal sensor broken - it is installed in the tank of the washing machine in order to monitor the temperature of the water. If it is broken, then the machine may not heat the water to the desired temperature or, on the contrary, overheat it. The sensor needs to be checked and replaced.

It is also not uncommon for the washing machine to heat the water for too long. Here the fault, as a rule, is the scale that forms on the heating element. Such scale can be removed with citric acid or other methods known to you. Also, a complete replacement of the heater would be an excellent option.