Modern washing machines are equipped with an electronic timer, responsible for overseeing various internal circuits like those managing drainage and heating.
When troubleshooting a potential issue within one of these circuits, it is generally more practical to first inspect all the individual components within that circuit rather than attempting to prove that the problem originates from the control board.
For instance, in the drainage circuit, you should evaluate the functionality of the drain pump and its associated wiring. In the heating circuit, the assessment should encompass the heating element, thermostat, and the wiring associated with these components.
Should you still suspect that the issue persists within the control board, it’s important to note that verifying the condition of the board can be challenging, often necessitating its complete replacement.
In the upcoming video, we will explore several methods to assist you in diagnosing the issues you may be encountering with your washing machine.
What You Will Need
Switch Off Your Appliance
Safety should always be a priority. Ensure that you’ve turned off the power to your appliance at the main electrical source before commencing any repair work.
Modern appliances are equipped with safety features that cause them to automatically shut down when they detect a fault within the system.
This shutdown is typically accompanied by a specific fault code, which is presented on the machine’s front panel in the form of a combination of letters and lights or numerical codes.
It’s important to note that these fault codes may differ from one manufacturer to another. Therefore, an effective diagnostic approach can involve closely observing your machine to pinpoint the source of the problem, whether it’s within the drainage circuit or the heating circuit.
1. Turning The Machine On
When you turn your machine on, the first thing it does is to lock the door and it’s then that it may perform a self-check.
If in the self-check it detects a fault somewhere in the system it’ll shut down and may display a fault code, or if the door doesn’t lock properly it’ll also detect that as a fault and not start the cycle.
2. Recognise That It Is Filled With Water
After successfully passing the self-check stage, the machine will advance to the next step, which involves filling with water through the solenoid valves located at the rear. In modern washing machines, each stage of the cycle is typically programmed to conclude within a set timeframe.
If the machine doesn’t register that it has filled with water within a few minutes, it will typically trigger an automatic shutdown and display a fault code. This safety measure is designed to prevent any potential flooding incidents.
Pros and Cons of Washing Machine
Pros
- Convenience
- Efficiency
- Consistency
- Capacity
- Specialized Cycles
Cons
- Initial Cost
- Maintenance
- Water and Energy Use
- Noise
- Space
Differences Between washing machine and Dryer
Washing machines
Washing machines are typically connected to both water and electricity,
Dryers
dryers use electricity or gas to generate heat.
Alternative to washing machine
Washboards
Traditional washboards are still used in some areas. You scrub clothes against the ridged surface with soap and water. It’s labour-intensive but can be effective for small loads.
3. Heating The Water & Proceed With the Wash Cycle
Assuming the machine has successfully filled with the appropriate amount of water, it will proceed to the next phase in the washing cycle.
Once the water level has reached the desired point, the machine will initiate the agitation process and, if necessary for the specific cycle, heat the water.
Once the required temperature has been attained, the machine will continue washing for a specified duration before moving on to drain the water.
It’s important to note that this entire sequence must occur within a predetermined timeframe. If it doesn’t, the machine will automatically shut down and present a fault code as a safety measure.
4. Drain The Water & Proceed With Rinse Cycle
Following the water drainage, the machine typically goes through a brief spinning action before proceeding to the rinse cycle.
The rinse cycle closely resembles the wash cycle in terms of operation. Water is brought into the machine up to a predefined level within a specified timeframe. It is then agitated before being drained away.
In most washing machines, the rinse cycle consists of at least two rinses, and during the final rinse, both solenoid valves situated at the back of the machine open up. This action serves to flush any remaining conditioner from the detergent drawer down into the drum.
5. Final Spin (Requiring A Balanced Load)
Once your machine has completed the rinse cycle it will prepare for the final spin by balancing the load, and it does this by attempting to evenly distribute the weight of the load around the drum.
However, if the load contains a particularly heavy item – such as a pair of jeans or a towel – amongst an otherwise lighter load, it will attempt to balance that heavier item amongst the load.
If it can’t balance the load it will simply refuse to spin or it may just shut down and display a fault code. Once the load has been balanced the machine will spin and complete the wash cycle.
6. No Lights Displayed
Upon powering on your machine, the initial step involves securing the door lock, often accompanied by a self-diagnostic procedure.
During this self-check, if the machine identifies any issues within its system, it will initiate an automatic shutdown and might present a specific fault code. Additionally, an improperly locked door will also be recognized as a fault, preventing the cycle from commencing.
If your washing machine appears completely unresponsive, without any lights or indications on the front panel, you should perform a continuity test to diagnose the issue.
Here’s what to do:
- Start by unplugging the machine from the electrical outlet.
- Examine the fuse inside the plug to ensure it hasn’t blown. If the fuse is intact, proceed to check for continuity between the plug and the control board.
- Follow the path of the plug through the machine. It enters at one point and passes through components such as the filter board. Then it travels along cables to reach the plug on the control board.
- Use a multimeter set to the resistance or continuity setting to check for continuity between these two points.
Blown fuses in a washing machine typically occur due to a short circuit within the machine, which can be located either in the control board or in various components throughout the machine.
To check for a short circuit, follow these steps:
- Unplug the machine from the power source to ensure your safety during the inspection.
- Use a multimeter set to the resistance or continuity reading mode.
- Check for a short by measuring the resistance across the plug, specifically between the live and earth connections, as well as between the live and neutral connections.
- If a short circuit exists, the multimeter will display a resistance reading of less than a couple of ohms.
This test helps identify the presence of a short circuit and guides you in pinpointing the source of the problem, whether it’s within the control board or within other machine components.
The Machine Is Tripping The Electricity
When your washing machine is consistently causing your circuit breaker to trip or the electricity to fail, the diagnostic process is quite similar, but it may require a more specialized tool if a standard multimeter doesn’t reveal any apparent faults.
In such cases, a qualified technician might use an insulation tester like a Megger. These devices produce around 500 volts to help determine the location of an electrical breakdown.
If the tripping issue occurs, especially during the final spin cycle, the likely culprit may be the motor. This is the phase of the cycle where the motor operates at its maximum capacity, and if it’s failing or experiencing a fault, it can lead to electrical problems.
On the other hand, for washer-dryer appliances, tripping issues might often be linked to the heater or heaters within the machine. The insulation tester can help identify and diagnose these issues more accurately.
Conclusion
Understanding and effectively diagnosing issues with your washing machine is essential for maintaining its functionality and prolonging its lifespan. Whether it’s unusual noises, leaks, or performance problems, a thorough assessment of the machine’s condition can help pinpoint the root causes and guide you towards the right solutions.
By identifying and addressing these issues promptly, you can ensure that your washing machine continues to serve its purpose efficiently, saving you time and money in the long run. Regular maintenance and proactive troubleshooting are key to keeping your washing machine in optimal working condition.