Do-it-yourself Indesit washing machine repair: an overview of common faults and how to fix them

Washing machine device

Few of the owners of the washing machine think about its device and principles of operation. However, in order to independently repair a malfunctioning washing machine at home, you need to know its internal structure and the purpose of the main components and parts.

Control

The main part in a modern washing machine is the control module. It is with the help of the control board, which is a metal substrate with many resistors, diodes and other elements, that all washing processes take place: starting and stopping the machine, heating and draining water, spinning and drying clothes.

From special sensors, the module receives information on how to act in a given period of time. The machine uses three sensors:

• pressure switch - shows the level of water in the tank;
• thermostat - determines the temperature of the water;
• tachometer - controls the number of engine revolutions.

The control module is not only the most important, but also the most expensive part of the washing device. If it fails, then the machine starts to “be weird” or refuses to do its job at all. Without special skills in repairing electronic equipment, you should not repair the board yourself. Most often, this part is completely changed or given to professionals for repair.

Executing Devices

Having received the appropriate instructions for washing from the hostess of the machine (mode, water temperature, the need for additional rinsing, etc.), and after checking the status of the sensors, the control module gives the necessary orders to the executing mechanisms.

• With the help of a special UBL device, the loading hatch door is blocked. The machine will be in this state until the end of the wash, and only 2-3 minutes after the water has been drained, the control module will signal to unlock the hatch.
• Water is supplied through the valve to the tank of the device. As soon as the pressure switch shows that the tank is full, the water supply will automatically stop.
• A tubular electric heater (TEN) is responsible for heating the water. From the module, it receives a signal about the turn-on time and the temperature to which it is necessary to heat the water in the tank.
• The engine of the machine is responsible for the rotation of the drum, which is connected via a belt or directly to the drum pulley. The moment of starting and stopping, as well as the speed of rotation, is controlled by the control module.
• Drainage of waste water is carried out using a pump.The drain pump pumps water out of the drum and sends it to the sewer pipe.

Such seemingly simple mechanisms under the control of an electronic module perform all the work of the washing unit.

Washing machine tank

Tank - a sealed plastic container that occupies most of the body of the washing machine. Inside the tank there is a drum for loading laundry and heating elements.

The washing machine tank consists of two parts connected by metal brackets or bolts. Water is taken in and drained through special pipes connected to the walls of the tank. To reduce the vibration that occurs when the drum rotates, the upper part of the tank is attached to the machine body with springs, and the lower part with the help of shock absorbers.

The drum is made of high quality stainless steel. Rotating in it, the linen is washed and wrung out, completely cleared of dirt. The rubber cuff located between a tank and a drum provides tightness of a design.

How to determine the malfunction?

The design of the Indesit washing machine allows you not to spend a lot of money, but to fix many problems with your own hands. Professionals (if the warranty has already expired) should be contacted in case of a serious breakdown. Even when calling the wizard, you can save money if you remove the failed modules and blocks before he arrives.

If you do not want to overpay, you need to find a breakdown and solve the problem yourself. To do this, you need to know how to get to the nodes of the unit. Most blocks are accessible by removing the top and back covers of the machine.

For this you need:

• turn the car backwards;
• unscrew the 2 screws located under the top cover - they hold it and at the same time prevent the rear plane from being removed;
• move the unscrewed surface towards the rear of the machine and remove it;
• remove the screws securing the back cover and remove it.

After these operations, you can see most (and sometimes all) of the filling of the washing unit. It remains to identify the fault itself.

This is done in two ways:

1. According to the display. A special code is displayed on it, indicating a malfunction of a particular node.
2. Visual-manual method, if there is no display, or system errors are not displayed on it.

Self repair

Let's find out how you can get to the damper. Proceed as follows:

• Assume you have already removed the top cover.
• Shut off the water supply and disconnect the inlet hose from the housing. It may contain water, so prepare a container in advance to drain it.
• Now you need to remove the front panel. To do this, pull out the dispenser tray: press the latch in the center and pull the tray towards you.
• Unscrew the screws that secure the control panel. Two or three bolts are located behind the tray and on the opposite side.
• Release the plastic latches.

• Take a photo of the wires on the panel and disconnect them or place the panel on top of the CMA case.
• Open the hatch door. Bending the sealing rubber, pry off the metal clamp with a screwdriver, remove it.

• Tuck the cuff inside the drum.
• Unscrew the hatch lock bolts (UBL).
• Disconnect the wiring from the blocking device, pull it out.
• Release the latches on the panel at the bottom where the drain filter is located and set aside.
• Unscrew the screws securing the front panel and remove it.

• Put a nut on the reverse side of the stem mount to disarm the latch.
• Grasping the stem with pliers, pull it towards you.
• Now unscrew the bolt at the bottom.

Some users are wondering: how to check shock absorbers when buying? Same as with replacement. Squeeze and unclench the part in your hand: if it is hard to do this, then the product is working properly. If you easily compress the shock absorber, it needs to be replaced.

How can I repair a shock absorber in a washing machine with my own hands? First, pull out the insert that slows down the movement of the rod. If the stem moves easily and quickly, most likely the insert (gasket) has worn out. To replace it:

• Take a 3 mm thick belt.
• Measure the length of the hole diameter.

• Insert the cut piece of the belt into place of the seal so that the edges fit snugly together.
• Before you install the stem, you need to lubricate the part to reduce friction. If you do not know how to lubricate the shock absorbers of the washing machine, use regular lubricant oil.
• Install the stem. Now you know how to fix a washing machine shock absorber.

For more information about the repair, see the video:

Watch this video on YouTube

In different models of CM, details may differ, so do not buy at random. In the store, name the brand and model of the washing machine to the seller, and he will suggest suitable items for you. Or go shopping with an old damper. Be sure to select a suitable spare part before replacing shock absorbers on a washing machine.

To install, insert the stems first, securing the top. Then tighten the bolt at the bottom, assemble the machine. Repair completed. Having figured out how to change and check the shock absorber on the washing machine, you can start doing it yourself. Buy new parts or repair old ones - the choice is yours. The video will help you:

Watch this video on YouTube

The main malfunctions and repair of the washing machine Indesit

Despite the high quality of Indesit products, certain types of household appliances, including washing machines, periodically fail. In such situations, you have to make a decision to call a wizard or try to repair the Indesit washing machine with your own hands, while saving money. In case of any malfunction, all your actions must begin by studying the operating instructions that come with each washing machine.
You should carefully study the principle of operation of the device, which is the same for all Indesit automatic machines and looks like this:

• At the first stage of washing, the inlet valve opens, after which water enters the drum. The water supply is adjusted automatically, and when a certain level is reached, the valve is closed by the regulator.
• The second washing phase starts after the water heating is turned on. In the absence of a temperature sensor in some models, the heating element is turned off by a timer. At the same time, the electric motor is switched on, but not at full power.
• Then the washing itself is performed, during which the laundry gradually becomes cleaner, and the water, on the contrary, becomes dirty. Therefore, during this period, contaminated water is pumped out using a pump, after which clean liquid is again supplied to the machine.
• The fourth stage begins with the rinsing process at low speeds of the electric motor. At the end of the procedure, the engine stops, and the dirty water is again pumped out by the pump.
• At the final stage of washing, the electric motor gains high power and turns off at the end of the spin cycle.The water pump remains on during the entire washing period.

The easiest way to determine the malfunction is by the code that is displayed on the indicators and buttons located on the front panel of the Indesit washing machine. In the presented figure, they are indicated in the form of alphabetic and numeric characters corresponding to a specific malfunction. For example, code F01 indicates a possible short circuit in the electric motor circuit, and F03 indicates a failure of the temperature sensor. A detailed explanation of the fault codes is given in the instruction manual, along with possible causes and measures to eliminate them.

But, situations arise when there are no visible malfunctions, including leaks, but the washing machine still does not work. In this case, the codes are not displayed, there is no F symbol in them, all the indicator lights on the panel flash simultaneously. These "symptoms" usually indicate minor breakdowns that can be fixed on their own:

• The machine does not turn on and does not work: you should check the quality of the connection to the electrical network.
• Water is not drawn in: you need to press the "Start / Pause" button again, check the water taps and the condition of the hose. Make sure the door is tightly closed.
• Water is constantly drawn in and drained: the height of the hose above the floor is checked, which is 70 cm. Its end should not be under water.
• During washing, noises are heard from the drum: you need to make sure that there are no foreign objects inside.
• Formation of a large amount of foam during operation of the indesit washing machine: a powder intended for hand washing may have been used by mistake.
• After washing, the water does not drain, the spin does not work: the drain hose must be intact and in the right position. It is possible that it is clogged and needs cleaning.

All of the listed malfunctions are classified as minor ones that are easy to deal with on your own. More serious breakdowns are signaled by various codes that appear on the screen and indicate a specific malfunction of the washing machine. Such breakdowns require a more serious approach; in these cases, the repair of the Indesit machine requires complete or partial disassembly of the structure.

Below are the ways to repair the main components and parts of the Indesit machine. If the home master has the necessary tools available and is able to perform each operation on his own, then nothing prevents you from repairing the Indesit washing machine with your own hands.

Common faults

Indesit washing machines are well-deservedly popular with customers, so service centers have long compiled a list of their most common malfunctions. In about 80% of cases, the following parts fail.

1. Heating element (heater). The main reason for its frequent breakdowns is the poor quality of the water in the system. It can also be mentioned that Indesit completes its products with heaters without additional protection.
2. Network filter. The task of this circuit is to provide a stable voltage to all components of the washing machine. A burnt filter is a fairly frequent breakdown, characteristic of even new Indesit models. Symptoms - the machine does not turn on.
3. Drum bearings. This problem is common to all washing machines without exception.The cost of the bearings themselves is low, but during the repair you will have to completely disassemble the device.
4. In cars manufactured before 2012, the weak link is the control module. This is one of the few parts for which it is not recommended to take on the repair yourself, you can only replace the board completely.
5. The engine of the Indesit washing machine is reliable and durable, which cannot be said about the sensor that controls the speed of the rotor. If the engine does not turn on, do not rush to buy a new one, first you should test the sensor and check the capacitors for breakdown.

Of course, the list of possible malfunctions is much wider. It is not uncommon for problems with draining water caused by a dirty filter or a burned-out pump, mechanical damage occurs.

Defects in the electronic filling

If the fault cannot be resolved, and the mode failure repeats, it is necessary to check the control module and the supply wiring. First you have to disassemble the washer by removing the front wall of its body. This is necessary to get free access to the main electronic unit. When the module is in sight, you should check all the contacts and wires one after another. It is better to start diagnostics with the On / Off button. If at least some element of the board aroused suspicion, it is advisable to replace it.

When it is not possible to cope with the causes of the malfunction even after such a repair, you will have to check the rest of the details of the automatic washing machine. Perhaps the problem lies in the failed element of the washer. We'll tell you what to do next.

Possible reasons

When not washing machine turns on Indesit, the first step is to check for electrical power. If this is the cause of the breakdown, and the equipment turned off during washing, it is worth acting according to the following algorithm.

1. Make sure the power cord is plugged into an outlet. Forgetfulness can lead to the fact that the car will be perceived as broken even when it is in perfect working order.
2. Check display and indicators. If the screen is completely blank, there are obvious problems with turning on, you need to go further and perform more detailed diagnostics. The complete lack of response to pressing buttons, connecting to the network indicates the presence of serious problems.
3. Check for electrical power in the room. If it is, the light is on in the room, you need to look further. In the event of a power outage, it is worth examining the condition of the RCD or machine. If it worked, the position of the levers will be changed - you should look for the desired element in the electrical panel.
4. Check that the socket is working. If other electrical appliances turn on and work normally, then the problem is not at the connection point. Do not use sockets with protruding wires, falling out or loosely fixed to connect appliances. If smoke or a burning smell appears, be sure to disconnect the device from the mains, if necessary, turn off the power supply.
5. Examine the integrity of the power cord. If it is pinched, broken, has traces of damage, the machine should be immediately de-energized. In a private house, you need to be especially careful. The wiring can be damaged by rodents, and the violation of its integrity is often quite difficult to recognize.

If the equipment has stopped responding to the power-on command, the cause of the problems may be the lack of power on the power button.This can be done using a multimeter that supports operation in buzzer mode. If there is no power, there will be no reaction in the form of a sound signal.

FPS not working

The built-in filter against power surges in the machine prevents the failure of complex, expensive equipment. If the FPS is faulty, the engine will not work - this is provided by the manufacturer. In case of a dangerous decrease or increase in voltage, the operation of the machine will also be stopped and will not resume until the network problem is fixed. This helps to protect the heating element, electric motor, control panel and central processor from possible damage.

When operating in normal mode, the FPS, which is a capacitive capacitor, acts as a voltage stabilizer, filters the possible entry into the general network of peak surges and voltage dips that occur during the operation of an asynchronous motor. The working resource of the device is quite large, but it can also fail. In this case, the cause of the problems may be the burning of contacts or a breakdown caused by a critical increase in voltage.

Varistor burned out

This element in the design of the washing machine is needed directly to protect the engine. Varistors are placed in pairs, touching them with contacts of the brush and the body of the electric motor. When the voltage indicators change, an abrupt increase in resistance occurs in this element of the electrical circuit. When a certain limit is exceeded, a controlled short circuit occurs in the system, in which the current supply is stopped. To restore the performance of the equipment, the failed varistors will need to be replaced.

Heater Replacement

Many owners of Indesit machines have encountered such a situation - the washing machine took on water and stopped.The situation is typical for both front-loaders and top-loading Indesit machines. The display shows error code F07, restarting the machine does not help, cold wash programs work without failures.

In a small percentage of cases, the cause of the malfunction is oxidized contacts, but you must be prepared for the fact that you will have to buy and install a new heating element.

The heater of the washing machine Indesit is located at the bottom of the tank. To access it, just remove the back wall.

It is important to remove water from the machine before starting work, prepare rags and a container to collect its residues, otherwise a small flood is guaranteed

Before dismantling the heater, it is necessary to check it with a multimeter. To do this, the device is switched to the resistance measurement mode, if it shows an infinite value, the heating element must be replaced. It's easy, you just need to unscrew the mounting plate, pull it towards you.

Next, install a new heater, assemble the car, proceeding in the reverse order.

Network Filter Malfunctions

The most common problem of Italian technology is the failure of the mains filter due to contact problems. The cause of the malfunction is condensate, which collects on the contacts and provokes a short circuit. Moreover, the problem can occur even in the absence of power surges. It is possible to fix the breakdown and extend the life of the washing machine only by stripping and post-treatment of the contacts. Searching for a surge protector will not cause difficulties - in Indesit devices it is located on the opposite end of the network cable from the plug.To dismantle the device, you must first remove the top cover of the machine, and then unscrew one fixing fastener. After removing the filter, do the following:

Network filter

• clean the contacts with a soft cloth;
• dry the contacts;
• isolate the contacts with silicone sealant;
• seal the contacts next to the filter with sealant.

Problems in the washing machine Indesit

Modern SMA Indesit has a set of self-diagnostic programs that are reflected on the breakdown display of Indesit washing machines. The operation of this program is simple and every hostess can use it. The corresponding codes inform about the malfunction of Indesit washing machines. So, the code "F07" informs about the problems of the heating element.

In a difficult situation, open the instruction in the place where the table of error codes is located, and find the breakdown corresponding to the cipher on the control screen.

When there is no display and program self-diagnosis system, information about breakdowns and malfunctions can be obtained by external examination and the presence of characteristic symptoms: unusual sounds, smells, smoke, knocks and hum, failure of control programs. In this case, you should also use the recommendations given by the instruction in Russian.

Frequent malfunctions

In order to successfully repair the Indesit washing machine with your own hands, you need to know the common defects.

Drum breakage

The drum is in contact with the laundry, so malfunctions reduce the quality of washing or make it impossible. There are several signs that indicate problems with the drum:

• whistling at work;
• strong vibration;
• creaking sound from the friction of the drum on the rubber door seal, marks on the cuff;
• oily or rusty marks on the back wall of the tank;
• metallic grinding when working in top-loading models from spontaneously opened loading hatch doors.

Repairs are complex, often involving the replacement of center bearings.

Faulty control module

An electronic device controls the operation of the unit in accordance with the program, controls the level and temperature of the water, washing time, etc.

Signs of a malfunction of the Indesit washing machine:

• rotation of the drum at maximum speed, regardless of the mode, repetition of the cycle of filling and draining water;
• indicators do not light up;
• blinking indicators, chaotic change of error codes on the display;
• non-stop washing;
• water heating does not correspond to the program;
• error code F09.

Repair of the electronic control unit installed in the Indesit washing machine requires special knowledge. An easier way is to replace the module with a new one.

Clogged drain system

It occurs due to the ingress of coins, keys, paper clips, etc. into the drain filter or into the pump cavity. Limestone deposits in the drainage system, which form with high water hardness and lack of proper care, lead to blockage. Signs:

• the automatic machine stops with error code F05;
• the pump works, but the water does not drain well;
• the pump works, the water does not drain, the door does not open.

The drain system needs to be cleared of debris. One of the easiest types of repairs.

Electric motor not working

Not always the engine of the car stops due to a breakdown. For example, the electronic module turns off the engine when no water enters the tank due to a clogged filter or damage to the water supply hose. After clearing the troubleshooting, engine operation resumes.

Other reasons for stopping the engine:

• wear of electric brushes;
• short circuit in the windings;
• damage to the wires supplying the motor;
• control unit malfunction.

To check the engine is removed from the device. Worn brushes are replaced. The integrity of the windings is checked with an ohmmeter. If a short circuit is detected, the motor must be replaced.

Wear and destruction of bearings

Failure to comply with the operating rules leads to the failure of the bearing assembly: exceeding the maximum weight of linen, incorrect choice of washing modes, etc. You can suspect a malfunction of the bearing group by the following signs:

• rusty smudges on the tank;
• extraneous sounds (clash, rattle, crunch, etc.);
• bad spin;
• strong vibration;
• damage to the rubber door seal from the inside.

The repair is difficult. Disassemble the unit, remove the plastic tank with the drum. Cut the structure around the perimeter, remove the drum. Knock out the bearings, replace with new ones. Reassemble in the reverse order, glue the halves of the tank with sealant, fix with self-tapping screws and bolts.

Burnt out heating element

The main cause of failure is hard water. Lime deposits on the heater reduce its thermal conductivity and lead to failure.

Signs of burnout heating element:

• the smell of burning from the machine;
• water does not heat up, washing does not stop;
• error F07.

A burnt-out heating element must be replaced. Access to it opens after removing the back cover - the heater is located at the bottom of the tank. The fastening bolts are unscrewed, the part is removed and changed. Troubleshooting is available to a beginner.

The machine does not turn on

The device does not respond to the power key, the indication is off. Possible defects:

• power cable damage;
• malfunction of the built-in surge protector;
• the control unit is out of order;
• damaged wiring inside the device.

There are many reasons why the machine does not turn on. It is necessary to accurately determine the place of failure and only after that carry out repair work.

Leakage through the door

If water leaks are found, the cause of the leak must be quickly determined. Possible defects:

• the formation of limestone on the glass, which prevents closing;
• wear or damage to the rubber seal;
• malfunction of the door lock or hinge.

Repair is not very difficult, it consists in replacing the cuff, adjusting the loops and the lock. A defective lock must be replaced.