Error F8 on an Atlant washing machine

The Belarusian manufacturer Atlant has released a significant number of washing machine models without a display. Determining the error code on these models isn't easy, but if your "home assistant" has a display, you'll be able to immediately identify the F8 error. In today's post, we'll decipher the F8 error on an Atlant washing machine, explore the possible causes, and, of course, explain how to troubleshoot these issues.

What faults does the cipher hide?

To start a wash, the machine must open the valve, fill the drum with water, rinse the detergent, and then rotate the drum according to the set program. However, water does not fill the drum randomly, but precisely at the correct level. A pressure switch controls the amount of water filled. So, if the machine takes in too much water or, on the contrary, too little, the error code F8 will appear on the Atlant washing machine display. At first glance, it seems that only the pressure switch is to blame, but in fact there are several reasons:

• in first place is the water level sensor;
• In second place, oddly enough, is an incorrectly connected drain hose;
• In third place is the filling valve.

We'll need to check all of this in the near future, but first, let's try resetting the error, in case it's just a temporary electronic glitch. Turn off the washing machine and disconnect it completely by unplugging it. Then, drain the soapy water from the drum through the emergency drain hose.

The emergency water drain hose is located at the bottom, next to the drain filter of the Atlant washing machine.

After 20 minutes, start the washing machine again. If the code appears on the display again, there's a problem and we need to start troubleshooting.

Let's check the drain hose

Troubleshooting should proceed from simple to complex. Don't rush to disassemble your Atlant washing machine, screw by screw; the problem may be closer than you think. First, check the machine's connection to the drain, as an improperly connected drain hose often causes the F8 error code.

1. The connection point for the washing machine's drain hose should not be too high, but also no lower than 50 cm from the floor, at approximately the same level as the drum. Connecting the machine to the drain line too low or too high will cause a self-draining or "siphon effect." Water may drain out of the drum by gravity during the wash cycle, or worse, back up from the drain into the drum.
   
2. A bend should be installed directly near the drain hose connection point. Why is this necessary? To prevent dirty water and unpleasant odors from flowing from the sewer into the WC tank.
3. Check that the drain hose isn't overstretched, pinched, or has too many bends. If the machine's connection to the sewer system meets accepted standards, you can proceed to inspecting your "home helper" for any faults.

The reason is in the pressure switch

As promised, we'll start by checking the pressure switch. The pressure switch tubes in many washing machines become clogged and start malfunctioning, so the first thing we'll do is clean the water level sensor tube.

To locate the part, remove the top cover of the Atlant washing machine. On most models, the water level sensor is attached to the outside of the control module housing with special fasteners. Looking inside, we'll see the pressure switch on the front panel, directly above. What to do next?

1. We remove the pressure switch from the mountings.
2. We disconnect the connector with wires and the hose.
3. Let's clean and blow out the hose and tube of the part.

The resistance of the working pressure switch coil is around 20 Ohms.

4. Let's set up the multimeter and check the resistance of the coil contacts.
5. Let's check the power supply wiring of the level sensor for breakdown.

If we find the fault, replace the pressure switch with an identical one. You can purchase original components for your Atlant washing machine at your nearest specialist store.

It's worth checking the fill valve.

If you couldn't find the problem, you need to check it. inlet solenoid valveIt's located in the same place, under the top cover of the Atlant washing machine, only on the back wall, just behind the detergent drawer. First, disconnect the valve coil and check the contact resistance. In normal working order, the multimeter should show a resistance of 2-4 kOhm; if it shows much less or much more, then the intake valve is faulty and needs to be replaced.

If the inlet valve coil appears to be in good condition, don't get too excited. It's quite possible the flow filter is clogged and is now blocking water from entering the machine. The solution is to clean the flow filter. First, unscrew the inlet hose from the machine body. Where it connects, there's a small plastic mesh inside the fitting. This is the flow filter. Carefully remove it and clean it to remove any dirt. If the mesh is clogged with limescale, you can soak it in a citric acid solution and then wash it.

The fill valve may not be working properly even if its coil is intact. In this case, this part will need to be replaced.

In some cases, the F8 error is caused by the electronics, specifically the control module. The firmware in Atlant units often fails, so you can call a technician to reset it or replace it. In extreme cases, the control module may need to be replaced, but a technician can handle this. When it comes to electronics, DIY can be fatal, so always entrust this task to a professional.

   

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