The washing machine does not switch washing modes.
A washing machine problem can arise at the most inopportune moment, even if it's an expensive, well-known brand. Often, machines break down when users violate the operating instructions or in cases of unforeseen circumstances. A machine that won't switch modes mid-cycle is one such problem. Let's find out what could be causing it and how to fix it yourself.
Causes of malfunction
Before disassembling your washing machine to troubleshoot, try to determine the cause. To do this, carefully observe how the machine operates; you might be missing something. First of all, you need to try running the machine in different modes. If nothing changes and the machine does not switch to rinsing and spinning during the washing process, then the problem is serious.
Also, run the washing machine separately in rinse and spin modes. If the machine performs this function, you can safely rule out a clogged drain system or a faulty pump. The machine may not switch modes for the following reasons:
- the heating element is broken, which can be seen by the door becoming cold during the washing process;
- failure of the programmer and control module, which led to a program failure.
Please note! This problem is most often encountered by users of Indesit washing machines; it's one of the most common issues with these machines. Moreover, no error message is displayed.
Checking and replacing the heating element
If your machine stops heating the water and takes a long time to wash clothes without switching to the next cycle, the heating element is to blame. Because the water isn't heating up to the required temperature, the temperature sensor that sends a signal to the control module isn't triggered. This causes the machine to either freeze during the wash cycle or take a very long time to wash clothes, often for several hours, in cold water.
The heating element in washing machines is located at the bottom under the tank, but in some models it is at the back, in others – at the front. For example, in washing machines Bosch, LG, In Samsung it is located in the front, and in Whirlpool and Indesit machines it is located in the back. Undoubtedly, disassembling the front of the machine is much more difficult than removing the back cover. For those doing it for the first time, it's a real challenge. If you're unsure about the location of the heating element in your machine, unscrew the back panel first, make sure it's missing, and then disassemble the front.
Please note: In top-loading washing machines, you need to remove the side panel to access the heating element.
To get to the heating element located behind the front part of the case, you need to:
- remove the bottom panel;
- remove the top cover of the case;
- pull out the powder tray;
- remove the control panel;
- remove the hatch cuff;
- remove the front part of the case by unscrewing the screws around the perimeter that hold it in place.
Once the back or front cover of the case is removed, you'll see the heating element, or more specifically, its rear section with wires. Using an ohmmeter, you can test its functionality. The ohmmeter probes are applied to the terminals and if the resistance is infinite, then the heating element has burned out; if not, then check the wires separately and clean the terminals. To remove a faulty heating element, you need to:
- loosen the bolt located in the center of the heating element base;
- disconnect the wires;
- Using rocking movements, pull the heating element towards you.
Installing the heating element shouldn't be a problem. The temperature sensor is installed in the new element, then the element is inserted into the housing and secured with a bolt and nut, then the wires are connected. Be careful not to mix them up. The replacement process is complete; all that remains is to reassemble the machine body.
How to replace the programmer and control unit
If the machine takes a long time to wash, but the water still gets hot, the problem could be a faulty control module. This error may occur during the wash cycle, or it may occur intermittently. This malfunction must be corrected immediately; don't delay, as the washing machine's "brain" can be repaired; otherwise, the entire part will have to be replaced.
Important! The control module can only be repaired if a fuse or triac on the board has blown. If most of the critical components have burned out, a new board will be cheaper than repairing the old one.
In some Indesit models, the programmer may be the cause of this problem. It is responsible for selecting the wash cycle. While this component is generally considered one of the most reliable parts of the machine, the programmer can also fail over time. In this case, it needs to be replaced, as detailed in the article. Programmer repair.
Replacing the control module isn't particularly difficult, but diagnosing its functionality can be challenging. It's best to entrust this work to a technician who can determine whether the module needs repair or replacement. In most washing machines, the control module is mounted on the inside of the control panel. To replace it, you need to:
- remove the top cover of the washing machine;
- pull out the powder receptacle;
- remove the control panel;
- unscrew the module;
- disconnect the wires from the control module, having first photographed their correct connection;
- connect a new control module.
Important! When purchasing a new module, be careful to only purchase one that is already programmed. Otherwise, you'll have to do it yourself, which is quite difficult.
So, if your Indesit washing machine is taking a long time to cycle and won't switch modes, you now know that a burnt-out heating element could be the main cause. We hope this article helps you troubleshoot this issue.
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The machine has been working in the help mode for 4 hours already and the switch-off does not work.
The LG washing machine washes cotton on one setting and does not switch to other programs.
What's the solution? Replace the heating element or buy a new one? It's probably already done its job, 10 years.
My Indesit washing machine finishes washing, drains the water, and starts spinning. And it can run like that until I turn it off.
The Indesit washing machine does not switch modes and does not heat water.
The Indesit machine not only heats water, but also does not switch modes.
Hello. I have a Siemens Sivamat 2085 washing machine. It freezes during the wash cycle, rinse cycle, and even the spin cycle. It runs intermittently. What can I do?
The machine simply fills with water on all programs without turning off; the drain and spin programs work.
After washing, the washer won't spin. It runs until I turn it off completely. It's an Italian Top Logic. What should I do?
My whirlpool stops during washing and starts clicking in the control unit. What should I check?
My Samsung washing machine won't change programs. It might even not turn on by itself. What's wrong?
I filled it with water, but it doesn't wash. It works in spin and rinse mode. What could be wrong?
The WAS287420OE washing machine immediately locks the door when any program is started. Furthermore, it doesn't heat (the heating element is working properly) and, at the end of the program, it switches to "washing" mode and freezes.
Electrolux top-loading washing machine. It won't cycle to rinse or fill with water. It keeps vibrating.
My Bosch washing machine won't switch from wash to rinse cycle, but everything else runs fine. What's wrong?
LG machine.
The washing machine won't switch between programs. It just stays in one place. What should I do?
Doesn't switch from wash to rinse