Why isn't my washing machine working?
A washing machine can stop working for a variety of reasons. Any repairman can quickly list hundreds of possible causes, so to determine the nature of the problem, it's important to gather as much information as possible. In this article, we'll discuss why a washing machine stops working and its common malfunctions.
Symptoms of a breakdown
If your washing machine suddenly stops working completely or stops working properly, don't rush to call a service center or a technician. It's not necessarily a problem you can't fix yourself. First, observe the machine and its behavior.
- If the washing machine does not turn on at all, no matter how much you press the on/off button, then there is either a problem with the power supply or with the electrical system of the machine itself.
- If the washing machine turns on, but you can’t set any program or function, then the problem is in the electronics.
- If the washing machine is washing, but is making very loud extraneous sounds: knocking, metallic scraping, ringing, the problem is in the drum's moving mechanism.
- If the washing machine washes but does not drain the water, getting stuck at this stage, then the problem may lie in the drain pump.
I could go on and on about this, as there could be hundreds, maybe even thousands, of these "ifs." The main thing is that you understand the meaning, start thinking logically, and be considerate of your home assistant.
In addition to examining the symptoms of a washing machine malfunction, it's also necessary to examine the self-diagnostic system of your specific washing machine model. The control module of any modern automatic washing machine is designed to detect many common faults. If the machine detects such a malfunction, it will stop working and display a specific error code on the display. Your task will be to decipher this code, after which you will understand what is broken.
Let's give an example. Error code E20 on an Electrolux washing machine, means the machine is unable to drain wastewater. The system error doesn't tell you exactly what's wrong, but it greatly limits the range of potential problems. In this case, either the pump, the water level sensor, or the control module's triac is faulty.
Please note: On washing machines without a display, the error code can be identified by the indicator lights flashing in a specific sequence.
It doesn't turn on at all.
If your washing machine won't turn on, the first thing to do is check the power supply. Start with the simplest issues, which can be checked without disassembling the washing machine.
- Check if the power has been cut off and if the machine is plugged in.
- Unplug the machine's power cord from the outlet and plug the plug of another electrical appliance into the outlet. It's possible that the outlet or wiring is simply faulty.
- Try connecting the washing machine to a different outlet, a power strip, or a UPS.
These measures sound silly, but in reality, the most common causes of so-called washing machine failure are user carelessness. More serious causes follow:
- the on/off button does not work;
- the power cord, plug or power filter is broken;
- the control module element or the control module itself is faulty;
- faulty wiring, wire connections in the machine body.
To check the machine and eliminate the above-mentioned causes of the problem, you'll have to disassemble the unit and test it with a multimeter, which requires certain skills. At this stage, it's best to contact a qualified technician.
The program or function cannot be selected.
It may be that you're trying to select a program or washing function, but it won't select. Individual programs or functions may not work. For example, you might want to turn on a quick wash, but it won't activate, although you can activate the "quick cotton" program. The problem should reoccur after turning on the washing machine. If restarting the machine resolves the issue, it's too early to sound the alarm.
This or a similar problem is most likely caused by either the control module or the switch. The switch cannot be repaired and needs to be replaced. The control module is also a bit of a hassle. It could be a burnt-out triac, in which case repair is possible, but it could be more serious, requiring a control board replacement. No one can tell you for sure offhand; you'll have to open it up and inspect it. It's best not to try this yourself, to avoid damaging something.
Please note! Not every technician can repair a washing machine's control module; many simply offer to replace the part. Don't fall for such offers; find a technician who is knowledgeable in electronics.
It washes incorrectly
Why might a washing machine not be working properly, even though it seems to start and wash? In this case, there are a ton of possible causes. Even if the washing machine isn't displaying any system errors, it needs to be monitored very closely to determine any deviations from the norm.
Quite a few malfunctions can be detected by listening. Each stage of the washing program is accompanied by a distinctive sound. If the sound is abnormal, it's cause for concern. What malfunctions can cause improper washing?
- The drive mechanism of the washing machine drum has broken (belt, bearings, bushing, crosspiece).
- The water level sensor is out of order.
- The pump broke.
- The heating element has failed.
- The temperature sensor is not working.
- The control module is broken.
- The fill valve works intermittently.
These are just the most common reasons why a machine might not be working properly. You can explore the full list by reading the hundreds of related publications on our website. It's impossible to cover it all in just a few words.
Suddenly turns off
Why does my washing machine suddenly shut off, and what causes this "malady"? Well, first, we need to understand what is meant by the phrase "suddenly shuts off," and second, we need to determine when this happens. If the washing machine loses power at the moment of maximum load on the network, namely at the moment of heating the water or during intensive operation of the engine, this is a case of circuit overload. You must immediately turn off the power to the equipment and check the wiring and socket.
Before checking the wiring or socket, remember to turn off the power to the electrical system.
If your washing machine suddenly shuts off and a specific error code appears on the display, this means the self-diagnostic system is functioning normally. The error message needs to be deciphered and the underlying problem fixed. In rare cases, the control module may be the culprit if one of the circuit board tracks is broken or if one of the semiconductor components is poorly soldered. Ultimately, a specialist should investigate this; it's best not to tinker with the electronics yourself.
To summarize, why might a washing machine not work? The answer to this question is worthy of an entire book. A detailed answer is simply not possible in a single article. Your best weapon in troubleshooting a washing machine problem is your brain, but you can always call a service center—try to be sensible!
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Hello, I think it's worth adding a malfunctioning washing machine control panel to the problems listed on this website. I just encountered this problem today. It turns out that external loads on the casing and vibrations can cause the washing machine to stop working.
I called a technician, who, after examining it, suggested that the module or even the entire control panel needed replacing. When I turned it on, water would fill and the motor would start, but then the automatic shutoff would trigger and the drum would stop immediately without starting. The drain and rinse functions were working properly.
In reality, the reason was ridiculously simple. Before the washing machine was loaded and plugged in, my five-year-old son climbed on top of it and decided to jump, which managed to loosen the frame and apparently dislodged the panel.
In short, the mechanic left, unfortunately, without doing anything and only puzzled me even more by the fact that he intended to remove the control panel and take it with him to the service center, plus, on top of everything, he presumably named a rather large sum for upcoming expenses.
It's a good thing I didn't agree, because as soon as the repairman realized he couldn't fix the problem himself and wouldn't get paid, he got furious and, closing the top of the case, slammed the lid where the control panel was located with such fury that a piece of plastic fell off.
I won't tell you how he tried to extort money from me. But the main thing is that after he left, I cleaned my beloved assistant of the oil stains left by his hands, gently wiped her with a dry cloth, and turned her on in silence, without any wild male advances or dirty paws.
Hallelujah!
My washing machine works!!!
Of course, I won’t allow anyone to jump on her anymore and I won’t allow any masters to hit her.
This is the story.
What is E12?
Hello. My washing machine suddenly broke down today. I set four of my winter sweaters to the lowest cycle and went out. When I came back, the cycle had stopped, the detergent had drained, and the clothes were dry. In other words, they weren't washed at all. Now the machine won't turn on. It shows the program for about two seconds, then the light goes out completely. We have a serious problem! Help!
Hi, what should I do if the machine first turns on, then the water comes in and then turns off completely?