Gorenje washing machine won't turn on

Situations where a Gorenje washing machine won't turn on are exceptional, but no one is immune to them. While the appliance appears to be functioning normally: the power and water supply are connected, the door is tightly closed, but the control panel is unlit, and the appliance itself doesn't respond to any attempts to start it. Should you call a technician or attempt to diagnose the problem yourself? It's best to start with the latter.

Let's determine the range of possible problems

It's not hard to guess that the lack of response from the control panel is due to a lack of power to the washing machine. After all, if the indicator lights are off and the machine doesn't make any characteristic sounds, the source of the problem should first be sought among its electrical and electronic components. However, it is still necessary to check the presence of light in the room - if the chandeliers and other household appliances are working properly, you can proceed to inspect the washing machine.

Diagnosis should begin with checking:

• the socket is in good working order and there is current in it;
• presence of damage on the power cord;
• serviceability of the plug.

The next step is to look for less obvious causes:

• the network interference suppression filter was knocked out;
• the “Start” button on the electronic panel is jammed or burnt out;
• The control board of the household appliance has failed.

All of these symptoms indicate a power outage in the washing machine. In this situation, you need to address it step by step, inspecting all key components of the Gorenje washing machine until you determine the cause of its failure. First, assess the condition of the electrical connections, then inspect the internal components of the appliance, and finally, diagnose the condition of the control panel.

Power supply communications

Based on experience, the most common cause of Gorenje washing machine failure is a power outage outside the appliance, that is, in the electrical network itself. The first thing to check is the condition of the circuit breakers located on the panel. When inspecting the meter, pay attention to the position of all switches and/or the integrity of the fuses: perhaps a power surge or overload from multiple appliances has tripped one of the fuses. In this case, all that's needed to repair is to replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker, further adjusting the load on the electrical network.

The second step is to assess the outlet. If there are visible signs of melting, smoke, a burning smell, etc., a short circuit has occurred, which could cause a fire. Trying to repair such a fault yourself is prohibited. All you need to do is turn off the power to the room at the control panel and call a qualified technician.

If no such symptoms occur, you can plug any other appliance into the outlet. If it functions without interruption, we look for the fault directly in the washing machine.

Plug, power cord and FPS

Breakdowns inside household appliances are most often caused by faulty power cords, plugs, or power strip filters (PSFs). Since these three components are integrated into a Gorenje washing machine, they are inspected together.

The verification algorithm is as follows:

• turn off the electricity and water supply, including the drain;
• move the washing machine to the center of the room to gain access to the back wall;
• remove the top cover fasteners and remove the element;
• determine the location of the capacitor (lower left corner);
• loosen the fastener holding the cord;
• pull out the FSP together with the wire and plug.

Now it's time to inspect each component. The plug should be free of any melted or dark spots, indicating a possible fire. A multimeter will be needed to diagnose the wire: it will indicate a possible current leak. If this is confirmed, the cord needs to be replaced. Local repairs such as applying electrical tape to the wire are strictly prohibited, as this could lead to a repeated break followed by a short circuit and, most dangerously, a fire.

If you don't have a multimeter, you'll need to contact a professional or purchase one yourself. Before using it, read the operating instructions and test it for accurate readings: if the resistance mode is set correctly, the display will show "0" when the probes are touched together.

The diagnostics conclude with a filter performance test, which also requires a multimeter. If the display shows "0" or "1" when testing, the part is damaged and requires repair or replacement.

Play/Pause key

If no problems were found during the previous inspection, you should move on to inspecting the control panel. For example, a Gorenje washing machine may not turn on if its start button is stuck, which results in a power outage for the entire appliance. This malfunction is rare in modern models, as the manufacturer has addressed this issue, but it was common in older washing machines.

The verification algorithm includes:

• removing the powder tray;
• removing fasteners around the perimeter of the control panel;
• separation of the panel from the body.

There is no need to disconnect all the wires; simply tilt the panel to be able to visually inspect the board for signs of burnout.

Now, use a multimeter to check the "Start" button's functionality by switching it to the operating mode. If this diagnostic also shows no damage, you should test all the keys. If you can't find the problem yourself, then you need to seek professional help.

   

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