Siemens washing machine malfunctions

The European assembly of Siemens washing machines speaks for itself – they rarely break down. The machines undergo rigorous testing, so the likelihood of manufacturing defects is reduced to zero. Siemens washing machine malfunctions can be caused by external factors beyond the manufacturer's control, such as power surges, excessively hard water, and careless use. Let's explore the most common types of damage that owners encounter.

The most common breakdowns

Almost any component in a washing machine can break down. However, some malfunctions are more typical for models of a certain brand. When it comes to Siemens washing machines, the following are more common:

• no heating;
• Spontaneous freezing. Typically, in this case, the self-diagnostic system constantly displays error codes on the display, preventing the machine from operating;
• malfunction of the hatch locking device;
• drainage problem.

Less frequently, problems with the main control board are observed, and the software crashes. To minimize the risk of damage to your Siemens washing machine, handle it carefully and follow all instructions. You don't always need to call a technician to repair your washing machine; most common problems can be handled yourself. Let's look at what to do in each specific case.

The heating element is always "under attack"

Siemens users most often encounter problems with heating water, especially when running high-temperature cycles. The heating element is usually to blame for this. Heating elements found in modern Siemens heaters have a relatively short lifespan—about five years. By comparison, heating elements in older Siemens models, manufactured in the early 2000s, lasted 15-20 years and are still functioning. Users can accelerate heating element failure. Therefore, to maximize the lifespan of your heater, you should:

• Avoid running multiple high-temperature wash programs in a row. Otherwise, the heating element will wear out, leading to faster failure.
• Clean your "home helper" periodically. Regular cleaning will help remove scale from the heating element in a timely manner;
• Monitor the hardness of your tap water. It's a good idea to install a water softening filter at the inlet of your washing machine.

To diagnose the heater, you'll need to remove the back panel of the housing. The heating element is located in the lower corner, under the tank. Before checking the part, it's best to take a photo of the wiring diagram to avoid mistakes during reassembly. Next, remove the wiring and test the heating element with a multimeter, placing the probes on the heater terminals. If the diagnostic reveals a faulty element, you'll need to remove the part and install a new one.

To remove the heating element yourself, loosen the central nut and push the pin in. Next, slightly loosen the element and pull it out of its socket. A working heating element is secured in place with a screw, and the wiring is connected to it. Finally, reassemble the machine body and run a test wash.

Errors are constantly being displayed

Another problem with Siemens washing machines is the spontaneous activation of the diagnostic system. The machine literally freezes, displaying an error code. After a reboot, the washing machine "comes to life," forgetting about the error. Troubleshooting involves entering service mode. Automatic testing of the control module will help identify the real error causing the freeze. To activate test mode:

• Turn the selector knob to the “Off” position. This will stop the wash cycle;
• disconnect the machine from the power supply;
• Press the "Start/Pause" and "Exit" buttons simultaneously and hold them for 3-5 seconds;
• turn on "home assistant";
• turn the programmer one notch to the right;
• Press and hold “Start” and “Exit” again until the error code appears on the screen.

The explanation of all error codes is provided in the instructions for the Siemens washing machine.

Consult the user manual to determine what kind of system failure has occurred. Further repairs will depend on the specific problem.

Door mechanism

Another weak point of Siemens washing machines is the door lock. The door mechanism of German equipment has plastic fastenings and poorly designed locks. Therefore, problems with opening the hatch are common. The door latch is usually the problem. Its lever becomes burred and chipped. This interferes with the smooth operation of the mechanism. You can fix the problem yourself by following these steps:

• remove the door;
• take a file with a small notch;
• insert the tool into the hole and grind down any uneven areas on the lever;
• treat the surface of the lock with graphite lubricant;
• scrape off excess graphite;
• put the hatch back in place.

This is how you can get your door lock working properly. If you can't fix it yourself, it's best to call a professional.

Sewage pump

Drainage problems are common with Siemens water heaters. The pump is usually the culprit. Repairing the pump is pointless; you need to buy a new one immediately. To remove the old part and install the new one, follow these steps:

• de-energize the washing machine;
• unscrew the debris filter, draining the remaining water from the system;
• lay the machine on its left side;
• disconnect the pipes and wiring from the pump;
• pull out the pump;
• install the new pump, securing it in the housing.

Next, connect the removed hoses and wires to the pump. Screw the debris filter back in place. To check the quality of the repair, be sure to run a test wash without any load.

   

Readers' comments