Error F06 in a Whirlpool washing machine

Household appliances tend to break down at the most inopportune times. This is especially true for washing machines. Fortunately, most modern washing machines are equipped with automatic diagnostic systems. The system automatically detects the fault and displays it as a code on the display. Let's try to figure out what to do if your Whirlpool washing machine displays the F06 code.

What does the code say?

Sometimes the F06 error code appears on the display due to a main board failure. Therefore, it's always a good idea to first try resetting the machine by disconnecting it from the power supply and then turning it back on after 10-15 minutes. If the equipment was unable to reset the error, then the code indicates a lack of signal from the tachometer sensor.

The tachogenerator is mounted on the motor rotor. It reads the motor speed and monitors its RPM. The faster the motor shaft rotates, the higher the voltage supplied to the tachogenerator, which then transmits the information to the main control board. If the washing machine displays error code F06, there are two main possible causes:

• failure in the sensor unit - shift of the coil spring washer;
• failure in the circuit between the TACHO-ED unit and the control panel.

If the sensor itself is faulty, the washer needs to be replaced. Otherwise, the electrical circuit will need to be repaired. Let's begin the diagnostics by disassembling the machine.

Finding the tachometer

In all Whirlpool washing machine models, the tachogenerator is located on the rotating motor shaft. To access the motor, remove the rear panel of the machine (by unscrewing the fasteners and prying the panel with a screwdriver) and remove the drive belt. Beforehand, disconnect the power and water supply from the appliance.

Important! Don't rush into disassembling the machine; first, carefully check the spin button—if it's jammed inward, the problem may be there.

On the engine shaft, you'll see an iron ring with two wires—this is the tachogenerator or Hall sensor. It can't be removed without removing the engine from the car. Therefore, if you're inexperienced with electrical installation, it's best to entrust the work to a professional. Otherwise, an experimental repair runs the risk of making the problem worse rather than fixing it.

How to test a tachometer sensor?

If you decide to proceed further, follow the instructions strictly. Mark all the motor wiring with a marker or take a photo with your phone. This will help you avoid mistakes when reassembling your Whirlpool washing machine.

1. We unscrew the fasteners holding the electric motor.
2. Carefully rock and pull out the engine.
3. After dismantling, we inspect the wiring and tachometer sensor.

It's important to check the position of the fasteners and the integrity of the contacts. If you notice a loose or detached fastener, you need to replace it. What should you do if there is no obvious damage?

The next step is testing the tachogenerator. There are two ways to check its functionality. First, set the multimeter to ohmmeter mode and connect the probes to the contacts. Normal sensor resistance is 60 ohms. Second, measure the current. To do this, set the tester to voltmeter mode, connect the probes to the contacts, and accelerate the motor with your other hand. If the device reads 0.2 V, the sensor is working properly.

Replacing the damaged component isn't particularly difficult. Simply disconnect the wiring completely, remove the component cover, which is secured with a standard latch. Then, unscrew the fasteners, remove the tachogenerator, and install the new one in its place.

   

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