Error F13 in a Leran washing machine

Washing machines often break down unexpectedly, for example, when the drum is already loaded with dirty laundry and detergent has been added to the detergent dispenser. Error F13 in a Leran washing machine appears on the display when the machine fails to lock the door before starting the cycle. This is far from a serious malfunction, so don't immediately call a service technician to fix it. You can fix it yourself if you correctly identify the cause of the problem and quickly isolate it. Let's look at the main types of malfunctions, which are always related to either the mechanics or the electronics.

The door mechanism broke

If the F13 error code is caused by a mechanical problem, the washer won't close at all. In this case, the hatch will either not lock into the designated grooves or will simply bounce off the washer body. In the latter case, you might think something is caught in the lock and preventing it from closing. In either case, the lock won't engage, there will be no distinctive click, and the drum will remain open.

Most often, this problem occurs due to heavy load on the washing machine door. This can happen after the user accidentally slams the door too hard, hangs heavy wet laundry on it, or small children hanging on the hatch may be to blame. Any of the above reasons can cause distortion and damage to key structural elements.

• Door misalignment. While door hinges can become loose over time due to heavy use, this will happen even faster if you slam the door or hang wet items on it. To restore balance, you need to readjust the door's position and then tighten the fasteners. If the fasteners are broken, you'll have to remove the damaged parts yourself, buy identical replacements from the store, and install them in their place.
• The latch bolt is displaced. This is the hook installed inside the lock that holds the hatch closed. The hook is supported by a special metal rod, which can fall out over time, causing the entire latch bolt to shift. In this case, it's necessary to disassemble the SM door, remove the mechanism, and restore its functionality.

The harder you slam the door of your "home helper", the faster the door handle or lock will become unusable.

• Damaged handle. This type of damage prevents the door from locking into its grooves and securing the hatch. Repair is not possible in this case; replacement is the only option.
• Damaged guide. This plastic plate bends when the lock is activated and clicks into place. If it wears out or breaks during use, the hook will no longer lock, and the hatch will not close.

It's impossible to visually determine the exact cause of the F13 error code—to do so, you'll need to diagnose each of the listed components one by one. What should you do first?

• Disconnect household appliances from all communications.
• Open the hatch door.
• Take a close look at the lock.
• Remove the fasteners that secure the door to the machine body; for this you will need a regular star screwdriver.
• Remove the door by lifting it slightly to release it from the fasteners.
• Examine the loops and tighten them further if necessary.
• Loosen the screws that hold the two door halves together.
• Separate the door into two parts by prying up the top part with a flat-head screwdriver.
• Examine the locking mechanism on the handle.

The most important thing when repairing at home is to proceed carefully so as not to accidentally damage other parts of the Leran washing machine.

UBL malfunction

If the mechanical lock is working properly and the door closes with a click, but the operating cycle does not start, then the problem should be looked for in the hatch locking device. The door lock is activated automatically when any wash cycle starts, providing additional door protection during operation, for example, to prevent children from accidentally opening it while the drum is filled with water. If the device is damaged, the control module will detect the lack of a signal from the door lock and simply not initiate the operating cycle for the user's safety. What typically causes door lock failure?

• The device is clogged.
• The UBL is out of order.
• The blocker has a manufacturing defect.
• There is no communication with the CM control module.

If the F13 error code is caused solely by a clogged door lock, it's easy to fix yourself. Simply remove the door lock, disassemble it, and remove all dust, hair, fur, and other debris. However, if the cause is a damaged bimetallic plate or a short-circuited door lock, the entire component will need to be replaced.

Even worse, the washing machine's control module is broken. A software glitch, burned-out microchips, broken tracks or contacts—all of these can cause the control board to stop sending commands to the machine's key components, including the door lock system, which no longer receives a signal to lock the door.

The CM control module may fail due to sudden power surges, improper handling of the instrument panel, or it could be a one-time system error. You won't be able to resolve this issue on your own, as diagnosing and repairing the electronic circuit board requires extensive experience and high qualifications. Therefore, we recommend entrusting this work to service center specialists.

How to test UBL with your own hands?

If you suspect the sunroof locking device, don't try to remove it right away, but start by inspecting the component. To do this, you'll need a standard multimeter and partially disassemble the "home assistant." To access the hatch locking device, located behind the front panel of the washing machine, follow our instructions:

• disconnect the Leran washing machine from the utilities;
• open the door;
• loosen the outer clamp on the rubber cuff using a screwdriver or pliers;
• tuck the cuff into the drum;
• Locate the hatch locking device located where the door locks;
• Unscrew the two screws where the lock hook meets the blocker;
• disconnect the wiring that goes to the UBL;

Just in case, take a photo of the correct wiring connections so you have an example to hand during reassembly.

• remove the device from the machine.

All steps in the instructions must be performed through the gap between the edge of the drum and the front panel of the washing machine. If this method is inconvenient for you to remove the lock, try removing the top panel of your "home helper" and tilting the body back. This will make it easier to access the locking device, as the drum will be retracted, creating more maneuvering space.

Once you have the blocker in hand, all that's left to do is test it. To avoid errors, be sure to study the electrical diagram of the hatch blocker to understand the location of the live, neutral, and common relay. What to do next?

• Set the multimeter to resistance measurement mode.
• Connect the device probes to neutral and phase.
• If the check result is any three-digit number, then everything is ok.
• Move one probe from the phase to the common relay.
• If the multimeter shows “1” or “0”, then the blocker is faulty.

When the hatch locking device is damaged, it cannot be repaired, but can only be replaced.

So, in just an hour, you can check all the possible causes of the F13 error code appearing on your Leran "home assistant" display. Take your time, thoroughly inspect the lock, hinges, and door lock, saving the device's control board for last.

   

1 reader comment

1. January 29, 2023 at 11:10 PM

   Fedya:

   Thank you so much, I removed the door lock relay; it was really dirty. I cleaned the contacts, put everything back together, and it worked!

   Answer