Error F13 in the Atlant washing machine

The Belarusian brand Atlant is well known in the post-Soviet space for the household appliances it produces. Among other products, this brand also produces automatic washing machines, but their quality still leaves much to be desired. In particular, Atlant washing machines often display the F13 error. We'll explain what this error is and how to resolve it in this article.

Designation and decoding

The washing machine's display provides the user with more information about its operation. It's especially helpful when the self-diagnostic system needs to display an error code, such as F13. Upon seeing the code, the user can immediately refer to the technical documentation to determine the error and the potential cause.

It's a different matter if the washing machine doesn't have a display that can display any information. How does the user know that the machine's self-diagnostic system is trying to inform them of something? The answer is simple: a washing machine without a display communicates with the user through the control panel indicators, lighting them in a specific order. If you look at the bottom row of lights, you'll see that error F13 is indicated by the first, second, and fourth lights (counting from the left).

The lights should actually be on, not blinking or producing Morse code.

The error code F13 is deciphered quite verbosely. The manufacturer indicates a faulty control module or the wiring connected to it. In reality, there are dozens of potential failures, since any semiconductor element can cause a problem. But if you start to delve into the problem in detail, it turns out that things aren't as dire as they might seem at first glance, but they're still quite complex.

We check the wiring and contacts

On Atlant washing machines, the control module is located at the top, right-front corner of the machine, next to the pressure switch. Consequently, the main wiring harness and the connector that connects to the control board are routed along the side wall. Experienced technicians complain that this placement of the machine's most important electronic component (its "brains") often leads to damage.

1. The top of a front-loading washing machine is more susceptible to the negative effects of vibration. Furthermore, placing delicate parts near the side wall is also risky because the machine's side-to-side vibration during the spin cycle can cause it to hit furniture or other objects, shaking the electronic module and dislodging the connector and wires.
2. Users often place bottles of liquid detergent directly on the top lid of their Atlant washing machine, often causing spills. The liquid gel flows from the lid onto the front panel, runs down the outside side wall, and enters the housing, where the control module and numerous wires and contacts are located. As a result, the contacts oxidize, burn, and the module fails.
3. Most automatic washing machines have the module located in the lower right corner near the rear wall. This means it's quite far from the detergent dispenser, and if the user adds the wrong detergent, the resulting foam is unlikely to reach the plastic block housing the control board. The Atlant washing machine, in this regard, has an obvious drawback: if foam starts to squirt out in all directions, it's sure to hit the control module, and then it's a game of chance.

Despite the above-mentioned disadvantages, this arrangement of wiring, main contacts, and the module has obvious advantages. The main advantage for us is the easy access—remove the top cover and there's the module. It's right there, and all the wiring that goes into it can be pulled out and easily checked. Well, that's enough of the useful background information, let's move on to checking the wiring and contacts of the control module.

So, we disconnect the connector with the wire bundle from the control unit. We take out and set up the multimeter. We check each wire for a break. If a broken wire is found, it should be replaced immediately along with the contact. However, if there are several damaged wires (for example, if mice chewed them), you can replace the entire bundle at once – it's less of a hassle. Next, we need to test each contact on the control unit, and if everything is OK, we move on to checking the control board.

Checking and repairing the electronic module

At this stage of the inspection, it becomes clear that the wiring and contacts are not the culprit behind the F13 error, meaning the electronic module's control board will need to be removed and thoroughly tested. If traces of detergent are visible on the control board, rinse it with warm water, then thoroughly dry it with a hairdryer, and then rinse it again with ethyl alcohol.

The general procedure for checking and repairing the Atlant washing machine control module is shown using the Invensys 5521CC board as an example.

After these steps, you can reconnect the board and test its functionality. If this doesn't fix the F13 error, try the following:

• We check the power supply using a multimeter;
• we call pin 21 - VDD0, pin 32 - VDD1, pin 43 - VDD2;
• Next we check pin 39 – RESET, and then pin 32;
• At the next stage, we connect to the board and remove the firmware.

Find and install the new firmware. If this doesn't solve the problem, you'll need to test the processor in more detail. First, check the SDA and SCL buses. Next, test pins 5 and 6 of the processor. If there's no voltage on either pin, the processor is faulty and the entire board will need to be replaced.

The new control board may also require a firmware update.

In conclusion, the Atlant washing machine error code F13 may indicate serious problems with the electrical or electronic components of your "home assistant." Carefully weigh all the options before attempting to inspect or repair these parts of the machine, as this is virtually impossible without the necessary skills. For additional motivation, read the article. Is it worth repairing electronic modules yourself?, perhaps it will motivate you to take concrete action. Happy renovation!

   

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