Error code F4 in a Haier washing machine

If you see the F4 error in your Haier washing machine, it's best to restart it and closely monitor its behavior. If the machine stops again 4-5 minutes after starting the cycle and displays a malfunction signal, the problem lies with the heating element. You'll need to postpone the wash cycle and have the heating element diagnosed. We'll explain the steps and what to look for.

Let's start with the basics

The F4 error code displayed on a Haier appliance most often indicates a faulty heating element. Heating elements can fail for a variety of reasons, from normal wear and tear to overheating due to a short circuit or a thick layer of scale. There is only one way to check if the heating element is working properly: by ringing it with a multimeter.

Error code F4 on a Haier washing machine indicates problems with water heating.

Before proceeding with testing, it's necessary to find out the nominal resistance of a specific heating element. This parameter is sometimes specified in the instructions, but it's easier and quicker to calculate it yourself using the formula R = U²/P, where:

• R – the desired nominal resistance;
• U – voltage in the electrical network (as a rule, for most houses and apartments it is 220 volts);
• P – heating element power (can be found in the instructions or on the Internet, the main thing is to look for the heating element parameters for a specific Haier model).

You just need to plug the values ​​into the formula. If the washing machine has a 1800-watt heating element, the calculation would be: 220²/1800. This yields 26.89 ohms – the nominal resistance for this type of heating element. This value should be noted and compared with the reading on the multimeter. If the tester shows a significantly higher or lower value, the heating element is faulty. But first, remove the heating element and conduct a test.

We are conducting testing

To measure the resistance of the heating element, you need to access it. The instructions are simple: disconnect the power to the washing machine, unscrew the back panel from the housing, locate the heater element under the drum, and disconnect its connector from the wiring. Once the element is exposed, we begin testing:

• turn on the multimeter to the “Ohmmeter” mode;
• we set the limit to 200 Ohm;
• we connect the probes to the heater terminals;
• We look at the scoreboard and remember the final value.

Next, we compare the resulting value with the calculated one. If the figure is close to the norm, then everything is fine. Worse, when the display shows "1" or "0"—this indicates the final "death" of the heating element, an internal break, or a short circuit. Repair won't help here; only replacement with a new element.

The resistance measured on the heating element must be equal to the nominal value calculated using the formula R = U²/P.

We always check the heater for breakdown. This is because there's a dielectric between the outer tube and the inner coil of the heating element. If the dielectric is damaged, this leaks out and comes into contact with the washing machine body. The machine then begins to shock the user, which is extremely dangerous. Diagnostics are performed as follows:

• switch the multimeter to buzzer mode;
• We check the device by connecting the probes together (the device should beep and signal with a light);
• we place one probe of the multimeter against the heating element terminal, and the second against its body;
• We evaluate the tester’s behavior (silent – ​​the heating element is working properly, beeping – the heating element needs to be replaced).

Once the problem has been identified, you will have to replace the heating element, otherwise the F4 error will not be reset. Only after the new heater is correctly installed will the washing machine be ready to start washing.

Checking the thermistor

Sometimes the F4 error code indicates a problem with the thermistor, a temperature sensor. It's attached to the heating element housing and monitors its heating level. If the sensor fails, the system aborts the cycle for safety reasons and displays a corresponding error message. To confirm this, remove the thermistor and test it:

• remove the back panel of Haier;
• find the thermistor;
• disconnect the wiring from the meter;
• remove the sensor;
• connect the multimeter in ohmmeter mode to the sensor contacts;
• place the thermistor in hot water;
• evaluate the obtained indicator.

The final reading depends on the water temperature. At 20°C, a properly functioning device will read 6000 ohms, and at 50°C, 1350 ohms. If significant deviations are observed, only replacing the sensor will correct the problem. Replace the thermistor and start the wash cycle. If F4 remains, take the washer to a service center.

   

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