Daewoo washing machines are known for their reliability and robust components. Many models from this brand operate trouble-free for 10-15 years, and sometimes even longer. However, sometimes the machine fails early, warning the user of a system failure with a code on the display. One of the most common "early birds" on Daewoo washing machines is the H6 error, which indicates a faulty heating element. Why the heating element is one of the first to fail and how to restore the machine's functionality—we'll discuss below.
Preparing to replace the heating element
If Daewoo displays error H6, you will have to diagnose the heating element. It's best to prepare for the upcoming part replacement right away—repairing a heater is very difficult and expensive. It's cheaper and faster to remove the old one and install a new one. The most difficult part of repairing a heating element is finding a replacement. You need to know which model of heating element is installed in your machine. Sometimes the part information is included in the manufacturer's instructions, but it's better to remove the part and examine the markings on its surface. Another option is to take the faulty element to the store and ask the salesperson to select a replacement based on a sample.
The most important thing is that the new heating element matches the old one in terms of power and dimensions. Daewoo washing machines typically have heating elements rated at 1900-2000 W, depending on the drum capacity. The sensor's diameter on the part is 1 cm, and the length before the bend is 18.5 cm.
Knowing all the parameters of the required heating element allows you to avoid going to the store in person and order a replacement online. This option is offered by both the manufacturer and third-party resellers. The key is to choose a genuine part, not a Chinese knockoff. A new heating element for a Daewoo washing machine costs around $10-13.
When looking for a replacement heating element, you need to look at the heater's power and its dimensions.
To replace the heating element and fix the H6 error, you'll need to partially disassemble the machine. The following tools are required:
ratchet plus 8 mm socket;
slotted and Phillips screwdrivers;
multimeter;
lubricant.
Before attempting any DIY repairs, you need to figure out what exactly happened to the heating element. To do this, remove the heating element from the machine housing and test it for proper operation. We'll explain in detail how.
Why did the heating element break down and where can I find it?
The H6 code on the display means that the washing machine has stopped heating water. It's easy to guess the problem: when you start the high-temperature cycle, the machine washes in cold water. A lack of heating can be caused by several issues, ranging from a faulty heater itself to a faulty thermistor or control board. Typically, the heating element is the most likely to fail.
The heating element is considered one of the most vulnerable components of any washing machine. It can fail for several reasons:
sharp voltage surges in the electrical network;
thermistor failure;
"glitch" on the control board;
too dirty and hard tap water;
damage to the heating element cuff (water passes through the seal and short-circuits the contacts);
careless operation of the machine (switching on several high-temperature cycles in a row);
manufacturing defect.
Reasons for heating element failure include scale from hard water, user error, manufacturing defects, sudden voltage fluctuations, or a faulty thermistor or control board.
Rarely, the H6 error is caused not by the heating element, but by the control module. The system freezes or loses communication with the heater, preventing it from receiving the heating command. In this situation, diagnostics and a board reflash are required, which only a service technician can handle.
To repair a washing machine, you first need to inspect the heating element. On the vast majority of Daewoo models, it's located underneath the wash tub. Here's how to do it:
we disconnect the machine from communications;
we turn the equipment "backwards" forward;
unscrew the back panel from the case;
we tighten the drive belt;
we look under the tank.
The heating element is easy to identify. The element is located precisely in the center of the drum, and its rounded rectangular section is richly wired. It's hard to miss—it's immediately noticeable after removing the rear panel.
How to change an element?
Checking and replacing a heating element yourself is easy. The main thing is to know in advance what to do and in what order. So, first of all, you need to make sure once again that the washing machine is de-energized and disconnected from the water supply. The second is to drain the residual water from the drum.
If error code H6 occurs, the tank is emptied through the debris filter. Use a screwdriver to open the access door on the lower right side of the housing and unscrew the nozzle, placing a container underneath to collect the water. Then, return to the heating element and begin diagnosing it:
we disconnect the wiring connected to the connector;
turn on the multimeter in ohmmeter mode;
we apply the probes to the heater contacts;
We evaluate the result (a serviceable element produces a value within the range of 20-30 Ohms).
If the resistance isn't correct, the part can't be repaired. The only way to fix the problem is to replace the heating element with a working one. But first, let's remove the old one:
loosen the central nut;
we press the rod inside;
we pry up the base with a screwdriver;
we pull the heating element out of its seat;
We inspect the removed heating element and determine why the washing machine displays the H code.
When removing the heating element, be careful with the rubber seal: do not damage it, as this will cause a leak!
Now we move on to installing the new heater. Clean the "nest," generously coat the part with grease, and secure it in place with a nut. Then connect the wires to the connector, reassemble the Daewoo washing machine, and run a high-temperature cycle. If the error disappears and the water heats up within 15-20 minutes, you've done everything correctly.
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