Indesit washing machine stops during washing

What should you do if your washing machine suddenly freezes mid-cycle? First, turn it off using the power button, then unplug it from the outlet. Let it sit unplugged for 10-15 minutes. Then, turn it on again and restart the wash cycle. In 50% of cases, this will resolve the issue. But what if, even after restarting, your Indesit washing machine freezes mid-cycle? Let's figure out what could be causing this problem.

Typical causes of the problem

In most cases, if the washing machine suddenly stops in the middle of a cycle and stops working, after a while a combination of letters and numbers will appear on the display. By decoding the error code, you can understand what kind of failure has occurred in the system. If your automatic washing machine doesn't have a display, you'll have to identify the problem by the flickering lights on the control panel. If the machine simply freezes and refuses to display an error, you'll have to rule out possible causes one by one.

First, you need to understand the typical malfunctions that cause your washing machine to stop working. Then, figure out how to fix the problem. So, here are the main reasons why your washing machine freezes:

• overloading the drum or improper distribution of laundry on its inner surface;
• activation of the leak protection sensor;
• sudden unlocking of the drum door;
• Incorrectly set washing program (relevant for the newest models);
• damage to the main control board of the machine;
• problems with washing machine wires (power wires, terminals, and various sensors often fail);
• failure of individual machine components (for example, a faulty electric motor, heating element, pump, etc.).

In addition to the reasons described above, problems with the inlet valve may also occur. If the drain system is clogged, the washing machine will not be able to drain the water from the drum and will also stop without starting the rinse cycle.

The machine is clogged with dirt or overloaded

Very often, washing machines "freeze" during a wash cycle because the laundry is loaded incorrectly into the drum. This isn't always due to the user exceeding the maximum load capacity. It could also be due to:

• the laundry is not correctly distributed on the surface of the drum;
• the items are not sorted (typical of ultra-modern washing machines that can automatically select the preferred cleaning program depending on the type of fabric).

Before using your washing machine, be sure to read the user manual and don't ignore it. The manual clearly specifies the maximum load capacity. If the maximum load is 6 kg, and you load 7 kg, the machine will likely stop mid-cycle. And if the machine has an auto-weighing feature, the wash cycle won't start at all. The intelligent program measures the weight of the clothes and displays the weight on the display.

The "stuck" problem can occur if the drum is loaded unevenly. For example, you loaded a duvet cover and several small items into the washing machine. All of these items will become tangled with the bedding, forming a tight ball inside the machine. The twisted laundry will tend to end up near one wall of the drum, disrupting the centrifugal force as it rotates. If the items are loaded incorrectly, the drum becomes unbalanced, and the machine's safety system slows down the washing process, waiting for the clothes to be evenly distributed inside.

A simple blockage can also cause an Indesit washing machine to freeze.

Dirt can accumulate in different places:

• drain hose;
• pump;
• trash filter;
• sewer pipe;
• drain hole of the washing machine, etc.

The easiest way to start checking is by cleaning the drain filter. It's located at the front of the washing machine, in the lower right corner, behind a special panel. Unscrew the element, rinse it thoroughly, and clear the drain hole. It'll be a bit more difficult if the cause is a clogged drain pipe. However, in this case, water will have difficulty draining not only from the washing machine but also from the sink, bathtub, and toilet. You can clear the drain using chemical cleaners like "Mole" or "Tiret." If aggressive cleaners don't work, call a plumber.

If your washing machine gets stuck with a full tank of water and doesn't start rinsing, you should inspect the drain hose. To do this, you'll need to disconnect it from the machine. You can do this with a screwdriver. Loosen the clamps, then remove the hose from the machine, and then remove it from the trap. Using a long wire, remove the blockage, rinse the hose with strong water pressure, and reinstall it.

Sometimes, a cycle stops because an internal component of the washing machine, such as the drain pump or tub, is clogged. Cleaning the pump is difficult to do yourself; it's best to entrust the repair to a professional. You can try to handle the task yourself, but before doing so, you should do as much research as possible and gain the necessary knowledge to complete the job.

User errors

The simplest, yet quite common, reason for an Indesit automatic washing machine to freeze is an incorrectly selected wash cycle. It's worth reiterating the importance of reading the user manual before starting the washing machine. The manufacturer's user manual details the features of special wash cycles, intelligent options, and add-ons. Therefore, if the machine stops while using a specific cycle, it's a good idea to reread the manual.

For example, if you set a modern washing machine to perform a soak and wash with bleach, it will likely stop mid-cycle. You can't set both the "Soak" and "Bleach" functions simultaneously.

If the electrical system or control module is damaged, it is better not to attempt repairs at home.

Trying to fix these problems yourself will take a lot of time and effort, and there's no guarantee you'll get positive results. A technician will diagnose the washing machine, test the components with a multimeter, identify the problem, and professionally resolve it.

Motor, pump or heating element

The most important components of an automatic washing machine always fail unexpectedly. Typically, they break down during intensive operation. The reason for the washing machine to “freeze” in the middle of a cycle could be a burnt-out drain pump, a non-working heating element, or a damaged motor. Of course, if any major part stops working, the washing process stops and the appliance displays an error code on the display.

The user manual will help you interpret the messages displayed by the washing machine's self-diagnostic system. The next steps are determined based on the malfunction. For example, if the error indicates a failed motor, it's important to understand that repair or replacement is often quite expensive. Sometimes, repair work costs more than purchasing a new washing machine.

You can replace the heating element yourself. This type of work isn't considered complicated. You'll need to purchase a heating element similar to the one installed in your washing machine, grab a screwdriver, and partially disassemble the machine. Then, disconnect the wires from the faulty heating element, loosen the central nut, and remove the heating element from the system. Connect the new element in the reverse order.

Replacing a drain pump is somewhat more complicated, so it's best to entrust the job to a professional. This is especially true if you lack the knowledge and experience to handle this type of repair.

Thus, there are many reasons why a washing machine might become blocked during operation. It's not always possible to find the washing machine's weak point on your own, but it's still worth a try. Moreover, initial diagnostics don't require any specialized knowledge or skills. If the problem lies in damaged complex components, it's recommended to entrust the repair to an experienced technician.

   

1 reader comment

1. July 16, 2022 at 8:43 PM

   Elena:

   Super!

   Answer