Indesit washing machine freezes during spin cycle

Indesit washing machine freezes during spin cycleSo, the day has come when the next wash cycle ends, not with a spin cycle or a notification, but with the program freezing. What should you do in this situation? Sometimes, the washing machine notifies you of a system failure by displaying an error code. But in most cases, the device doesn't indicate the exact cause of the problem. If your Indesit washing machine is frozen during the spin cycle, be patient and diagnose its components one by one. This is the only way to determine the cause of the stoppage.

What should we check first?

Where to start looking for the causes of the malfunction? The first thing to do is to eliminate common mistakes in operating the Indesit washing machine. So, you need to make sure that:

  • The "Spin" option was selected before washing. It's possible the program selected doesn't include spinning or draining the waste water from the drum. In this case, it's very easy to fix the machine—just turn on the spin function, and the wash will proceed as planned.
  • The drum is not overloaded with items. Laundry becomes very heavy when wet. Rapid spin cycles can damage the drive mechanism, causing the washing machine to stop working. The solution is simple: remove some items from the drum and continue washing.
  • The washing machine drum is unbalanced. This problem occurs when washing a single large item of clothing. The item can clump together, causing unbalance. By evenly distributing the item across the drum, you'll restore the washing machine's functionality.The Indesit washing machine drum is overflowing with laundry.

But what if things aren't quite that simple? If device control errors have been ruled out, and the problem persists, you'll have to dig deeper. We'll explain where to begin troubleshooting a system malfunction.

The main causes of the problem

What could be causing your Indesit washing machine to freeze in the spin cycle? You'll need to check most of the machine's components. First, it's recommended to inspect the drum. It's possible that a foreign object got stuck in the drum during the wash cycle and is blocking the machine. It could be anything: a coin, a screw, a bra underwire, etc. Any number of things could be the cause of your Indesit machine freezing.

  1. Severe wear of shock absorbers. Modern washing machines are sensitive to any changes in the system. If the shock absorbers and dampers are too worn to fully suppress vibrations that occur during the spin cycle, the machine will stop working. Otherwise, your "household helper" will bounce around the room. Replacing the shock absorbers solves this problem.
  2. Drive belt defect. This problem is typical only for belt-driven models. The belt may have simply slipped or broken, preventing the drum from rotating properly.the shock absorbers failed
  3. The washing machine's electric motor and tachometer are faulty. The motor brushes may be worn out or the motor's electrical component may be damaged. The Hall sensor monitors the engine's RPM and needs to be replaced if it fails.
  4. Failure of the pressure switch. The water level sensor signals the washing machine's "brain" when the tank is full. If the pressure switch fails, the machine may freeze between the rinse and spin cycles.
  5. The drainage system is not working properly. If the water cannot be drained into the sewer, the machine will also freeze. The spin cycle will not start until the waste liquid has drained from the drum. The drainage system should be checked for blockages.

The most complex repair will be required if the control board is damaged.

A power surge or exposure to moisture on the control unit components can cause the module to malfunction. A technician will be required to fix the problem.

We check the drainage system

If the machine freezes in spin mode, remove and inspect the debris filter. It bears the brunt of the load; if the filter element is clogged, water drainage from the tank will be severely restricted. To check the debris filter:

  • open the small false panel located at the bottom of the front wall of the case;
  • Cover the floor under the machine with rags or place a container to collect water;
  • unscrew the filter element;
  • inspect its surface, remove any dirt, hair, or other debris from the filter;
  • Shine a flashlight into the resulting hole. Use a rag to clean off any residue from the walls and remove any threads or hair that may have gotten tangled around the impeller.Cleaning the Indesit filter
  • Install the filter back into place.

Next, inspect the drain hose and fitting for kinks or blockages. The fitting is attached directly to the pump, so it can be accessed through the bottom of the washing machine. The components are disconnected, rinsed with water, and reattached.

The machine's shock-absorbing system

What to do next? If the machine's freezing was preceded by increased knocking and vibration during operation, or the body jumping, the cause of the problem is likely worn shock absorbers. Dampers and shock absorbers are hidden beneath the washing machine's drum. Using internal springs, they absorb vibration, ensuring quiet and smooth operation. Over time, they wear out and can no longer fully perform their functions. Checking the shock absorbers is easy. The procedure is as follows:

  • de-energize the automatic washing machine;
  • remove the top cover of the housing by unscrewing the bolts that secure it;
  • Press the tank down firmly, then release it quickly.

By observing the tank's movements, you'll know whether the shock absorbers need replacing. If it bounces up and immediately returns to its original position, the springs have worked. A tank that wobbles from side to side will indicate worn shock absorbers.

If replacement is needed, the shock absorbers can be accessed through the bottom of the washing machine or by removing the rear panel of the housing. Repairing the components is not practical; it's better to install new shock absorbers immediately.

Let's check the drive belt

What are the symptoms of a damaged drive belt? The following signs may suggest this:

  • the drum stops during spinning;
  • slow rotation of the drum;
  • the program freezes after launch;
  • If you spin the drum with your hands, it moves very easily.

How to check the belt?

  • unplug the washing machine from the socket;
  • remove the top cover of the case;
  • remove the rear wall by unscrewing the bolts holding it.Replacing the drive belt on an Indesit

The drive belt will be in front of you. Inspect its surface for damage. A torn or stretched belt is best replaced immediately. If it has simply slipped off the pulley, try tightening it. First, place the belt on the engine pulley, then gradually on the gas tank pulley.

If the belt has come off and you don't see any damage, it's best to replace the element; it's likely stretched out quite a bit, and the problem may reoccur after a couple of washes.

Checking the engine

After checking the drive belt and ensuring it's in good condition, it's best to inspect the washing machine's electric motor. First, check the condition of the carbon brushes. These components direct current to the motor shaft, which then causes the motor to rotate. Brushes are subject to wear and tear, so they need to be replaced periodically. How do you do this?

  • unplug the washing machine;
  • get to the engine;
  • disconnect the motor power supply;
  • unscrew the bolts that secure the part and remove the engine from the housing;
  • unscrew the screws on the sides of the motor, remove the brushes;
  • Install new graphite rods into the grooves and assemble the engine.

If the brushes are fine, you should immediately check the motor windings. A multimeter will be useful for this. If the windings are damaged, the entire motor must be replaced.

Next, test the tachometer sensor located on the engine shaft. Inspect the Hall sensor; its contacts may have simply become loose. Tighten the tachometer sensor more tightly and reconnect the disconnected wires. The sensor cannot be repaired; if it is faulty, a new one must be installed.

Water level sensor

The pressure switch measures the amount of water in the washing machine's drum. The signal is then transmitted to the control module, and the washing machine's "brain" prompts the machine to drain or fill the drum with liquid at the appropriate time. A pressure switch that transmits erroneous readings can “confuse” the intelligence, causing the washing machine to simply freeze. The pressure sensor is located directly under the top cover of the machine. Checking the pressure switch is easy:

If the cause of the freeze is not identified, it is better to call a technician to diagnose the main control module.

  • disconnect the sensor by unscrewing the fixing bolts and disconnecting the wiring;
  • inspect the pressure switch tube for blockages;
  • Blow into the tube. If you hear clicking sounds, the sensor is working properly.

The replacement pressure switch is selected based on the Indesit washing machine model number. The element is connected in reverse order.

   

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