Why does my washing machine beep when I'm washing?

A beeping sound that occurs not at the end of a program, but at any stage of the wash cycle, raises legitimate questions and concerns among homeowners. The machine is washing as usual, but the constant beeping is irritating and limits nighttime use. Instead of adjusting to the unpleasant sounds, it's better to find out why your washing machine is beeping during the wash cycle and how to fix it.

Symptoms and solutions

According to consumer reviews, squealing noise is common in many washing machines. They squeak like Whirlpool and Atlant with Hotpoint Ariston and many famous brands. There is no point in blaming design features – the internal structure of each brand and model is far from identical.

Squealing sounds during washing also manifest themselves in different ways. Most often, the unpleasant sound is heard throughout the entire cycle at five-minute intervals, but sometimes it can be heard three times during the entire program. This is especially true for those whose machines beep every five seconds.

In addition to sound, you may also encounter blinking indicators on the dashboard. Some units illuminate the temperature indicator, others the mode selector, and still others all the buttons and keys.

In most cases, beeping doesn't interfere with the washing machine's performance. However, it can be more serious if the beeping is accompanied by problematic operation. For example, the machine's system resets the program and ends the cycle early. You have to restart the program and waste time adjusting the wash cycle settings. Typically, this reset occurs randomly, approximately once every 3-4 attempts.

It is strongly recommended that you do not attempt to diagnose the source of the squeaking noise on your own; it is better to contact a specialist.

It's difficult to pinpoint the exact reason why the washing machine starts beeping. However, the problem is definitely with the control board, which is unable to properly control the system. A comprehensive diagnosis, repair, or reprogramming of the module is required, and only a professional service technician can handle these tasks. Board replacement is extremely rare.

The beeping is not coming from the speaker

When the squeak is heard not from the washing machine speaker, but from the drum, from behind or above, then the problem is different. It is quite possible that the audible sound only resembles squeaking, but in reality it sounds different. Rather, the user is being “deceived” by the following malfunctions:

• loose drive belt;
• the fastening on the drum or counterweights has come loose;
• foreign object entering the tank.

In such cases, the squealing is inevitably accompanied by a suspicious clanking, grinding, and humming sound. However, the problem can be solved more quickly and without the need for professional repairs. If the belt is the cause of the squealing, remove it, wash it in soapy water, and lubricate it with crushed pine rosin. This last step is crucial – it will prevent the belt from slipping and making an unpleasant squealing sound.

If the counterweight is the culprit, we take a different approach: remove the top panel of the machine, free the wiring and control board, and then visually inspect the condition of the concrete blocks. Next, test the concrete with a few taps and, if any bolts are loose, tighten the fasteners. If cracks or chips are visible, the machine will need to be replaced.

Further operation of the machine with a loose drive belt, unsecured counterweights, or if there is a foreign object in the tank is strictly prohibited.

To remove a foreign object from the washing machine, remove the back panel and drive belt, and locate the heating element. Remove the heating element and, through the resulting opening, access the space between the drum and tub. Simply shine a flashlight into the space, pinpoint the foreign object, and then use long tweezers to pull the item out.

Squeaking sound in ATLANT washing machine

None of the above applies to owners of the Atlant 50C82 series washing machine. This machine also beeps, but in a slightly different way and for a completely different reason. The indicator and program selector are to blame for the annoying sounds.

The beeping noise is explained as follows: the display unit only works in conjunction with the mode selector, which is not particularly robust. The beeping is caused by the gear selector itself.

It's worth noting that the beeping noise doesn't affect the washing machine's performance. Very rarely, malfunctions can occur, such as the display erroneously displaying a program instead of the user-selected one. For example, the dial may stop at the "Cotton" setting, while the indicator shows the time and temperature for "Quick Wash." Sometimes, the "SEL" error code appears simultaneously, which stands for "selector malfunction." In Atlant models, the beeping noise is resolved by replacing the display module. Repairs can be attempted, but the problem often returns.

   

2 reader comments

1. March 22, 2022 at 11:44 AM

   Oksana:

   The washing machine stops washing and starts beeping.

   Answer
2. June 1, 2022 at 2:04 PM

   Valentina:

   Thank you!

   Answer