TOP 5 reasons why the washing machine does not wash. Possible malfunctions, consequences, repairs
If the washing machine does not wash, the reason may be due to a one-time failure, for example, due to a voltage drop or due to the belt falling off the pulley. Minor faults can be diagnosed and fixed independently. The most common cases and step-by-step instructions for them are presented in this material.
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Drive malfunction
Some models are equipped with a belt drive that connects the rotating pulley to the drum. Although the belt is made of durable materials, it will wear out over time due to abrasion. In addition, it may simply jump off, and then the drum will not be able to rotate.
Outwardly, it looks like this: the device is connected to the network, the program was installed, and the hatch was automatically locked. There is a noise (the machine is taking in water), but after that the machine does not wash. The verification steps depend on the device type:
- If the washing machine has a regular front loading (the most common option), you need to look for the belt behind the back cover.
- If the loading is vertical, it can be found under the end cap.
The repair sequence is as follows:
- Disconnect the device from the network.
- Remove each cover screw.
- Remove it and check the position of the belt.
- If it just slipped, put it on according to the diagram.
- If it is worn too much, you will need to replace the part - without this, washing is impossible.
Damage to heating element or thermostat
The heating element is an important element because it heats the water, making it possible to wash clothes in any mode. When the washing machine does not wash, but at the same time took in water and stopped at some point, you need to feel the glass of the hatch. Normally it should be much hotter than normal room temperature. If it is cold or tepid, the problem is clearly with the heating element.
Due to scale, it is forced to heat harder so that the sensor (thermostat) shows the desired temperature. Therefore, the wiring of the heating element heats up more, which in advanced cases can even lead to a short circuit. This is not dangerous, but sometimes the machine can give a weak current - then the device must be turned off immediately and not used until it is completely restored.
But it may also be that the heating element works quite normally, the water heats up, which is easy to feel on the hot glass. Then the reason is most likely related to the thermostat, which is transmitting incorrect data. The part cannot be repaired - it just needs to be replaced.
The drum doesn't spin
This breakdown can indicate both relatively simple and more complex situations. The tank does not rotate due to the following reasons:
- There is a foreign object between it and the body, for example, keys, locks, coins. You need to remove the cover and remove it.
- The belt has fallen off: repairs are carried out as described in the previous paragraph. But if it is known for sure that the machine has a direct drive (that is, it does not have a belt), this point is skipped.
- Failure of the tachometer, i.e. a device that controls the number of revolutions per minute.The main symptom is that vibrations during the washing process have become stronger, and the spin quality has decreased. Extraneous whistling sounds may also appear, causing the drum to stop completely. A multimeter is used for diagnostics, but if you do not have the necessary skills, contact a specialist.
- The motor brushes wear out - this part wears out quite often, especially with intensive washing. Then during operation there will be extraneous noise and characteristic crackling sounds. The laundry will be more damp even after spinning. If a burning smell appears during washing, the device must be immediately disconnected from the network and diagnosed.
Software module failure
This can be either a one-time system failure or a more serious breakdown. Main features:
- the drum runs slower than usual;
- laundry is not wrung out;
- the drum does not rotate at all;
- It is impossible to turn on the program or it gets lost during the wash.
As a rule, electronics are sensitive to voltage surges, and if a surge has recently been observed, a breakdown of the software module becomes the most likely cause. To eliminate it, you may need to completely replace the electronic board. But if this happens for the first time, it is recommended to turn off the machine from the network, wait 15 minutes and turn it on again.
Electric motor failure
This is one of the rarest breakdowns, which is also associated with an electrical surge. Another reason is worn carbon brushes, which produce foreign dust. In advanced cases, this can lead to a short circuit or winding breakage. Then the drum will stop rotating completely, and when the machine is turned on again, the plugs in the counter will fly out.
It is almost impossible to independently test, let alone repair, a faulty engine.This is one of the difficult cases when a specialist will definitely be needed. It is recommended to contact a service center, since trying to solve the problem on your own may create additional difficulties.