Why do you need a washing machine temperature sensor? What is it, how to check and repair it?

The washing machine temperature sensor is a very important element that determines how hot the water is. It transmits a signal to the heating element, turning it on or off. Thanks to this, the temperature can be constantly maintained at a given level. What types of this device there are, how to diagnose its malfunctions and replace it in time is described in the presented article.

Purpose and types of sensors

Before you understand how to check the temperature sensor of a washing machine, you need to understand its purpose and types. This small element is called a thermostat or thermistor. It performs an important function - it controls the heating of water to a certain temperature level.

Washing can be done at 40, 50 and even 60 degrees, and heating is carried out by a heating element located at the bottom of the device. To control the temperature level, you need a temperature sensor for the washing machine, which sends a corresponding signal to the control module. If the water remains cool, an appropriate error code will appear on the screen and the wash cycle will be stopped until the problem is resolved.

To understand how to check a temperature sensor for a washing machine with a multimeter, you should understand its types. Depending on the principle of operation, there are 3 types:

1. Gas-filled devices consist of a can containing freon. The gas enters through a tube attached to it and then produces the desired signal. When the water heats up, the gas puts more pressure on the metal plate, which turns off the heating element. Checking your washing machine's temperature sensor involves carefully inspecting it to ensure its integrity.
2. Another temperature sensor for the Indesit washing machine can be installed - bimetallic. It comes into direct contact with water. When heated, it closes the contacts, and when it cools, it opens them.
3. Another temperature sensor for a Samsung washing machine is a thermistor. It functions due to changes in the resistance of materials in the event of heating and cooling of water. This is a more reliable device because it does not have other elements that can fail.

Symptoms and diagnostics

It is not difficult to understand how to check the temperature sensor of a washing machine with a multimeter. The part rarely breaks, so signs of failure are quite obvious:

1. Heating the water too much - often almost to a boiling point.
2. Overheating of the unit body - you can even notice steam coming from under the lid. In this case, you need to turn off the device and figure out how to check the temperature sensor of the washing machine.
3. The water has stopped heating - you can touch the door and make sure that it remains cool. Then it is important to measure the resistance of the temperature sensor of the Samsung washing machine and, if necessary, begin repairs.

More accurate results are obtained by inspection, as well as measurements taken with a multimeter. Thus, a gas-filled thermostat stops functioning if the tube is damaged. It needs to be replaced with a new one, and new freon must be pumped in. Since this is not always possible, it is easier to buy a new element.

Thermistors are more advanced devices, which is why they break much less often. As a rule, the cause of the violation is not even wear, but a manufacturing defect. To check the part, you need to measure the resistance of the temperature sensor of the Indesit washing machine.

Finally, if the thermostat is a bimetal type, it may break due to the destruction of the plate. It stops bending, so the heating does not turn off, as a result of which the water literally boils.

To carry out accurate diagnostics, measure the resistance of the temperature sensor of the washing machine. The procedure is as follows:

1. Disconnect the device from the network.
2. Remove the panel at the back.
3. Find the thermistor as shown in the photo.
4. Loosen the heating element and remove the thermistor.
5. Set up a multimeter to measure resistance, attach the probes to the contacts.
6. Normally (at room water temperature) the indicator should be within 6 kOhm.
7. If you put the part in water, the indicator should gradually decrease as it heats up. So, already at a temperature of 35-36 degrees it should be about 1.3 kOhm.

Replacement instructions

Replacing the temperature sensor of a washing machine is carried out in cases where obvious signs of a malfunction are detected - both visual and instrumental (the resistance indicator is higher than normal or absent). You can carry out the repair yourself; for this you will need several tools:

• Screwdriver Set;
• multimeter;
• glue with a waterproof composition can be replaced with silicone;
• socket wrench (10 mm).

When the resistance of the temperature sensor of the LG washing machine or other models is measured, you can begin the repair. First, the machine is turned off and all the liquid is drained from the tank, after which the lid is removed and the internal structure is photographed. The further sequence of actions depends on the type of device.

Gas-filled sensor

If the resistance of the washing machine's temperature sensor is not normal, you need to start replacing it. The instructions are:

1. Remove the thermostat by prying it up with a screwdriver.
2. Remove the regulator that controls the temperature.
3. Treat the installation site with glue or sealant.
4. They install a new device and measure the resistance of the Indesit temperature sensor.
5. Reassemble all parts in reverse order.

Bimetallic sensor

If the water heating sensor in the washing machine is bimetallic, proceed as follows:

1. Remove the thermostat.
2. Resistance measurements are carried out.
3. Install a new part.
4. Assemble the remaining elements in reverse order.

Thermistor

It is clear how to check the thermostat of a washing machine - all you need to do is use a multimeter. If necessary, the thermistor is changed according to the following algorithm:

1. Remove the old part and measure the resistance.
2. Install a new element.
3. Reassemble all parts in reverse order.

The new heating element sensor of the washing machine should work correctly. To verify this, it is recommended to run the wash in test mode at temperatures up to 40 degrees. If the water heats up normally, the temperature sensor of the heating element of the washing machine is installed correctly.Otherwise, you will need to establish another cause of the breakdown and, if necessary, call a specialist.