The washing machine washes without stopping

You traditionally started the washing machine, but after a while you realized that the program was not running as it should. Most often, RemBytTech clients note that:

The washing machine constantly washes without stopping and does not enter the rinse phase;
The spin cycle in the washing machine does not turn off; it constantly spins, but the drum does not pick up speed;
The washing machine constantly rinses the clothes and does not spin.

Before passing a verdict, it is necessary to exclude typical situations that can be mistakenly taken for “erases without stopping.” These include:

Stopping the machine with water. If your SMA has stopped without draining water, and does not turn off, see the article “Why the washing machine does not drain water.”
Machine freezing. If your washer freezes and won't run the program, check out the article "Why does your washing machine freeze on the wash, rinse, or spin cycle."
Increased wash duration. Does your machine wash for longer than expected but complete the program? Then the material “Why does a washing machine take so long to wash” is for you.

In this article we will consider only those cases when the machine constantly works, does not turn off and does not terminate the program.

Why does the washing machine wash without stopping?

Is your washing machine washing non-stop or stopping less often than usual?
This behavior of the washing machine indicates a malfunction. If the washing machine washes for a long time without stopping, the causes of the problem may be the following:

water is supplied in a smaller volume than usual or at low pressure;
heating element is faulty;
The thermostat or temperature sensor is broken;
The draining process is not working properly;
the pressure switch has failed;
there are faults in the control module;
You put too much laundry in the drum.

In a simple situation, you can fix the problem yourself. But often you have to turn to specialists.

We will analyze all possible problems.

Error codes

A good assistant in determining the breakdown of an automatic machine are error codes, which are more likely to be displayed on the display, indicating a failure.

If the drain system in the Indesit brand SMA is damaged, F-05 will appear on the display.

F-04 or F-10 will notify you that the pressure switch is faulty. In this case, the control module will receive a signal that the tank is empty and overfilled at the same time. But error H20 in Ariston machines can indicate several breakdowns at once: a failure in the control board, lack of fluid supply or self-draining.

If the tank is not filled within the allotted time to a certain level or, conversely, fills faster than the allotted time period, the LG washing machine will display a PE error. Then you need to look for the reason in the pressure switch or check the water pressure in the water supply.

Each washer has its own error marking. A complete list of them is in the operating instructions for the device. But if the electronics are broken, the fault code will not be displayed, which means you will have to look for the fault yourself.

Incorrect water supply

The machine may wash without stopping due to insufficient water supply due to the following reasons:

no water or low pressure;
The water supply valves are not fully open;
the filter mesh is clogged;
The water supply valve is broken.

What can be done:

wait until the water pressure is good;
open the valves completely;
clean the filter on the supply hose;
eliminate the inlet valve defect.

When you need specialist help

If you have certain skills, it is quite possible to deal with clogged filters, hoses or replacing them yourself. But it is unlikely that internal damage will be eliminated without the involvement of a specialist. Therefore, it is better not to take risks, but to entrust the repair to a specialist. The only way you can help the technician is to report the error code on the SMA display (if it appears). This way, the specialist will be aware of the essence of the problem in advance and will be able to take with him the necessary tools and spare parts. And this will significantly speed up the process of diagnosing and repairing the washing machine.

Long rotation or immobility of the drum

The reason for the decrease in washing efficiency in an indirect drive AGR may be the belt. It tends to wear out, and this leads to its slipping on the drum pulley or breakage - then the actuator does not rotate at all. Other reasons for long washing times due to the laundry washing chamber:

damage to the electronic control unit;
blocking the drum with a foreign object caught in the gap between it and the machine tank;

breakdown of the SMA drive motor;
insufficient motor power to initially spin the drum.

The last reason appears on machine models that do not have the function of controlling the imbalance and weight of the laundry. The resulting overload and uneven distribution of things in the drum is eliminated by repacking them in smaller quantities.

honeycomb drum

Fill valve

The cause of prolonged washing may also be a faulty solenoid valve. It happens that its membrane “wedges” and water begins to flow freely into the tank. There is no point in repairing the fill valve; it needs to be completely replaced. The algorithm of actions is as follows:

remove the top cover;
find the valve, it is located near the back wall;
disconnect the contacts and all hoses from it;
unscrew the fixing bolts;
pull out the old valve;
install and secure the new part, connect hoses and wiring.

This completes the quick diagnosis of breakdowns. If you still haven’t been able to solve the problem, you’ll have to dig deeper.

Control module

If all of the above breakdowns are absent, the problem is in the electronic module. This element itself is reliable, but can be damaged during power surges. If there is an endless wash, it will most likely not be possible to restore its correct operation.

Expert opinion

I work in the household appliance repair industry. Extensive experience in restoring washing machines and dishwashers.

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In this case, you need to consider purchasing a new module or washing machine.

There is another option. Make the machine semi-automatic. That is, forcefully stop the program and drain the water. In some cases this works. But it won't suit everyone.

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This problem is inherent in any brands, such as: Samsung, LG, Bosch, Electrolux, Zanussi, Ariston, Indesit, Whirlpool, Kandy, Hansa, Gorenje, Ardo , Beko, AEG, Miele, Siemens, Kaiser and Atlant.

What you can do yourself

A machine can wash without stopping for a number of reasons. Including due to installation or operation errors.

Incorrect connection of the SMA to the sewer . If the drain hose is located below the level of the tank, the water will flow by gravity into the sewer, and the machine will be forced to constantly add water. Because of this, washing takes forever. To solve the problem, connect the machine drain according to the instructions.
Overloading the machine with laundry . If the permitted weight of items is exceeded, the washing machine cannot spin the drum to the required spin speed. Therefore, the SMA rotates the drum without stopping, trying to arrange the laundry as expected, and does not turn off. It is necessary to remove some things and restart the spin cycle.
Imbalance of load on the drum axle . May occur if you wash one large item and several small ones. SMA cannot distribute the laundry evenly across the drum, so it constantly rotates it in an attempt to do so. You can try manually straightening a large item onto the drum. If this does not help, then you will have to squeeze the item manually.
Control module failure. Sometimes the control unit of the machine “freezes”, which is why it washes without stopping and does not turn off. Try rebooting it. To do this, disconnect the machine from the power supply for 10-15 minutes. If after turning on the problem disappears, it was a one-time failure, and your equipment is fine. You can continue to wash your items as usual.

The filling path is clogged

Taking too long to draw water can also delay the cycle. Therefore, you need to carefully inspect the filling system. Check the inlet hose to see if it is kinked or crushed by a foreign object. Then you should do the following:

turn off the power to washing equipment;
disconnect the inlet hose from the washing machine;
rinse its cavity under pressure of water;
Remove the filter mesh and remove all dirt from it. If there is rust on the element, soak it in a citric acid solution;
install the filter and hose in their original place.

Inspection of the drain system is carried out as follows:

disconnect the machine from the network, turn off the water supply;
Unscrew the garbage filter; it is located in the lower right corner of the case behind a special panel. Before removing it, it is better to cover the floor with rags, as liquid will flow out of the hole;
clean the filter element, remove debris from the hole;
put the garbage filter in its original place;
Disconnect the drain hose and rinse it under high water pressure.

If cleaning the drain filter and hose does not help, you will have to go deeper. It is necessary to lay the washer on its side and check the pump pipe. Find the tube, loosen the retaining clamp and remove the hose from the pump. The pipe is cleaned and fastened in place.

How to stop an “enraged” device?

What to do if the automatic machine is stuck on the spin cycle and does not want to stop the drum? Such “mad” rotation at high speed can lead to overheating of the unit and damage to the bearings. Therefore, first of all, you should turn off the washing machine, but how to do this as safely as possible? This is how you need to do it. To begin, press the Start/Pause button. After this, the rotation of the drum should begin to slow down. So, after a few seconds, the “centrifuge” will stop completely.

If turning off the button does not help, you will simply have to turn off the power to the machine by unplugging the power cord from the outlet.

Of course, such an action is dangerous for the machine, but leaving it for a long time with a rotating drum is no less dangerous. Therefore, without hesitation, disconnect the device from the power supply.

The main breakdowns due to which the washing machine does not finish washing:

Failure of the water level sensor - the pressure switch detects the water level in the tank and transmits a signal to the control element when it is necessary to start rinsing, spinning, draining. If the pressure switch breaks down, this signal is not transmitted, the washing stops or continues continuously.
The heating element is faulty - if 15 minutes after starting the washing machine freezes and the hatch glass is cold, there is a problem with the heater. The machine will not wash when one of the programmed events does not occur (the desired temperature is not reached). The heating element needs to be cleaned, and special descaling agents must be used to prevent damage.
Problems in the control unit - if the washing does not stop in the washing machine, but the cycle repeats again, this is due to a problem with the control board. The washing machine will wash and spin again and again, which is dangerous for both equipment and laundry.
The hall sensor is damaged - the tachometer controls the rotation speed of the drum during washing and connects the control unit with the motor. If the sensor does not transmit the required signal, the drum stops spinning and an error message appears on the display.
Bearing failure - the problem manifests itself when the washing machine spins, when the drum spins quickly, picks up speed, and the machine shakes and hums. Parts are replaced when the first malfunctions appear, so as not to aggravate the situation.
Faulty shock absorbers - parts smooth out vibrations of the drum at high speeds, so when loud knocks are heard during the spin cycle during the rinse cycle, the machine shakes and jumps, this indicates a breakdown of the shock absorbers. They are replaced in pairs at once.
Wear of motor brushes - due to constant friction, the brushes wear out, the contact weakens and the washing machine freezes. When the drum picks up speed, the engine may crackle and spark.

Clogged or incorrectly positioned drain hose

The next group of reasons are problems in the drainage system. If you connect the drain hose incorrectly, the water will leave the machine by gravity, then be drawn back into the tank - this will lengthen the cycle. You should connect the corrugation according to the rules, then you will be able to cope with the constant circulation of liquid in the washer.

In this case, it is easy to do the repair yourself. All you need to do is connect the drain hose according to the instructions. The hose must be located at a certain bend; the point of inclusion in the sewer must be arranged at a height of 40-80 cm above the floor level.

If your washing machine freezes during rinsing or spinning, it is likely that the drainage of water from the system is obstructed. In this situation, you will have to check the garbage filter, the pipe connecting the tank and the pump, the drainage hose, and the pump volute for blockages. It is likely that the common house riser is clogged - then you will need the help of a plumber.

An automatic machine may also freeze due to a faulty drain pump. If the pump is truly burnt out, it will need to be replaced. Repairing this part is not practical.

Slowly drains water (stuck on drain)

The washing process may take longer if the water drains from the machine very slowly. This may cause long washing times. We check the nodes and elements of the drain:

we check and clean the drain filter, which is located at the bottom of the front panel of the washing machine, read how to drain the water from the washing machine.
check whether the impeller is spinning;
clean the pipe that is attached to the pump. Disconnect the washing machine from the electricity and turn off the water. Carefully place it on its side so that the drain pump is accessible. Then we loosen the pipe clamp; if there is a blockage, we clean it and install it back;
We check the drain hose, perhaps it is clogged. Clean it or install a new one.

Checking the drain filter for clogging The impeller is broken Checking the drain pipe for clogging Checking the drain hose and siphon

Electronic board

This problem is considered the most serious; it will be difficult to fix it yourself. In this case, it is better to invite a service center specialist to repair the “home assistant”. If the electronic control module breaks down, the washing machine can continue washing indefinitely. The device will automatically switch programs, freeze and resume operation again.

The problem can be fixed either by flashing the electronic module or by replacing the semiconductors on the board. Microprocessor diagnostics are performed using special devices and tools. Without having the necessary knowledge and experience, you shouldn’t get into the “brain” of the washing machine; you can only aggravate the situation.

conclusions

If the washing machine does not stop or freezes due to a blockage or problems with the water supply, you can solve the problem on your own. If the main reason is internal failures, it is better to entrust the repair to a specialist. The price of a professional’s work will be lower than purchasing parts, which you will have to pay for separately if you try to eliminate the cause of the freeze yourself.

To get advice by phone or call a specialist to your home, leave a request on the Tandem service website or call.