Any modern Indesit brand equipment breaks down over time, so owners of washing machines (hereinafter also referred to as ASM, SM) periodically have to deal with breakdowns of their units. At the same time, many malfunctions of the Indesit washing machine can be localized and eliminated independently.
Even the most modern Indesit washing machines can fail over time
How to determine the nature of the malfunction
Almost all washing units with horizontal and vertical loading are equipped with a self-diagnosis function. And if the AFM is equipped with a display, this is especially convenient for users and technicians who repair this equipment. Fault codes are displayed on the dashboard; you just need to know their meaning. This saves time and money spent on repairs.
Many Indesit washing machine models - such as IWSB 5085, WISL 82, WISL 83, WISL 85, WISL 103, WISL 105, WITL 86 and WITL 106 - do not have a display. The nature of the breakdown in such units can be determined by a combination of glowing indicators, and the methods for deciphering them differ depending on the type of control panel. The previously listed models, as well as machines of the WIL, WIUL, WIDL series, belong to the AVL line of the EVO-II generation.
Numerical values of each indicator of the AVL SM line
The same generation includes the Low-End line (for example, models WUIN 81 and WISE 10), in which indicators and control buttons are located differently.
Meanings of SM indicators of the Low-End line of the EVO-II series
Washing machines made on the Arcadia platform (for example, models IWSB 5085, IWSB 5105) have their own fault indication.
Numerical values of each of the AFM indicators of the Arcadia line
All photographs contain values for indicators 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16. Depending on which of them are blinking, error codes are generated. For example, in the Indesit WISL 102 washing machine, a malfunction corresponding to code F03 will be indicated by two flashing indicators on the right. If you add their values (1 + 2), you get a total of 3.
In AFMs manufactured on the EVO-I platform (for example, models W84TX and W105TX), the error code can be determined by counting the number of blinks of the network indicator. At the same time, the program selection knob rotates, indicating a breakdown.
There is a pause between the blinking cycles of the indicator, so it’s easy to calculate the error code
Next, we will consider the main malfunctions of Indesit washing machines.
Do-it-yourself repairs
Modern Indesit devices have a display to monitor the operating status. If any malfunction occurs, an error code is displayed on the display. In the instructions supplied with the washing machine, you can find a decoding of the codes. Having determined the cause of the breakdown, it is easier to fix the problem on your own or invite a specialist from the workshop and calculate the amount of repair work.
LCD display of washing machine
But there are also devices that do not have an LCD display and an error removal program. The owner of the washing machine will then have to proceed with the inspection and try to fix the problem himself. If the control panel does not light up with all the colors of the signal lights, there is no smoke or burning smell, and there are no leaks, this means that there are no serious breakdowns and you can try to fix the problem on your own.
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Here are some simple problems and ways to solve them:
- When you press the power button, nothing happens - check whether the plug is inserted or whether the contact is tight enough. It is also possible that the mechanism for protecting the electrical network from a short circuit has tripped. This can happen from strong power surges;
- water does not flow - restart the machine by pressing the start and stop button. Check that the door is closed tightly and that there is enough water pressure. Is the water supply tap turned off?
- if nothing happens after pressing the start button, repeat the same steps. Check whether the water supply hose is damaged or whether the delayed washing mode is running;
- Check the installation height of the drain hose if there is constant draining and intake of water. Bring the high point of the hose to a height of 70 centimeters;
- extraneous loud sounds can be caused by solid objects that have fallen out of pockets getting into the washing machine drum - coins, pens, and so on;
- Excessive foaming makes work difficult and is caused by incorrect selection of washing powder. Washing powder must be specifically for automatic machines;
Excessive foaming is also a cause for concern
- the “spin” function does not work or the water does not come out after the “rinse” cycle - the drain hose may be kinked or clogged. The mode may be incorrectly selected. With the “light ironing” or “no spin” modes, this effect may occur. Restart the washing process by pressing the "Start/Pause" button. To find out other reasons why the washing machine does not drain water, we recommend studying this material;
- If there is strong vibration or during washing, or during the spinning process of the Indesit machine, check the uniform distribution of the laundry. If the device has been moved to another location, check whether there is any distortion in the installation;
- All the indicators came on at once for no apparent reason. A complete disconnection from the power supply will help. When turned on again, their operation may be restored.
Washing machine disassembly diagram
Engine breakdowns
Signs of problems with the motor are as follows: the machine does not start washing, the drum does not rotate. The breakdown should be looked for in the following details:
- electric motor;
- triac (hereinafter also referred to as triac), which controls the operation of the motor;
- circuits of the electronic control unit (hereinafter also referred to as ECU);
- contacts in cables and connectors.
Motors are usually located at the bottom of the body
There may be a short circuit in the control triac, as well as water getting into the connector of the cable going to the electric motor. Probably, the voltage in the network does not correspond to the required level - its presence and value is checked with a multimeter. The possibility of ECU failure cannot be ruled out.
When the tachogenerator does not transmit information about the rotation of the electric motor to the control module, this is manifested by the lack of rotation of the drum. In this case, you can suspect not only a breakdown in the motor, but also a malfunction of the tachometer itself. There is a possibility of an open circuit or short circuit at the tachogenerator output.
Tachometer reading engine speed
It is easy to check the serviceability of the rotation sensor - just measure the resistance at its output with a multimeter. The value should be in the range of 110-180 Ohms. In the same way, you can check the circuit for a short circuit. Another possible cause of failure is failure of the ECU. If error codes F01 and F02 appear, repairs should be entrusted to a qualified technician.
The ACM can be brought into working condition by rebooting the computer - to do this, you need to disconnect it from the network for 15–20 minutes. Higher problems are eliminated by replacing the motor, triac or tachogenerator. The brushes in the motor may fail, so it will be enough to replace them.
A breakdown of the Indesit washing machine may result in a lack of communication between the central processor and the motor control controller. The problem is “cured” by replacing the control unit board.
Electronic hardware defects
If the malfunction cannot be eliminated and the mode failure recurs, you need to check the control module and power wiring. First, you will have to disassemble the washing machine by removing the front wall of its body. This is necessary to gain free access to the main electronic unit. When the module is in sight, you should check all the contacts and wires one by one. It is better to start diagnostics with the “On/Off” button. If any element of the board is suspicious, it is advisable to replace it.
When it is not possible to cope with the causes of the malfunction even after such repairs, you will have to check the remaining parts of the automatic washing machine. Perhaps the problem lies in a failed washing element. We'll tell you what to do next.
Problems with the temperature sensor
Incorrect information about the water temperature entering the control unit is a consequence of a break or short circuit in the temperature sensor circuit (hereinafter also referred to as NTC). Another reason for such a problem in the Indesit washing machine may be a stuck relay that controls the operation of the heating element (hereinafter also referred to as the heating element). In this case, the liquid does not heat up and its temperature remains unchanged.
Water temperature sensor for Indesit washing machines
One option for checking a sensor is to measure its resistance. When the device is operational, the multimeter should show a value of approximately 20 kOhm. You should also check the integrity of the wiring and the functionality of the connectors from the control module to the sensor. In addition to replacing the sensor, an option to troubleshoot an Indesit washing machine is to update the firmware flashed in the non-volatile memory of the CM.
Incorrect information from the water level sensor
This device has another name - pressure switch. It measures the pressure level in the tank when water enters it or when it is absent. When a certain liquid level is reached, the pressure switch is activated and closes the inlet solenoid valve. If there is a malfunction, the sensor may simultaneously send signals that the tank is full and at the same time empty.
The pressure sensor is usually located at the top of the housing, under the cover
The cause of the problem is the sticking of one of the contact groups that informs about an empty or full tank. The problem may also be hidden in the control unit and wiring contacts. If these components are working properly, you will have to replace the water level sensor.
Liquid is not drained from the tank
If the water does not drain, the reasons for the malfunction of the Indesit washing machine lie in a non-working pump or in the absence of a control signal. If the pump breaks, it will have to be replaced. Perhaps the absence of a control signal is due to a malfunction of the pressure sensor (a constant signal that the tank is empty) or a malfunction in the control unit. You need to check for blockages in the drainage system components - hose and filter. This is probably why the pump cannot remove water.
The pump winding may be broken or there may be no power supplied to it. This means that you need to check the connection circuit between the pump and the ECU with a multimeter, as well as the integrity of the pump winding. In working condition, its resistance should be in the range of 160–180 Ohms. If the pump is working properly, you need to check the serviceability of the ECU.
Askoll drain pump installed in many Indesit CM models
What to do if the washing machine freezes
Since today the models of washing units have become “smart”, problems associated with the computer responsible for the washing, spinning, rinsing and drying modes cannot be ruled out during their operation.
If your machine does not stop, i.e. There is a failure in the program and it continues to constantly rinse the loaded items, then you need to turn it off.
In such a situation, you need to eliminate the electronics failure by turning off the unit from the network and independently draining the liquid from it through a filter or emergency drain. As a rule, the washing machine hangs on the rinse cycle because it is clogged, which prevents the normal passage of water. This problem can be resolved by cleaning the filter or replacing it. If everything is fine with the drain, then the reason lies in a malfunction of the control board, motor brushes, and even motor failure.
The washing program selected on the control panel is not recognized
With this malfunction, code F06 occurs. This error is typical for AFM with EVO-II control systems. It does not appear in the Indesit AVD and AVL series. The reason may be erroneous operation of the control panel keys or a violation of the integrity of the contacts in the connectors of the connecting cables.
You can check the buttons for operation with a multimeter. For example, the contacts on the pins of the buttons are short-circuited when pressed - this means that the resistance between them is zero. At rest, the resistance is equal to infinity (break). If there is a malfunction, the resistance values will be different. The cables and connectors leading to the control unit are also checked.
Fault prevention
For preventive purposes, adhere to the following rules:
- provide protection from high humidity;
- provide protection against voltage surges by installing a machine;
- do not allow excessive load;
- It is recommended to fasten metal fasteners and buttons before washing.
It is not advisable to disassemble the Indesit SM and repair it yourself if the warranty period is still valid and the damage is minor. Warranty service is carried out in the workshop free of charge. In case of severe damage, consumers can contact a service center.
Malfunctions associated with the pressure switch and heating element
There are several reasons for such malfunctions:
- lack of water in the inlet line or low pressure;
- clogged inlet hose or filter;
- failure of the filling valve;
- heating element malfunction;
- breakdown of the pressure switch (constantly gives a signal about an empty tank).
In most models of washing machines, the heating element has the same shape
In any of the above situations, the liquid does not heat up, or the heating element does not turn on. It is necessary to carry out diagnostics sequentially:
- inlet line;
- water pressure sensor;
- state of contact connections;
- control unit;
- heating element.
The heater in working condition has a resistance of 25–30 Ohms, it can be checked with a multimeter. A faulty pressure switch indicates that the tank is empty, although it is full.
The cause of the breakdown may be that the relay does not turn on the heating element. In this case, the serviceability of the relay is checked. You should also check whether the heating element has burnt out. The integrity of the contacts in the connectors and cables may be damaged.
How to stop washing
The first thing to do in the event of a failure in the washing algorithm is to stop the program. The option of pulling the plug from the socket should only be considered as a last resort. We must not forget that after switching off, the hatch lock will be removed, but the water will remain in the drum and if it is opened, it will spill out onto the floor.
You need to stop the washing machine correctly. To find out how this is done, you should look at the instructions for your specific model. In most washing machines made by Samsung, Ariston, Indesit and others, to reset, just press and hold the “Start” button. Sometimes the Pause button is used for this.
After stopping, you can try to restart the wash, but it is better to remove the laundry and use the washing machine’s automatic diagnostic program.
Errors related to the ECU board
The memory chips located on the control unit board contain all service algorithms and washing programs. If a failure occurs, the memory must be removed from the ECU (unsoldered or removed from the microcircuit connectors) and reprogrammed with a special device - a programmer.
If the connection between the display module and the ECU board is broken, this malfunction of the Indesit washing machine manifests itself in the lack of response to buttons and the inability to execute programs. If after disconnecting from the 220 V network and rebooting the ACM nothing has changed, check the condition of the connectors and the reliability of the switching connections. The most likely fault is in the display module board or ECU.
Control and display module in some Indesit CM models
Control module
The control module controls the operation of all components of the washing machine and provides the necessary washing modes. To get to the board you need:
- Remove the top cover;
- Disconnect the power terminals (they are all different sizes, which makes it easier for later installation)
- Unscrew the fastening bolts.
It is necessary to pay attention to scorched contacts, tracks, and also to the operation of fuses and capacitors. Visually determine if there are any darkened areas.
Malfunctions of SMs equipped with a drying function
If code F13 appears on the display, this means that there is no signal from the drying temperature sensor. During diagnostics, an open or short circuit in the sensor circuit is detected. A working temperature meter should have a resistance within 40 kOhm. Causes: sensor malfunction or contact failure in the connecting circuit.
If there is a break in the circuit of the heating element intended for drying clothes, the reasons for the breakdown are the same - failure of the heater or failure of contact in the connecting circuit. A malfunction of the relay that turns on the heating element for drying may occur. The heater does not turn off, which indicates either a stuck relay or a broken contact in the connecting cable.
Problems with water entering the tank
This malfunction of the Indesit washing machine occurs when there is a shortage or overflow of liquid into the tank. There may be several reasons for the error:
- lack of water or low pressure;
- flush operation when water is filled;
- malfunction of the computer or display module;
- water pressure sensor malfunction.
Permanent draining is possible if the drain hose is not raised above the level of the tank. You can also check the water supply yourself. In other cases, you need to call a specialist.
The drum stopped working during washing
If you see soapy things inside, it means the drum has stopped during operation. Check whether it can be rotated; if not, it means one of the parts is stuck inside the system.
Possible cases are:
- an external object that is stuck inside the tank and drum,
- the drive belt has become unusable and wound around the pulley,
- weak rotation of the bearing caused by overload during operation or poor quality lubrication of the oil seal.
