The laundry spin does not work - a common malfunction of the Indesit SMA. It is difficult to imagine a modern person’s home without an automatic washing machine. And when she starts doing the job incorrectly, it causes some inconvenience. With this malfunction, things remain wet. Let's look at why this happens.
- Causes
- Invalid program
- Exceeding load capacity
- Imbalance in the drum
- Drive belt stretched
- The drain pump is broken
- The pressure switch is broken
- Problems with the tachometer
- Brushes are worn out
- Problems in the control unit
- Catalog SMA Indesit
This failure is easy to identify:
- after the end of the cycle - the laundry is wet;
- in push-up mode, the drum does not spin.
Do you wash by hand?
Oh yes! No
Causes
Let's consider the sources of lack of spin:
- the program options are set incorrectly;
- exceeding the permissible weight of the laundry;
- imbalance in the drum;
- the drive belt is stretched;
- the drain pump is faulty;
- the pressure switch has failed;
- tachometer is broken;
- short circuit in the motor winding;
- the brushes are worn out;
- failure of the electronic control module.
Let's look at each reason in more detail.
Invalid program
Some washing machines have a special spin-free mode. Applicable when selecting the following programs: wool, silk, down jacket or gentle wash. These modes may vary depending on the model. Therefore, it is necessary to study the instructions for your sample, in particular, the description of the programs. In advanced brands, the drum rotation speed can be independently adjusted. And for example, turn off push-ups, as in the photo below.
Control Panel
This situation is not related to the breakdown of your assistant, but is a consequence of haste or inattention.
Online diagnostics of a washing machine
If your machine stops washing or rinsing clothes normally, then some kind of malfunction or breakdown has occurred.
You can try to find the problem yourself. Run diagnostics
Select which operation your washing machine does not perform:
1. Doesn’t drain 2. Doesn’t rotate the drum 3. Doesn’t spin clothes 4. Noises, knocks, buzzes when spinning 5. Doesn’t turn on
Checking the operation of the drain pump Is the drain pump of the washing machine working? Yes No I don’t know << Back
Clogged hoses in the washing machine If the sound corresponds to the normal sound that has always been observed when the device is working, the cause is probably a clog.
Was there a blockage in the drain hose? Yes
<< Back
The drain pump does not work! If the sound matches the normal sound of the drain pump, it is recommended that you check the drain filter first.
After cleaning, does the drain pump work and does the washing machine drain water? Not really
<< Back
Operation of the drain pump The sound of the pump is usually immediately audible and noticeable. If there is no sound, the pump is not working. We are looking for how to separately enable the water drainage program. As a rule, this is a separate option. After the program has been turned on, the pump should start working in 1-3 seconds. If everything is done correctly and the pump is operational, a buzzing sound will appear. If you hear no buzzing or other sounds when you turn on the program, the pump is probably faulty.
Is the washing machine drain pump working? Not really
<< Back
Clogged car hoses If you have identified a clog in the hoses, you need to disassemble them, clean them, and then reassemble everything.
Does the washing machine drain well? Not really
<< Back
Hurray, you did a great job, you fixed it.
<< Return to the beginning of diagnostics
The drain pump is faulty, call a professional.
<< Return to the beginning of the diagnosis.
The washing machine does not rotate the drum. During the operation of the washing machine, such a problem may occur. Each model has a different drum operation. It rotates according to a given algorithm, which is set by the program. This principle applies to spinning and washing. If you are not sure whether the drum is not spinning or whether it is working, put the laundry in the washing machine. Start the spin program. If the machine is running, it will first drain the water and then start spinning. In this case, a rotational process will be observed. If rotation is not visible, then check the belt. First, turn off the program, then unplug the wire from the outlet so that power does not flow into the device. Now you need to remove the back cover. You will need to carefully inspect the drum belt. It is quite easy to determine whether it is in the wrong position or damaged.
Is the washing machine belt torn or stretched? Not really
<< Back
Broken drum drive belt If the belt breaks, it will be immediately visible. There are also often cases when the belt simply stretches, which is why the drum, accordingly, does not rotate. Do not allow the machine to operate if the belt breaks. It is important to check whether it has wound around the engine pulley or broken the wiring to the engine. The heating element and temperature sensor may also be damaged if the belt does catch the wires. It is imperative to ensure that the belt model is original. If you choose an unsuitable or low-quality product, this will affect the performance of other devices. How do you know what kind of belt you have? There will be a marking written on the old one, compare it with the one indicated on the belt offered to you. You can also find out belt information by car model.
<< Return to the beginning of the diagnosis.
Washing machine motor malfunction If a malfunction is not found, the block with wires must be disconnected from the electric motor. Carefully remove it. We visually evaluate the engine. It may have melting, cracks, or other effects that clearly indicate damage. We call the windings of the tachogenerator and the engine. It is important to understand that you can fully study how correctly the engine operates and whether there is a malfunction only at the stand. If rotation does not occur, there may be a problem with more than just the motor. Sometimes the cause is a malfunctioning electronic module. If a short circuit occurs in the engine, the module could be damaged, while the engine remains operational. Also, the wires could be damaged.
<< Return to the beginning of the diagnosis.
Repairing a washing machine that does not spin clothes After completing the washing process, the washing machine may not spin properly or may not start spinning. Firstly, look, perhaps another mode is set, which does not involve turning on the spin cycle at all. This happens, for example, with programs related to washing woolen items and delicate fabrics. To check, run the spin cycle separately. If the washing machine does not drain water, we proceed to check the pump.
Does the washing machine now spin clothes? Not really
<< Back
Congratulations, you have solved your problem!
<< Return to the beginning of the diagnosis.
Repair of washing machines, imbalance Modern washing machines place the laundry on the drum before spinning. This is necessary for quality work. Check if this feature works. Sometimes a situation occurs when things get wrapped up in a ball that cannot be unwound automatically within a certain time. At this point the work stops. You need to unwind this laundry yourself, lay it out and continue operating the washing machine. In this case, it is important to turn off the machine, and then, when the laundry is laid out, turn on a separate spin program.
Does the washing machine now spin clothes? Not really
<< Back
Washing machine repair, drum drive repair Now you need to check the drum drive belt. We remove the cover and visually assess the condition of the belt. There should be no damage. If the tension is weak, the spin may not turn on. If you need to replace the belt, you should only replace it with the original one. After replacing, we try the program again.
Fault found, does the washing machine spin? Not really
<< Back
The engine or electronic module is faulty, call a repairman to your home.
<< Return to the beginning of the diagnosis.
The washing machine hums, makes noise during the spin cycle, rumbles, and makes a jet plane noise. If the washing machine makes noise during operation, making unusual sounds, it’s time to pay special attention to it. In this case, a visible breakdown or lack of functionality may not be observed, but the appearance of strange sounds indicates that it is time to look for a malfunction. It is important to understand that a new car that has just been delivered should be inspected for shipping bolts. If you forget to remove them, noise and vibration are inevitable. So, let's begin! We turn the washing machine drum and listen to extraneous sounds.
When rotating, do you hear extraneous noise, hum, balls rolling, does the drum move unevenly with slight jamming? Not really
<< Back
If the drum rotates and uncharacteristic sounds appear, including vibration, it’s time to check the bearings. If they malfunction, they will have to be replaced.
<< Return to the beginning of the diagnosis.
The counterweight of the washing machine has come loose. The fastening of the counterweights must also be of high quality. If they are “loose”, it’s time to eliminate this defect. In some cases, you can notice that the bolts that secure the stones are completely missing. In this case, the connectors for mounting will be visible. The bolts need to be found and put in place - they probably simply came loose. A rumble heard while the washing machine is operating may indicate that the bolts have partially loosened. To check the bolts, you can simply push the drum. If it is secure, the bolts are fine. If it moves, there is a defect.
Do you hear any noise, clanging or rattling noises when moving the washing machine tub? Not really
<< Back
The counterweight has come off
<< Return to the beginning of diagnostics
Checking the shock absorbers of the washing machine Checking the shock absorbers. If you hear vibration or excessive noise during the spin cycle, there may be a problem with the shock absorbers. Sometimes the washer moves. Now let's check the functionality. Remove the top cover. Click on the tank, move it five to seven centimeters down. A normal reaction will be observed if the tank rises sharply, jumping a little and stopping in its normal place. If this does not happen, the shock absorbers need to be replaced.
Are the shock absorbers of the washing machine working? Not really
<< Back
If a visible defect has not been identified, check whether a foreign object may have entered the machine. Replacing shock absorbers. The problem with shock absorbers wearing out occurs quite often over time.
<< Return to the beginning of the diagnosis.
Replacing washing machine shock absorbers. Malfunction and wear of shock absorbers is a fairly common phenomenon.
<< Return to the beginning of the diagnosis.
The washing machine does not turn on. It is worth trying to find the cause of the problem yourself and fix it. We start by connecting the device to the network. Next, click on the “network” button. In different car models, different indications are triggered: here either the display will start working, or, on the contrary, some other button.
Does the washing machine have an indicator? Not really
<< Back
Hatch lock lock (UBL) You can check it by turning on any of the programs. We choose what we will use. Click on the corresponding button. Don't forget to pay attention to the inclusion. As a rule, the process of activating a function is characterized by the presence of a certain sound, for example a click, with which the device makes it clear that pressing again is not necessary and the machine is already working. If there is no sound, the button may be broken. In this case, the main thing that must be done is to block the hatch and start working. If this happens, everything is fine.
The washing machine is blocking the hatch and the UBL is triggered? Not really
<< Back
Water fill valve malfunction
<< Return to the beginning of the diagnosis.
The washing machine hatch does not lock
<< Return to the beginning of the diagnosis.
No indication Checking the electrical circuit. If you notice that the washing machine does not respond to being turned on, it is first recommended to check the power supply. The outlet may be faulty. Try connecting another device. If the outlet works, you need to check whether the circuit that conducts energy through the washing machine from one element to another is intact. To do this, you will need a multimeter, which will help you fully analyze the ability to respond to an electrical signal at several stages of operation. If there is no network connection anywhere, this is probably the problem. We carry out this manipulation until we reach the electronic module. If we are talking about an old washing machine, here it will look like the device’s program. When you turn on the button, there should be no breaks in the circuit. If the circuit works, everything is fine electrically.
Is the washing machine's power supply OK? Not really
<< Back
Repair of electronic module (unit)
<< Return to the beginning of diagnostics
Contact circuit fault
<< Return to the beginning of diagnostics
Repair
If the Indesit SMA does not press, then most likely one of its modules needs repair or complete replacement. However, it is not so easy to determine what exactly the malfunction is; you will have to check all the “suspects” one by one until the culprit of the breakdown makes itself known. And first of all, you need to inspect the drive belt.
It may seem that there is no connection here, but nevertheless there is one - when the belt does not provide a stable transmission of engine speed to the drum pulley, this leads to the fact that the drum cannot accelerate to the required speed . This will cause the program to freeze and completely stop spinning the laundry.
In order to check the performance of the belt, it is necessary to subject the SMA to partial disassembly, namely: disconnect it from the electrical network and other utilities and move it to a place where it can be easily approached from all sides. After this, you should carefully remove the back wall - this will give access to the drive belt. All you have to do is check its tension - it should be quite strong. If this part is clearly weakened and sagging, and signs of wear are visible on its surface, then such a belt must be replaced with a new one.
You can do this yourself - you need to grab the drum pulley with one hand, and the belt itself with the other and turn the pulley - the belt will come off almost immediately. After this, you need to take a new one, pull one edge onto the large pulley, the second onto the small one, and carefully turn the pulley, this time in order to tension the element.
If the belt is in order, then you can proceed to checking the tachometer. To do this you will have to perform the following steps:
- First, you should remove the drive belt so that it does not interfere with work;
- unscrew the large bolts supporting the motor;
- To check the operation of the tachometer, it must be removed and the contact resistance measured using a multimeter.
Then, depending on the data received, either its functional state is recorded or a replacement is performed. This item cannot be repaired.
And finally, you need to make sure that the engine is in good condition. First, you should unscrew all the bolts that secure the carbon brushes and carefully pull them out. If you notice that the plates are shorter than they were originally, they are worn to the limit and must be replaced with new ones.
Be sure to make sure that the motor winding is not electrocuted. Of course, this rarely happens, but such a malfunction should not be completely ruled out - with a broken winding, the motor will work poorly or not work at all. The only solution in such a situation would be to replace the motor with a working one, since winding repairs are quite expensive. The test is carried out using a multimeter, with one spike attached to the winding core, and the second one fixed to the housing. All cores must be checked, otherwise such monitoring will be of little use.
If you suspect that the electronic board has failed, it is better to immediately call a professional technician. Such a breakdown requires specialized repair, otherwise any amateur activity can permanently damage the unit.
In conclusion, we note that if the machine does not wring out the laundry, do not panic - most often the error is a consequence of violating the rules for operating the equipment. In order for it to fully perform the spin function, before starting the wash you should:
- make sure that the selected washing mode is correct;
- do not put more things into the tank than are provided by the manufacturer;
- Check the status of the spin button.
To learn why the Indesit washing machine does not spin, see the following video.
Drive belt stretched
On a new car this is unlikely. But if your washer is more than 7 years old, the belt may stretch. This problem will resolve itself. To do this, remove the back cover and try to twist the belt along the axis. If more than 3 revolutions can be completed, replacement is necessary.
A stretched belt washes clothes without any problems, but slips in the spin mode - there is not enough traction with the drum pulley or the motor shaft.
Drive belt
The drain pump is broken
The pump may fail while the machine is running. In this case, water will remain in the tank. The level sensor sends a signal to the control module, and spinning will not begin until the water is pumped out.
The pump needs to be replaced. You can do this repair yourself if you have the right tools and know how to do the work. You also need a pump that matches the brand used. The photo shows a frequently used pump in Indesit machines.
Drain pump
User errors
Incorrect operation often leads to incorrect operation of the Indesit washing machine. The user sees that the device does not spin clothes and believes that the machine is out of order. In fact, a mode without a spin option may have been selected. In this case, the Andesit washing machine will wash things, rinse and drain the water, without turning on the spin cycle. To squeeze out excess water, you must select a program with a spin option.
Program selection
What to do if the machine does not spin? You need to check whether the option to operate the device at reduced speed is enabled. If the button that sets lower speeds is pressed, it may well be that the spin cycle will not start. The fact is that the laundry is wrung out at high speeds. When turning on low speeds, the unit understands this as disabling the need for spinning.
The pressure switch is broken
Pressostat is a device for determining the water level in a tank. If it fails, the control module cannot determine whether there is water in the tank or not. The spin cycle will not start.
The level sensor needs to be replaced. It must be selected for a specific model. It should be noted that this is a very reliable washing machine mechanism and rarely breaks down. The photo below is shown with a red arrow.
Washing machine without top cover with pressure sensor
Damage to shock absorbers and bearings
These products are used to dampen vibrations in the washing machine during washing and spinning. When they wear out, the device vibrates strongly, and the electronics do not spin the drum, and the spin mode in the washing machine does not work. It is also possible for the drum to knock on the body part.
If the bearings break, the seal gradually loses its tightness, liquid gets inside the products and washes out the lubricant. The bearings begin to rust and are destroyed by vibration. When the drum is shaken by hand, it dangles on the shaft. There may also be leaks on the outside of the tank. Bearings need to be replaced.
Problems with the tachometer
engine tachometer
A tachometer is a device with which the engine speed is regulated. It is located on the engine. Essentially, the sensor is a generator of electrical signals that are supplied to the control module. If it is faulty, then the machine does not know at what speed the drum rotates, or whether it rotates at all. In this case - only replacement. It fails mainly due to water ingress. This often happens in top-loading machines. Sometimes a breakdown occurs due to a poor connection. When vibration occurs, the sensor moves away from the housing and does not generate signals. Short circuit in the electric motor A short circuit can occur in both the rotor and stator windings. The SMA erases normally. But it cannot reach high speeds in the “spin” mode. Lack of traction. An extremely insidious failure. It is very difficult to diagnose. With 100% probability - only in a workshop, using special equipment. There is no point in repairing the engine. It's cheaper to buy a new motor.
Learning to use a machine
Some users believe that since they bought an automatic washing machine, that means washing and everything else should be done automatically in it. Their task seems to boil down to just throwing the laundry into the drum and adding washing powder with conditioner to the cuvette, and then it’s a matter of technology. This is a very common misconception, and the misconception, in some cases, is fatal for the washing machine.
You need to strictly monitor the program or function you choose for a specific washing machine model. A wrong choice or simple carelessness can harm not only the item, but also the washing machine itself. Suppose you mistakenly select the intensive wash mode and put sneakers in the drum. After spinning at a speed of 1200 rpm, the shoes will probably turn into rags, and the drum itself will not be too bad.
Strictly monitor the process of putting laundry into the drum. There is no need to overload the washing machine with laundry, but at the same time, you should not put too many clothes. An average load would be optimal, for example, if your washing machine has a maximum load of 7 kg, then put no more than 5.5-6 kg of dry dirty laundry. In this case, the spin cycle will be excellent, and the quality of washing and rinsing will certainly please you, of course, if other conditions are met.
Not only the weight is important, but also the volume of things placed in the drum. If the laundry is light but bulky, there is no need to compact it by filling the drum full; the quality of the wash will suffer greatly from this.
Watch what you put in the washing machine drum. Make sure that things are sorted by color and type of fabric before putting them into the machine. Fading items should be washed separately. Carefully inspect the laundry before washing, first of all the pockets, they must be empty. If items have poorly sewn buttons or any decorative items, they need to be sewn securely. You should not machine wash items that have rhinestones and other decorations glued on them; nothing good will come of it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZgxa4eyUds
Be sure to unscrew and clean the garbage filter approximately once every two weeks. If you let your washing machine get to the point where its filter becomes clogged, you will have problems draining the water. In addition to the filter, once every three months you need to do a general cleaning of the washing machine. If you don’t know how to do this, read the article Cleaning the washing machine yourself. It describes the entire process in detail.
The above rules must not be neglected under any circumstances. Even if you have a state-of-the-art automatic washing machine with intelligent control. Any washing machine requires attention and care, and if you take care of your equipment properly, it will repay you handsomely.
Brushes are worn out
Expert opinion
I work in the household appliance repair industry. Extensive experience in restoring washing machines and dishwashers.
Ask a Question
In fact, wear of the motor brushes is not a malfunction, since they wear down at a certain level and must be replaced. An air gap appears at the contact point, and the engine stops rotating. With average use of the Indesit washing machine, corresponding to 2-3 washes per week, replacement is needed after 10-12 years. That is, brushes are consumables.
Wear can only be determined visually. The job requires some skills. It is better to entrust it to a specialist. Master class on replacing brushes.
brush assembly assembly
Problems in the control unit
The electronic module of the Indesit washing machine is a small computer that controls all devices. With its help, the variety of modes inherent in modern machines is realized. In the current approaches of car manufacturers, if a module breaks down, it changes. Repair is not provided.
It should be noted that in our country there are professionals who repair these devices. There are not many of them, and they prefer to work with masters. You can diagnose the malfunction as follows - if you have excluded all the above reasons for the lack of spin, then the problem is in the control module.
Indesit washing machine control module
There are many reasons why the Indesit washing machine does not spin clothes. And some of them can only be identified by a repairman. Therefore, if you are unsure of your own abilities, then invite a specialist.
Video
A few recommendations
In order for household appliances for washing clothes to function correctly, the following rules must be observed before starting the device:
- Check that the washing mode is turned on correctly.
- Do not put more things into the drum than are provided by the manufacturer.
- Check that the forced spin shutdown button is not turned on. Some Indesit models are equipped with such a button. When pressed, the spin cycle does not start. Moreover, the laundry will not be spun in all subsequent washes until the user turns on the option.
In the video, an experienced technician talks about the possible reasons for the lack of spin and how to eliminate them for Indesit washing machines.
