Repair of Indesit washing machines differs from repair of machines of other brands due to design features. Manufacturers, in the race for customer appreciation, equip SMA with more and more new systems, sensors, and functions. All this, of course, is useful for the user, but sometimes it significantly complicates repairs.
Fortunately, the design of the Indesit washing machine does not require any special technical sophistication, and there are even a number of typical breakdowns for machines of this brand.
In this article we will look at how to repair an Indesit washing machine with your own hands.
Common faults
Indesit washing machines are well-deservedly popular among customers, which is why service centers have long compiled a list of their most common faults. In approximately 80% of cases, the following parts fail.
- Heating element (heating element). The main reason for its frequent breakdowns is the low quality of water in the system. It can also be mentioned that Indesit equips its products with heaters without additional protection.
- Network filter. The task of this circuit is to provide stable voltage to all components of the washing machine. A burnt filter is a fairly common breakdown, typical even for new Indesit models. Symptoms - the machine does not turn on.
- Drum bearings. This problem is common to all washing machines without exception. The cost of the bearings themselves is low, but during repairs you will have to completely disassemble the device.
- In cars manufactured before 2012, the weak link is the control module. This is one of the few parts that it is not recommended to repair on your own, unless you replace the board completely.
- The engine of the Indesit washing machine is reliable and durable, which cannot be said about the sensor that controls the rotor speed. If the engine does not turn on, there is no need to rush to buy a new one; first, you should test the sensor and check the capacitors for breakdown.
Of course, the list of possible faults is much wider. There are often problems with water drainage caused by a dirty filter or a burnt-out pump, and mechanical damage occurs.
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 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.
Normal washing machine cycle
The result of machine repair largely depends on the timely detection of the malfunction. To make it easier to understand what exactly is broken, you need to understand what a typical wash cycle looks like. For example, we can consider the standard sequence of actions of Indesit wisl 82 and the like.
- Set of water. The inlet valve and pressure switch are activated.
- Heat. The heating element turns on, the process is controlled by a temperature sensor.
- Wash. The engine is running, the speed is maintained by the sensor.
- Drain. The drain pump (pump) turns on.
- Set of water.
- Rinsing. The engine is running.
- Drain waste water.
- Spin. The engine is running at maximum speed.
Depending on the selected program, these procedures are combined and their duration varies. At each stage a problem may arise, therefore, in order to accurately identify the cause of the malfunction, you need to see exactly when the failure occurs.
Control board
If the motor, heating element and belt are working properly, pay attention to the electronics. It is necessary to conduct a thorough inspection of the wires and terminals, and if burnt elements or oxidized contacts are found, they need to be cleaned or replaced.
Important! If the contacts are intact, then most likely the fault lies in the control board. And here, if you do not have sufficient knowledge for repairs, it is better to go to a service center, where they will give you an accurate diagnosis and the necessary repairs. This way you will not cause damage to yourself or the device.
Error indication
A modern Indesit washing machine is a complex device equipped with an automatic testing system. At the slightest breakdown, it itself reports a malfunction and issues an error code, which can be used to judge the problem unit and the prospects for repair.
Depending on the model and year of manufacture of the Indesit washing machine, the indication is carried out using a segment indicator or via LEDs located on its front panel. In newer models, the code is displayed on the screen. In the case of older washing machines, the indicators flash, and a table is attached to the instructions for interpretation.
Other reasons
There are also a number of reasons that can lead to the breakdowns described above, and if they are eliminated in time, then you don’t have to worry about serious consequences for the device or its long-term repair.
Drum lock
The tank may jam if foreign objects get into it. Therefore, check whether the drum rotates, shine it with a flashlight, and, if necessary, remove the interfering object.
Bearing
If the bearing is damaged, the device may start to work, but you will hear noise uncharacteristic of the device. If you continue to operate the car in this condition, severe damage cannot be avoided.
Important! To avoid problems, you need to monitor your washing machine and take preventive measures on time.
Washing machine connection problems
If the washing machine does not respond to pressing the power button, do not get upset right away. It is likely that the reason lies not in the machine itself, but in its connection.
Before you take up the tool, you need to perform a number of simple checks, first of all, make sure that the electrical outlet is working. As a rule, the machine is operated in the bathroom, where high humidity is not conducive to the durability of the contacts. The outlet may need to be replaced.
You should also make sure that the wire is intact. It could be crushed by a heavy object, or the conductive core could break during operation. A damaged cord is replaced immediately.
There are times when the washing machine turns on, but the wash does not start; the machine cannot draw water into the drum. Often the cause lies in the valve, but not always. In this case, you need to make sure that there is water in the system, check the receiving hose, remove and wash the filter mesh.
Washing powder remains in the tray
Indesit washing machines sometimes have a problem with washing powder that is not completely washed out of the tray. As a result, the powder hardens and is difficult to remove. The most common cause is excess detergent. In this case, it is recommended to select and remember the most optimal dose. If the problem is not solved, then the reason may be poor-quality washing powder.
The next reason for powder residue is due to low water pressure, which is not sufficient to completely flush the powder out of the tray. The problem can be solved by cleaning the filter at the point where the washing machine connects to the inlet hose. Another way would be to increase the pressure in the water supply tap.
Sometimes the valve holes that supply water to the tray become clogged. To clean, you need to pull out the tray, find the valve, made in the form of a key, and clean it. At the same time, you need to clean the cuvette from dirt and powder residues. This procedure is recommended to be performed periodically for preventive purposes.
These are the most common causes that can be eliminated on their own. More complex situations may require the assistance of a qualified professional. More complex causes include a faulty water inlet valve. In this case, the powder is not removed from the tray at all. The usual solution to this problem is to replace the valve. The same applies to the solenoid valve that supplies water to the detergent dispenser.
Indesit washing machine does not turn on
The socket works, the voltage is normal, the wire is intact, but when you press the power button, nothing happens - you need to carry out repairs. With a high degree of probability, the culprit is the network filter. It may fail due to a power surge or due to condensation caused by high humidity.
Repairing this unit is impractical; it is replaced entirely; in the Indesit washing machine this is not difficult - you just need to remove the top cover.
Finding the block will also not be difficult - this is the board to which the power cord is connected. By the way, you don’t need to dismantle it right away, it’s worth checking the condition of the contacts; perhaps the cause of the malfunction is oxide.
Buying a surge protector for any model of Indesit washing machines is not a problem, it’s simple; it’s difficult to find a quality part. Often the filter burns out within a few months after replacement. To extend its life, you should try filling all open contacts with ordinary sealant.
Determining the car
Firmware firmware for an electronic unit is a responsible and complex task. To complete it, you need not only to understand the intricacies of electrical installation and computer technology, but also to know all the electronics of the washing machine thoroughly. It is also important to act with extreme caution and be aware of all the risks.
When searching for a suitable program for flashing the Indesit board, you need to focus on the model, serial number and product code of the model.
The first step is to study the existing model of washing machine. For this purpose, each Indesit is accompanied by a factory marking - a barcode. It is located behind the hatch door and contains basic technical information. Thus, the following characteristics must be provided.
- Model. This combination, consisting of letters and numbers, encrypts information about capacity, type of load, maximum spin speed, basic power and other technical issues. For example, the markings “WISL 124 CIS” and “AQSL 118 EU” are often found.
- Serial number. A unique machine number assigned to the washing machine at the factory. The identifier consists of numbers and letters, which encrypt the year of manufacture, the manufacturer’s address and some other points.
- Product code. Additional identifier consisting of 11 digits.
It is recommended that all data indicated on the label be written down on a piece of paper or photographed. It is important to carefully check each sign, otherwise the slightest mistake will lead to confusion and unnecessary expenses. As soon as the ins and outs of the machine are known, we begin the search for a suitable program.
Heater replacement
Many owners of Indesit machines have encountered this situation - the washing machine filled with water and stopped. The situation is typical for both front-loaders and Indesit machines with vertical loading. Error code F07 appears on the display, restarting the machine does not help, cold wash programs work without failure.
In a small percentage of cases, the cause of the malfunction is oxidized contacts, but you must be prepared for the fact that you will have to buy and install a new heating element.
The heater of the Indesit washing machine is located at the bottom of the tank. To access it, simply remove the back wall. It is important to remove water from the machine before starting work, prepare rags and a container to collect its residue, otherwise a small flood is guaranteed.
Before dismantling the heater, you need to check it with a multimeter. To do this, the device is switched to resistance measurement mode; if it shows an infinite value, the heating element must be replaced. It's not difficult, you just need to unscrew the mounting plate and pull it towards you.
Next, install a new heater and reassemble the machine, proceeding in the reverse order.
Search for a program
The software search is done manually. It is recommended not to rely on intermediaries, but to select software personally. The reliable and proven website bineep.ru is perfect for these purposes. Thanks to the intuitive portal interface, using the service is easy.
It is recommended to select the firmware on the trusted website bineep.ru.
- Find the search icon and enter the model of the washing machine in the empty line. The combination must be specified without spaces or hyphens – only the characters “/” and “.” are allowed. (if any are present in the labeling).
- Click on the “Find” button.
- We study the list of found programs suitable for flashing this model.
- We check product codes. Often one model allows several firmware options, and for an accurate selection you should narrow the search field. So, if the system displays a message that this software is used up to serial number 40829, and another - from a combination with 40425. Therefore, it is worth choosing the appropriate range (for values greater than that it will be 30815480000, if less - 30815480201).
It is important to carefully check all combinations, since incorrectly selected software will completely break the machine and make washing impossible. If you have any doubts or bineep.ru cannot find the file using the entered parameters, it is better to seek advice from a specialist. As soon as we find the most suitable firmware, download it to your computer and get ready to repair the board.
Replacing washing machine drum bearings
Signs of this malfunction are easy to notice without any indication - a strong hum is heard during operation, at low speeds it gives way to a characteristic crackling sound. This can only mean that the bearings have served their purpose and need to be replaced.
If you hear third-party sounds, you should not delay repairs; the car may jam, resulting in engine failure, then repairs will cost an order of magnitude more.
Replacing bearings in a washing machine is a labor-intensive task, the main difficulty of which is that the drum of most models, for example, Indesit wisl 102, is not designed for repair. It will have to be removed, carefully sawed and then re-glued. Despite the obvious difficulties, such repairs will cost much less than buying a new drum.
Compared to the cost of other units, bearings cost pennies, so you shouldn’t try to save money on them; it’s better to overpay for products from famous manufacturers than to have to deal with repairs again in a month.
Recommendations for the future
The first and most obvious thing that many people forget is compliance with the rules for using household appliances, which are written in the instructions for them.
Do not overload the drum with laundry, follow the weight recommendations. Wash small items, socks, bras, handkerchiefs in special mesh bags.
It is important to pay attention to connecting the unit to the network. If you have a modern design with built-in “brains,” then think about properly grounding the washing machine and connecting it to electricity through an uninterruptible power supply or through an extension cord with surge blocking. Power surges can be costly when repairing an engine, so it is better to secure the device in advance.
Various drain malfunctions
Malfunctions of the Indesit washing machine associated with a violation of the drain tract are most often caused by clogged pipelines or pump failure. The symptoms of such a malfunction are clear - instead of draining dirty water, the machine stops. The indicator of the washing machine wisl 103 or another similar one displays an error message (usually F11).
They correct the situation by proceeding from simple to complex, but first you need to get rid of the water; for this, the manufacturer has provided an emergency drain. Immediately after removing it, you should unscrew the drain filter and check its condition.
In addition to the filter, it is worth disconnecting and checking the drain hose. It is often bent, which impedes the flow of water. You also need to make sure that there is no blockage directly in the sewer.
If all the drainage parts are checked, but the error does not go away, you will have to change the pump. In washing machines produced by Indesit, this is done quite simply, but you should not immediately buy a new part, there is a possibility that the threads have wound around the impeller and it is jammed. In this case, it is enough to remove the pump, disassemble and clean its components.
Changing the heating element
If the heating element breaks down and the Indesit washing machine stops heating the water, you need to replace the heating element.
Steps:
- First, determine the location of the part. To do this, you can use the instructions with a description for your model. But if you don’t have it at hand, you can limit yourself to inspection. If there is a large back cover, the heating element is probably hidden under it, and it is this that needs to be removed.
- If the part is on the front, install the back cover back and remove the front wall.
Problems with electronic components
The most complex component of the Indesit washing machine is the control module. Its failure can have different symptoms. The machine may simply not turn on, it may start normally, but at certain moments it may stop responding to user actions, and the indicators may blink chaotically.
The first thing to do if there is the slightest hint of a malfunction of this module is to reboot the device. It's easy, just turn off the machine, unplug it, let it sit for a few minutes and try to start the program again.
It is not worth repairing the control module yourself; this requires knowledge, a device diagram, and skills in handling radio components. The board is easier to replace. It is important to choose a module designed for a specific model. The Indesit wisl 105 control unit is unlikely to be suitable for wisl 82 or another machine, even from the same manufacturer.
What is the cause of the problem, what should I do?
The concept “the machine does not wash” can indicate various technical problems with the device.
They can manifest themselves in different ways:
- water intake and shutdown;
- pouring water and immediately draining it;
- pouring water and stopping work - the drum does not start spinning.
The first thing to do in such a situation is to reboot the device.
To do this, you need to unplug the washing machine and just let it sit for 10-20 minutes. After this, the connection is made and the washing program is started. If the failure was accidental, then when you reboot, the settings will be reset and operation will be restored .
If a malfunction of the machine is accompanied by a fault code displayed on the display, it should be deciphered using the table attached to the documentation for the washing machine.
Problems with the drive belt
With such a breakdown, the machine’s engine makes noise, the water heats up and even then drains, but the drum itself does not spin . This indicates that the program is running and the problem is with the drum.
If the drive belt has fallen off the pulley or is torn, then the washing machine cannot receive a signal from the control module, and the drum does not begin to rotate.
To check the status of this node you need to:
Drain the water.- Disconnect the device from communications.
- Pull out the machine to gain access to the back wall.
- Remove the rear cover of the service hatch.
- Diagnose the condition of the belt.
- If the belt is intact, it needs to be replaced. If it is torn, replace the part with a similar one.
- Reinstall the hatch cover.
- Connect electricity and water.
If the belt falls off regularly, you should figure out what the problem is. There may be a defect in both the belt itself and the pulley.
Drum jamming
Foreign objects entering the drum, and from it into the tank, can lead to jamming and blocking movement. At the same time, the machine takes in water and stops. Most often, before complete jamming, a grinding or scratching sound is heard as the drum rotates.
After stopping work and draining the water, you must remove the laundry and inspect the drum. There is a possibility of even seeing the “culprit” of the malfunction - an object sticking out of the hole in the drum. This could be, for example, a bra wire.
If a foreign object interfering with normal operation is not found, it is necessary to partially disassemble the washing machine from the rear wall. The service hatch provides access to the heating element. If you remove it, then, using a flashlight, you can inspect the inside of the tank .
This article will tell you how to repair a drum with your own hands.
Engine brush wear
As a result of physical wear of the motor brushes, the operation of the machine is disrupted: water fills in, the motor makes noise, but rotation does not occur. In this case, there may even be sparking from the motor. Worn brushes cannot rotate and require replacement .
Failure of the tachometer
The tachometer is a part that is responsible for measuring the number of revolutions. If this device fails, then the washing machine draws water, but does not rotate.
This is due to the fact that the signal from the tachometer does not pass through, and the device cannot determine at what speed the drum needs to be rotated. If this part fails, it is replaced .
Motor failure or overheating
If the motor breaks down, the automatic washing machine fills with water, but the motor does not start working. In such a situation, the machine may simply freeze or drain water. The problem with the motor can be solved by repairing the part or completely replacing it.
It is also possible that the motor did not break down, but overheated due to continuous hours of operation. This situation is possible with frequent startups, when the device is not given time to “rest.”
Instructions for replacing and connecting the motor are presented in this publication.
Control unit malfunction
If the control unit breaks down, the washing machine fills with water and turns off. To repair this unit, it is necessary to remove it and carry out high-quality diagnostics . It is difficult to do this without experience, so it is better to entrust such repairs to professionals.
It may be necessary to resolder tracks, replace elements, etc. If repair is not possible, the entire board is replaced. You can find out how to repair the control module here.
Electrical wiring fault
If, after filling with water, the washing machine does not continue to operate and stops, there is a possibility that the problem is with the electrical wiring. This may be a signal failure due to bending or broken wires. Overheating of the wiring and a short circuit in the network are also .
The heating element has burned out
If the heating element is burnt out, the washing machine cannot wash according to programs that require heating water. But if the processing temperature is set to “cold water” and heating is not needed, the device will cope with the task.
When choosing programs with heating, the situation is different: after collecting water, it may be drained or the washing process may freeze.
To restore normal operation of the device, the heating element should be replaced . It can be accessed from the rear wall of the machine.
The heating element must be disconnected from the supply wires. You can check the serviceability of the part with a multimeter. The resistance value should be from 20 to 40 ohms.
The pressure switch is broken
If the water level sensor fails, washing will not be performed. All collected water is drained and the washing process stops.
When diagnosing the operation of a node, it is determined what caused the problem. It could be a blockage or a breakdown . The sensor, if possible, is repaired or replaced with a new one. Read how to do this here.
Do-it-yourself repairs, is it worth it?
Whether to start repairs yourself or call a repairman is up to the car owners to decide. It all depends on your own knowledge, skills, financial capabilities, and availability of free time. In any case, this is an excellent way out of a difficult situation, because if the repair is done with your own hands, this guarantees:
- savings, you only have to pay for spare parts,
- speed of work, no need to wait for your turn,
- quality, complete confidence in the correctness of the repairs.
In the vast majority of cases, do-it-yourself repair of an Indesit washing machine is justified, of course, if you have certain skills. It is also worth noting that you can only take on work related to complete or partial disassembly of the machine if its warranty period has expired. Otherwise, this is a loss of warranty with all the ensuing consequences.
How to update the firmware?
The owners of Indesit are lucky. Many manufacturers deliberately complicate the flashing process, which eliminates the possibility of reinstalling the board at home . Indesit washing machines do not have such “protection”, so updating the software is relatively simple. You just need to carefully prepare for the manipulations.
First of all, we find three required elements: a computer or laptop, the software itself and the programmer. The latter is needed to connect the control board of the washing machine and the computer unit. There is no need to look for an expensive “adapter” - a regular Chinese device from USBDM will do.
For one-time firmware, a cheap Chinese programmer for 150-300 rubles is enough.
Now you need to remove the faulty board from the machine. Let's dismantle the module like this.
- We disconnect equipment from communications, electricity and water supply.
- Pull it towards you and unhook the powder receptacle.
- In the space vacated by the dispensary, unscrew two self-tapping screws.
- We release two more bolts located at the other edge of the dashboard.
- Using a flat-head screwdriver, unhook the panel from the body.
- We photograph the location of the wiring and elements so as not to make mistakes during reassembly.
- Unfasten the latches holding the unit and carefully remove the control module.
Holding the board in your hands, we begin flashing. We connect one end of the programmer to the corresponding connector on the computer, and the other end to the control board of the washing machine. Now we are trying to load the device drivers.
We definitely check whether the computer “sees” the connected devices. Open the Start menu and go to the appropriate folder. If a combination with the name of the adapter appears in the “USBDM” tab, then everything is in order. Next, look at the “Target” section and look for “Device Selection” in it. The serial number of the electronic unit should be indicated here.
If all connections are configured, we begin uploading. The reprogramming process is as follows.
- Open the folder with the software and the driver suitable for it.
- Open "Target".
- Load the software into “Target” by clicking on the “Load Hex Files” button.
- We are waiting for the download to finish.
- Launch the downloaded utility by clicking on the “Program Flash” button.
On average, flashing the control module takes 15-60 minutes.
It is strongly not recommended to forcefully complete the download. It is better to be nearby during the entire installation and monitor the process. If no extraneous errors or warnings are displayed, it means that the firmware was completed successfully. You can return the board to its place, assemble the machine and run a quick mode, for example, rinsing.
