Let's look at why a washing machine takes a long time to wash without stopping. The duration of the cycle in the SMA is determined by the program entered into the operator control unit. The settings are such that each operation is allocated the exact number of seconds during which the procedure is performed. An extension of one or each washing period indicates a malfunction in the design of the apparatus.
The reasons may be related to heating of water, its movement in the hydraulic system of the SMA, malfunction of the level sensors or the control module of the washing machine. Recommendations from household appliance repair specialists will help prevent the occurrence of unusual situations.
- Interruptions in the water supply of the device
- Difficulty draining water from the machine
- Continuous water flow through the washer
- Heating element malfunctions
- Control unit malfunction
- Long rotation or immobility of the drum
- Prevention of standard washing periods
- Catalog of washing machines with reviews
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
If the pressure is normal, the diagnosis continues to ensure the following:
- The valve on the water supply at the connection point is completely open.
- The condition of the inlet filter-mesh of the filling valve is free of debris. If clogged, rinse.
- The pressure inlet hose is not pressed or pinched anywhere.
- The water supply hydraulic valve is operational. If this is not the case, water may not flow into the machine at all, and when the membrane does not open completely, the pressure will be weak. In this case, replace the inlet valve with a new one.
Expert opinion
I work in the household appliance repair industry. Extensive experience in restoring washing machines and dishwashers.
Ask a Question
It is wrong to ignore the lengthening of the cycle against the standard time. Firstly, this will increase energy consumption, and secondly, it will lead to more serious breakdowns. Thirdly, you can do all the work yourself without calling a service technician.
Electronic board
The worst thing is if the cycle is slowed down due to problems with the main module. Damage to the control board is a serious breakdown, for which it is better to contact a professional to fix it. If the controller malfunctions, the Beko washing machine will work, periodically freezing until the user stops the cycle.
Troubleshooting is not easy. In some situations, reflashing washing equipment may help, in others, replacing triacs or soldering tracks on the control board, in others, reinstalling the module. In order not to harm the equipment, you should not delve into electronics yourself without sufficient skills and experience. You will need serious diagnostics of the automatic machine, which will not be possible without special tools and devices. In this case, it is better to entrust the repair to a specialist.
Interesting:
- Indesit washing machine takes a long time to wash
- Kaiser washing machine errors
- Reviews of Samsung washing machines
- Washing modes of the Beko washing machine
- The door does not open after washing in a Bosch washing machine
- Dishwasher malfunctions
1 reader comment
- 06/06/2020 at 07:22
Rus:
I have a Beko automatic washing machine. I washed it and it doesn’t finish. What to do?
Answer
Difficulty draining water from the machine
This is a situation mirroring the lengthening of the cycle due to the long time it takes to fill the tank. If something prevents the waste liquid from being discharged into the sewer, the program execution time is automatically increased. The reasons may be the following:
- There is a blockage in the hose. Clean or replace with a new one. The plug may end up in the siphon if the connection to the sewer is made through it. You need to check if the sleeve is pinched.
- The drain filter is clogged. Remove the bottom panel of the facade and unscrew the cleaning element from its socket. Wash and install in original place. This operation is provided for in the machine maintenance regulations and is recommended to be carried out regularly.
- The pipe connecting the pump to the tank is clogged. A sock can get caught in it and block the fluid flow.
Not everyone is able to eliminate the latter circumstance. The machine is disconnected from the water and power supply, the remaining liquid is removed from it, and placed on its side to get to the pump.
The pipe is secured with clamps - they need to be loosened, the corrugation removed, and washed to remove dirt. Assembly and connection are performed in reverse order.
Difficulty draining water also occurs due to pump failure. Its service life is designed on average for 3–5 years, but particles leaking through the filter contribute to premature wear. It is better to entrust pump repair to a specialist.
Continuous water flow through the washer
When water enters the tank and is immediately drained, heating it to the desired temperature takes longer or is not achieved at all. The reasons include incorrect connection of the machine to communications, malfunction of the pressure switch - the water level sensor, which is responsible for stopping the filling of the tank and giving a signal to turn on the command to start washing. The third reason is a malfunction of the intake valve.
Are you unplugging your washing machine?
Oh yes! No
More details about each situation:
- Error connecting to the sewer - the hose was inserted into the drainage pipe without being raised to the standard height, without an intermediate siphon. The absence of bending leads to gravity flow of liquid through the hose from the tank into the sewerage system. The required level is not reached, there is no command to start the cycle. The mistake can be corrected by reconnecting in accordance with the operating instructions for the washing machine, preferably using a siphon. The bending height of the hose from the floor is ≥0.5 m.
- The pressure switch is faulty: the water level in the tank is sufficient, but information about this is not sent to the control unit. The command module gives an order to drain, the situation repeats ad infinitum. Possible defects of the pressure switch: loose membrane fit, oxidation of contacts, crack in the sensor tube. It is better not to repair the device, but to replace it.
- Inlet valve - it may work intermittently. You need to remove the defective throttle and install a new one.
valve filter sma
The reason for the continuous circulation of water in the washing machine is damage to the electronic control unit. In the “West” and in branded services, it is not repaired, but replaced.
Expert opinion
I work in the household appliance repair industry. Extensive experience in restoring washing machines and dishwashers.
Ask a Question
For all other options, the modules are restored by electronics specialists. The probability is on average 80%.
Water supply problems
A similar problem happens quite often, and we have already written in detail about why the washing machine does not fill with water, but in this case we would like to disassemble the water supply in the context of our problem.
If the washing machine does not draw water well, then the washing process itself also increases; you may not notice it at all, but the problem may be precisely in poor water supply . To rule out this cause, open the faucet and check whether there is good water pressure coming from the tap. Next, clean the mesh filter that is located in the fill valve and check that the water supply tap to the washing machine is open all the way.
Also, the problem may lie in the water supply valve; if the water supply valve begins to act up, it needs to be replaced.
Heating element malfunctions
When starting any washing program, the process temperature is set. Until the water becomes warm or hot at the desired level, the cycle will not begin. The executive body of this function is the heating element. The time to bring the water temperature to the program mark is delayed for the following reasons:
- Scale on the heating element. A layer of salt deposits on the heating surface insulates the effect of heat on the water, extending the time it takes to reach the desired temperature. To get rid of scale, you need to wash without laundry with the addition of citric acid. In advanced cases, the heater is dismantled and a new one installed.
- The heater is faulty. The behavior of the SMA can be different: the program may pause with an error code displayed on the display, or it may pause and continue washing in cold water. There is only one way out - replace the burnt heating element.
- Thermal sensor is faulty. Its purpose is to measure the temperature of the liquid and transmit information to the control module. If the information is incorrect, heating takes longer and the cycle time increases. The thermostat needs to be replaced.
To check the heating element, you need to remove the back wall of the housing, having first disconnected the machine from the power supply. The heater is located at the bottom of the tank and is secured with a central nut. First, inspect the condition of the wires at the place where they are connected to the contacts of the heating element - the breakdown may be due to their poor condition.
heating element contacts
Frequent causes of breakdowns
As you know, a warranty is issued for household appliances in the first years of operation, which indicates which of the breakdowns you will receive service or replacement of the device with a new one.
As a rule, in the first years of use, breakdowns appear that are not associated with a technical malfunction, but with improper operation of household appliances.
The main mistakes people make when using washing machines are:
- Incorrect installation of the unit. An uneven floor and play contribute to rapid wear of shock absorbers and bearings.
- Poor quality detergents.
- Lack of sorting of clothes during loading.
- Overload.
In addition to malfunctions that arise due to improper operation, problems arise with the operation of the washing machine due to physical wear and tear. Breakdowns associated with long-term use of the device cannot be repaired on your own, so the help of professionals is required here.
Control module
The problem in the operation of the washing machine, which most often occurs, is related to the electronics, that is, to the “main brain” of the device. The components of the control module should not be under voltage, so it is recommended to unplug the device from the outlet after use, and also not to turn it on during high voltage drops.
A heating element
If you do not monitor the formation of scale on the heating element, this will subsequently lead to the unit stopping working. To ensure that the heating element lasts for the years it is supposed to serve, try to prevent scale build-up and do not wash it often at high temperatures.
Control unit malfunction
In models with electromechanical control, such a unit is called a programmer. If the electronic module sends incorrect commands to the intelligent system of the washing machine, unexpected processes occur.
So, the drum begins to rotate too slowly or, on the contrary, it gains high speed and does not stop. The machine can wash randomly, changing programs, indefinitely, or simply not turn on.
The electronic board fails very rarely. The cause of the breakdown may be a sudden power outage during operation of the SMA or a power surge. A service technician can determine whether a module or programmer can be repaired. Failure in control is dangerous when washing delicate fabrics: their processing time is limited. Usually a faulty electronic unit is not repaired.
SMA control module
Difficulty heating the liquid
The washing machine takes a long time to wash: reasons related to water heating. If the water takes a very long time to heat up, it will cause the washing time to prolong. Difficulties may be caused by the following reasons:
- Scale. If the washing time increases smoothly, scale most likely has formed. It is this that counteracts the rapid heating of the liquid. There are two options for solving the problem: try to clean the heating element (you can wash it with citric acid) or replace it.
- Heating element malfunction. There is only one way to solve the problem - replace the element. Often a manifestation of this complexity is the program freezing in one mode.
- Thermal sensor failure. Similar to a pressure switch, such an element transmits data about the heating level of the liquid to the “brain” of the system. If it breaks, washing will fail.
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
Prevention of standard washing periods
Any suspicions about an increase in cycle duration on some mode need to be checked. To do this, run a short program and observe which process does not fit within the standard time. Identifying the problem stage will facilitate further search for the cause.
It is better to prevent mechanism failure than to fix it. Repair experts advise:
- empty clothing pockets of metal, plastic and other solid small items before putting laundry in the washing machine drum;
- observe the weight norm for loading things;
- use high-quality washing powders and gels in the dosage recommended by the manufacturer;
- protect the washing machine from power surges with a stabilizer.
Modern SMAs are equipped with a self-diagnosis system that warns a person about malfunctions that have arisen in the device. If there is no error code, then you can continue to use the equipment. But it must be taken into account that in conditions of a long cycle, machine parts are subject to increased wear. This shortens the life of the washer.
It is correct to promptly respond to temporary washing inconsistencies, including when the washing machine washes for longer than the allotted time. Moreover, many of the reasons can be eliminated yourself.
