How to change the firmware of a washing machine

Which programmer should I choose?

To flash any microcontroller you will need three things:

• A microcontroller
  that can be flashed or has never been programmed before (some microcontrollers can be flashed only once, this is done to protect against flashing)
• Firmware
  is a version of program code, usually written in a special program for a given microcontroller; I will write about the selection and where to download it below
• The programmer
  must be supported by a microchip, in fact there are not many of them for washing machines CH340, CH341, USBDM, etc. We will talk about all of them in more detail in the following articles.

The essence of this article comes down to the fact that you don’t need to think from the programmer, but you need to think from the processor, start studying with the simplest CH341, it has been tested many times and works in all Windows systems, there should be no problems with it, then you can use USBDM, it is more complicated , but you can handle it and only then CH340

How to flash a washing machine

If testing the control board of the washing machine shows that there are problems with the execution of washing programs, the electronic systems are faulty, and this causes the washing machine to refuse to work, firmware can help.
In non-professional do-it-yourself repairs, checking and replacing firmware is a last resort. You must first make sure that the problem is in the firmware, and only then take the risk and undertake to update it yourself. Let's look at how firmware is done using Indesit washing machines as an example. Article on the topic: How to connect a camcorder to a Sony TV

First we identify the machine

Each Indesit washing machine has a barcode. It is located behind the drum hatch door. The barcode provides basic hardware information that should be reviewed before repairing the control module. The tag states:

• Indesit washing machine model;
• device serial number;
• product code.

You should select the firmware for an automatic washing machine based on the characteristics of the washing machine indicated on the factory barcode.

Let's clarify what each specific parameter says.

• Model - written using letters and numbers. The designation tells about the series of products. For example, the manufacturer SMA Indesit uses the following markings: WISL 124 CIS or AQSL 118 EU. At first glance it may seem that this is just a set of symbols. In fact, important data about the machine is encrypted in the model designation, for example, maximum spin speed, type of laundry load, etc.

  

• Serial number is the number of the automatic machine assigned by the manufacturer during the manufacture of the product. A unique identifier is assigned to the washer at the factory.
• Product code. This is the equipment model interpreted into an 11-digit number.

If you decide to reflash the SMA Indesit module at home, you should carefully copy the information from the barcode onto a separate sheet. It is important not to make a mistake or confuse a single number or letter. You will need this information to find suitable software.

Why does the firmware on a washing machine crash?

Operation of the control board of the unit Indesit, Veko, Hayer, etc. is violated for several reasons:

• Network interruptions. Voltage surges have a bad effect on the operation of the Indesit, Veko, etc. washing machines, since they have weak control modules and do not have any protection against voltage surges;
• Mechanical damage. Upon impact, the control program may be disrupted;
• When purchasing, errors in the software may be discovered, that is, the manufacturer himself may have installed the firmware incorrectly.

• A heating element. It suffers mainly from scale and plaque, so it is necessary to periodically wash without laundry, with citric acid;
• Intelligent control. Suffering from voltage surges. In such cases, it is necessary to call a technician and change the control unit;
• Filter. May be faulty due to the fact that it may become clogged. It is also necessary to periodically clean the filter;
• Bearings. Over time and with maximum load, they wear out. Therefore, during long-term use, it is better to replace them, otherwise the drum may be damaged;
• Belt. It can wear and tear over time;
• Shock absorbers. They have the ability to wear out. This is not noticeable when washing clothes; it is noticeable when the machine starts spinning. A strong knocking sound is heard from the drum.

Do not consider the emanating unpleasant odor as a malfunction. The smell occurs when the equipment is not used for a long time, and a certain amount of water always remains in the washing machine after washing; over time, it rots and begins to smell. In this case, you need to do a dry wash with citric acid, then the smell will disappear.

Many people also consider it a malfunction if the machine starts tearing things. In this case, it is necessary to check the drum for the presence of sharp objects; it could be a pin, nail, or blade. This category of items is dangerous and may cause damage.

Signs of a control module failure

• the corresponding error code on the display;
• panel indicators flash randomly;
• programs do not start or work incorrectly;
• the sequence of processes is confused, some stages are skipped;
• water temperature and washing time do not correspond to the prescribed mode;
• the engine spontaneously changes the number of revolutions;
• the drum changes direction of rotation for no reason.

To diagnose, you will have to remove the top cover of the washing machine and dismantle the front panel to get to the control board. After removing the board, verify the integrity of the microcircuit elements visually and by ringing with a multimeter. This video will guide you through the process of checking the control board:

After ensuring the integrity of the motherboard, the microcontroller, you can organize the preparation of firmware for washing machines. Pay attention to whether the module has equipment connection connectors. When they are missing, the software is restored through the processor. For this, expensive, professional equipment is used, which is available in service centers.

Preliminary diagnosis

A sign that it is necessary to flash the washing machine module is the display of an error code on the unit screen. Even its absence cannot exclude the possibility that the module did not fail. A large number of signs of breakdowns indicate that the board is not working properly or other elements are failing.

To make a decision and flash the control unit of the washing machine, you should make sure that the problem lies in this place and not in another place. To do this, you will have to dismantle the front and top panels of the unit body:

• unscrew the screws of the top panel, move it and remove it,
• It is recommended to photograph each connection to make assembly easier later,
• release the control panel, disconnect the wiring,
• unclip and remove the bottom panel,
• Having removed the cuff, press the spring and remove the clamp,
• dismantle the door locking device,
• Lifting the front panel a little, remove it completely.

After opening the case, you need to check all the elements with a multimeter to make sure there are no other faults. Firmware is considered a risky and very labor-intensive activity, so it is not recommended to do it “just in case.”

Having ruled out other damage, we inspect the machine module. If nothing is visually detected, then a software failure has occurred.

Where to buy a programmer?

By program selector you need to understand the part that is responsible for the operating modes of the washing machine. This is the heart of the equipment.

What is he responsible for?

It is complex and multifunctional, responsible for:

• water intake and release;
• heating;
• washing and rinsing;
• spin;
• door lock.

Causes of breakdowns

If the machine runs constantly, the programmer may fail. If you do not buy a programmer for your washing machine to replace the broken one, further use of the equipment is impossible.

If the machine was used incorrectly, the device was mechanically damaged, or there were network failures, breakdowns are possible. After this, you will need to buy a programmer for flashing washing machines.

Before you buy a programmer for washing machines, find out the product parameters. Buy a device only in accordance with the model of the washing machine. If you have any doubts as to whether it will fit your home unit, call the manager for advice.

Programmer

When purchasing a device, you need to check its compatibility with your operating system. In addition, after purchase you need to download drivers. For this purpose, the full name of the washing machine model and the name of the “download firmware” function are entered into the search system. For SMA from Indesit and Ariston, the software is in most cases freely available. But for materials for machines from Atlant, Bosch or LG they may require a nominal fee.

Often, drivers for programmers can be found and downloaded on online store websites. If they are not there, then you can use the services of specialized portals for techies. As a rule, entire lists of firmware are published there.

Having decided to master the process yourself in order to provide similar services for a fee in the future, we recommend that you pay attention to the purchase of professional programming equipment, the cost of which will be only a few thousand rubles. And if the case is isolated, then a simpler device is purchased, no more than eighty rubles apiece. The quality of work and principle of operation do not differ at all from expensive analogues.

The whole difference is in the vulnerability of the device. This expensive product has a dense body, additional alarms, and a beautiful design. The inexpensive version is not as comfortable and aesthetically pleasing; in the future it may fail from the slightest damage.

Why does the control module fail?

There may be several reasons for the failure of the control controller. We list the main ones, indicating possible options for simple repairs:

1. Manufacturing defects. It is determined visually - by poor-quality soldering of contacts, peeling tracks, flux deposits in the areas where the central chip is installed. If the machine is under warranty, you should not dismantle the module yourself. The electronic board is replaced in a workshop under warranty. Factory defects appear very quickly, during the first weeks or months of operation.
2. Power supply parameters do not match. Frequent surges, surges, and exceeding maximum voltages can lead to failure of delicate electronics. The parameters that must be observed are usually indicated in the instructions. Most often, a breakdown due to insufficient power supply is easily identified during testing of the board for the washing machine. Service centers are trying their best to recognize such a breakdown as not covered under warranty.
3. Failure or improper operation of one or more sensors. This problem is often easily solved, as we will describe below.
4. Water getting into electronics. It is worth noting that some manufacturers strive to completely eliminate this problem. For example, the control unit of individual models of VEKO, LG, Samsung is filled with compound and sealed. Other manufacturers allow liquid to enter during the pause between washes. When you try to start a wet board, the protection is triggered and the control is blocked. For example, repairing an Indesit washing machine with your own hands can be reduced to wiping the module and thoroughly drying the board. Water can get in both as a result of emergency conditions and while carrying the car, for example, when moving.

Other reasons include excess soot, the presence of conductive feces of household pests (cockroaches, mice), as well as short circuits through the body of insects or rodents. It is easy to eliminate such troubles if the protection systems prevented an accident. Just clean the board.

How to properly flash a washing machine yourself

• Signs of failure of the management module
• Preparatory activities
• Programmer
• Preliminary diagnosis
• We connect the programmer and perform the firmware
• If the equipment is not recognized
• Conclusion

When a breakdown of the SMA occurs due to a malfunction of the board responsible for all control of the device, it is recommended to flash it. Before such a procedure, each user tries to study a sufficient amount of information on this topic and consults with friends who have encountered a similar problem. So, how to flash a washing machine? First you need to make sure that the solution to the cause of the SMA failure lies solely in this.

Where can I get the firmware?

Before you pick up a programmer, you need to understand what firmware is and how it works, why it is needed and how to select it. Start learning small and don’t chase all the knowledge at once.

Take the EVO2 module for experimentation and flash 24c64

You can download the firmware on the website bineep.ru

or you can find the answer on the website sw19.ru

Well, you can buy a programmer with all the software and everything you need on the website texnomag.ru

As soon as you succeed, go to the next level and think about the Arcadia firmware, and then move on to Renesas and more complex processors that are in the display modules

Good luck with the renovation!

Firmware for modules

To flash the car yourself via a laptop, you will need:

• laptop;
• electronic board of a failed machine;
• programmer with drivers;
• firmware program corresponding to the SMA modification.

The programmer is a special device that connects the module to the laptop. With its help, a program installed on a laptop (computer) restores command algorithms in the SMA memory.

Selecting a programmer for firmware

Professional devices of this type cost from 2000 to 4000 rubles. They can be purchased at spare parts stores for SM. Online stores sell inexpensive devices - up to 500 rubles, they are easy to use, without “tricks” or additional options, but they cope with the main function with a bang.

A separate programmer is produced for each brand. Drivers (if they are not included) and individual programs for SMA are freely available on specialized websites and developer pages. In particular, to reprogram the Indesit washing machine, a USBDM Memory Dump, the so-called Arcadia programmer, is used. It is suitable for platforms of Electrolux, Whirlpool, Ariston brands.

How to flash the control module yourself

1. Connect the device to a suitable PC connector.
2. From the opposite end, connect to the microcircuit.
3. Install drivers, program file.
4. Open the “Control Panel” tab, “Device Manager” window.
5. The USBDM tab will highlight the name of the connected device.
6. To reflash, open the Target window.
7. The module number is recognized by the Device Selection department.
8. Click the Load Hex Files key.
9. Upload the firmware document.
10. Select the Program Flash button.
11. Wait for the file to complete the process.

If you did everything correctly, but the microcircuit is not recognized, you may have missed damage to the element during diagnostics. Check the semiconductors, triacs, and other parts of the electrical circuit again with a multimeter.

As you can see, it is quite possible to carry out this procedure yourself. The main thing is to arm yourself with the necessary knowledge, appropriate equipment, and enthusiasm. Be patient and have a good repair!

We connect the programmer and perform the firmware

You should take the control board and place it near the computer. A programmer is connected via USB, to which a board is connected via a connector for six channels.

Now you should install the original software version and drivers, then make sure that the computer confidently recognizes the connected device. To do this, use the “control panel” tab, in which you select “device manager”. After this, the following actions are performed:

• the program opens in its original version,
• The USBDM tab should display the name of the connected programming device,
• Now you should go to Target, in the Device Selection section find the number of the connected module. If everything worked out, then your management board is identified,
• using the Load Hex Files button, download the firmware file,
• Now all that remains is to give the command to flash the firmware by activating the Program Flash button.

If during the entire working process the program signaled errors, then the flashing was completed and completed correctly.

If the programmer does not recognize the management board, it is worth checking the semiconductor elements, one of which could well have failed. To do this, take a multimeter and check all sevens and other elements. It is likely that the board will need repairs first. If the chips are burned out, they will need to be replaced, which only an experienced technician can do.

How is the machine stitched?

It is possible to flash an automatic Indesit machine at home, but you will have to thoroughly understand this issue. It is necessary to prepare for repairs. The user must have at his disposal:

• programmer;
• computer;
• software.

Some washing machines cannot be re-flashed by the control unit, requiring only authorized software. Fortunately for the owners of Indesit automatic washing machines, washing machine modules from this manufacturer can be easily reinstalled.

The programmer is necessary to connect the main control unit SMA to the computer. To flash the Indesit washing machine, you can use the most common device from the Chinese manufacturer USBDM.

To reinstall the software, you need to remove the control board from the washer body. Dismantling is carried out as follows:

• turn off the power to washing equipment;
• disconnect equipment from communications;
• remove the detergent dispenser;
• Unscrew the bolts located behind the powder receiver;
• unscrew the screws located on the opposite edge of the control panel;
• using a slotted screwdriver, carefully release the panel latches;
• take a photo of the location of the connectors on the block, then unfasten them;
• remove the control module by unfastening the latches securing it to the panel.

That's all, the board is in your hands. Now let's talk about the flashing process itself. One end of the programmer is connected to the laptop connector, the other to the control board. Next, you should download the device drivers.

It would be useful to check whether the laptop recognizes the devices connected to it. To do this, using the Start menu, go to the tab where devices recognized by the computer are displayed. The “USBDM” tab should display the name of the programmer. You can understand that the electronic board is also connected by clicking on the “Target” tab. In the “Device Selection” subsection the number of the control board will be displayed.

Afterwards, you need to download the software that was found earlier and a suitable driver to the programmer. To reprogram the Indesit SMA, you must:

• go to the “Target” tab;
• load the software (by clicking “Load Hex Files”);
• When the download is complete, launch the installed program. To do this, click “Program Flash”.

You must wait until the running process stops. If no errors were displayed when reinstalling the control module, it means that the firmware was installed correctly. You can install the board in place, assemble the machine and test its operation.

Preparing for firmware: where to start?

Common people believe that in order to flash a washing machine, you need to connect the control board via a special wire to the computer on which you need to install a special program. In reality, it's not that simple. To flash an Indesit washing machine you will need the following parts.

• Control board of the washing machine being flashed.
• A computer with an LPT, COM or USB connector, depending on the programmer used.
• Homemade or proprietary programmer.

Accordingly, we connect the computer to the programmer, and the programmer to the board being flashed. You need to start by assembling or purchasing a programmer. Experts recommend purchasing a branded USB programmer, the reasons are as follows:

1. the proprietary programmer has already been tested and will definitely work;
2. it is easier to find software for it than for homemade equipment;
3. it is easier to connect to the computer and the board;
4. it costs no more than the spare parts from which you will solder your programmer.

For your information! The average cost of simple branded programmers is about 150 rubles; they are certainly not suitable for many years of uninterrupted operation, but for a one-time firmware update they are quite sufficient. Professional programmers will cost much more.

After purchasing a programmer, you will need to download the firmware for a specific model of washing machine, download drivers for the programmer, install everything on the computer and make sure the software is working. Then you will need to correctly connect the programmer on one side to the corresponding connector, and on the other to the six-channel output of the control board. Make sure that the devices are recognized and synchronized, and only then get started.

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We purchase a programmer, download the firmware

Expensive branded programmers are quite widely advertised and can be found at any retail outlet that specializes in selling spare parts for washing machines. If you don’t mind paying 1500-3500 rubles for such a programmer, then don’t bother, go and buy it. But if you want to look for a simpler and cheaper device for a one-time firmware update, then you have a direct route to the pages of online stores. In the online store you can buy a good Chinese USB programmer Usbasp USBISP 3.3 B/5 B AVR.

This type of programmer works no worse than a professional one, it’s just simpler in design.
It does not have a protective case, complex light indication of processes, buttons and other bells and whistles, but in our opinion, it is not worth overpaying for this. Specifically, Usbasp USBISP 3.3 B/5 B AVR will cost you approximately 146 rubles. If you plan to install software and do firmware under Windows 7, then it is better to buy USB ISP USB ASP ATMEGA 8 ATMEGA 128 , it is designed specifically for Windows 7 and works well with it.
The price is about 120 rubles. Here is another list of inexpensive and quite suitable household programmers:

• USB IPS USB APS AMTEL AVR51 – price 261 rub.
• USB10P AVR JTAG ICE 2.0 ATMEGA 3.3 B 0.5A – price 640 rub.
• USB IPS AMTEL AVR ATMega ATTiny51 – price 400 rub.

Often, drivers for these programmers are offered to be downloaded directly on the online store’s website, but if you don’t find them there, you can definitely find them on specialized websites for techies, it’s not difficult. It is also quite easy to download firmware for specific types of Indesit washing machines. Usually on special websites these firmwares are listed in a list completely free of charge. You need to enter the brand and model of the Indesit washing machine in a search engine, add the phrase “download firmware” and get the result.

Note! A database with firmware for control boards of specific washing machine models is located on the website of the electronics manufacturer for these machines.

How to remove the control module

First, you should visually inspect the board for physical damage. It may have clearly burnt-out elements, broken parts or breaks.

Experts strongly do not recommend repairing the controller yourself due to its complexity. Inept actions can result in serious consequences, and a new board will cost a lot of money.

Where is the board located?

In a good half of cases, the controller is located behind the front panel. The location may vary and depends mainly on the type of equipment loading. The control module is a fairly large element, so there shouldn’t be any problems finding it. Some manufacturers indicate its location in the instruction manual.

Control module location option

Dismantling

In ordinary washing machines, the main board is usually easily accessible. But in more advanced premium or some industrial models, it can be hidden behind a bunch of other elements. In this case, it is better to shift all the work onto the shoulders of specialists.

Removing the controller:

• de-energize the equipment;
• turn off the water supply tap;
• remove the top cover;
• remove the detergent tray;
• disconnect the terminals with wires;
• unscrew the fasteners holding the control board;
• carefully pull out the part.

Advice! In order not to get confused in the subsequent installation of the controller, you can take several photos before dismantling.

We carry out preparatory work

How to reflash a washing machine yourself? For this work, you need to buy a special programmer that will allow you to connect the control unit to the computer. Carefully inspect the connectors of the laptop or computer to which you will connect. The selected programmer must match the connector type: LPT, COM and USB.

It is recommended to choose a branded adapter. For example, for an Arcadia type module, a USBDM Memory Dump programmer is suitable. Some craftsmen assemble such an adapter themselves, but this is not the best solution. Why?

1. It is difficult to select software for homemade equipment. But each branded programmer comes with the appropriate software.
2. The original equipment will definitely work.
3. If you compare the cost of assembling and purchasing a new product, the difference is small. Therefore, do not waste your time, buy a quality product.

A regular programmer for one-time flashing of washing machines costs from 150 rubles. Professional equipment will cost 1500-3500 rubles.

If you need to do rotational stitching with your own hands once, then take a simpler product. A regular programmer is easier to assemble and does not have fancy controls. But it is just as effective in operation as a more expensive product.

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Technical problems

It happens that the programmer simply cannot find the control module. It is more likely that the problem lies in the board. You'll have to test all its elements with a multimeter. If a defect is found, the control unit will need to be repaired. This work is technically complex, so it is better to entrust it to the service center specialists. It is not recommended to repair such an important part with your own hands.

Another outcome is also possible. If all devices are recognized and connected to each other, but various errors appear during the reinstallation process, it means that the wrong software was selected. It’s rare, but it happens that the factory confuses the barcode and sticks a label on a completely different model. Then it will be much more difficult to reflash the washing machine, but it’s still worth trying to repair the module.

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Connecting devices and firmware

We've sorted out the software and programmer, now let's start connecting the devices. We take the control board that was previously removed from the washing machine and place it on the table next to the computer. Then we take the programmer and connect it on one side to the USB connector of the computer, and on the other to the six-channel connector of the control board.

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We install the original program and drivers on the programmer , and then make sure that the computer correctly recognizes the connected USB device. To do this, you need to go to the “control panel” tab of your computer and select “device manager”. Next we do the following:

1. open the original programmer program;
2. the name of the connected programmer should be displayed in the “USBDM” tab - this means that the program recognized it correctly;
3. open the “Target” tab, there, in the “Device Selection” section we see the number of the connected module - this means that the control board has been recognized;
4. in the “Target” tab at the top there is a “Load Hex Files” button, click it and load the previously downloaded firmware file;
5. after that, in the same tab, click the “Program Flash” button and wait for the program to flash the board.

Important! If the program does not generate errors during operation, it means that the firmware was completed correctly.

If the programmer does not recognize the control board, some of its semiconductor elements may have failed. You need to arm yourself with a multimeter and carefully check the seven-pointers and other elements for malfunctions; you may have to repair the control board. If the chips in the control board are burned out, then only a specialist can replace them, and not just anyone. In the worst case, you will have to change the entire control board, and this “pleasure” is very expensive.

To summarize, we note that the firmware of the control board of a washing machine is quite a troublesome task; you need to remove the control board, buy a suitable programmer, find and install the software on it, and then carry out the firmware correctly. It is quite possible to cope with this matter on your own, the main thing is to know for sure whether the board needs firmware? After all, the reason for a washing machine breakdown may be completely different.

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Preparatory activities

Those who believe that to flash the firmware you only need to connect the board to the PC are mistaken. To carry out this work you will need certain elements:

• control board of the unit for washing clothes;
• a computer with LPT, USB or COM connectors corresponding to the programmer used;
• the programmer itself, purchased in a store or made independently.

To flash the board, we will have to connect it to the programmer, and the latter to our computer. Experts recommend using a branded element that has been tested, is easier to connect, and has a warranty.

If the equipment is not recognized

This can happen at the stage of connecting elements intended for firmware. If the programmer is not recognized by your computer, then it is most likely out of order or is not compatible with the operating system. Reboot and another USB channel didn't help? We recommend using a different PC.

When the management board is not recognized, all its elements should be checked. Something will probably have to be replaced. These repairs should not be carried out on your own. It would be better to wrap the board in a clean bag and take it to a service center.

How to choose a repairman

When there is a breakdown, many people wonder which repairman is best to call: a private one or from an organization. And the quality of service is the same for both. The only advantage of the organization is that they have the capabilities to carry out complex repairs. Before the technician arrives, you must remove everything from the unit and remove the rug underneath (water may leak during inspection). You cannot take the machine out of the bathroom, since when checking the serviceability of the machine it is necessary that it be connected to the network and drained.

If the unit cannot be repaired, it can be handed over for recycling or there is a category of private advertisements for accepting a broken washing machine for spare parts.