How to properly flash a washing machine yourself

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.

Signs of failure of the management module

These include the following symptoms:

• a code corresponding to this error appears on the machine screen;
• the panel indicator lights begin to blink randomly;
• the program is not activated, the machine does not work correctly;
• the sequence of work processes is disrupted, certain stages are simply skipped;
• the temperature regime of the water and the time interval of the process do not correspond to the specified conditions;
• the electric motor changes speed spontaneously;
• the drum changes direction of rotation for no apparent reason.

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.

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.

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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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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 has been 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.

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 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.

How to reset a washing machine to factory settings?

Basic reset methods

1. Press the start/pause button once. ...
2. After pressing, the unit should stop the wash and unlock the door. ...
3. We have completed the desired operation - close the hatch, press play, the device will continue washing with the selected program.

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How to stop the program

There are cases when, when choosing a washing mode, the program was selected incorrectly, or the machine freezes and is unable to correctly perform its intended purpose. If this happens, then you need to know the basic rules about resetting the selected program that can cope with the current situation. There is nothing complicated about this and basically you need to follow the same rules, which are identical for washing machines of different models and brands. Necessary:

1. Press the button that starts and stops the washing process.
2. You need to wait until the unit stops.
3. After this, you need to press this button again and wait 5 seconds.
4. Relatively recent models of machines from the brands Indesit, Samsung and Bosch drain the water when you hold the “start” button and then turn off.
5. Older units turn off without draining water.

It is necessary to take into account that if after all the manipulations the machine stops but does not drain the water, all the liquid must be drained manually. Some users believe that there is no need to press different buttons, because they can turn off the power to the washing machine. If you remove the plug from the socket, the device will actually turn off, but it is not a fact that the previously selected washing program will be reset. This is explained by the fact that for a long time developers have been equipping machines with technology that remembers the last selected washing mode if there is a power failure. Therefore, this method of solving the problem is not suitable.

Experts also do not recommend resetting the program by turning off the power to the washing machine for the reason that the unit may fail and in the end you will have to repair your assistant, which is not cheap, or buy a new one.