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.
Main breakdowns of the Indesit washing machine, their causes, solutions
Indesit washing machines have parts that are subject to special stress. Therefore, they are the ones that most often fail. Some of them are easy to replace yourself; the main thing is to correctly determine the cause of the breakdown and eliminate it.
heating element
A breakdown of the heating element is accompanied by the appearance of code F08 on the screen. In this case, the washing machine will not heat the water, but the program will not end.
Reasons for heater malfunction:
- The heating filament has burned out and the circuit has broken.
- Current leakage due to destruction of the heating element insulator.
- Scale formation on the heater.
- Voltage fluctuations in the network.
- Failure of the temperature controller, which leads to overheating of the heating element.
Debugg:
- assess the condition of the wiring;
- check the functionality of the water temperature sensor and its contact with the heating element;
- clean the heating element from scale;
- check the water supply valve for blockages;
- restart the machine.
If these measures do not help, the electric heater will have to be replaced. Instructions for replacing the heating element are here.
Control board
A failure of the control board will be indicated by code F18. The machine stops washing and does not respond to commands.
Causes:
- Power failure.
- Wiring problems.
- Increased humidity levels in the bathroom.
- Incorrect operation of equipment, for example, abruptly turning off the machine.
- Manufacturing defects.
How to deal with a breakdown:
- reboot the equipment;
- assess the condition of the wiring;
- remove carbon deposits, clean the board tracks from dust.
If these measures do not help, professional repair of the control module or its replacement is required. Read more here.
Water level sensor
A breakdown of the water level sensor is indicated by error code F04. In this case, the washing does not start, the water is not added, or there is too little water in the machine for correct operation.
Causes:
- The inlet filter is clogged.
- The hose seal is broken.
- Wiring interruption.
- Damage to the sensor itself.
What to do:
- inspect the water supply valve to see if it is closed;
- check the fine filter for clogging;
- evaluate the performance of the pressure switch; if it is broken, replace it.
You can find out more here.
Cross
If the crosspiece breaks, the drum will stop rotating and the washing will stop. When it deforms, a creaking and grinding sound will be heard. Any extraneous sounds should alert you.
Reasons for failure:
- Bearing wear.
- Manufacturing defects.
- The water is too hard.
If the crosspiece is broken or deformed, it cannot be repaired. You can do without replacing a part only when the cause of the grinding noise lies in the wear of the bearings. Replacing them will avoid damage to the crosspiece.
Belt
The main sign of a stretched or broken belt: the drum stops spinning. At the same time, the equipment operates in the usual mode: the motor hums, water is drained and collected, etc.
If the belt constantly falls off in the Indesit washing machine, you need to eliminate the causes of the problem, including:
- the belt has stretched;
- the bearings are worn out, the drum gives back play, dangles a lot, causing the belt to fly off;
- the crosspiece has burst or bent;
- the motor or pulley mount has become loose;
- the drum is deformed.
If the belt came off for the first time, perhaps the machine was simply overloaded during washing. In other cases, repairs will be required. When the belt is stretched or breaks due to prolonged and active use of the device, it is replaced or those parts that led to the breakdown are repaired. Details are in this article.
Engine
A motor failure in an Indesit washing machine will be indicated by errors F01 or F02. Most often they occur immediately after starting the wash.
The most common causes of a malfunction are a winding short in the starter or rotor, or their breakage. Less often, detachment of the lamellas causes the engine to stop.
To fix the damage, you will have to repair the engine . If this is not possible, it is changed. Read more here.
Bearing
A very common breakdown is wear or destruction of the bearings, which causes problems with drum rotation. People who have been using an Indesit washing machine for more than 5 years have encountered this problem.
Failure of the bearings will be indicated by the drum roaring when rotating . The spin cycle stops. If the wear is severe, noise occurs even during the washing phase.
You can understand that the bearings have exhausted their service life if you remove the back panel. In this case, the entire tank will be covered in rusty stains. Both the bearings and the seal will have to be replaced. Read more here.
Pump
Pump failure is one of the most common malfunctions in Indesit washing machines. It is indicated by error codes such as: F05 or F11.
Main reasons:
- Damage to the motor responsible for starting the pump.
- Foreign objects getting into the pump: small items, screws, bra wires, etc.
- Damage to the pump impeller.
If a foreign object is found, it must be removed and the blockage cleared. If the pump fails, the water stops draining, so the part will have to be replaced.
Shock absorbers
Knocking, excessive vibration of equipment, beating of the drum during washing - all this indicates subsidence of the shock absorbers. If a part breaks down, the Indesit washing machine simply will not start spinning.
Reasons why shock absorbers fail:
- time (the machine lasts 5 years or more);
- systematic overload of equipment;
- incorrect installation;
- washing massive items.
The shock absorbers cannot be repaired; they will need to be replaced, and two elements at once. Details are here.
Cuff
If the cuff in the Indesit washing machine is torn, it will leak upon any contact with water. This occurs due to the constant vibration and friction that the part experiences. The older the equipment, the higher the likelihood that the seal has simply worn out.
Sometimes the cuff breaks due to the fact that things with sharp fittings were loaded into the drum:
- belts,
- fasteners,
- items left in pockets, etc.
If the damage is minor, the cuff can be sealed by installing the seal so that the repaired area is located at the top of the door and is not in direct contact with water. If there is a significant breakthrough, it will not be possible to do without replacing the part.
Details are in this article.
Drum
If the drum fails, it stops rotating or leaks. The reasons may be different:
- The wall of the part is rotten.
- The seat for the bushing has collapsed.
- The rib punch fastenings have been cut off.
- The integrity of the drum is damaged.
Replacing a part is labor-intensive and expensive work. You will have to purchase a tank with a drum (Indesit washing machines have non-separable ones) and pay for the work of a technician. Therefore, before deciding on such repairs, you need to perform calculations. Sometimes it is more profitable to purchase a new washing machine. Details are here.
Brushes
The brushes are a component of the commutator motor, so if they wear out or break, the washing machine will not gain speed during the spin cycle, or the drum will stop altogether. Errors that indicate a faulty brushes F01 or F02.
The main reason for wear of parts is time . This process can be accelerated by abrasive dust that gets into the motor, high humidity in the bathroom, voltage surges, or overloading of equipment. Worn brushes cannot be repaired; they need to be replaced. Details are in this article.
Incorrect information from the water level sensor
This device has another name - pressure switch. It measures the pressure level in the tank when water enters it or when it is absent. When a certain liquid level is reached, the pressure switch is activated and closes the inlet solenoid valve. If there is a malfunction, the sensor may simultaneously send signals that the tank is full and at the same time empty.
The pressure sensor is usually located at the top of the housing, under the cover
The cause of the problem is the sticking of one of the contact groups that informs about an empty or full tank. The problem may also be hidden in the control unit and wiring contacts. If these components are working properly, you will have to replace the water level sensor.
How to reboot?
To restart an Indesit washing machine that has frozen during operation, you need to do the following:
- press the “Start” button, wait 10 seconds;
- the program that is running must stop - if it cannot be reset, the reboot continues;
- press the “On/Off” button and hold it for 5 minutes;
- disconnect the device from the network.
Restart is carried out no earlier than after 15 minutes. Read about the reboot here.
Errors related to the ECU board
The memory chips located on the control unit board contain all service algorithms and washing programs. If a failure occurs, the memory must be removed from the ECU (unsoldered or removed from the microcircuit connectors) and reprogrammed with a special device - a programmer.
If the connection between the display module and the ECU board is broken, this malfunction of the Indesit washing machine manifests itself in the lack of response to buttons and the inability to execute programs. If after disconnecting from the 220 V network and rebooting the ACM nothing has changed, check the condition of the connectors and the reliability of the switching connections. The most likely fault is in the display module board or ECU.
Control and display module in some Indesit CM models
Features of repair of equipment with vertical loading
In top-loading washing machines, the drum very often jams. In this case, error code F16 appears on the display. The control module, which is very vulnerable in these devices, may also fail.
Network filters often suffer . It cannot be ruled out:
- formation of blockages,
- pump failure,
- bearings,
- engine and other parts.
The main feature of the repair is that the drum of a top-loading washing machine is positioned with the hole facing up. First you will have to remove the control panel, then twist the cover and disassemble the case. This way you will be able to gain access to all the parts located inside. A list of faults with Indesit top-loading washing machines is here.
Fault diagnosis
In the mode of constant use of the washing machine (washing 2-3 times a week), according to statistics, the first breakdowns occur in the 4th year of operation. This is the average figure recorded in the service src=»https://stiralkainfo.ru/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Modern-models-Indesit.jpg» class=»aligncenter» width=»799″ height=»563 ″[/img]
If there are no water leaks, there is no burning smell or smoke, the lights on the control panel are not blinking like crazy, and there are no errors on the display starting with the letter F, then most often the malfunction is not of any serious nature and will not cause much damage to your wallet. Having a little experience working with technology and understanding the principle of operation, it is even possible to fix the problem yourself.
Indesit equipment is equipped with an automatic self-diagnosis system. On washing machines equipped with a digital display, an error code will be displayed if there is a malfunction. Errors begin with the letter F followed by a combination of numbers. In some models, the error code begins with H. To decipher the error code, just look at the instructions or the Internet.
If the equipment does not have a display, then the malfunction can be determined by the combination of light indicators above the control buttons. This option is somewhat more difficult to diagnose, but also all possible combinations and a description of the malfunction can be found in the instructions. Housewives who often use such equipment will be able to understand by the blinking of the indicators that something has happened.
After deciphering the error code, it will be clear whether you can fix the problem yourself or whether it is better to contact a service center.
How to disassemble a household appliance?
To disassemble an Indesit front-loading washing machine, perform the following steps:
- Remove the top cover, unscrew the service hatch, and disassemble the front panel.
- Disconnect the wires leading to the board.
- Twist the engine and control module.
- Remove the heating element and disassemble the drain system.
- Remove the shock absorbers.
- Dismantle the cuffs and clamp.
- Remove the tank.
- Twist off the water inlet valve and pressure switch.
The machine is disassembled. Disassembly instructions are in this article, how to remove the top cover is in this article.
The washing program selected on the control panel is not recognized
With this malfunction, code F06 occurs. This error is typical for AFM with EVO-II control systems. It does not appear in the Indesit AVD and AVL series. The reason may be erroneous operation of the control panel keys or a violation of the integrity of the contacts in the connectors of the connecting cables.
You can check the buttons for operation with a multimeter. For example, the contacts on the pins of the buttons are short-circuited when pressed - this means that the resistance between them is zero. At rest, the resistance is equal to infinity (break). If there is a malfunction, the resistance values will be different. The cables and connectors leading to the control unit are also checked.
When does the drain hose need to be replaced?
Replacing the drain hose is required in the following cases:
- the hose is too short, its length is not enough to reach the sewer;
- the integrity of the hose is compromised;
- some parts of it have become worn out and thinned;
- cracks appeared on it.
If the hose is clogged, just clean it and replace it.
Problems with water entering the tank
This malfunction of the Indesit washing machine occurs when there is a shortage or overflow of liquid into the tank. There may be several reasons for the error:
- lack of water or low pressure;
- flush operation when water is filled;
- malfunction of the computer or display module;
- water pressure sensor malfunction.
Permanent draining is possible if the drain hose is not raised above the level of the tank. You can also check the water supply yourself. In other cases, you need to call a specialist.
Fix it yourself or call a professional?
Whether to call a professional or do the repair yourself depends on its complexity. You can deal with minor problems such as a blockage in the hose or drain filter yourself. To replace the crosspiece, control board or other hard-to-reach parts, it is better to contact a specialist.
If the washer is under warranty
If the warranty period of the Indesit washing machine has not expired, but the equipment malfunctions, there is no need to call a technician . First, the device must be rebooted.
When this measure does not help, you should look for a warranty card. It often contains numbers of service centers that should be contacted. If they are not there, then you need to go to the store with a claim.
Repairs during the warranty period are performed free of charge, or the buyer is refunded for faulty equipment. Another option is an equivalent replacement of the defective product.
Repairing at home: pros and cons
When a master comes to your home, the advantages are as follows:
- There is no need to take large equipment to the service center.
- The experts arrive quickly.
- They carry out all actions in front of the client, which means that high-quality parts will not be twisted.
Among the disadvantages of home repairs:
- The price will not be announced in advance, but only after inspection.
- All repairmen include travel costs in the cost of repairs.
- If the client refuses repairs, he will have to pay a specialist for calling and diagnostics.
- There is a risk of meeting a scammer who ends up in the house.
Service at the service center
Advantages of repairing equipment at a service center:
- availability of a price list for all services;
- free diagnostics;
- use of original spare parts;
- availability of professional equipment;
- quality service;
- guarantee for work performed;
- possibility of resolving the dispute in court.
The main disadvantage of contacting a service center is the need to deliver the washing machine to its destination, which will require hiring movers and cargo taxis.
Meaning of indicators and codes
A working machine systematically carries out a set of commands, notifying about the current stage with indicators, alternating the usual hum with small stops.
A failure immediately makes itself known by beeping, an uncharacteristic sound, blinking, or the absence of any action at all. And most importantly, the smart mechanism immediately gives the owner a code for the malfunction that has occurred, which can be used to quickly make repairs.
The codes required for diagnostics for errors that have occurred according to the design of the Indesit washing machine are displayed:
- on the general display – when the model is equipped with a panel screen;
- using combined flashing of the command lights - on models without a display.
It is most convenient if the so-called washing machine has a display: the fault number immediately lights up on it. It is enough to notice it and proceed to verify the values, and then proceed to eliminate it.
Advanced Indesit models always have a digital display on the panel. It will definitely display the breakdown number, even if the screen previously showed another function being performed.
If we are talking about models without a separate display, you need to stay at the next section and carefully study the LED blinking combinations that reveal the current error code.
In operating condition, the indicators on the machine panel light up in accordance with the command being executed. However, as a rule, they do not flicker with a high frequency, but blink smoothly and/or shine constantly.
Indicators that light up at random, at the same time as others and begin to flicker quickly, indicate a breakdown.
The notification occurs depending on the model range:
- Electronic-mechanical line Indesit IWDC, IWSB-IWSC, IWUB and its analogues - the failure code is recognized by the lighting LEDs of the working phases on the right (door block, rinsing, draining, spinning, etc.), the signal is also accompanied by the simultaneous flickering of the upper additional indicators and network indicator.
- The model range marked WIDL, WIL, WISL—WIUL, WITP - on the contrary, the type of failure is indicated by the lighting of the top line of additional function lamps along with the last diode of the left column (most often this is “Spin”), and at the same time the door block icon quickly blinks.
- Models of the WIU, WIUN, WISN series and their analogues - all lights, including the lock icon, are involved in indicating the error.
- The oldest prototypes of Indesit W, WI, WS, WT with only two light buttons - block and network - blink continuously and quickly exactly as many times as the number in the error number means.
All that remains is to look carefully and determine which indicator lights are signaling, check the combinations with the list of fault codes and choose the right path for repair.
The function display panel of the latest Indesit models is located vertically on the right, and not horizontally at the top, like the others, and the signals need to be read from it
We will try to figure out how to unravel the meaning of the codes and correct the situation by performing feasible repairs.
