Zanussi washing machine does not spin the drum: reasons, what to do

Have you noticed that the drum in your household appliances for washing clothes has stopped rotating? We recommend that you urgently take appropriate measures to identify and eliminate the malfunction. The reasons for tank braking may be problems related to the performance of the water heating element, electric motor, drive belt, or device electronics. In order not to act spontaneously when identifying the reasons why the Zanussi washing machine does not spin the drum, we recommend that you consistently check all the most typical causes and eliminate the obstacles that prevent the drum from rotating freely.

So, we offer instructions for diagnosing and repairing a Zanussi washing machine that does not rotate the drum well.

Symptoms of malfunctions, probable causes of their occurrence

The drum stop can happen at any operating stage - when starting the machine, in the middle of the washing cycle, or during the spin cycle. The failure of the drum to rotate occurs gradually or instantly, and this depends on the specific model of the machine, the malfunction that occurred, and the speed gained by the electric motor.

Certain symptoms will help you recognize the problem:

the tank is filled with water, but the drum does not start to rotate;
the lights on the panel light up, but there is no liquid intake;
The washing machine is ready to start the cycle, the motor is running, but the drum refuses to rotate.

This behavior of SMA cannot be immediately explained. Moreover, the most typical reasons why a Zanussi washing machine stops rotating the drum number up to a dozen:

the drive belt has fallen off, broken or weakened;
a foreign object entered the tank of the car;
the bearing is jammed;
motor brushes are worn out;
there was a breakdown in the motor;
the water heating element has failed;
the management module has ceased to perform its functions;
the condensate broke down.

You can accurately determine the source of problems by performing a sequential check of all probable causes. As a rule, the search for the reasons that contributed to the drum stopping begins with the most common and less complex problems.

Intelligent programs

Miele produces not only reliable, but also technically sophisticated washing machines of the highest quality. In addition to classic programs aimed at washing various types of clothing (cotton, silk, denim, synthetics), Miele machines can be equipped with a special aquasensor (water purity sensor), which can significantly simplify the operation of the device and improve the quality of washing. The sensor is connected to a special electronic system, which, depending on its indicators, adjusts the washing process. This can be either changing the time or connecting additional functions, for example, rinsing. With this approach, things will always be washed with the highest quality possible, and you will no longer have to carry out additional washing cycles. The aquasensor can also reduce the cycle time if the laundry turns out to be less dirty than the user expected.

In addition to the obvious effect of always perfectly washed laundry, the use of intelligent programs has a positive effect on saving energy and water. Thus, machines with an aquasensor reduce utility bills and make it possible to indirectly take care of the conservation of natural resources.

Priority measures

So, what should you do if your Zanussi washing machine stops spinning the drum? First of all, disconnect household appliances from the electrical network.

Please note that at this moment it is prohibited to touch the body of the machine so as not to receive an electric shock. After this, the water supply is turned off, and wait ten to fifteen minutes until the liquid in the tank cools completely.

Absolutely forbidden:

restart the equipment;
try to find out the failure while the unit is operating;
try using the buttons on the panel to cause the drum to move.

Do not forget that a washing machine that is energized poses a threat to people and their property. After de-energizing the unit, it is recommended to call the service center to call a repair specialist. But you can eliminate the problem of the drum not rotating on your own.

How much will the repair cost?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to say the exact price of repairs in this case, because... breakdowns are of various types and the cost of fixing them can vary significantly. Also, a lot can depend on the brand of the washing machine, as well as on how easy it is to get original spare parts.

In order to get the highest quality repairs, it is best to contact an official service center, whose contacts can be found both on the manufacturer’s website and in the device’s operating instructions. However, repairs in such a center can be very expensive. Sometimes the price tag for post-warranty service can reach 70% of the cost of the device. In this case, the issue of car repair becomes quite controversial, because the new car will work much better, wash better, and the consumption of water and electricity will be significantly reduced, which will save on utility bills and take care of preserving the planet for our children.

In addition to official service centers, repairs can be performed by private craftsmen, who will ask for a lower price. However, it is worth understanding that such masters will install non-original handicraft spare parts, often second-hand ones. Such repairs can backfire and lead to more expensive breakdowns or even flooding of neighbors. Such craftsmen do not pay taxes and do not provide a guarantee for their work, so we strongly do not recommend using the services of such private “kulibins”.

Checking the drive belt

This is what causes most of the problems that cause the machine to stop rotating the drum. Due to long-term use, untimely replacement or defects during assembly, the belt can weaken, break or break. This is also affected by the constant overload of the tank. The drive fixes itself without any problems:

the washing machine is disconnected from all communication systems;
the unit extends to the middle of the room so that there is free access to any side of it;
the back panel is removed;
the belt is inspected for damage, after which it is removed by turning the pulley by hand;
installation of a new analogue is carried out first on the motor shaft, then on the pulley;
At the same time, the condition of all parts around the pulley is checked. Replacement is carried out if necessary;
the housing panel is installed in its place;
A test run of the quick wash cycle is performed.

If the drum stops rotating, then the problem is not hidden in the belt (or there were violations during its installation). Check the tension of the element, rotate the shaft. If the result is negative, continue troubleshooting.

When is it worth visiting a specialist if the drum begins to jam?

This must be done in the following cases:

if the backlight of the machine does not work, as well as the sound tones (or they begin to jam),
if a household appliance emits an unpleasant odor resulting from combustion of the motor, wiring or other parts of the washing machine,
if the machine washes things normally and previously spun the tank efficiently, and then it suddenly stopped working,
if the device does not turn on at all, and the drum does not spin (in this case, to turn it, you will need to apply considerable force),
if the washing machine drum does not rotate for more than 2 weeks when the appliance is constantly turned on,
if too many things were put into the washing machine.

Sometimes, to check the serviceability of the equipment, you need to let the drum spin on its own - if it works normally in any washing mode or sometimes stops spinning (stuck), you need to check the filter and the presence of foreign debris around the tank. If the drum functioned normally when the drum was idling, then the reason lies precisely in the contamination of the equipment.

In order to use the washing machine correctly and carefully, the drums and washing machine should be checked regularly. Only then will it be possible to ensure that the tank rotates normally.

When should I show this household appliance to a technician? For the device to function properly, it should be shown to a professional once a year. If the equipment is old, it is better to carry out diagnostics 2-3 times a year. If minor breakdowns occur or the normal operation of a household appliance is disrupted, you should immediately look for a malfunction so that over time the device cannot completely fail.

We get foreign objects

So, the belt is in perfect order, let's move on to checking the drum. It is likely that a small object in the form of a clothing button or key got into the free space between the tank and the drum, and the element stopped rotating. In this case, operating the machine is not recommended, as the object may cause jamming or damage to the drum walls. In each case, the situation requires expensive repairs associated with replacing the internal parts of the machine.

It is easy to determine the presence of a foreign object in the tank. To do this, you need to open the loading hatch door and turn the drum manually, first in one direction, then in the other. The presence of resistance, extraneous grinding or ringing will indicate that you are on the right track. All that remains is to remove the foreign object as quickly as possible, and for this there will be difficult steps, since you will have to work with the drain filter or the hole located under the heating element.

The first algorithm of actions is as follows:

At the bottom right we find a hatch intended for draining;
open its lid;
spread rags on the floor;
remove the garbage filter;
We clean the body, sleeve, pipes.

Larger items remain at the bottom of the machine tank. To get to them as quickly as possible, you will have to dismantle the back panel, turn off and remove the water heating element. All that remains is to use a flashlight to find a foreign object and remove it using wire or pliers. You will have to act carefully so as not to damage the tank body.

If the drum stops rotating and is completely jammed, the tank must be completely disassembled. We proceed as when replacing a bearing - remove the panels at the top and rear, dismantle the drive, electric motor, dispenser with module, counterweight elements, shock-absorbing devices and other machine components. After completing these works, we take out the main container, disassemble it and remove foreign objects. The difficulty arises if the tank of the car is made in a non-separable form. It will take four hours to complete the cut, and it is better to entrust such work to an experienced specialist.

Bearing problem

If the machine takes in water but does not spin the drum, the problem can be found in the bearings. Perhaps they have completely worn out, been knocked out, or the factory lubricant has been washed away. This situation is caused by improper loading of the tank with things, improper operation, and leaks in the seals. In each case, a complete replacement of the bearings is required, which is technologically quite difficult to perform:

The washing machine is completely disassembled;
the tank is removed;
the drum is knocked out;
failed bearings are taken out and new analogues are purchased;
components and seals are replaced;
all spare parts are fixed with waterproof glue and treated with sealant;
The machine is assembled in reverse order.

Useful tips from experts

When using a washing machine, it is recommended to follow some important requirements in order to protect the drum and other components from possible damage:

Always empty your pockets when putting things in the wash;
load the maximum permitted weight; in case of overload, stop the program to lighten the drum;
Do not try to forcefully rotate the drum for a long time if it stops working. This is only allowed to be done to check the causes of the breakdown;
Use descaling products carefully. It is recommended to purchase them only in specialized stores and use them in accordance with the instructions;
When replacing items that have lost their functionality, purchase only branded analogues that match your markings. Fake parts will not work for a long time and will cause further malfunctions.

By following these simple rules, you can extend the life of your washing machine.

Electric motor failed

Often the drum stops rotating because the motor does not have enough power to spin normally. And the main problem with this is worn brushes. To restore engine performance, you will have to:

disassemble the body of the machine to gain normal access to the engine. To do this, you will have to remove the back cover and the drive belt;
We disconnect the electrical wires connected to it from the motor;
on the sides of the body we find brushes inside;
Using a flat screwdriver, pry up the terminals and disconnect the wires;
we shift the contact in the opposite direction;
press the latch so that the spring relaxes, push out the brush;
we measure the length of the tip, which should be at least seven to ten millimeters;
We install new brushes in the motor traverses;
we compress the springs and install them in their places;
We screw the terminals and connect the power supply wiring.

Before disassembling, technicians recommend recording the location of the wires with a phone camera. In addition, the brushes are replaced in pairs, so the second part is treated in the same way. At the end of the repair work, the fixation of the brushes is checked and the engine is tested for performance.

The water heater burned out

In washing machines from Zanussi, the reason for the drum stopping may be a burnt-out heating element. The temperature sensor stops sending messages to the management system about liquid heating, and the module does not send a signal to the electric motor to increase speed. The engine rotates in test mode, making no more than three dozen revolutions in one minute. In such a situation, the serviceability of the heating element is checked using a multimeter, and if necessary, it is replaced with an appropriate analogue.

Testing is carried out as follows:

the back cover of the washing machine is dismantled;
there is a heating element installed below the tank;
the multimeter is set to resistance testing mode;
All wiring is disconnected from the heating device;
We touch the contacts with measuring probes and check the readings.

If the display shows a value of 20 - 30 Ohms, everything is in perfect order. In case of deviations from the norm, the heating element must be replaced. You will have to loosen the fastening bolt, push its rod inward, and remove the faulty element. Assembly is performed in reverse order, after which the machine is tested by starting.

Take advantage of the Miele brand online store

You are on the Miele brand store website. We sell not only high-quality washing machines from Germany, but also many other home helpers: economical refrigerators and freezers, stylish cooktops and ovens, multifunctional dishwashers and other categories of Miele household appliances. Visitors have access to a convenient catalog with a huge variety of product offerings, which can be grouped using filters. If necessary, our consultants will help resolve any issue you may have by phone or online chat.

All equipment presented in the catalog of the company’s online store has special certificates of conformity and is approved for sale in Russia. All models are 100% original and have an extended manufacturer's warranty of 24 months. The user can order home delivery in Moscow, St. Petersburg and any other locality in Russia.

Checking the electrical

Flying electronics may be another reason why the drum in a Zanussi washing machine stops rotating. But it is quite difficult to establish exactly that the problem lies in the board and what the need for repair work is. In addition, it often appears that the failure occurred in the control module, but in fact the reasons for the drum stopping are related to breakdowns that were discussed earlier and were not completely eliminated. So electronic circuits should not be checked and repaired right away - the result may not be achieved, and you will spend a lot of money for repairs.

Just invite an experienced specialist to your home so that he can diagnose your machine and determine exactly why the drum is not able to rotate. In addition, it is the master who is able to correctly repair a burnt triac or detect a failed contact.

You should not repair electrical wiring and chips yourself - you will completely break the board, and replacing it will require significant financial costs.

Vertical and frontal models

A wide variety of washing machine models are available to the user. In addition to the unique professional line, which can even be used on marine vessels, you can choose more convenient home models with vertical or front loading. The company's engineers have taken care of both connoisseurs of compact washing machines and those who prefer more comfortable work with a wide side hatch. Top-loading models take up less space and can be installed even in small spaces, while front-loading models reduce water consumption and make loading laundry more convenient. Both types of machines are made of premium materials and equipped with many useful programs that will allow you to get the cleanest laundry possible over and over again.