Indesit washing machines have gained popularity because of the low cost. But for the initial cheapness you have to pay extra for repairs - the reliability of the brand is in question. But many of the causes of irregularities can be eliminated without special problems with your own hands.
We will talk about how to repair the Indesit washing machine with your own hands. In the article we presented, the causes of common breakdowns and methods for restoring the performance of the equipment are described in detail. Our recommendations will help to achieve an optimal result.
Methods for determining the breakdown
First of all, you need to determine what kind of breakdown has occurred. An initial diagnosis will help you decide whether it is possible to fix the problem yourself or if you still have to spend money on professional repairs.
The right step would be to familiarize yourself with the circuit diagram of the washing machine in order to have an idea of where what is located.
In many cases, a breakdown in an Indesit washing machine can be repaired with your own hands. But for this at least you need to get acquainted with the design of the machine
Sometimes, to determine the cause of the failure of household appliances, it is enough to read the instructions for use, which, among other things, contains recommendations for eliminating breakdowns.
The first step is to look at the display. If it is not possible to perform the specified process, the washing machine issues special codes on the display.
Launched in recent years, models of Indesit washing machines are equipped with displays, the signals of which are the first to report a malfunction
Error codes for the operation of the washer are given in the instructions that the manufacturer attaches to his own product without fail:
- F01 - in control of a driving motor, a triac semiconductor device was closed;
- F02 - due to an open circuit or short circuit, the tachogenerator has lost the ability to signal the rotation of the drive motor, another reason for this error is the motor lock;
- F03 - the temperature sensor circuit was shorted or ruptured;
- F04 - breakdown of the water level sensor;
- F05 - due to interruption of the operation of the drain pump, blockage of the drain path, malfunction of the water sensor, the “empty tank” signal is not supplied;
- F06 - due to errors in the buttons on the front panel, the program code is not defined;
- F07 - the heater does not heat up;
- F08 - malfunction of the wiring, relay, or the tube heater itself;
- F09 - EEPROM memory failed;
- F10 - at the water level sensor there was a simultaneous disappearance of signals about both a full and an empty tank;
- F11 - In the drain pump, the supply voltage has disappeared;
- F12 - the communication between the controller and the display module has failed;
- F13 - open or short in the sensor circuit responsible for the drying temperature;
- F14 - malfunction in the heater;
- F15 - Damage in the relay of the heating element responsible for drying;
- F16 - drum lock;
- F17 - no power is supplied to the door hatch lock or it was forgotten to close;
- F18 - An error occurred on the main electronic module in the communication between the controller chips and the processor that controls the asynchronous drive motor.
An article that is fully devoted to these important issues will familiarize you with the full decoding of error codes in the operation of Indesit washing machines and methods of eliminating violations.
It is possible to check various contacts, wiring, sensors using a very useful device - a multimeter. The device will show if there is power everywhere.
If you have previously encountered electricians repair and know how to use a multimeter, it will help clarify the situation and indicate some errors
Sometimes it’s enough to listen to the sound made by the unit. When the washing machine begins to creak, make excessive noise, and sometimes rumble, then most likely there are problems in the bearings or drum, the oil seal is damaged, the counterweight fastener is loosened, shock absorbers are in poor condition.
Self Repair Guide
A wizard call is the only right solution when:
- the warranty period has not expired - subject to the operating rules, repairs will be free;
- threatening smoke went out of the car.
In other cases, they say there are options.
But always the first stage of repair begins with disconnecting the faulty equipment from the mains. For negligence, electricity will punish necessarily and severely. An indispensable rule of the home master: do not act at random, use the instructions.
To perform repair work, the washing unit is first disconnected from the mains. It is also necessary to shut off the tap of the inlet hose, if necessary, disconnect it from the machine
No. 1: elementary malfunctions in the operation of the machine
If the display does not report a malfunction, there are no leaks, smoke, or the smell of burning, then usually the problem can be easily eliminated:
- If the home laundry does not turn on, first you need to check whether the plug is firmly inserted into the socket. Sometimes the washing machine may turn off due to power surges. You must also make sure that the operating mode is correctly set on the control panel;
- When water does not enter the tank, it is recommended to press the button responsible for turning the unit on and off again, make sure that the door is closed tightly. Sometimes the fault is insufficient pressure in the water supply system, maybe the tap was simply shut off, the hose was damaged. The reason may lie in the failure of both the program and the control system. Elimination occurs by repeated call to the “Start / Pause” button;
- With idle drain First you need to check the filter - sometimes it’s enough to just clean it.
And the source of a terrifying roar can be any object (for example, a coin) that accidentally ends up in the drum.
Often the cause of increased noise during the operation of the washing machine is not a breakdown, but metal objects that are not unloaded from the pockets of clothes before loading into the drum
No. 2: the heater failed
This is a fairly frequent failure, although the declared service life of the heater is 10-15 years. However, numerous washes in very hot and hard water, constant overloading of the tank, and low-grade detergents do an evil deed.
Over time, a kind of “coat” of various salts is formed on the heating device - TEN. From overheating, it fails, it is no longer possible to restore it. The malfunction of the heater is indicated by the cold hatch when the washing mode is on and, of course, the laundry that did not wash in cold water.
The defective heater has a recognizable guise - a “fur coat” of scale, carbon deposits. Many manufacturers use special coatings against scale formation, but Indesit is not one of them.
Replacing a damaged part is quite simple: manufacturers placed the heater in such a way that it is easy to get to it by opening the back cover of the case. The only inconvenience - the machine must be disconnected from all communications to turn the right side for repair.
The heating element is placed under the drum pulley. When disconnecting and re-returning the wire board, one should not forget about care.
Tools will need a minimum: a fairly flat and curly screwdriver, a key with a head. Also, to check the heater, a multimeter or tester will be needed. It is most reasonable to buy a new heater the original Italian.
The sequence of operations:
- Disconnect the unit from all communications.
- Remove the bolts around the perimeter of the cover.
- Next, under the tank you need to find the contacts of the heater and attach the probes of the multimeter to them. Normal resistance is 25-35 Ohm, other indicators indicate a malfunction.
- The next operation: disconnecting all wires having terminals, fixing their position in memory.
- Then the nut on the bolt is unscrewed, the end of which is located in the center of the base of the heater.
- In order for the bolt to go into the hole, gently tap on it.
- Extend the base of the heater by hooking it with a flat screwdriver.
- Rearrange the temperature sensor from the damaged part to a new heater.
- To clear a seat for an electric heater of the formed garbage.
- Put the new heater in its intended place, secure with a bolt.
Then it remains to return the wires to their previous position, close the back cover of the machine and reconnect to the communications.
After cleaning the washing machine and carrying out repair operations, all parts of the unit are connected in the reverse order. Then the unit is connected to communications and check its performance
No. 3: there were problems with the drain
Also a fairly common problem. The pump is the weak spot of automatic washing machines. In addition to clogging, when it is enough to clean the hose and filter, it can jam the impeller. The washing pump is located behind the drain filter, which should be unscrewed and removed.
The impeller blades must be tried for rotation. It should not be too light: in the normal state, the impeller rotates with certain delays due to the magnet in the coil. Sometimes threads, hair, laces and other similar rubbish so wrap the impeller so that they even block it. All this interference must be removed.
The pump in automatic washing machines is a weak spot. Often the only way to return the machine to working capacity is to replace the spare part with a new one.
It happens that the plastic case was deformed and began to clamp the blades. When there is no possibility of replacement, the blades need to be cut with a knife no more than 2 mm, and you can still use the washing machine.
If after this work is not restored, it means that the breakdown is more significant and requires a detailed inspection - the pump will have to be disassembled. The machine is laid on its side, the screws securing the pump to the body are unscrewed, the electric wires and 2 hoses are disconnected.
Hoses are cleaned if necessary. The motor windings are checked with a tester to eliminate the possibility of a break. The usual resistance value is 150-300 ohms.
Not hoping for memory, it is worth noting the orientation of the pump relative to the engine. Then the pump motor is disconnected from the housing, the rotor is removed from the stator. Often inside, everything is clogged with dirt, which interferes with the rotation of the rotor. In such cases, a thorough flushing is necessary.
The bearing of the rotor axis is lubricated with lithol, the oil seal is recovering. Subsequent assembly is carried out using sealant to prevent leakage.
To make the machine work, sometimes it is enough to get rid of the dirt accumulated in the filter. The filter is removed, washed with clean water and put in place.
If you follow the instructions for caring for the washing machine and clean the drain hose every 6 months, the likelihood of a breakdown in the drain system will be greatly reduced.
No. 4: the heart failed at the washer
Indesit’s motor is well designed, reliable and durable. However, there is nothing eternal, and at one not-so-wonderful moment, the “heart of the machine” may fail. The reason may be not only the wear of the mechanism, but also excessive overload.
Disassembly Procedure:
- First, external panels, usually the top and back, are removed from the machine.
- Disconnect the power wires.
- Remove the belt from the pulley.
- Unscrew the mount, remove the motor.
After the diagnosis, the final decision is made to repair or replace the engine. Usually they tend to the last option - it is difficult to restore the engine, it is easier to completely replace it. Installation of a new engine is carried out in the reverse order.
Usually, after diagnosis, they come to the decision to replace the engine, especially when a problem is detected in the wires. Original models are expensive, but you can purchase an inexpensive analog
The assembly should be photographed before disassembling, then there will be no problems with where to screw it.
No. 5: bearing malfunctions
When unusual, and not episodic, but gradually amplifying sounds appear in a working washing machine, especially during the spin cycle, this is a clear signal of a malfunction of the bearings, which are responsible for the ease of rotation of the drum.
Hand-made repair in this situation is possible, but you cannot call it simple - you need utmost care, strict adherence to the sequence of operations:
- Remove the top and rear panels.
- Remove the dispenser, control unit.
- Unscrew the cuff clamp, remove the cuff and the sunroof lock device.
- Remove the front wall and counterweight.
- Remove the tubular heater, having recorded in memory the sequence of connecting wires.
- Disconnect parts that are connected to the drum tank, remove the drive belt and motor.
- Remove the tank, place it on an even place with the pulley up, then unscrew the pulley bolt and remove the pulley.
- With a mallet (you can use a simple hammer and a wooden gasket) to drown the shaft down, untwist and divide the tank into two halves.
- Remove the bearing with a special puller, dismantle the old oil seals.
- Having installed fresh epiploons, to press in the new bearing.
The washing machine is assembled in the reverse order with a strict sequence of operations. So that the tank does not leak, all seams must be sealed.
In the latest series, the tank has become non-separable, suggesting that during such breakdowns the indispensable disposal of the unit. But in Russian service centers, they invented a way to reanimate Indesit - the tank is cut along the weld, and the bearings become available again
The main thing when replacing a bearing is care and adherence to the sequence of operations.
No. 5: the hatch lock refuses
A floppy hatch lock can cause another nuisance - the washing machine will stop turning on. The locking device is also equipped with contacts, and when something prevents complete closure, electricity does not flow to the units of the unit.
Failure usually causes accumulated dirt in the castle. After its elimination, the normal operation of the device, as a rule, is restored.
To eliminate problems with the lock of the washer hatch, it should be disassembled and cleaned; if necessary, damaged parts or the entire device must be replaced
No. 6: replacement of shock absorbing devices
Shock absorbers dampen excessive vibrations that appear in the washing machine. This is especially necessary during the spin cycle, when the rotating drum has the highest speed. Over time, they decrease their effectiveness.
As a result - excessive vibration, atypical noises, knock during the spin cycle. A common cause of failure is wear on the gasket that separates the piston and cylinder, which further deforms.
In the cylinder of the shock absorber there is a rod consisting of a rod and a gasket treated with increased friction lubricant. Fluctuations are suppressed by moving the piston.
A sharp push of the tank causes the piston to rush into the cylinder, reducing vibration. There is also a spring in the cylinder that returns the piston to its original position - they call it returnable.
Repair consists in the complete replacement of shock absorbers, since spare parts for them are not separately manufactured. Replacing the shock absorber is not difficult, only getting to it is difficult
To get to the shock absorbers, you will have to remove the rear panel (in some versions, the side or front cover can be removed). Having unscrewed the nut at the bottom of the shock absorber, it is disconnected from the body. In the same way, the part is released from above.
Depending on the condition and design of the parts, shock absorbers are replaced or repaired.If the part is damaged, it is removed, a new shock absorber is installed in its place and fixed in the reverse order. It happens that it is enough to replace the worn-out gasket.
In the latest models, dampers are used instead of shock absorbers, where the return spring has been replaced by a whole spring system, which is mounted in the upper area of the tank and provides it with a “suspended” position. This design is more reliable, better dampens unwanted shocks.
To check the operability, the damper must be removed from the housing by unscrewing the bolt in its lower segment, and try to press on it so as to compress and then unclench the mechanism. If the result is minimal, the device is in normal working condition. When the piston easily changes position, the damper needs to be replaced.
They are removed from the housing in the same way as conventional shock absorbers, although in some models the mounting bolts are replaced with plastic pins with latches. Install a new damper in the usual way - in the reverse order to the assembly.
Even if 1 damper is damaged, both will have to be changed. Otherwise, the load will be distributed unevenly and cause a new breakdown.
No. 7: detergent remains in the tray
It happens that washing powder does not want to leave the tray. This usually happens when they roll him in without measure. The problem disappears when observing the rules for filling detergent. The fault can also be a weak water pressure. It is worth trying to clean the filter at the junction of the washing machine with the inlet hose.
Another option is to increase the pressure in the water supply tap. Sometimes water cannot get into the tray due to a clogged valve. Then you should pull out the tray, find the valve in the form of a button and carefully clean it.
When the powder is not completely washed out of the tray, it hardens and is difficult to remove. For prevention, the washing procedure should be done regularly
These are the most common causes of improper behavior of the detergent powder, which are easy to cope without resorting to the help of masters. A more difficult case would be a problem with the inlet water valve when the powder does not leave the tray at all.
Here, valve replacement is already required. The same can be said about the electromagnetic valve, which is responsible for filling the cell with detergents with water.
No. 8: flashed control module
The control unit in the Indesit washing machines does not have reliable protection against moisture, as a result, condensate gets on the contacts, short circuits occur that bring the device out of operation.
Repair requires subtle diagnostics in the "Auto Test" mode, serious knowledge in radio engineering, mastery of a soldering iron, skills in handling microcircuits, boards, semiconductors. This is usually the field of activity of qualified professionals.
In 9 cases out of 10, the repair of the control unit of the Italian Indesit machine is to replace the contacts. This is one of the most uncomplicated procedures for those in the subject.
For rare daredevils from the army of home craftsmen, the most common tips:
- remove the cover from the control unit;
- remove the module;
- inspect faulty contacts and connections;
- to remove damaged parts;
- solder in their place air-conditioning elements.
But working with electronics is far from everyone's ability, therefore, we recommend that you abandon experiments and turn to professionals.
You can get acquainted with the practical application of repair and replacement tips by watching educational videos.
Video # 1. Quick replacement of the heater in the Indesit washing machine:
Video # 2. How to change the bearing yourself:
Video # 3. Self-locking lock on washing machines:
As they say, the eyes are afraid, and the hands are doing. Good luck to those who are not afraid of repair, who are happy to receive new knowledge and skills.
Those who have not been helped to diagnose a malfunction by any of the described methods should probably contact certified craftsmen from a service center. They know exactly how to diagnose a breakdown and repair an Indesit household washing machine in any situation.
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