Troubleshooting the Ariston washing machine

Malfunctions of Ariston washing machines can cause equipment owners to worry, although not often. Compared to competing brands, Aqualtis series machines, as well as other Ariston models, break down less often. The Ariston brand, along with such brands as Indesit, HotPoint and Stinol, belongs to one of the largest manufacturers of household appliances - the Italian concern Indesit Company. Automatic washing machines (hereinafter also referred to as SM, SMA) of this brand have gained trust and popularity among customers due to their high quality and reliability.

HotPoint Ariston Aqualtis - a series of modern “intelligent” washing machines

We recommend looking for spare parts for washing machines in Sevastopol on this website.

Error codes

Hotpoint Ariston washing machines are equipped with an electronic display, which provides all kinds of information about the operation of the equipment. In addition, on this display certain error codes are displayed, indicating the causes of the malfunction. This makes troubleshooting much easier.

The fault instructions that come with all Ariston washing machines will help you figure out what these or those error codes mean.

1. Code F01 indicates a malfunction in the drive motor. You will need to inspect the contacts and prevent moisture from getting onto the motor. If the failure is confirmed, it is necessary to replace either the drive motor or the controller.
2. Code F An error that occurs indicates that the electronic controller, for various reasons, does not have information about the operation of the motor. In this case, it is important to check all connections on the parts and inspect the motor rotor. Replacing the controller or rotor, if necessary, will help eliminate the problem.
3. F03 indicates a breakdown of the heating element sensor. To eliminate it, you need to check all connections and also make sure that the sensor has resistance; for this you will need a multimeter. If the error code continues to light, the sensor needs to be replaced.
4. F04 The sensor that determines the amount of water has failed. To troubleshoot the problem, you will need to check the electrical circuit between the controller and the sensor. If no breakdown is detected, and error f 04 continues to light, replacing the sensor will not be a superfluous procedure.
5. F05 – drain pump problems. First, check the drain hose for blockages. The connection between the pump and the controller must also be examined. If the breakdown could not be detected, and the error on the display is still on, you should check the pump for the presence/absence of mains voltage in it.
6. F06 – problems with the buttons. It is necessary to check the control panel for the presence of its contact with the controller. Eliminate any damage found. Most often, as a result of the appearance of code F06, the breakdown is eliminated by changing the control panel completely.
7. F07 – the heating element does not heat up. This may occur if the heating element is not immersed in water. It is necessary to check all connections of the sensor that determines the amount of water. Test the controller and the sensor itself. If a faulty part is found, it should be replaced.
8. F08 – malfunction of the heating element, sticking of the contact group on the relay. Most likely the wiring is faulty, and as a result - voltage leakage to the housing. The sensor and all connections must be checked.
9. F09 – error in volatile memory. The controller needs to be replaced.
10. F10 – there is no signal from the sensor about the amount of water in the tank. It is necessary to check the sensor and all its connections, make sure the controller is working by replacing the identified faulty part.
11. F11 – voltage in the drain pump is lost. It is recommended to check all electrical wiring from the controller to the pump using a multimeter. Correct the found fault.
12. F12 – communication between the controller and the display module is lost. If error f12 appears, you need to check the functionality of the sensor and all connections from the controller to the pump. In addition, you need to test the pump.
13. F13 - short circuit in the drying temperature sensor circuit. Make sure the sensor is working. Check the wiring between the dryer and the controller. Fix any identified damage by replacing the part.
14. F14 – malfunction of the drying heating element. Inspect all connections between the heating element, which is responsible for drying, and the controller. Make sure these parts are working properly.
15. F15 – failure of the drying heating element relay. Inspect the connection board and check the functionality of the sensor.
16. F16 – the drum is blocked (exclusively in machines with vertical loading).
17. F17 – no signal is sent to the hatch door. Make sure there is mains voltage. Make sure that nothing prevents the door from closing tightly. Most likely, the hatch door lock will need to be replaced.
18. F18 – microprocessor malfunction. The controller needs to be replaced.

Not all Ariston washing machines are equipped with an electronic display. If a malfunction occurs in equipment that does not have a display (for example, in the Ariston Margarita 2000 washing machine), the unit will notify us of the malfunction via a flashing on/off indicator.

In order to determine what caused the problem, you need to count how many times the light bulb lights up with a frequency of 1 second.

If the screen is missing

Automatic Ariston machines that are not equipped with a display signal faults detected by the self-diagnosis system by flashing the display on the control panel. Most washing machine models have only two indicators - a symbol confirming the hatch is locked and a power light. The door lock LED is usually in the form of a lock or key and is always on. When selecting the desired washing mode, the selector knob rotates in a circle, while clicking slightly.

Certain Hotpoint Ariston models indicate breakdowns by flashing the “lock”, the “Spin” light and the “Program End” LED. You can find automatic machines without a display that tell you about an error by showing the temperature indicators at 30°C and 50°C. At the same time, the LED will light up to indicate washing in cool water and indicators 1, 2 and 4 will flash.

Common Problems

One of the most vulnerable elements in a washing machine is the heating element. The heating element most often fails. The reason for this is hard water and foreign impurities. As a result, the liquid enters the system, but does not heat up, and the selected washing program is suspended.

Often the pump with the drain pump breaks down. The reason could be either natural wear and tear or mediocre build quality when it comes to budget models. As a result, water is not collected or is not drained. Also, one cannot discount the numerous gaskets in the system. If they are made of high-quality material, they will last for many years, while ordinary synthetics begin to become woody after just a few months.

The drain pump is the weak point of SMA Ariston

When the washing machine does not turn on, the programs do not start, and the equipment generally behaves strangely, it is worth carrying out an initial diagnosis. The latter does not require any advanced technical knowledge or specific tools.

Important! If the washing machine is under warranty, then under no circumstances should you open the case, carry out diagnostics, or even repair it yourself. A local service technician will perform the service completely free of charge. Otherwise, repairs will have to be paid in full.

The machine does not turn on

First of all, you need to inspect the power cord and outlet for physical damage. A burning smell and melted cable clearly indicate problems. It’s easy to check an outlet: we connect any electrical appliance to it, and if it works, then everything is fine with it.

If there is no indication, the faulty control module is usually to blame. It can also be visually inspected for burnt circuits and the main elements can be ringed. But it is better to leave repairs to specialists. In a good half of cases, specific diagnostics with firmware will be required, which is quite problematic to organize at home.

Firmware of the electronic module must be carried out by professionals

If the engine fails, or there is no water in the system due to a faulty valve, the machine will also not turn on and run programs. Repairing the first one is quite labor-intensive and requires certain knowledge in this area, so it is better to delegate this matter to specialists. Whereas the valve can be purchased at or at the same service centers and replaced by yourself.

Water does not drain

The cause may be a faulty pump or a burnt-out control module. First of all, you should clean the filter: foreign elements hinder the operation of the entire system. The pump can be tested with a multimeter. If it is broken, we find a new one and replace it.

Spin does not turn on

There can be three reasons: the engine has broken down (the centrifuge does not spin in all modes), the belt has broken, or the speed sensor has failed. The malfunction of the latter is diagnosed by ringing. Whereas belt problems can be identified by visual inspection.

The SMA belt can be checked visually

Centrifuge does not spin

If the drum slows down or even stands still, and the engine hums hysterically, then the problem is most likely in the motor. If you have experience, you can change the brushes and rewind the unit. Partial loading of the centrifuge also helps here, but this is only a temporary solution. The problem will have to be solved sooner or later.

If the drum jams, then it is quite possible that foreign objects have gotten into the technical gaps: buttons, bones, etc. We open the case, remove the unnecessary elements and after assembly try to start the spin mode.

Foreign objects in the drum may cause the centrifuge to stop

The belt comes off

The problem appears after several years of active use of the equipment. The teeth on the belt wear out, and first it begins to scroll and then fly off.

Advice! To avoid unnecessary stress on the elements, do not fill the drum to capacity.

If all the teeth are intact, but the pulley still turns, then the belt should be tightened. Loosen the holders, tighten the axles and secure the brackets. It is important not to overdo it and leave a small margin, otherwise the belt will break from the strain.

The hatch won't close

The tongue on the door fits into the groove and makes a specific click when fixed. If this does not happen, then most likely something has gotten into the locking mechanism, or the guides have been damaged. In budget models, the latter are made of mediocre plastic, while in more expensive solutions they are made of metal or other wear-resistant material.

Washing machine hatch locking device

It is necessary to inspect the groove for the presence of foreign objects. Small buttons, hair, etc. often get caught in the guides. Armed with tweezers, we clean the groove and try to close the hatch. Until the locking mechanism works, the machine will not start washing.

Water doesn't heat up

First of all, you need to check the heating element. We disassemble the body of the washing machine, remove the heating element and test it with a multimeter. If the heating element burns out, then replace it with a new one. The Ariston technique uses a wide range of modifications of heating elements, so it would be a good idea to take the old sample to the store.

Scale on the heating element can cause poor water heating

Often the water temperature rises too slowly due to scale formed on the heating element. It is enough to remove it for the heating element to start working at full capacity. For this, it is better to use special chemicals, because the manufacturer does not recommend rough treatment of the element with a hard brush.

Refuses to turn on

The reason that the machine does not want to turn on is most often a broken power cord, a broken socket or a damaged control module. First of all, you should check whether the electricity supply to the house has been cut off. If not, make sure that the outlet is working properly by plugging another device into it. Next, the power cord is inspected - defects on it are visible to the naked eye. Repairing the main control unit can only be done by an experienced technician; it is not worthwhile to delve into the electronics of the SMA on your own without the necessary knowledge.

The Hotpoint Ariston washing machine may not start if:

• The inlet hose is clogged or the water intake valve is broken. Due to the inability to collect water for washing, the equipment will not be able to work;
• the engine is faulty. In this case the cycle cannot be started either.

To find out the reason why the washing machine refuses to work, you will have to perform equipment diagnostics. If the problem is in the power cord, you can replace it yourself. If there is a problem with the control unit, it is better not to start repairing it yourself.

Other problems

During the washing process, a puddle may appear under the machine. Most often, leaks occur due to leaky pipes or loose fastenings. The first ones need to be checked for damage, and the second ones need to be tightened. If it does not help, then replace the elements with new ones.

Advanced models are equipped with numerous sensors responsible for all processes. The failure of one part can affect the operation of the entire machine. For example, when the equipment refuses to rinse the laundry, then most likely the temperature sensor is to blame: it did not send a command to the processor that the temperature had reached the required level, and as a result, the program execution was suspended.

If powders or gels do not clear from the detergent drawer, the filters may be clogged. To clean the latter, simply remove the basket and remove the elements. The filters are easily washed with running water. Sometimes the hoses leading to the compartment fall off. As a result, water does not flow and wash detergents into the drum.

If the powder remains in the tray, the filters should be cleaned

Bad bearing

Failure of bearings and seals is a fairly rare occurrence. This can be suspected if unpleasant sounds appear that are emitted by the moving elements of a damaged bearing. Such a breakdown requires an immediate response. If you continue to turn a blind eye to this, play will appear at the drum, as a result of which it will begin to touch the tank. To avoid irreparable consequences, you need to seek help from specialists.

If you want to fix the problem yourself, it is worth considering that to replace the bearings you will need to completely disassemble the washing machine.

In addition, when installing a new part, it is important not to damage the bushing, otherwise there will be a need for additional repairs. Therefore, before you begin to fix this breakdown, sensibly assess your strength.

The appearance of a blockage

If you find a blockage in your Ariston washing machine, do not rush to call a technician, since almost any user can remove it.

A characteristic feature of a blockage is the inability of the equipment to drain the water at the end of the wash, despite the presence of a characteristic hum. Or it happens very slowly.

Most often, blockages can be found in such machine elements as:

• drain hose;
• drain filter (most common location);
• water pump;
• pipe between the tank and the drain filter.

To remove a blockage, first of all, you need to check the most accessible places. First, open the narrow hatch on the front of the machine on the bottom right side and unscrew the drain filter. Don't forget to put something absorbent, water will undoubtedly flow out of the hole. After cleaning the filter and making sure that there is no more dirt on it, you can screw it into place. Then it is best to check the drain hose and sewer system. But if no blockage is found here, then you will need to disassemble the unit and clean the pipes with the pump.

Drum stopped, no water

The drum of an Ariston washing machine may not move for several reasons. Firstly, due to a fallen drive belt. In the event of such a malfunction, the washing program will start, the machine’s motor will hum normally, but the drum will freeze in place. The problem is solved by replacing the rubber band.

If the washing machine does not pick up speed in the spin mode or does not spin up at all, the electric brushes of the motor may be worn out and need to be replaced as soon as possible. It is also likely that the tachometer that controls the rotation speed of the drum has failed. The Hall sensor will have to be changed. It is possible that the automatic machine initially rattled and made noise during operation, and then stopped rotating. In this case, the issue may be broken bearings. The solution to the problem is to replace them.

Very rarely, such a symptom may indicate a breakdown of the electronic module. It is also possible that the signal in the wiring or contacts of the elements may be interrupted. To solve the problem, it is better to invite an experienced specialist. The machine does not fill most often due to a clogged inlet hose, a damaged fill valve, or a broken pressure switch. In this case, do-it-yourself diagnostics and repairs are acceptable. Much less often, the problem lies in a broken control unit.

The wash cycle does not start

The machine turned on successfully, but does not start washing?

1. Check that the hatch is closed well; if it is not completely closed or is not closed tightly, the machine will not start the wash. Also, if you are sure that the hatch is really closed, the locking mechanism may have been damaged.
2. Have you pressed the wash button?
3. If the machine does not react at all, check whether it is turned on by pressing the appropriate button.
4. It is possible that the water tap is turned off and no water is flowing, so the machine cannot start washing; the problem may also be caused by a water outage or some kind of interruption in the water supply system.
5. The cycle start delay may have been set, check to see if the timer is enabled.

What trouble codes exist in Ariston machines and how to fix them

It should be noted that such models of Ariston washing machines as Margarita 2000, Hotpoint, Avsl 109 and others have a unique self-diagnosis function . The point is that the system independently detects a malfunction and shows its specific code on the display or by flashing indicators. Having an idea of ​​what code number the unit shows, you can independently identify the problem and fix it.

This is interesting! Reasons why the washing machine does not fill with water

Having an idea of ​​what malfunctions most often occur in Ariston machines, you can try to repair the unit yourself . However, you should only start it if you are confident in your actions. If you have no experience in such things, it is best to entrust the repair of the washing machine to a specialist.

Failures that occur infrequently

In fact, failure of the main control module is extremely rare. The diagnostic system recognizes the malfunction and notifies the user about it. Also, “noise problems”, which are situations where the washing machine makes a lot of noise or grinding noise, does not often occur. Here, most likely, the oil seal and bearings will need to be replaced. Perhaps the problem is loose counterweights, which also cause the equipment to operate too loudly.

If an automatic machine is leaking, it is better to invite a technician to carry out diagnostics to avoid damaging the electrical insulation of the device.

What other “symptoms” of a malfunction can an Ariston washing machine produce?

• Stop rinsing clothes. Here you first need to examine the heating element. When the element cannot heat the water, the next wash cycle does not start. If the heater is working properly, you will have to check the thermostat.
• Do not wash the powder out of the dispenser. In such a situation, cleaning the filters will help. Rarely is the water supply mechanism disrupted, then detergents also remain in the cuvette.

Whatever the malfunction of the Ariston washing machine, you should diagnose the problem as soon as possible. Based on the information received, it is worth determining whether it is advisable to repair it yourself or whether it is better to contact specialists. Elimination of minor defects can be done at home, but it is better not to get involved in SMA electronics without experience and skills.

Interesting:

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• Reviews of Hotpoint Ariston dishwashers

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DIY Ariston washing machine repair

If you have the necessary knowledge and experience, you can repair your washing machine yourself. There are many videos on the Internet that describe in detail how to troubleshoot problems.

Important: during the warranty period, it is not recommended to repair the device yourself - this may void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Replacing bearings for an Ariston model with a plastic tank:

1. Drill the protruding edges of the seam around the perimeter in several places to bolt the place where the tank will be glued together after repair.
2. Use a fine-toothed hacksaw to cut around the perimeter of the tank, strictly following the seam line. Start cutting from the bottom base of the tank.
3. Divide the tank into halves. Use a knife to cut off the burrs at the cut site.
4. Unscrew the pulley mounting nut.
5. Remove the pulley from the shaft.
6. Use a rubber or wooden mallet to knock out the shaft with the drum from the inner ring of the bearing in the central hole of the tank. To do this, place bricks around the perimeter of the tank cut and treat the bearing assembly with WD-40.
7. Use a screwdriver to remove the bearing seal.
8. Use a metal drift to knock out the shaft bearings.
9. Clean and rinse the tank halves and drum.
10. Use a flat metal drift to push the new bearings into the mounting locations.
11. Install the bearing seal.
12. Lubricate the oil seal and shaft with grease.
13. Install the shaft with the drum, put the pulley on the back of the tank and tighten the nut.
14. Degrease the cut edges of both halves with white spirit.
15. Using a gun, apply sealant evenly around the perimeter of the cut on both halves and connect them.
16. Insert the bolts into the pre-drilled holes and tighten.
17. Screw self-tapping screws around the perimeter into the protruding edge of the seam in increments of about 10 cm.
18. Allow the sealant to dry overnight.