Ariston washing machine: faults, repairs and do-it-yourself fixes

Automatic washing machines (hereinafter also referred to as SM, SMA) of the Ariston brand are well known and popular in Russia. But just like any mechanical product, washing machines sometimes fail. The reasons are most often wear and tear or manufacturing defects in components and parts, leading over time to various breakdowns of Ariston washing machines.

A washing machine is an appliance containing many mechanical and electronic parts.

Problems in the Ariston Aqualtis series CM, as well as in other models of washing units, are associated not only with manufacturing defects, but also with improper installation and operation of the CM. Many of the errors in your work can be corrected yourself.

Error codes for Hotpoint-Ariston washing machines (Hotpoint-Ariston)

Code Malfunction

Problems with drainage or water intake

For Ariston washing machines, error codes F05, H20 and F11 appear when the appliance cannot draw water into the drum or the liquid supply does not stop, despite the fact that the tank is full.

Codes F05 or F11

When the device stops executing the program, leaving water in the drum, the error code F05 or F11 is displayed on the display. Attempts to switch the task, i.e. Forcibly draining the liquid does not give any results, and the fault code continues to light up on the display. Failure to execute the program is accompanied by the sound of a pump hum.

Any fault codes that appear indicate a blockage. It can be in the drain hose or filter (hidden behind the hatch located at the bottom of the device). After removing threads and large particles of debris, the electrical appliance will begin to function correctly.

If clearing the blockage does not help, then a breakdown may occur:

• pump;
• pressure switch;
• controller.

Code H2O

Causes of malfunction:

• poor pressure or lack of water;
• breakdown of the water intake valve;
• clogged and faulty pressure switch.

How to determine a malfunction on washing machines without a display

New Ariston washing machines with a self-diagnosis system display fault codes on the screen, after which they can be deciphered using the user manual. In older series without a screen, for example, Ariston 2000, the same information is displayed using indicators. The lights flash at a certain frequency; you need to count the number of flashes in a series, and then refer to the instructions, which list all possible types of errors.

If the washing machine is not equipped with a self-diagnosis system, you can determine the malfunction by its characteristic symptoms, and then carry out repair work on your own. Otherwise, you should contact the service center. Professionals have a special diagnostic key that is inserted into a connector on the system board and uses it to read information about the state of the equipment.

Major breakdowns of the Ariston washing machine

The service life of the machine depends on operating conditions. If a problem occurs, you can repair Ariston and Hotpoint Ariston washing machines yourself.

Let's look at the most common faults that appear in machines of this brand.

System blockage in Ariston machine

Clogging is the most common cause of problems with the operation of the SM. It prevents the normal drainage of water from the tank, as a result the washing machine cannot switch to rinse mode. At the same time, the drain pump hums loudly while running idle.

Malfunction of the pump, intake valve of the Ariston washing machine

If the pump (drain pump) breaks down, the hum of the device is heard, but the water does not drain. You will not confuse a malfunction of the water intake valve with anything: even when the Ariston washing machine is turned off, water is drawn spontaneously and a characteristic murmur is heard.

Failure of the Ariston electric heater

As a result of exposure to hard water, scale forms and the tubular electric heater (TEN) fails. Symptoms of failure: the water does not heat up, the laundry is washed in cold water, or the washing program does not start at all.

Signs

The washing machine does not heat the water or knocks out the plugs immediately when turned on or while washing. Ariston models with a display report a malfunction with errors F07, F08.

Failure of fasteners in the Ariston washing machine

A fairly common problem is wear and loosening of mechanical fasteners. For example, the hatch door may not close due to a misalignment or a broken hook. If the door is not closed tightly, you will not be able to start the wash.

Malfunction of the control unit in an Ariston car

A rarer, but still possible breakdown. Appears due to high humidity, foam on the board, or sudden voltage surges.

The control module is the “brain” of the Ariston washing machine, so if it breaks down, any parts of the SMA may fail to function.

Signs

Signs of module failure are very varied. The most common are:

• programs get lost;
• The SMA does not spin the drum;
• the machine does not turn on.

Often the malfunction is accompanied by the appearance of errors F09 and F12 on the display or in the form of flashing indicators (in models without a screen).

How to fix

The electronic controller is sensitive to voltage surges and moisture. Because of this, individual radio elements burn out or tracks burn out.

The technician diagnoses the board and, based on the results:

• solders burnt tracks;
• replaces failed radio elements (resistors, relays, capacitors, triacs, etc.);
• replaces the board completely in case of serious damage, in particular when the processor fails.

If the diagnostic results reveal a firmware failure, the memory is removed from the board, reprogrammed, and soldered back in.

Grinding and crunching noises when the machine is running

This indicates a serious malfunction. Most likely, with such symptoms, the bearing will need to be replaced. Since the tank of the models in question is non-separable, such a malfunction should immediately be addressed to a washing machine repair technician.

If you remove the tank yourself and take it to a service center, replacing the bearing will cost much less.

A simple repair of an Ariston washing machine is not difficult to do with your own hands. A set of the necessary tools, experience in performing plumbing work and basic knowledge of electrical engineering will allow you to perform it no worse than in specialized centers.

Wear of machine fasteners

Operational problems can also arise due to loosening or breaking of the mechanical fasteners with which the machine is equipped. Most often, this is expressed in weakening the fixation of the machine hatch. The problem has the following symptoms: strong noise during operation of the washer and characteristic vibrations. To get rid of this, just tighten or completely replace the fasteners with new ones.

Broken heating element

Due to the fact that hard water is poured into the washing machine, scale forms on the heating element, as a result of which the part breaks. In case of such a breakdown, the wash is performed in cold water or the program does not start at all. To diagnose and perform repairs yourself, you must:

• Disconnect the Ariston washing machine from the network and communications, remove the back cover.
• The heating element is located below. You need to take a multimeter, switch to resistance measurement mode and install the probes on the contacts of the part. If the device is working properly, the display will show 25-30 ohms. A value of 1 ohm is reported for an open circuit, and a value of zero for a short circuit.
• To disconnect a faulty heating element, you need to unscrew the fastening bolt, disconnect the wires and, by shaking, pull the part out of the seat.
• Install the new heating element in reverse order and assemble the washing machine.

Ariston and Hotpoint-Ariston fault codes, their meaning

Washing machines Ariston, Hotpoint Ariston, Aqualtis, Margarita and other models are equipped with a self-diagnosis function. The system displays a fault code, decoding which the user can understand the cause of the breakdown.

The CM with a scoreboard or display will highlight the error code on the screen. Those models that do not have a display (such as “Margarita 2000”) will display an error by flashing the indicators.

How to recognize a code without a display? For example, the indicators will display error F02 like this: the light blinks 2 times, pauses, then displays the code again 2 times. The number of flashes depends on the fault code.

We list the error codes for Ariston SM: F01, F02, F03, F04, F05, F06, F07, F08, F09, F10, F11, F12, F13, F14, F15, F17, F18.

DIY repair

Knowledge of the structure and circuitry of the Ariston automatic washing machine will help you determine the breakdown. The picture shows the location of the main nodes of the MCA.

Let's figure out how to independently repair the Hotpoint Ariston washing machine.

Removing blockages during washing machine repair at home

It is easy to remove the blockage with your own hands. You need to check the drain filter, which is located at the bottom right under the panel.

By cleaning the filter, you will eliminate the cause of the washer malfunction. The drain pipe becomes clogged less often because it is thick.

The pump may become clogged, but this is rare because there is an additional filter in front of it.

The drain hose only becomes clogged if you installed it incorrectly.

Check the drain, it may also be clogged. Disassemble the unit, remove the pipe, loosen the clamps, and wash it. Remove the pump by unscrewing the fasteners and disconnecting the sensors.

Fill valve broken

If the fill valve in Ariston is broken, then water constantly flows into the washing machine, even when it is not working and is disconnected from the network.

To check the fill valve, you need to unscrew the fasteners and remove the top cover. The valve is located where the drain hose connects to the body of the electromechanical unit.

Check the gaskets first. If they have not lost their functionality, measure the valve resistance. Place the probes on the contacts of the filler valve and check the resistance to see if it corresponds to the optimal value (from 30 to 50 Ohms).

If it is less or more than expected, it means that the water intake valve is not working. To replace it, you need to unscrew the old valve from the body and screw in a new one. Be sure to connect the sensors.

Water inlet valve malfunction

If the filling valve of an Ariston washing machine is broken, it does not shut off the water, and it flows into the tank itself, even if the equipment is unplugged from the outlet. This malfunction can be determined by the murmur of water, which is heard when the machine is turned off. To repair the part, you must disconnect the washing machine from the network and water supply and remove the top cover.

The water inlet valve is installed at the top, in the place where the inlet hose connects to the washing machine. First, you should inspect the gaskets for integrity, and then take a multimeter, switch to resistance measurement mode and install the probes on the sensor contacts. If it is working properly, the display will show a value ranging from 30 to 50 ohms. A broken valve cannot be repaired, so the part must be replaced. The process is very simple, just disconnect the wires, unscrew the faulty element and replace it with a new one.

Ariston heating element repair

To get to the heater, you will need to remove the back wall of the Ariston washing machine. There is a heating element at the bottom, as shown in the photo.

Before removing the electric heater, measure its resistance with a multimeter. An indicator of 1 Ohm indicates an open circuit, about 0 Ohm - a short circuit has occurred. A working device will show 25-30 ohms.

Attach the tester as in the photo:

If the part is faulty, replace it. Video to help you:

Bearing repair

The bearing in the drum may break and wear out. It needs to be replaced. You only need to buy a bearing of the appropriate brand in a specialized store or order it on the official website of the Ariston washing machine, or perhaps purchase it at an equipment repair shop.

Using a metal rod and hammer, knock out the bearings. If they are defective, replace them. If the drum is deformed, replace it with a new one.

Reassemble. If the fault is in the plastic fin, then there is no need to disassemble the tank. The washing machine door can be removed. Take a metal rod whose diameter is smaller than the holes in the plastic rib of the drum.

The rod is inserted into one of the holes on the edge, the latch is opened with the help of it, and the plastic part is removed. A new plastic rib is placed in its place. Slide the plastic edge along the groove until the latch fits into the hole and closes.

Bearing replacement: procedure

To replace the bearing, you need to get to the washing machine drum on which it is installed. The car is disassembled, gradually removing all the parts from it.

Emptying the washing machine tank

The body of the unit begins to be disassembled from the cover by unscrewing two bolts located on the top on the far side. To do this you will need a Phillips screwdriver. Once the bolts are removed, the cover must be pushed forward towards the scoreboard and then removed.

To remove the dashboard , open the detergent compartment and remove it by pressing the latch in the center. In the resulting niche you can see several bolts and several more on the opposite side of the panel. The bolts are unscrewed, all the plastic latches are opened, after which the wires are disconnected and the panel is removed to the side.

To get to the washing machine tank, first remove the lid and dashboard

Next, remove the back panel - unscrew the bolts around the entire perimeter and remove the cover to the side. By carefully rotating the pulley wheel, remove the belt that connects the motor shaft to the pulley mounted on the tank.

The next step is to remove the back panel and the belt connecting the motor shaft to the pulley

Then they move on to releasing the top of the tank . Disconnect the pipe that leads from the powder compartment to the tank, remove the contacts of the valve that lets water into the washing machine. Remove the valve and pipe to the side.

Take photographs of the location of contacts, bolts and parts before proceeding with dismantling. After completing the repair, this will help you quickly and correctly reassemble the washing machine in reverse order.

Next, unscrew the bolts that secure the counterweight and remove it. Disconnect the hose connecting the pressure switch to the tank.

To free the washing machine tank, you need to remove all the parts located in the upper part of the body

The next step is to dismantle the front panel . First, remove the rubber cuff from the hatch of the washing machine, carefully prying it off with a screwdriver. Then unscrew the bolts located next to the lock mechanism and disconnect its wiring. The hatch door is removed by first unscrewing the screws that hold its hinges.

To remove the hatch cover, you need to unscrew the bolts that hold its hinge

All that remains is to unscrew the bolts located around the perimeter of the front panel and remove it.

Next we move to the back of the installation . Disconnect the wiring of the heating element and the washing machine motor. The heating element is left in its place, but the motor is dismantled, having first removed all the bolts that hold it in place. Then remove the counterweight installed below.

To get to the washing machine tank, you will have to remove the engine.

Finally, the shock absorbers on which the tank is attached are disconnected and removed from special hanging hooks.

The shock absorbers are disconnected from the tank last.

Now the tank can be removed from the body, unscrew the bolts and remove its front part.

In the photo you see the open tank of the washing machine, in which the drum is located

A shaft (metal axis) is inserted into the rear wall of the drum, passing through the bearing, the wall of the tank and connecting to the pulley. To get to the bearing, the pulley must be disconnected.

Usually the bolt securing the pulley is not just tightened, but also additionally set with glue. Before unscrewing, spray it with WD-40. If this doesn't help, you can use a hammer and chisel.

Unscrewing the bolt that secures the pulley can be very difficult

After removing the pulley, unscrew the bolts attaching the drum to the tank, unfasten the latches and remove the tank wall. Now you can proceed directly to replacing the bearings in the drum.

How to open a non-separable tank

Most Ariston washing machine models are available with a non-separable tank. Making a one-piece tank is easier for the manufacturer (no screws and fasteners), but this is not the only reason for producing non-separable parts. If a drum, bearing or other elements located inside a solid tank fail, the manufacturer recommends replacing it entirely.

However, there is a way to replace the bearings in this situation. This allows you to minimize repair costs.

If, when a bearing fails, you are offered to completely replace the washing machine tank, it may be worth turning to other specialists who can save your budget and make a spot replacement.

If you take out the tank and find that it cannot be disassembled (there are no bolts connecting the two halves), you will have to spend time opening it. Let's look at how to disassemble a solid tank, step by step with photo illustration.

First of all, using a drill, holes are made around the perimeter of the weld at a distance of approximately 5 cm from each other.

The next, most important step is to carefully cut the tank along the seam using a hacksaw. In order not to spoil the part, you should not rush when doing the work.

Before closing the tank (after replacing the bearing), silicone is applied to its sawn edges

The two parts of the tank are connected and bolted together using previously drilled holes.

Bearing replacement

When you get to the bearing, you will most likely see signs of deformation and contamination on it. How to change a bearing? First, the old parts need to be removed.

Start with the bearing located closer to the outside of the drum. The part is laid with the hatch hole down, the chisel is placed on the outer rim of the metal ring and hit with a hammer.

Carefully monitor the position of the chisel when knocking out the bearing - if the tool slips and the blow hits the inner ring, it may fly out, and it will be very difficult to remove the remaining bearing from the seat.

The inner bearing is removed in the same way, after which the oil seal is removed.

The bearing housings are treated with WD-40, dirt and rust are removed, and then lubricated with grease.

The new part is driven into place, hitting only the outer edge. The bearing must fit into the seat all the way.

The bearing must fit into its seat all the way

The oil seal is placed on the inside of the tank, having been pre-treated with lubricant.

It is important to correctly install not only the bearings, but also the oil seal. If the latter is not given due attention, it will quickly begin to leak water, which, in turn, will lead to deformation of the bearing.

The oil seal is also treated with lubricant before installation.
Now that the bearing replacement is completed, you can begin reassembling the machine. Before installing the drum, you need to clean the bushing from rust, scale and dirt.

Let us repeat once again that replacing a bearing on a washing machine yourself is a complex process that requires special skills. Proceed with repairs only if you are firmly confident in your abilities.

Repair of fasteners in an Ariston or Hotpoint-Ariston car

Your washing machine's door may not close or lock. The problem may be that the door is skewed, as a result of which the hook does not reach the hole. It is enough to tighten the side loops. If the locking tongue is worn out or the handle on the door is loose, only replacing the elements will help.

Replacement and repair of the control module

How to remove the control unit:

• Unplug the plug from the socket, turning off the power to the machine.
• Remove the top cover.
• Pull out the dispenser by pressing the latch in the center.
• Unscrew the front panel.
• Release the clamps and disconnect the board.
• Remove the selector and place the new board on it, then reassemble in reverse order.

Installing a new unit is not difficult. It is more difficult to repair and clean contacts. If you decide not to call a specialist, but to do the work yourself, watch the video:

Once you understand the main causes of malfunctions of the Ariston washing machine, you can fix them yourself. Be attentive to details and do not neglect safety precautions.

DIY Ariston washing machine pump repair

To find out if the pump is not working in the unit, the filter is acting up or the drain hose is clogged, you must be familiar with the signs of pump failure.

Signs of pump failure:

1. The drain pump hums, but the water does not drain.
2. The machine may stop while the system is running.
3. Water flows out slowly.

Repairing the Ariston washing machine pump should be done as follows:

• Turn off the power to the washing machine and drain the water completely by lowering the hose to the floor, while placing rags to absorb the liquid;
• You can get to the pump through the bottom, because in models of this brand it is located at the bottom of the washing machine. To remove the pump, you need to turn the machine over onto the side wall and remove the bottom bar of the bottom;

• disconnect the wires going to the drain pump, loosen the clamps and pull out the pump;
• Now we need to disassemble it. To do this, use a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the screws on the snail. On some models of the Ariston washing machine, clamps, rather than screws, are used to secure the pump. Lightly press the snail while turning it counterclockwise. It will unscrew;
• Mark with a marker the location of the engine in the snail in order to subsequently assemble it correctly. Pull out the engine with the impeller. The impeller in the pump should rotate abruptly, and not slowly and smoothly, because it contains a magnet rotating in a coil. It provides interaction between the rotor and stator of the washing machine;
• If no debris is visible, but the impeller still does not rotate, then continue to disassemble the pump. There are latches on the motor body that need to be pressed a little with a screwdriver to remove it from the reel. Having removed the motor from the body, you will see a monolithic part - a cross. Using a construction hairdryer, be sure to wear gloves, heat the shank of the part (its long part) at low power;
• pry up the crosspiece with a screwdriver and remove it from the body along with the magnet. There is a lot of debris on the magnet and in the case from which the part was removed. Parts must be thoroughly cleaned or washed;
• Next, remove the magnet from the shaft. You will see a bearing, which you will clean from debris and lubricate;
• start assembling the pump. When assembling, make sure that the O-ring under the blades is firmly in place. When assembling the parts, lightly press them until they click.

• Sometimes bearings not only get clogged, but fail. Failure of the bearings causes runout, causing the impeller to rub against the volute casing. We hear the noise and hum of the pump, but no water comes out. The washing machine may stop. Buy bearings at a service center in Moscow, St. Petersburg or other cities of Russia, or in specialized stores. If the seals are not in order, replace them too;
• Reassemble the pump in reverse order, and then the entire washing machine. Ariston washing machine fault repair

If a Hotpoint malfunction occurs, Ariston generates an error that is displayed on the screen. It is important to know the error codes in order to determine what is wrong with the device and find out the reason for its failure.

Ariston washing machine drum repair

The high-quality and durable material from which the drum of household appliances is made also becomes unusable because solid foreign objects get into it, which can damage the unit, forming cracks on it.

The plastic rib located inside the drum may become deformed. To replace the drum, you need to remove it.

To remove the drum yourself, you need the following set of tools:

1. a set of screwdrivers, especially a Phillips screwdriver and a slotted bit are needed;
2. screwdriver;
3. pliers;
4. hammer;
5. hexagons of different sizes.

Before you begin disassembling the drum, you need to turn off the power to the machine, disconnect the drain hose, and turn off the water supply.

Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the bolts from the rear, front and top walls, and then remove the panels themselves.

Remove the powder container. Use a slotted screwdriver to remove the module. The control unit does not have to be unscrewed completely, the main thing is that it does not interfere with removing the drum.

Remove the hatch cuff, pull out the bottom bar, unscrewing the screws. Electronics, shock absorbers and other parts must be removed from the loading tank.

Remove the drum from the device and disassemble it. Remove the screws holding the two sides of the drum together. Use a screwdriver to pry off the seals and remove them.

Problems with drum rotation

Another problem that can cause the machine to stop working is the drum not rotating . There are several reasons that can cause this situation: engine failure, electrical wiring problems, control panel malfunction, or filter clog. However, the most common cause is wear or excessive stretching of the belt. In this case, you need to replace it; there shouldn’t be any special problems with replacing it yourself.

If the reason is different, then it is best to call a professional to your home to identify the cause of the machine breakdown.

Repair features

Due to differences in design, repairs vary between models.

Ariston Margarita 2000

The Margarita 2000 car has a stainless steel tank. The bearings are installed in a removable crosspiece mounted on the rear wall of the tank - it does not need to be removed to repair the bearing assembly. Repair sequence:

1. Tighten the transport bolts.
2. Remove the hatch on the rear wall of the device.
3. Unscrew the fastening nut and remove the pulley using two screwdrivers.
4. Remove the top cover and remove the counterweight.
5. Place the machine on the front panel, having first removed the door.
6. Unscrew the fasteners of the removable crosspiece of the tank.
7. Using gentle blows, remove the cross from the shaft.
8. Remove the oil seal and bearings from the crosspiece. Replace, lubricate and reinstall.
9. Place the crosspiece on the shaft and carefully hit the bearings with a rubber mallet.
10. Secure the crosspiece and pulley, put on the belt.
11. Place the machine vertically and check the smooth rotation of the shaft.
12. Install the front door, top cover and rear hatch.

Do-it-yourself repair of the Ariston Margarita 2000 washing machine is completed.

AVSL 100

The AVSL 100 model has a malfunction that is not found in other Ariston machines. When the washing mode starts, all the indicators light up, but the wash does not start, water does not fill, and the drum does not spin. The device is not equipped with a self-diagnosis function, so the malfunction cannot be determined by the error code.

Users have determined that the malfunction occurs due to wear on the motor brushes. To replace the brushes, you need to remove the electric motor, which is not difficult. To do this, you need to remove the top cover and back panel. Disconnect the wires, unscrew the bolts holding the motor and remove it. Replace the brushes, install the electric motor in place, and reassemble the housing in the reverse order.

AVTF 104

The peculiarity of replacing the drive belt in the Ariston AVTF 104 model is associated with the design feature of vertical machines. Access to the pulley and drive belt is through the side wall, rather than through the back, as with front-loading models. Sequencing:

1. Remove the lower decorative apron, unscrew the 2 bolts securing the side cover.
2. From the rear side, unscrew the 7 bolts securing the right side wall.
3. Using caution, remove the side panel - it is attached to the top with plastic hooks.
4. Remove the belt that has become unusable.
5. Buy a belt with the same number of grooves. Model 1213 H8.
6. Place a new belt on the motor shaft, pull it halfway around the drum pulley, insert a screwdriver under the belt and, turning the pulley counterclockwise, put the belt on the rim.
7. Check belt tension. It should not sag or fly off. To increase tension, move the belt 1 or 2 grooves of the motor shaft closer to the edge.
8. Reassemble in reverse order.

Bearings are worn out

If, during washing, the owner of the equipment hears an increasing hum, which turns into a loud knock during the spin cycle, this most likely indicates the failure of the bearings. To verify this, open the hatch and manually turn the drum. If the bearings are deformed, a strong play will be clearly felt.

This malfunction occurs as a result of prolonged use. The seal that covers the seat and bearing dries out over time and cracks form on it. Moisture penetrates through them, washes out the lubricant, and as a result, the bearing rubs and deforms during operation.

Troubleshooting this type of fault is much more difficult than replacing a heating element or pump. To do this, the owner of an Ariston washing machine will need to completely disassemble his device and remove the tank and drum from the housing.

Further repairs depend on the type of tank. Usually on washing machines of this manufacturer it is non-separable, so you will need to cut it into two halves along the seam. You should first select the bolts with which the parts of the tank will be connected during assembly and drill holes of the appropriate diameter along the seam.

Next, the faulty bearings are knocked out and new ones are installed in their place. The seals also need to be replaced.

After repair, the Ariston washing machine is assembled in the reverse order. The tank halves at the joints must be lubricated with silicone sealant to avoid leaks.

Replacing bearings is a very complex and difficult process, therefore, if you are not confident in the successful completion of the repair work, you should contact specialists.