Any modern Indesit brand equipment breaks down over time, so owners of washing machines (hereinafter also referred to as ASM, SM) periodically have to deal with breakdowns of their units. At the same time, many malfunctions of the Indesit washing machine can be localized and eliminated independently.
Even the most modern Indesit washing machines can fail over time
How to determine the nature of the malfunction
Almost all washing units with horizontal and vertical loading are equipped with a self-diagnosis function. And if the AFM is equipped with a display, this is especially convenient for users and technicians who repair this equipment. Fault codes are displayed on the dashboard; you just need to know their meaning. This saves time and money spent on repairs.
Many Indesit washing machine models - such as IWSB 5085, WISL 82, WISL 83, WISL 85, WISL 103, WISL 105, WITL 86 and WITL 106 - do not have a display. The nature of the breakdown in such units can be determined by a combination of glowing indicators, and the methods for deciphering them differ depending on the type of control panel. The previously listed models, as well as machines of the WIL, WIUL, WIDL series, belong to the AVL line of the EVO-II generation.
Numerical values of each indicator of the AVL SM line
The same generation includes the Low-End line (for example, models WUIN 81 and WISE 10), in which indicators and control buttons are located differently.
Meanings of SM indicators of the Low-End line of the EVO-II series
Washing machines made on the Arcadia platform (for example, models IWSB 5085, IWSB 5105) have their own fault indication.
Numerical values of each of the AFM indicators of the Arcadia line
All photographs contain values for indicators 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16. Depending on which of them are blinking, error codes are generated. For example, in the Indesit WISL 102 washing machine, a malfunction corresponding to code F03 will be indicated by two flashing indicators on the right. If you add their values (1 + 2), you get a total of 3.
In AFMs manufactured on the EVO-I platform (for example, models W84TX and W105TX), the error code can be determined by counting the number of blinks of the network indicator. At the same time, the program selection knob rotates, indicating a breakdown.
There is a pause between the blinking cycles of the indicator, so it’s easy to calculate the error code
Next, we will consider the main malfunctions of Indesit washing machines.
Causes of failure and their symptoms
The reasons why the Indesit washing machine breaks down can be different. This includes the owners’ careless attitude towards equipment, manufacturing defects, power surges in the electrical network, as well as wear and tear of parts over time. However, if there are certain symptoms in a particular case, you can limit your troubleshooting if you know these symptoms. If the machine turns on, but it is impossible to start any of the washing modes, then it is possible that:
- The water supply tap is not open;
- the filling valve is blocked;
- the device blocking the hatch door is faulty;
- engine burned out;
- The electronic module is broken.
The first reason is not even worth describing; everything can be resolved independently. You just need to be careful before starting the wash. The four remaining reasons are more serious, but some of them can be completely resolved on your own; we’ll tell you what to do next.
Let's celebrate! Very often, when a program does not start, people describe the problem with the following phrase: “the machine does not work.” This description is very abstract, so you always need to clarify what specifically does not work, what is happening with the equipment.
Changing the fill valve
Failure of the filling valve can manifest itself in different ways. The powder or conditioner may not be washed out well from the detergent dispenser, the water may take a long time to fill, or the washing program may not start at all.
To check the valve, you need to disconnect the washing machine from all communications and turn the back wall towards you. Then unscrew the inlet hose, behind which the valve is located, to pull it out, you need to remove the top cover of the housing.
You need to replace the old valve in Indesit machines with a similar one, which can be bought in any online store.
Then disconnect the wires from the valve and unscrew it from the powder receiver. We install a new original valve in place of the faulty one. Before replacing, you can check the valve coils for serviceability using a multimeter. If it shows a resistance of 2-4 kOhm, then the device is working.
How to fix UBL
Most often, any washing machine, including Indesit, does not start working when the hatch door is not closed properly. All machines have a door locking device that protects the machine from accidental opening during washing.
Replacing the door lock device in machines of this brand is no different from others. We have written repeatedly about how to do this. Therefore, read the detailed publication How to replace a door lock?
Engine check
If the motor breaks down, the Indesit washing machine may also not start the wash. However, water may well accumulate; it all depends on the specific model of the washing machine. Car engines break down extremely rarely; if they do, it’s only the brushes, or rather the brushes wear out during long-term use. It is quite difficult to determine what happened to the engine without disassembling the car. But if there is extraneous noise, smoke or sparks, then there is a problem that needs to be addressed urgently.
So, let's do the following:
- We place the machine so as to provide access to the rear.
- We remove the service cover by unscrewing the screws with a Phillips screwdriver.
- Remove the belt from the pulley and engine.
- Using an 8 mm wrench, unscrew the bolts that secure the engine.
- Disconnect all the chips with wires.
- Pulling the engine towards you, remove it from the holders and pull it out of the machine.
- We find brushes on the engine, inspect them, if they are worn out, then replace them. To do this, disconnect the terminals with wires from the brushes, then unscrew the retaining elements. The brushes have been removed, carefully install new ones in their place.
- We assemble the machine.
If the motor does not start because of the brushes, then it is likely that the winding has burned out. Let us repeat once again that this happens very rarely. In such cases, a complete replacement of the engine may be impractical, since the cost of this spare part is high.
Board repair or replacement
The last reason why not a single washing program is activated is a malfunction of the control board, most often caused by a sudden surge in power supply. If something happens to the “electronic brains” of the machine, then the signal to select a program is not received, and accordingly there is no signal to the valve, engine and other components of the machine.
In this case, two options are possible: repairing the board or replacing it completely. Undoubtedly, replacing a module with a new one is much easier than repairing. In Indesit washing machines, the electronic module, depending on the model, is located either behind the front panel or on the side wall at the bottom of the machine.
The essence of the replacement is to correctly connect all the wires. To do this, it is better to photograph the correct connection, and then connect everything in order.
The point is that a new module is very expensive, just like buying a new machine, so there is a desire not to replace, but to repair. But then you need to have knowledge of electrical and electronics. You have to find on the board the element (triac, capacitor, etc.) that has failed and resolder it. Is it easy? No, so feel free to call a specialist who knows exactly what to do, it will work out cheaper.
Engine breakdowns
Signs of problems with the motor are as follows: the machine does not start washing, the drum does not rotate. The breakdown should be looked for in the following details:
- electric motor;
- triac (hereinafter also referred to as triac), which controls the operation of the motor;
- circuits of the electronic control unit (hereinafter also referred to as ECU);
- contacts in cables and connectors.
Motors are usually located at the bottom of the body
There may be a short circuit in the control triac, as well as water getting into the connector of the cable going to the electric motor. Probably, the voltage in the network does not correspond to the required level - its presence and value is checked with a multimeter. The possibility of ECU failure cannot be ruled out.
When the tachogenerator does not transmit information about the rotation of the electric motor to the control module, this is manifested by the lack of rotation of the drum. In this case, you can suspect not only a breakdown in the motor, but also a malfunction of the tachometer itself. There is a possibility of an open circuit or short circuit at the tachogenerator output.
Tachometer reading engine speed
It is easy to check the serviceability of the rotation sensor - just measure the resistance at its output with a multimeter. The value should be in the range of 110-180 Ohms. In the same way, you can check the circuit for a short circuit. Another possible cause of failure is failure of the ECU. If error codes F01 and F02 appear, repairs should be entrusted to a qualified technician.
The ACM can be brought into working condition by rebooting the computer - to do this, you need to disconnect it from the network for 15–20 minutes. Higher problems are eliminated by replacing the motor, triac or tachogenerator. The brushes in the motor may fail, so it will be enough to replace them.
A breakdown of the Indesit washing machine may result in a lack of communication between the central processor and the motor control controller. The problem is “cured” by replacing the control unit board.
What to do first?
If a properly working Indesit machine suddenly starts to freeze while performing operations, there is no need to panic. Sometimes the slowdown in the operation of the device is not associated with a breakdown.
If a problem is detected, the priority actions should be as follows:
- Rebooting equipment . To do this, you need to hold the “Start” button for a few seconds. The running program must stop. If you cannot reset it, you must move the programmer knob to the neutral position and hold the “Stop/Start” button for 5 seconds. Then unplug the cord from the outlet and leave the device turned off for 15 minutes, then turn it on again.
- Check to see if the laundry is bunched up . If there is a serious imbalance, the machine may stop. If this really happens, you need to lay out the laundry manually, or divide it into 2 parts and spin them alternately.
- Check the specified program . There are options that do not involve spinning and draining water from the tank. In this case, they must be turned on forcibly.
If none of these problems were found, you need to look for other reasons for the washing machine freezing.
Problems with the temperature sensor
Incorrect information about the water temperature entering the control unit is a consequence of a break or short circuit in the temperature sensor circuit (hereinafter also referred to as NTC). Another reason for such a problem in the Indesit washing machine may be a stuck relay that controls the operation of the heating element (hereinafter also referred to as the heating element). In this case, the liquid does not heat up and its temperature remains unchanged.
Water temperature sensor for Indesit washing machines
One option for checking a sensor is to measure its resistance. When the device is operational, the multimeter should show a value of approximately 20 kOhm. You should also check the integrity of the wiring and the functionality of the connectors from the control module to the sensor. In addition to replacing the sensor, an option to troubleshoot an Indesit washing machine is to update the firmware flashed in the non-volatile memory of the CM.
Call the master
If you cannot repair your washing machine on your own, you need to seek help from a specialist.
There are several ways to find a master:
- Contact the service center.
- Find an advertisement in the newspaper.
- View advertisements on the Internet on specialized websites.
- Take advantage of word of mouth.
To avoid dealing with a scammer, you need to study in advance the approximate prices for different types of repairs:
cleaning the blockage, replacing the water supply valve - from 600 rubles;- repair of the pressure switch – 1500 rubles;
- replacement of brushes – from 1400 rubles;
- removal of a foreign object between the tank and the drum - from 600 rubles;
- pump replacement – from 1500 rubles;
- repair of the control board – from 2400 rubles;
- replacement of the balance sensor – from 900 rubles.
The price does not include the price of the part. If repairs of spare parts are required, they are paid separately. An honest master will warn you in advance about how much his services will cost, so that the final payment does not become an unpleasant surprise for the client.
You need to ask the repairman in advance whether he gives a guarantee for the work performed. It must be documented.
A lot of important and useful information about repairing Indesit washing machines is presented in this section.
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.
Other reasons
There are also a number of reasons that can lead to the breakdowns described above, and if they are eliminated in time, then you don’t have to worry about serious consequences for the device or its long-term repair.
Drum lock
The tank may jam if foreign objects get into it. Therefore, check whether the drum rotates, shine it with a flashlight, and, if necessary, remove the interfering object.
Bearing
If the bearing is damaged, the device may start to work, but you will hear noise uncharacteristic of the device. If you continue to operate the car in this condition, severe damage cannot be avoided.
Important! To avoid problems, you need to monitor your washing machine and take preventive measures on time.
Liquid is not drained from the tank
If the water does not drain, the reasons for the malfunction of the Indesit washing machine lie in a non-working pump or in the absence of a control signal. If the pump breaks, it will have to be replaced. Perhaps the absence of a control signal is due to a malfunction of the pressure sensor (a constant signal that the tank is empty) or a malfunction in the control unit. You need to check for blockages in the drainage system components - hose and filter. This is probably why the pump cannot remove water.
The pump winding may be broken or there may be no power supplied to it. This means that you need to check the connection circuit between the pump and the ECU with a multimeter, as well as the integrity of the pump winding. In working condition, its resistance should be in the range of 160–180 Ohms. If the pump is working properly, you need to check the serviceability of the ECU.
Askoll drain pump installed in many Indesit CM models
Electronic hardware defects
If the malfunction cannot be eliminated and the mode failure recurs, you need to check the control module and power wiring. First, you will have to disassemble the washing machine by removing the front wall of its body. This is necessary to gain free access to the main electronic unit. When the module is in sight, you should check all the contacts and wires one by one. It is better to start diagnostics with the “On/Off” button. If any element of the board is suspicious, it is advisable to replace it.
When it is not possible to cope with the causes of the malfunction even after such repairs, you will have to check the remaining parts of the automatic washing machine. Perhaps the problem lies in a failed washing element. We'll tell you what to do next.
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.
Malfunctions associated with the pressure switch and heating element
There are several reasons for such malfunctions:
- lack of water in the inlet line or low pressure;
- clogged inlet hose or filter;
- failure of the filling valve;
- heating element malfunction;
- breakdown of the pressure switch (constantly gives a signal about an empty tank).
In most models of washing machines, the heating element has the same shape
In any of the above situations, the liquid does not heat up, or the heating element does not turn on. It is necessary to carry out diagnostics sequentially:
- inlet line;
- water pressure sensor;
- state of contact connections;
- control unit;
- heating element.
The heater in working condition has a resistance of 25–30 Ohms, it can be checked with a multimeter. A faulty pressure switch indicates that the tank is empty, although it is full.
The cause of the breakdown may be that the relay does not turn on the heating element. In this case, the serviceability of the relay is checked. You should also check whether the heating element has burnt out. The integrity of the contacts in the connectors and cables may be damaged.
Repairing the belt
In front-wheel drive cars there is no belt, so if you have just started diagnostics and you have a front-wheel drive device, you can safely dismiss this fault. In other options, it is the belt that is checked first, since its breaks often lead to the Indesit washing machine taking in water but not washing.
If problems arise with this particular part, it is possible that the tape has come off the pulley or has broken. There are several reasons for this:
- incorrect transportation;
- incorrect installation of the unit;
- drum overload and imbalance;
- bearing failure;
- belt wear due to long use.
Where can I find the belt?
If you act consistently, then even a beginner will not have difficulty checking the integrity of the transmission tape:
- If you have a front-loading machine, open the back cover of your Indesit washing machine.
- If your machine is top-loading, the belt can be found by removing the side cover.
Important! To remove any of the housing covers, you simply need to unscrew the retaining bolts. If you find a belt that has come off:
- First, the tape is removed and inspected for damage.
- If they are present, it must be replaced.
- If the belt is intact and just fell off, you can use it.
How to replace?
- We put the belt on the motor.
- Next, with one hand we pull the belt up, and with the other we put it on the pulley.
- Then we turn the pulley and put the belt on completely.
- Close the lid of the device, tighten the fasteners and check the serviceability by running a test wash.
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
What to do if the washing machine freezes
Since today the models of washing units have become “smart”, problems associated with the computer responsible for the washing, spinning, rinsing and drying modes cannot be ruled out during their operation.
If your machine does not stop, i.e. There is a failure in the program and it continues to constantly rinse the loaded items, then you need to turn it off.
In such a situation, you need to eliminate the electronics failure by turning off the unit from the network and independently draining the liquid from it through a filter or emergency drain. As a rule, the washing machine hangs on the rinse cycle because it is clogged, which prevents the normal passage of water. This problem can be resolved by cleaning the filter or replacing it. If everything is fine with the drain, then the reason lies in a malfunction of the control board, motor brushes, and even motor failure.
Malfunctions of SMs equipped with a drying function
If code F13 appears on the display, this means that there is no signal from the drying temperature sensor. During diagnostics, an open or short circuit in the sensor circuit is detected. A working temperature meter should have a resistance within 40 kOhm. Causes: sensor malfunction or contact failure in the connecting circuit.
If there is a break in the circuit of the heating element intended for drying clothes, the reasons for the breakdown are the same - failure of the heater or failure of contact in the connecting circuit. A malfunction of the relay that turns on the heating element for drying may occur. The heater does not turn off, which indicates either a stuck relay or a broken contact in the connecting cable.
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.
Cleaning the filter
The very first thing to start with if the Indesit washing machine takes in water but does not wash, or there are other problems with the water supply, is checking the filter system. If it gets clogged, you don’t have to contact a professional; you can clean it yourself.
Steps:
- Unscrew the drain hose.
- We lower the end of the hose into the container so that the collected water drains.
- Open the device structure section in the operating instructions for your model, and look for where the filter is located. The standard location is in the front of the machine, at the bottom, but it all depends on the manufacturer and design.
- Remove the filter plug and clean it mechanically.
- We install all the elements in the reverse order and conduct a test run.
