DIY Ariston washing machine repair

Malfunction of the control module (electronic controller)

The control module is the “brain” of the washing machine. It is he who is responsible for the entire work process: receives signals from sensors and issues commands to various nodes. It contains washing programs. If the control unit fails, the programs in the machine are lost or it does not turn on at all.

*The price is only for the work of the master, excluding the cost of spare parts.

Common malfunctions of Ariston washing machines

According to experts, operating errors are the main sources of most breakdowns. For example, one of the most common causes of malfunctions of Ariston Hotpoint washing machines is the use of hard water for washing. Because of this, as well as due to wear and tear, the most common operating defects that require repair are:

1. Clogged filters and hoses are a consequence of using low-quality tap water.
2. Scale formation on the heating element (hereinafter also referred to as heating element). Plaque on the surface does not allow the water to heat up quickly and over time makes the part unusable.
3. Failure of drain pumps (they rarely break down, and the main reason for failure is wear).
4. Leaking inlet valves. This is due to the insufficient quality of the material from which their gaskets and membranes are made. Over time, under the influence of tap water, these parts become tanned and cannot provide a sufficient level of tightness.
5. Wear of bearings and seals.
6. Electronics malfunctions. The main reasons are unstable voltage in the 220 V network and faulty contact in cable lines.

Removing blockages

If draining and spinning work, this is accompanied by the appearance of error code F05 on the display. You can fix such a breakdown of your Ariston washing machine yourself. The most common drain hoses, filters, and pipes located between the tank and the drain filter become clogged. The causes of blockage can be:

• contents of pockets in clothes;
• torn buttons, locks and fasteners;
• animal hair and fabric fibers.

The malfunction manifests itself in the fact that the liquid is not pumped out of the tank by the pump or is removed from there too slowly.

Checking the washing machine outlet hose for blockages

Poor drainage can be caused by improper hose installation or drainage problems, so you should check these possibilities as well. If the hose is installed according to the instructions, it is best to call a plumber to check and remove the blockage in the pipes.

If there are problems with the flow of water into the SMA (with good pressure in the water supply line), you need to pay attention to the position of the inlet hose (it should not have kinks) and check the inlet filter for blockages.

Information on how to disassemble and clean the drain filter can be found in the SM operating instructions. Access to this unit is in the lower part of the SMA body.

Valve faults

Functional intake and exhaust valves should open and close completely when controlled by a control signal. Irregularities in their operation lead to problems when filling and draining water. These breakdowns of the Ariston washing machine are determined by characteristic symptoms:

1. If the inlet valve is not completely closed, water will flow into the drum even when the appliance is turned off.
2. A slightly open drain valve does not allow the drum to be filled to the required level.

Filling valve CM Ariston with two control coils

Both problems can be identified by the characteristic murmur inside the SM housing. Partial opening of the valves also leads to insufficient speed of filling and draining liquid from the tank. The serviceability of the valve control coils is checked with a multimeter. The resistance at their terminals should be in the range of 30–60 Ohms.

Incorrect operation of the heating element

You can troubleshoot an Ariston washing machine related to the heating element yourself. There are two possible consequences of such a problem (error codes F03, F07 and F08):

• washing does not start, an error code appears on the display;
• The water in the drum does not heat up enough, which results in poor wash quality.

Checking the heater resistance with a multimeter

In good condition, the heater terminals should be “ringed” with a multimeter. Its resistance is usually in the range of 25–30 ohms. The heating element can be descaled using special means, after which it can last for quite a long time.

If the heating coil breaks, the indicator on the device will flash or show a limit value, depending on the multimeter model. If the resistance is close to zero, a breakdown to the housing is possible. In both cases, the heating element will have to be replaced.

Wear of oil seals and bearings

These malfunctions are rare, but still occur in models of the Italian brand such as Hotpoint Ariston ARSL 105, Margherita 2000 and others. Over time, the bearings begin to make a characteristic grinding noise during spinning. Sound effects may be accompanied by increased vibration due to increased drum play.

Replacing the bearing on which the washing machine drum rotates

Initially, the presence of such symptoms does not affect the performance of the SM. But if measures are not taken in time, the machine may fail beyond repair. To replace worn parts, a complete disassembly of the SMA will be required, which requires the necessary tools, certain skills and dexterity. If you have doubts about your own abilities, it is better to entrust such work to professionals.

You can get more detailed information on how to replace bearings in the Ariston SM from the following video:

Washing machine won't turn on

This breakdown of the Ariston washing machine happens for the following reasons:

• there is no 220 V voltage in the socket;
• the power cord or plug is damaged;
• the input network filter, which is installed in many SMA models, has failed;
• The controller of the electronic control unit (hereinafter also referred to as the ECU) does not work.

Surge filter in a washing machine

Reasons related to the lack of input voltage or contact in the wire and plug can be easily detected with a multimeter. If the ECU malfunctions, all buttons on the control panel flash and the machine does not respond to commands. Such a breakdown can be eliminated by replacing the control unit.

Sometimes a malfunction occurs due to a voltage surge in the network. In this case, unplugging the SMA from the outlet and restarting it after 15–20 minutes helps. If independent attempts to fix the breakdown are unsuccessful, you need to call a specialist.

The drum does not rotate or its rotation speed is unstable

This breakdown of the Ariston washing machine (possible error codes are F01, F02 and F18) occurs for several reasons:

• the electric motor does not work;
• there is no contact in the cable connections;
• the drive belt has stretched;
• the drain filter is clogged;
• The controller in the control unit has failed.

Motor and drive belt that rotates the drum

The electric motor may not start due to a lack of voltage on the windings or as a result of wear on the brushes, which can be replaced. If the belt wears out, it will also need to be replaced. You can check the wiring with a multimeter and clean the filter yourself.

Control unit malfunction

ECUs fail most often due to fluctuations in mains voltage. With particularly strong surges, the built-in network filters cannot help. Therefore, if there are such problems in the network, it is best to connect the SMA through an external stabilizer designed for a load of at least 2 kW. Such a solution may ultimately cost less than replacing the control unit.

Hotpoint Ariston washing machine control module

Washing, rinsing or spinning processes do not start

One of the main causes of failures in such cases is a defect in the water level sensor in the tank - the pressure switch (error codes F04, F10). It does not inform the control unit that the tank is filled with water to the required level or is empty. These signals are decisive for starting all washing stages. Therefore, in their absence, the SMA will not wash, rinse or spin the laundry.

Water level sensor in washing machine

Here are some possible causes of the failure: a leak in the connections between the tube and the tank and the sensor, a blockage in the tube, a broken pressure switch. The ECU may not be working or there may be a loose connection in the cable connections.

We recommend that you watch a story about how you can diagnose the pressure switch in a washing machine:

Defects in fastening and fixing the hatch door

During operation, malfunctions in the operation of the hatch door fixing elements may be observed (error code F17). The reasons are vibrations during spinning and incorrect installation of the SM housing.

Washing machine hatch door mounting bracket

The problem can be eliminated by tightening the fixing fasteners of the hatch and drum. In addition, you should pay attention to the operation of the lock mechanism and the integrity of the rubber cuff of the hatch.

As you can see, many malfunctions of washing units of the Italian manufacturer can be eliminated independently. A technician should be called to fix a breakdown of the Ariston washing machine, which cannot be fixed by yourself due to the lack of the necessary tools, skills and knowledge in the field of mechanics and electronics. During the warranty period, blockages and minor defects are also eliminated on their own, but more serious damage must be eliminated by qualified technicians from official service centers.

Pump failure

The second most common malfunction that happens to Aristons is a breakdown of the drain pump. The pump motor fails or foreign objects get into the pump, clog it or break the impeller.

*The price is only for the work of the master, excluding the cost of spare parts.

Breakdowns in Ariston machines and how to fix them

The stability of Ariston machines, first of all, depends on the correct operation of them . If certain problems arise, you can try to fix them on your own, without resorting to the help of a specialist. But to do this, you need to figure out what most often can cause malfunctions.

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Blockages

Perhaps one of the most common reasons causing problems in the operation of the machine is blockages that impede the passage of water during the draining process, which, in turn, makes it impossible for the washing machine to switch to rinse mode. Characteristic signs of this problem are idle operation, loud noise and the inability of water to pass through the hose (or very poor water flow). As for the places of blockage , they can be concentrated:

• in the drain hose itself, and in most cases, blockages occur if it is installed incorrectly,
• Often blockages form in the drain filter itself,
• blockages may occur in the pipe, which is located between the drain filter and the tank,
• and also in the pump, although this is an extremely rare practice.

In order to correct the situation and eliminate the malfunction, it is enough to clean the machine from blockages in accessible places (pump, hose, drain pump or pipe).

No water heating

The second problem that you may encounter during the operation of Ariston machines is the lack of heating of water during the washing process . Often in such a situation, the washing machine may receive an electric shock due to dysfunction of the insulation of the heating element.

The main cause of such a malfunction is extremely hard water , which results in the formation of scale. The repair consists of replacing a damaged electric heater (TEH). To do this, unscrew the back panel of the machine, since it is behind it that the fastening part of the broken electric heater is located. You must first disconnect all contacts and unscrew the fastening screw, then carefully pull out the broken heating element and replace the part with a new one. That's it, the problem is fixed, and the machine should heat the water as before.

Bearing damage or wear

The most difficult problem is the breakdown or partial wear of the bearing or oil seal in Ariston. Fortunately, in practice, it is extremely rare.

To understand that machine malfunctions are the result of bearing failure , just pay attention to the following signs:

• during operation of the unit, all moving elements of the washing machine begin to make characteristic sounds during spinning,
• at the same time, the shaft begins to come into contact with the bushing,
• vibrations are possible.

It must be said right away that this problem should be corrected promptly , since otherwise you can simply break the machine. The only difficulty is that the repair will require almost complete disassembly of the machine. Therefore, if you are not confident in your actions, it is best to entrust this process to a professional.

Machine power does not turn on

In this case, most likely there is a malfunction associated with the socket or power supply cable . To check the operation of the outlet, just try turning on another electrical appliance. If everything is fine with the socket, then you need to check the wire itself. To do this, you need to unplug it from the outlet and try to “ring” it with a special tester.

If the electrical wire is normal, then most likely the problem is hidden directly in the machine’s power supply. This is a rather complex problem, so only an experienced professional can solve it.

This is interesting! How to open a washing machine yourself if it is locked

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.

Malfunctions in the control unit

An equally common problem that users of Ariston Hotpoint or Margarita machines may encounter is a malfunction that occurs directly in the control unit . The main reason for this problem is the malfunction of our electrical networks, which is extremely problematic to deal with on our own.

In this case, the problem is easier to prevent than to fix. Therefore, before you start using a washing machine, in particular an Ariston, it is best to install special protective equipment that helps protect the washing machine from power surges and other similar failures. This approach will be much more efficient and economical than replacing the entire control unit.

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.

Heating element malfunction

During operation, the heater becomes “overgrown” with scale from impurities in tap water, detergent particles and clothing lint. As a result, the thermal conductivity of the heating element decreases, the heater tries to compensate for this decrease by more intense heating, overheats and burns out. As a result, either the coil burns out or the heating element body burns out. In the latter case, water gets on the spiral, a short circuit occurs, and the machine is knocked out.

*The price is only for the work of the master, excluding the cost of spare parts.

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.

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• Review of Ariston top-loading washing machines
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Engine brush wear

In brushed motors, brushes are responsible for transmitting voltage from the stator to the rotor. As they decrease, the engine power weakens, which is why the drum rotates only at low speeds or does not rotate at all.

*The price is only for the work of the master, excluding the cost of spare parts.

Bearing failure

A breakdown typical of Aristons with a service life of more than 5 years. In “younger” machines it can occur with frequent overload. The seal loses its tightness, moisture gets into the bearings, which leads to corrosion and destruction. Due to a violation of the rotation geometry of the drum, the machine makes a lot of noise during operation or does not rotate the drum at all.

*The price is only for the work of the master, excluding the cost of spare parts.

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.

Vertical models

The main breakdowns of a top-loading machine are identical to those of front-loading models. However, there are several defects unique to them, related to the design feature. The following can be distinguished:

1. Rapid wear or deformation of the rubber door seal.
2. Failure of the loading hatch lock during operation. The hatch doors open, become deformed, and damage the heating element and tank walls. As a result, the drum and tank may need to be replaced.
3. Quite frequent ruptures of the drive belt.

The peculiarities of repairing the vertical model are due to the fact that access to the internal components for troubleshooting them is easier than the Ariston Hotpoint washing machine due to the removable side walls of the device. The complexity of repair work is determined by the more compact and inconvenient placement of mechanisms. To replace some parts you have to disassemble almost the entire machine. It is believed that vertical models are less suitable for self-repair.

Motor malfunction

Most often, the motor fails due to interturn short circuits in the stator or rotor windings. Less common are breakdowns associated with detachment of the collector lamellas.

*The price is only for the work of the master, excluding the cost of spare parts.

Malfunction of the hatch locking device (UBL)

UBL is responsible for locking the door when the program starts. If the device is faulty, the door will not lock and the machine will not start washing. In the UBL, a thermal tablet fails, which heats up the thermal plate when voltage is applied to the tablet. The thermal tablet melts, sticks to the bimetallic plate or is destroyed.

*The price is only for the work of the master, excluding the cost of spare parts.

Without display

Error codes for an Ariston Hotpoint washing machine without a display can be determined by the light indicators:

• “Additional rinse” and “Key” flashes - F1;
• “Power” blinks and “Key” or “Lock” lights up - F2;
• flashing “40°C” - F04;
• “Key” and “Drain” or “Wash in cold water” and “40°C” flashes - F05;
• “No heating”, “30°С” and “40°С” are flashing - F07;
• flashing “50°C” - F08;
• “Wash in cold water” and “50°C” lights up - F09;
• “End”, “Spin” and “Key” flash simultaneously - F11;
• “Rinse” and “End” flash simultaneously - F18.

The drive belt is torn or stretched

The belt transmits rotation from the motor to the SMA drum. If it falls off or breaks, the machine hums as usual, but the drum does not spin. When the belt is stretched, Ariston goes through the wash cycle normally, but during the spin cycle the belt slips and the machine does not pick up speed.

*The price is only for the work of the master, excluding the cost of spare parts.

The hatch cuff is leaking

The rubber cuff is worn out from vibrations or mechanically damaged by a sharp object accidentally left in the pockets of things, clothing accessories (belt buckles, zippers, etc.).

*The price is only for the work of the master, excluding the cost of spare parts.

Fill valve malfunction

The fill valve consists of a body, a membrane and an electromagnetic coil, which is responsible for the position of the membrane. Normally, when voltage is applied, the coil opens the membrane and water flows into the washer. As a rule, it is the coil that fails, which is why the SMA cannot draw water.

*The price is only for the work of the master, excluding the cost of spare parts.