How to fix a washing machine control module

1. Repair of washing machines
2. Note to the hostess

We repair the “brains” of washing machines of any design:

• programmers (command devices or KSMA) in models with electromechanical control;
• control boards in electronically controlled washing machines.

We provide services in Moscow and the Moscow region. The technician arrives at your home within 24 hours of the call with all the necessary tools and components.

Repair of the control unit in simple cases is carried out at home, in complex cases - in a service center. You receive working equipment:

• 24 hours after contacting – for home repairs;
• after 2-3 days - if the module can only be repaired in a workshop.

After repair, a receipt with a 6-month warranty is issued.

How much does it cost to repair a washing machine control unit?

The module is the main part in the washing machine, which “manages” the washing process by issuing commands to the executive units. It is difficult to restore it, so the cost of repair starts from 2,500 rubles and depends on the brand, model and type of control of the washing machine. For example, it is a little easier to repair SMA programmers with electromechanical control than electronic modules, which is why the prices are lower. The exact price is determined by the technician after diagnosing the board.

Here is an approximate price list for unit repair depending on the brand of washing machine. It shows prices only for repair work. New components that may be required for repairs are paid additionally (mainly radioelements - resistors, varistors, relays, triacs, etc., which are inexpensive).

* Prices do not include the cost of consumables and components.

Module repair

The signs described above indicate a breakdown in the circuits of the entire electronic module or any of its components (sensor). Equipment tests should be performed to identify problems.

Complete board replacement

If the problem is with the board, you can replace it yourself. To do this, the machine is de-energized. Next, you need to remove the front cover. Then, using a key, the fasteners securing the board are removed and the wiring is disconnected. Then the damaged module is removed from the socket, in its place a new spare part is installed and secured with bolts.

Advice! Boards from leading brands such as Ariston, Zanussi or Whirpool can be purchased in stores and technical centers specializing in household appliances.

Replacing the capacitor

The board capacitor in washing machines acts as a stabilizer. In most cases, it is placed on a block with filters. Among modern models, walk-through modifications are quite common. It is important to remember that module capacitors cannot be repaired. When an element burns out, it is replaced with a new one. Often capacitors are installed with several filters at once. This helps to reduce the possibility of another part burning out.

Important! The capacitor is always soldered only to the positive electrode in the block. Then, using a tester, the variable circuit is checked for resistance.

Resistor testing

Very often, resistors become the cause of burnout of machine modules, so when doing your own repairs, you first need to test them . First, first-order resistors are checked using a tester. Their normal resistance is 8 ohms, and the overload indicator should not be higher than 2 amperes. Next, you should test the resistors of the second-order modules. Their average resistance directly depends on the frequency of a given module. In simple blocks the resistance is no more than 10 ohms. Its overload ranges from 3 to 5 amperes. If the resistance has been broken, then the resistors should be resoldered.

Advice! When repairing a board, it is best to replace the filters.

Repair of thyristor unit

Repair of this unit should only be carried out after checking for faulty capacitors. If it turns out that the capacitors are normal, then the elements of the thyristor unit should be tested. The main cause of failure in most cases is overload in the electrical network or impulse noise . First of all, you need to measure the negative resistance.

The cause may be burnt out contacts, but this rarely happens if the power supply is in order. You should check the condition of the contacts with a tester. Sometimes the cause of problems is a burnt-out filter. In such a situation, you should clean the cathode and solder a new filter through the positive contact. It is very important not to damage the ports.

Important! Finally, the control board should be thoroughly cleaned.

Checking trigger status

This part very rarely breaks. In most situations, its failure is associated with problems in the capacitor. To evaluate the operation of a trigger, you need to measure the voltage level at its output contacts. It should be approximately 12 V. In most models, a filter with a resistance of 20 ohms is located near the trigger.

When replacing a trigger, you should first solder the output contacts. It is extremely important that the cathode of the capacitor is not touched. After this, you can mount a new trigger. Then the threshold voltage is tested and the output resistance is checked.

How the repair works - general procedure

A RemBytTech specialist comes to the call:

• on the day of your call, if you called our service center before 11-12 noon;
• for the next one - if you applied later;
• on another day for which you scheduled the repair.

At your home, a technician disassembles the washing machine and checks whether the control unit is really faulty. During the diagnostic process, the specialist finds out whether the faulty board can be repaired at home, whether it will have to be taken to a workshop, or whether the module cannot be repaired at all and requires replacement.

Note! Even if you yourself or with the help of another technician find out that the board is faulty, diagnostics are still necessary. Firstly, in order to understand the extent of the module failure, and secondly, because we bear warranty obligations and financial responsibility for repairs and cannot rely on the diagnostic results of third-party specialists.

If repairs are possible at home

The specialist resolders the faulty elements of the control unit and checks that the module is working. After this, the washing machine is assembled. The entire repair takes from 40 to 90 minutes.

If the module can only be repaired in a workshop

In case of complex breakdowns, a specialist takes the board to a service center, where it is “handled” by a special master electronics engineer who has been repairing only electronic control modules and programmers for 20 years. After 1-2 days, a working unit arrives back to you, the technician assembles the washer, and you enjoy washing again.

In both cases, after checking the operation of the washing machine, the technician issues a check with warranty obligations.

Replacing the control module

If the controller cannot be repaired, and the service center specialists have confirmed this, then it will have to be replaced. Buying a used board is a pig in a poke, so it’s better to look towards new devices. Fortunately, they are sold in almost every specialized store, especially when it comes to equipment from well-known brands.

Repairing the control unit of a washing machine is a task that requires the intervention of qualified personnel. Independent dismantling of the control board should only be done when the warranty period has expired. If this happens, and other methods of troubleshooting do not help, the module is removed; if you do not have the skills to repair electronic equipment, it can be replaced entirely.

How to call a specialist

To repair the control board, contact the control room by phone (calls are accepted from 8.00 to 22.00):

+7 (495) 215 – 14 – 41

+7 (903) 722 – 17 – 03

or submit an electronic application at any time.

When applying, you must indicate in the application or inform the dispatcher the following information:

• Make and model of the washing machine, if you know. For example, Samsung Fuzzy S821 Bio Compact, Indesit WISL 82 or LG E-1091LD. Look for information about the model on the sticker plate with characteristics. It is usually located on the posterior wall of the MCA, but can also occur in the front. The information is necessary so that the technician takes with him the necessary components to repair the board and a new module if a replacement is suddenly required.
• Convenient repair time.
• Contact information: address, phone number and your name.

On the agreed day, the specialist will call you in advance to confirm the time of arrival.

Malfunctions of Indesit (Ariston) boards

• The washing machine does not turn on:

EVO-II models wisl 103, wisl 83, wisl 82, wisl 102:

The power supply provides voltages of 5 V and 12 V to power the elements and components that make up the controller. The IP includes a 22uF capacitor at 400V, an optocoupler type SF46156-2, diode 1 and 2. Microcircuit HD6433662С01Н with firmware.

Arcadia board - models (WIN - WIB):

The SMPS produces 12V. It consists of: protective diode D1, output rectifier and filter D2 and C1, pulse transformer, integrated controller. A voltage of 3.3V is used to power the processor.

Our advantages

• Free diagnostics and specialist visit. Only repair work and necessary components are paid for. We give diagnostics, visit of a technician, and in rare cases, removal of the board to the workshop and delivery back as a gift.
• Experienced craftsmen with 5 years of experience. When hiring a service center, we select specialists with at least 5 years of experience in repairing washing machines and recommendations from other reputable technicians or service centers. These are our internal corporate rules.
• Urgent repairs at home or in a service center. You can wash your clothes within 24 hours after you contact us for repairs at home. Or in 2-3 days, if complex repairs of the electronic unit are required in the workshop.
• Convenient work schedule from 8 am to 10 pm. Finding a comfortable time to “receive” a specialist will not be difficult for even the busiest citizens.
• Discounts up to 10% on work for socially vulnerable citizens. To receive a discount, you must present the appropriate document: pensioners - a pension certificate (10% discount), low-income citizens - a social card (5% discount).
• 6 month warranty on repaired module based on receipt.

About the control board design

“If the motor is the heart of a washing machine, then the board is its brain,” as washing machine repair specialists say. And indeed, even from the name “control module”, it follows that this node controls something. And not just something, but the operation of the entire washing machine.

In automatic washing machines, there are two main types of control boards - a programmer (also called a command device or KSMA) and an electronic control module .

Commando apparatus

The programmer in the classic version consists of a synchromotor, a gearbox, program disks with cams and biscuits with pusher levers and actuator contacts. The synchromotor, through a gearbox, transmits rotation to the disks, the cams of which interact with the pusher levers on the biscuit and switch the actuator contacts. In this way, all components of the washing machine are mechanically turned on and off: motor, heating element, fill valve, drain pump, etc., therefore washing machines with a programmer are also called machines with an electromechanical control type . Program cam disks are divided into "fast" and "slow". “Fast” ones are responsible for turning on and off the SM executive units, and “slow” ones are for switching washing modes.

The electronic unit

It is a microcircuit with a processor and memory, which contains a microprogram with an algorithm for the operation of the washing machine. Sometimes the processor and memory are combined in one chip. The closing and opening of the contacts of the executive units is performed by electronic components (relays, triacs and other radio components) according to a signal from the processor, which is why this technique is called electronically controlled .

Almost all modern automatic washing machines come with an electronic module. Electromechanical control type is the last generation. Now it is used mainly only in semi-automatic machines. However, we often come across “old” machines with a programmer from clients and we know how to repair them.

Is it worth doing repairs to electronic modules yourself?

Electronic modules of washing machines are the most complex parts of this household appliance. They are based on a printed circuit board, on which the control elements for each unit of the washing machine and its parts are located in a special order. The microprocessor, the most expensive part of the control module, synchronizes the operation of the elements. Electronic modules of modern washing machines can break down, and this is where the main problems begin. In this article we will discuss these problems and outline ways to resolve them.

Reasons for failure of the control module

In general, the command apparatus in the SMA is more reliable than the electronic control unit. That is why electromechanics successfully “survives” to this day. But the reasons for breakdowns of both types of boards are almost the same.

• Water getting on board. Leads to a short circuit and burnout of radio components in the case of an electronic board or failure of the synchromotor or burnout of contacts for KSMA.
• Voltage fluctuations in the network. The electronic components of the control module are damaged. Programmers are more resistant to surges; in rare cases, the synchromotor may burn out. The problem mainly affects washing machines located in facilities with poor-quality power supply: in private houses, dachas, and utility rooms.
• High humidity in the room where the washing machine is used. Promotes oxidation of contacts of components of modules of both types. The contacts subsequently stick, burn and/or short-circuit.
• Mechanical damage to the disc cams in the programmer due to mechanical wear or inaccurate switching of washing modes (for example, the program selection knob was turned counterclockwise with force). The plastic physically wears off or chips.

Basic malfunctions of the programmer

Command devices fail less often than electronics. Here are the main breakdowns that RemBytTech specialists encounter during repairs.

• (usually the heating element or motor) burn out or stick The most common malfunction, detected in 70-80% of cases when there is a problem with the programmer. It can be solved by washing the contacts or replacing burnt out contact groups.
• The synchromotor burns out. It is replaced with a new one.
• The gearbox fails. Replaced with a new one.
• Mechanical damage to disc cams . Program disks are made of plastic and over time their “cams” ​​wear out. In addition, inaccurate rotation of the program selection knob can lead to pieces of the disc's plastic breaking off. Damaged program disks are replaced with new ones.

They don’t sell spare parts for programmers, so we use components from old washing machines that were sent for disassembly.

Possible breakdowns of the electronic module of the washing machine

Most electronic units are very sensitive to voltage surges, and in networks with surges they require the installation of a voltage control relay or stabilizer. These are the electronic components that usually fail when a module breaks down.

• Radio components responsible for controlling one or another unit of the washing machine. For example, the failure of a triac is visually manifested as a machine refusing to turn the drum; if the heating element relay burns out, then the washing machine has problems heating the water. And so on. During repairs, burnt out elements are replaced with new ones.
• Treasure the microcircuits through which the signal is transmitted. The tracks almost always burn out (visually turn black) along with the radio elements. The circuit is restored by soldering.
• The “firmware” —the microprogram with the algorithm for operating the washing machine on a special chip with memory—goes wrong. It is necessary to reprogram the memory using a special device or program on a personal computer (pins are soldered to the memory chip and it is connected to the computer). Sometimes the microprogram is embedded in the central processor of the board, then it is “flashed” in the same way.
• The module processor , a key element of the electronic board, is faulty. The processor can be resoldered if you find exactly the same one. But usually, if the processor is faulty, the electronic control board must be replaced.

Note! We do not repair electronic units with a failed processor, since this is a labor-intensive process with an unpredictable result.

Why is it impossible to repair the electronic control module yourself?

Repairing the board yourself requires soldering skills, knowledge of electrical engineering, and knowledge of the electrical circuit diagram of the module of your particular washing machine. If you only picked up a soldering iron during labor lessons and have no idea how a diode differs from a transistor, then “messing with a soldering iron” into the control unit absolutely makes no sense. You'll only make it worse. Even our experienced electronics specialists from the television industry do not risk doing this without a circuit diagram.

Attention! We do not recommend attempting to repair the electronic module yourself. Because if you fail to do this, the master will demand double payment for repairs or will not undertake the work at all. Not because of the harmfulness, but because of the possible additional difficulties that your initiative may lead to.

How can you tell if a module is broken?

The most basic problem is to understand whether the control module is actually broken and needs repair, or whether one of the units of the washing machine is actually broken, and it is this that creates the appearance of damage to the electronics. Resolving this issue is of priority importance, because if you start immediately repairing or changing the module without sufficient grounds, you will throw money down the drain and the problem will not be solved.

Symptoms of control unit malfunction

More than 60,000 repaired washing machines allow us to unequivocally state that there are no exact external symptoms that indicate a board failure. If "experts" tell you about flashing lights, no spin cycles, or program crashes, avoid them. On the contrary, any of the signs casts suspicion, first of all, on another unit of the machine. And only when suspicions are not confirmed should the control unit be checked. For example, when a washing machine does not drain, most often the pump is faulty, it hangs on the wash - you should suspect the heating element (heating element), the indicators are blinking - you should look for an explanation of the error, which is shown by a combination of blinking lights. Any professional technician, before diagnosing a “module malfunction,” first checks all other components and peripherals.

When the board fails, the washing machine does strange things. This is how our clients' RemBytTech washing machines with a faulty programmer or electronic unit were fooled. And this is not a complete list.

• Doesn't turn on at all, just doesn't respond to the power button
• Gives an error code and refuses to execute the program
• The modes are confused or, on the contrary, the machine does not switch the program
• The drum does not spin
• Water does not fill
• Doesn't work at all, the indicator doesn't light up at all
• Knocks out traffic jams: automatic or RCD
• Freezes: stops during washing or, conversely, washes for a long time without stopping
• The washing machine smells burnt, there is smoke coming out, perhaps there was a bang before or there was a flash (the SMA sparked)
• Lights, buttons, indicators on the control panel are on or flashing: all or some (for models without a display), the machine refuses to execute / continue the program
• Water does not drain
• Switches off when washing, rinsing or spinning
• Doesn't wring things out
• The water doesn't heat up
• The display or indicators light up, but the machine does not start washing
• The door does not close because the hatch lock does not work
• Water is poured in and immediately drained
• After washing the door is locked and does not open
• The SMA does not work at all after the lights are turned off (at such moments power surges occur)
• The machine display is blinking
• SM is leaking
• Rattling, noisy, crackling or clicking
• Doesn't drain or wring out
• Doesn't rinse clothes

For clarity, we grouped the symptoms according to the frequency of mention by the client in the treatment, and depicted them in the form of a diagram. This is what happened.

Operating principle and signs of control module failure

The more abundant the functionality of the washing machine, the more complex the electronic board is. This part is responsible for the operation of all components located in the machine body. Individual triacs, using wiring, send signals to start working to the following nodes:

• heater (heating element);
• thermistor;
• pump;
• UBL (hatch blocking device);
• solenoid valve;
• Hall sensor;
• electric motor;
• level relay.

As you can see, the entire operation of the equipment depends on the serviceability of the board. Any breakdown that occurs during operation can be associated either with a specific part or with the electrical circuit. Only diagnostics can accurately determine whether it is necessary to repair the “brains” of washing machines. A malfunction can be assumed based on indirect signs:

1. The SMA screen displays an error code or the indicators blink. The decoding indicates the washing machine control unit.
2. Installed programs are not activated in the machine.
3. The equipment does not turn on.
4. Water is constantly filling and draining.
5. Unregulated engine speed.
6. The water overheats or remains cold.

All these signs are ambiguous. Therefore, it is necessary to test both the node itself and the electronics. Most often, the module breaks down for the following reasons:

• Factory defect (rare case). It appears quite quickly, so the problem is solved by warranty repair or replacement.
• Power surges in the network. Lead to burnout of tracks and individual parts.
• Moisture. Contacts with moisture result in oxidation of the board surface.
• Abrupt power cut to the SM during operation. Also leads to voltage drop.

How to check and repair the control board of a washing machine?

It is difficult to determine the cause of the malfunction on your own. Why are users in no hurry to contact the workshop? Their logic is clear. There are several factors that influence the choice of self-examination:

• Removing and taking the unit for repairs is still half the battle. No one will carry out diagnostics for free. What if it turns out that everything is fine with the part? It turns out that the money was wasted.
• Fear of getting to a non-professional. He will take money for the inspection, but you cannot exclude the possibility of his hack work. As a result, there is a breakdown, but no solution.

What to do? If you want to check the “brains” for SMA yourself, we will tell you how.

Visual inspection . To do this, you need to remove the part and inspect it for signs of burns, damage, or oxidation. How to remove the washing machine circuit board:

• Unplug the washing machine.
• Turn off the water supply.
• Remove the top cover by unscrewing the screws at the back.
• Pull out the powder dispenser by pressing the central latch.
• Remove the screws around the perimeter of the control panel. Lift up and remove.
• Take photos of the connectors and wiring. Disable chips.

• Unfasten the latch and remove the unit cover.

Anything can burn out: resistors, thyristors, resonator, relay or processor. A multimeter will help you accurately determine the breakdown. You will find the SMA control board diagram useful:

Capacitors . They serve as stabilizing devices during voltage drops. External swelling of the element already indicates a breakdown. Place the multimeter probe on it.

• The tester beeps or shows 0 on the display - a short circuit (short circuit) has occurred.
• 1 appeared on the screen - break.

If there is a malfunction, it is replaced with a working part. It is secured with a soldering iron and solder to the positive electrode.

Resistor . Elements are divided into first and second order. First order resistors are tested. Their resistance in good condition is 8 ohms. Second order - 10 Ohms. Broken products must be replaced.

A varistor serves to absorb voltage surges in the network. Its burnt surface indicates a problem. The part can be removed from the board, it will work normally. But during the jump, other components will burn. Testing with a multimeter at maximum resistance:

• Attach the probe to the varistor.
• In this case, the values ​​are much higher than the tester (1) can show.

Watch the video on the topic:

Next, a sequential diagnosis of all components is carried out. An example is shown in the photo:

Repairing a control unit with your own hands is an impossible task for a novice master. Therefore, we recommend that you contact a trusted service center, preferably one that specializes in repairing your particular brand of SMA. There you will be given a guarantee for the work performed. Good luck!

And yet there may be reinforced concrete signs of board failure

Yes, there are, but they appear quite rarely. If there was a bang in your washing machine or sparking in the area of ​​the control unit and a burning smell appeared, then the module has definitely burned out. And it is very likely that there will be something else in addition. Were you not near the machine and missed the flash-pop? No problem. Disassemble the machine and look at the board. Visual traces of burning, blackened tracks, melting of plastic always indicate a malfunction. Unfortunately, this failure cannot always be eliminated; the module may need to be replaced.