Repair of PCP of washing machines - repair it yourself or call a service?

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.

How can you tell if a module is broken?

The most basic problem is to understand whether the control module is 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.

• Therefore, first, let’s figure out how to diagnose a problem with the electronic module? Let's start with something simple - let's study the typical signs of an electronic module failure. In approximately half of the cases, the electronic modules of modern washing machines, by their behaviour, reveal the cause of the malfunction. All we must do is recognize and identify it.
• The washing machine does not spin clothes, the control panel freezes and does not respond to user actions; the error code is not displayed on the display.
• All the lights on the control panel flash together and alternately, and it is not possible to start any washing program.
• The washing program is set and started, but water either does not fill the tank, or the water immediately drains on its own, and after this the machine freezes “tightly”, only a reboot can save it. In this case, after restarting, washing can be carried out in normal mode.
• With any washing program, the machine washes for 3-4 hours in a row without stopping, without switching to rinse and spin mode. The drain pump makes no attempt to remove water from the tank. After a long time, the machine freezes.
• After turning it on, when trying to set the washing program, the machine freezes and immediately turns off.
• The washing program is set, the washing progress is displayed on the display, but in reality, nothing happens, water does not pour into the tank, the drum does not spin - nothing happens.
• The motor changes the speed of rotation of the drum unreasonably often, even if the change in speed is not caused by the program. The drum rotates alternately and for a very long time in one direction and then in the other.

Each of the eight above signs of breakdowns can indicate either a malfunction of the control module or a malfunction of one of the sensors or the washing machine unit. To make sure that this is really an electronic module, you must first run an auto test of the washing machine, and then test the machine units manually. Only after this can final conclusions about the malfunction be made. So, how to do an auto test of a washing machine?

The heating element of the washing machine either overheats the water or leaves it cold, ignoring the readings of the temperature sensor.

On different models of washing machines, the auto test is done differently. Therefore, we recommend that you carefully read the operating instructions for your model of automatic washing machine. Let's give an example of self-testing using the Ardo washing machine as an example.

• We move the programmer arrow to a strictly vertical position, so that the arrow points down.
• Set the temperature to zero.
• We check that the drum is empty and there is no water in the tank.
• We press all the buttons on the control panel at the same time, after which the machine’s auto test mode should start.

Upon completion of the test, the display should display an error code corresponding to either a malfunction of the washing machine unit or a malfunction of the electronic module.

Auto test does not produce adequate results in all cases. To verify that the electronic module is faulty, you need to test it with a multimeter. The same must be done with all suspicious units, ringing them one by one. The work, of course, is very painstaking, but this is the only way to be 100% sure that the electronic module is faulty.

Why does the control module break down?

There are many reasons why an electronic module may fail. And not all reasons are due to improper operation of the washing machine. But first things first.

• Factory defect: one of the parts of the board or track is damaged.
• Ingress of moisture, work in conditions of very high humidity.
• Voltage fluctuations.
• Disconnecting the washing machine from the electrical network several times during the washing program.

Most often, such defects occur in the most complex part of the washing machine - the control unit. Fortunately, in most cases the problem is identified in a short time, when the machine is still under warranty, but sometimes the problem manifests itself only after several years. In this case, repairs must be carried out at your own expense and often with your own hands.

Any automatic washing machine is designed precisely in such a way as to operate in very harsh environmental conditions, especially high humidity. However, in some cases it is moisture that causes failure of the electronic module. Basically, moisture causes a short circuit that damages electrical and electronic components. After this, the machine will need serious repairs.

If you connect a washing machine to a “protected” electrical network, a voltage drop may well burn out any unit of the washing machine or all units together, including the electronic module. This can be avoided if you include a difavtomat in the electrical communications that power the washing machine.

And finally, the user factor. Never forcibly disconnect the washing machine from the power supply while it is running. Several such shutdowns may well damage the electronic module. If you urgently need to turn off the washing machine, it is better to press the stop button, and only then turn it off - this will be less harmful than a sudden shutdown.

We fix it ourselves or call a specialist: which is more profitable?

Now let’s move on to the main question: is it worth repairing the electronic module yourself or is it better to entrust this important task to specialists? It is quite difficult to answer this question. Everything will depend on your knowledge, skills, and abilities in working with microcircuits and printed circuit boards, as well as on the nature of the breakdown.

The most basic problem for an amateur is identifying a breakdown in the electronic module. Each part needs to be ringed, a burnt element or a broken track must be identified, and only then the element must be replaced, or the track soldered. The likelihood that you will do everything right, having mediocre skills, tends to zero.

Of course, it is possible to replace the electronic units of modern washing machines, but this will not give anything, especially if high-quality diagnostics have not been carried out. The new electronic module board will most likely burn out again.

There is another option - remove the entire control unit and give it to a technician for testing. Experts do not recommend doing this. If you invite a technician, then you need to give him the opportunity to call and check the control unit locally, right on the washing machine. This way he can identify the problem more accurately.

Whatever one may say, it is more profitable to contact a specialist. Repairing such a complex element of a washing machine yourself can lead to even greater costs. In the worst case, if you carry out an incorrect test of the equipment, you can burn not only the control unit, but also the heating element, motor, drain pump, or all at the same time - you will have to buy a new machine. This raises the question - why take the risk? Isn’t it better to entrust the repair of your home assistant to a good mechanic?