How to change the control module of a washing machine

One of the most unpleasant breakdowns in the washing machine is the failure of the main control module. The electronic unit is the "brain" of the washing machine. It controls all processes, from filling with water to draining and spinning. If the board is damaged, the machine will not be able to perform the wash.

Replacing the control module of a washing machine is not an easy task. It is necessary to act as carefully as possible so as not to cause further damage to the equipment. We will tell you how to install a new electronic unit yourself.

When is it necessary to change the SMA “electronic brain”?

First, you need to make sure that the problem is really in the control unit. Sometimes the illusion of a module failure is created by another faulty part of the washing machine. This is very important, because if the reason is in another unit, then replacing the board will not solve anything, and the money will be wasted.

You can suspect damage to the microcontroller by the "behavior" of the washing machine. This malfunction has characteristic signs. Let's figure out in which situations it would be useful to check the electronic unit.

• The washing machine does not start spinning, and the control panel freezes and stops responding to button presses. At the same time, the error code is not displayed on the display.
• The indicator on the dashboard flashes randomly, and it is impossible to select and start the washing algorithm.
• The machine allows you to select a mode and start a cycle, but the process stops there. The machine either does not start filling with water at all, or all the liquid immediately goes down the drain. After a few minutes, the washing machine freezes and is "reanimated" only after rebooting. When restarting, it will probably wash in the normal mode.
• The washing machine, regardless of the selected mode, works for 3-4 hours without starting to spin or drain. The pump does not even try to pump water out of the system. After some time, the device freezes.
• After starting the washing machine and trying to select the desired washing mode using the programmer, the device freezes and turns off.
• The engine changes the drum speed at its own discretion.
• The heating element ignores the temperature sensor commands and cannot heat the water to the specified degree, leaving it either cold or bringing it to “boiling water”.

Each of the described signs may indicate either a board failure or a sensor failure. For example, the reason that the water does not reach the required temperature may be a faulty heating element or thermistor. A damaged pressure switch may cause gravity flow. Before attempting to replace the control module, be sure to perform a comprehensive diagnosis of the washing machine.

Let's run a self-test of the machine

Modern automatic machines can help in detecting faults. Washing machines have a self-diagnosis system for faults, which needs to be activated. At the end of the test mode, the device will display an error code indicating the problem area. How to start the autotest?

On the control panel of some models there is a special button, by pressing which you can start self-diagnosis. This is the simplest way to activate the test mode. On Ardo washing machines, the auto-test is turned on as follows:

• The programmer handle is turned to a vertical position, with the arrow “looking” down,
• The temperature is set to zero,
• All buttons on the control panel are pressed at once.

Running a service test on many Indesit models is done as follows:

• The program selector is set to position 1, the machine is turned on,
• The programmer is moved to position 2, the washing machine is turned off,
• The selector returns to the first position, the “on” button is pressed again,
• The program switching knob is set to position 3, the washing machine is turned off,
• The programmer turns back to the first position,
• The start key is pressed,
• The switch is turned to "drain".

After starting the autotest, you will have to wait. The machine will start performing all stages of the cycle in turn: filling with water, spinning the drum, etc. This is necessary to identify at what point the failure occurs. During the service test, the washing machine will display a fault code corresponding to the problem. You can decipher the error using the instructions for the washing machine.

If the error code is decoded as "heating element failure", then there is no point in getting into the "brain" of the machine. It will be enough to install a new heating element. But if the machine specifically indicates problems with the control module, repair of the controller cannot be avoided.

The self-diagnosis system does not always indicate a specific malfunction. Sometimes the error code informs about completely different problems, for example, damage to the filler valve, broken wiring, and module failure. In this case, each unit is checked manually.

All other "suspicious" parts are also tested with an ohmmeter. The device can measure the resistance between contacts, check parts for breakdown. Such manual diagnostics will allow you to identify the problem with 100% probability.

Replacing the control module

In some cases, it is possible to repair the control board, but usually experts advise replacing the entire module. In the vast majority of front-loading automatic machines, the electronic unit is located behind the dashboard. It is quite large, so it will be difficult not to notice the controller.

To avoid wasting time searching, look at the instructions. It shows where exactly the control board is located. To dismantle the module, you need to:

• De-energize the washing machine,
• Turn off the valve responsible for supplying water to the system,
• Disconnect the machine from communications,
• Remove the top panel of the case by unscrewing the bolts holding it and unfastening the latches,
• Take out the detergent drawer,
• Remove the bolts located near the powder receptacle,
• Unscrew the screws securing the instrument panel,
• Carefully remove the control panel without touching the wires,
• Take a photo of the wiring diagram,
• Disconnect the bundle of wires from the control panel, move the instrument panel to the side,
• Unscrew the bolts holding the control board,
• Remove the control module from the washing machine housing.

Afterwards, carefully inspect the controller for damage. This may be traces of carbon deposits, mechanical defects, rust. In some cases, the board can be "reanimated" by replacing the semiconductor or soldering the track. However, most often, repairs will take more time and money, so it is easier to replace the unit with a new one.

If the machine's warranty has not yet expired, do not diagnose and repair it yourself. Trust this to service center specialists. When the free service period has expired, you can try to repair the washing machine at home.

The installation of the new control module is carried out according to the same scheme, in reverse order. The controller is fixed in the machine with bolts, the wiring is connected to it (when connecting the chips, you need to be guided by the photos taken during disassembly). Then the instrument panel, powder receptacle and top cover are returned to their place.

After assembling the machine body, check its functionality. Connect the washing machine to the network and start an idle cycle. The problem should be solved. If the machine completed the program in the normal mode, then the control module replacement was performed correctly.