Repair or replace of the tachometer in the washing machine

The tachogenerator is one of the most important parts in the washing machine system, because it is responsible for the continuous communication of the engine with the control module. It is this miniature device that affects the speed, speeds up and slows down the engine. And if suddenly the machine starts to slow down, does not stop in time, or after the end of the washing cycle gives out completely wet things, then this is an alarming sign that it is time to check the tachogenerator. We will tell you how to find it, what you can test it with, and also whether it is possible to repair the tachogenerator in a washing machine.

How to understand that the tachometer sensor is broken?

Usually, the tachogenerator has to be checked after the washing machine malfunctions. Since the machine cannot operate normally without the Hall sensor, problems with motor speed control will immediately indicate that the tachogenerator is faulty. During the washing cycle, it is important to pay attention to the following:

• The machine suddenly changes speed, sometimes slowing down, sometimes speeding up, without paying attention to the stage of the cycle,
• The drum rotation speed exceeds the value set by the user or even exceeds the maximum value allowed by the system,
• The speed is too low, does not reach the required revolutions, or the drum does not rotate at all,
• After washing, the clothes are either not washed at all or not wrung out.

Any of the items indicates a possible malfunction of the tachometer. To eliminate an accidental temporary failure of the machine or the spin cycle shutdown, you need to completely turn off the washing machine, and after half an hour, start the standard cycle again. If the problems recur, you need to take immediate action.

If you do not fix the tachogenerator in time, then in the future the machine will simply not start washing, displaying an error message on the display. Moreover, with a faulty Hall sensor, even the electric motor may burn out. Therefore, do not put off checking the device for a long time - at the first suspicion of a malfunction, start diagnosing it yourself.

Sensor location

Finding the sensor is not difficult, since on all LG and other brands of washing machines (except for models with an inverter motor), it is located on the rotating shaft of the motor. To remove the tachometer, you will first have to dismantle some elements of the washing machine: disconnect the rear panel of the case and remove the drive belt.

When you get to the motor, look for a small iron ring on the shaft - this is what the tachogenerator we need looks like. Carefully remove the entire engine, since you cannot immediately unhook the tachogenerator from it. If you have no experience in electrical installation, it is better not to experiment, but to call specialists so as not to spoil the washing machine even more.

Is the sensor working?

If you managed to get the engine with the sensor yourself, you should first take a photo of the wiring device so that you can then reconnect the engine yourself. Then you need to strictly follow our instructions.

• We go around the machine from the rear wall.
• We unscrew all the bolts securing the motor.
• We shake the engine from side to side and then pull it sharply towards ourselves.
• First of all, you need to inspect the sensor, wires and reliability of the fasteners. It often happens that due to sudden jumps in speed, the contacts come off and the clamps become weak. In this case, you can simply tighten the terminals more tightly and restore the usual balance.
• If there is no visible damage, then you cannot do without a test, which can be carried out in two ways.

The first option is to measure Ohms. To do this, you need to set up the multimeter, loosen the wiring and apply the probes to the contacts. If the readings are around 60-70 Ohms, the sensor is working properly.

The second method is to measure the current generated by the sensor. You need to switch the tester to voltage mode, connect the probes to the contacts, and either yourself or ask your household to accelerate the motor by hand. If a figure of about 0.2 Volts appears, then the tachometer sensor is normal.

Repair or replace?

The main problem is that the sensor is a part that cannot be repaired, so it can only be replaced. To do this, it must be disconnected and removed from the mounting location. All connectors are simply detached and are located in a common column of connectors on the motor.

To dismantle it, you will only need an ordinary flat screwdriver of thin diameter, which can be found in any home. After detaching, you need to remove the top cover from the sensor, which will either be secured with small bolts or held on by latches.

Then the faulty part is replaced with a new one and installed in the washing machine in the reverse order according to the instructions. For ease of installation, you should take a photo or video of the process of dismantling the sensor, then it will be easier to connect the new tachogenerator. At the end of the installation, the part and connections must be checked with a multimeter to make sure that you can start a test wash.