Why the washing machine does not turn on: causes of malfunction

What could cause such a malfunction?

The reasons why the washing machine does not turn on may be different. You can diagnose and repair simple breakdowns at home yourself. But sometimes problems in the operation of the washing machine can be more serious, then you cannot do without the help of a qualified specialist. The reason why the washing machine does not turn on or the washing process does not start may be a failure of:

Power source – socket;
Mains electrical cord;
Start button;
Interference filter;
Loading hatch locking systems;
Command device or control module.

Electric motor failure

The key driving element of a washing machine is the electric motor. Its main functions are to ensure rotation of the drum in various modes. If this part breaks, then it is quite expected that the washing machine will not start.

To determine repair possibilities and associated costs, it’s first worth clarifying what type of engine is being used:

asynchronous is characterized by high resistance to breakdowns, but is now rarely installed;
collector ones are used in most devices, they have average technical parameters and are cheap;
Direct drive equipment is subject to service repair only.

Important : Trying to fix problems with the electric motor yourself is not recommended. In addition to the difficulties in handling this part, it is worth noting the high degree of danger - the process will require connecting the washing machine to the network, which can cause a short circuit/explosion due to improper repair of the device.

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Checking the serviceability of the socket

There are often situations when the machine does not start the washing cycle because the socket is broken.
The easiest way to check the functionality of the power supply is with an indicator screwdriver. If such a measuring device is not at hand, you can connect other electrical equipment to it (for example, a light bulb or a mobile phone charger). If the power supply connector is working properly, but the washing machine still refuses to start washing, the reason should be looked for in the device itself; for this you will need a multimeter. See also -
Atlant washing machine displays error F3 - what does it mean?

SMA turns on but does not work

If the Indesit, Hansa, Virpul and other models turn on but do not work, the reason is the UBL lock. The machine does not start the wash because the electronic lock or its wiring is broken.

In addition to the usual lock, the washing machine system is equipped with an electronic lock. After closing it, you should hear the door click. If this does not happen, the electronic module does not receive a signal, so the wash does not start. In this case, the indicators do not light up, the “Lock” light may blink.

As soon as the door is locked, you will immediately hear the noise of water intake.

How to check UBL:

Open the hatch door.
To get to the lock, you need to remove the hatch cuff clamp.
To do this, bend the sealing rubber and remove the clamp.
Tuck the cuff inside the tank.
Unscrew the two lock screws.
Reaching behind the body, remove the lock.
Disconnect its wires.

Using a multimeter, measure the resistance of the lock on the contacts; if it is faulty, install a new part.

Wiring problems

Check the CMA wiring. If it does not burn out, the connectors may become loose due to strong vibration of the machine. A thorough inspection and testing with a multimeter is required. In the event of a breakdown, the wiring is replaced completely or partially.

Interference filter (FPS): meaning and performance check

The control module, electric motor and other parts create radio frequency waves when the washing machine is running, which can harm other household appliances located near the machine. To protect electrical devices, the machine is equipped with an interference filter. If it malfunctions, it will create an obstacle to the passage of electric current. This will be the reason why the automatic machine does not start the washing process. To check the functionality of this part, you need to diagnose the wires at the input and output, as well as the device itself using a tester. If the FPS does not work, you need to order a new filter from the service center or make a request for its replacement.

Prevention measures

To avoid most of the problems described above, you must:

Follow the rules and regulations when installing and connecting the washing machine;
Correctly calculate the load on the electrical network;
Use only certified electrical appliances;
Use high-quality washing powders and gels;
Carefully check clothes before loading them into the drum;
After washing, leave the hatch open to dry internal parts, mechanisms, prevent the formation of an unpleasant odor, and corrosion of metal elements;
Follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations;
Carry out preventive measures periodically;
Clean filters and drains in a timely manner;
Do not overload the washing machine.

If any malfunctions or malfunctions are detected, you must promptly contact a service center or begin self-repair. Even a minor breakdown can lead to much more serious and complex work or complete failure of the device.

Sunroof lock malfunctions

The loading hatch door of the washing machine is not closed tightly, or the locking lock is broken. If the washing machine does not turn on for the washing program, but the indicators are on, then the first thing you should check is whether the loading hatch is closed correctly and whether the locking system works after attempting to start the program.

A fairly common reason why the washing machine lock does not work is that the door or the hook on it is skewed. You can adjust the door level using the fastening bolts. If the problem is in fixing the hook, you need to check for the presence of a metal rod that holds it. During operation, it could fall out and become the reason why the automatic car door lock does not work.

If the tub door closes with a characteristic click, but after the wash program starts, the locking function is not activated, then most likely there is a problem with the hatch locking device (HDU).
To confirm the malfunction, you need to ring the lock with a tester. But first, it’s worth visually inspecting the castle using a flashlight. There may be small debris in the hole that is preventing the locking system from working correctly. See also -
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Breakdown of the “Power on” button

What to do if the indicators on the washing machine do not light up and it does not turn on. With a high degree of probability, the malfunction may lie in the “Power on” button (Start, Start). This breakdown is typical for new models with push-button control. Checking the functionality of this button is done as follows:

The washing machine is disconnected from the power supply.
The top panel is removed: two screws from the self-tapping screw are unscrewed from the back and the cover is slightly pushed forward.
The control panel is removed: the powder tray is pulled out, the screws that close it are unscrewed. The plastic latches bend and the panel rises slightly.
The connection point of the “Power on” button is photographed and it is disconnected from the wires.
The contacts are carefully connected directly, after which the washing machine is plugged into the outlet. If the power indicators light up and the washing machine starts executing the program, then the problem is in the button.

IMPORTANT!

When testing, it is necessary to completely eliminate the possibility of contact of the connected terminals with the machine body.

Power buttons

If the reason that the automatic washing machine does not turn on is the button, there is no need to immediately run out to buy a new one. There is a high probability of it sticking due to contamination. First you need to clean the inside surfaces of the button hole in the control panel. To do this, you need to completely remove the control panel and disconnect the board from the plastic facade. Naturally, the connection points of all wires must first be photographed. The plastic cover is cleaned using household chemicals. In this case, it is recommended to additionally clean the control board from dust and wipe the contacts with alcohol.

Malfunction of the command device or control module

If, after diagnostic measures, all indicators remain normal, but the machine still does not start the washing program, the cause may be a failure of the control module or command device. Replacing an electronic module is a fairly expensive repair and it is often easier to purchase a new washing machine. But there are times when it can be repaired. To do this, the contractor must have experience and knowledge of electrical work. If there are none, then you can’t do without a qualified craftsman.

Failure of the power cord

Various wire defects are among the most common reasons that the washing machine does not turn on. The reason is that the wire is constantly deformed during operation: it is bent, pinched, stretched. It is not uncommon for it to be chewed by pets. Failure of a wire or plug is determined visually by the presence of significant thickening and discoloration of the insulation, mechanical damage, traces of melting, etc.

I strongly recommend replacing the wire completely, rather than repairing it with electrical tape. You need to buy a new wire with a solid plug. After removing the back panel of the washing machine, get to the connection point. In most modern models, the wires are connected to the washing machine using conventional terminal attachments. Before disconnecting the old wire, be sure to take a photo of the connection location so you don’t get confused with the wire markings later.

Prevention of washing machine breakdowns

In most cases, the service life of a washing machine without repair can be increased by following simple rules:

Proceed according to the device manufacturer's instructions;
To protect against voltage surges and short circuits, the washing machine can only be connected through special protective devices (RCD);
Use the machine with the intention of relaxing. If several washes are planned per day, you need to take a break of 2-3 hours between them;
Prevent the appearance of mold and the proliferation of other fungi at the installation site of the device and in the device itself. To do this, after finishing washing, the compartment intended for loading the powder, as well as the rubber gaskets of the hatch, must be wiped dry and the loading tank door must be left open for several hours;
Use only high-quality detergents for washing. Modern powders and gels are made with the addition of special elements that prevent the formation of salts on the structural elements of the washing machine;
At least once every six months, run a preventative washing cycle on a program that provides for a high temperature regime, with the addition of anti-scale agents.

Such preventive measures will not only prevent breakdowns that lead to the washing machine not turning on, but will also save the consumer’s money spent on electricity.

See also:

6 best Bosch washing machines according to customer reviews
7 best Indesit washing machines according to customer reviews
7 best LG washing machines
7 best Gorenje washing machines according to customer reviews
7 best washing machines under 20,000 rubles according to customer reviews

What to do to avoid problems

It is important to use your washing machine correctly. For this:

Follow the instructions.
Don't force your washer to wear out. If you wash several times a day, take breaks for a couple of hours.
After washing, leave the hatch open and wipe the cuff from mold. Wash the dispenser tray periodically to remove any detergent residue.

Read the ingredients of the detergents you use so as not to harm yourself and your car.
Carry out scale prevention, including an empty machine at high temperatures. Use special tools.

By following simple rules, you can extend the life of your equipment.

Source

What to do if it doesn’t turn on

What to do with a machine that won’t turn on depends on the type of breakdown. If the problem lies in external causes, it is easy to fix them yourself by turning on the machine or connecting the device to another outlet. However, if the reason why the machine turned off and does not turn on lies in the breakdown of individual parts, they need to be replaced.

Repair of switching element

If the washing machine stops turning on and starting the washing mode, and it is also discovered that the “Start” button has stopped functioning, you need to replace this element. Often the problem lies in contamination of this element.

Before cleaning, you should disconnect the device from the mains and disassemble the panel to gain access to the part. It is then carefully cleaned and installed back. Often this is enough to return the device to serviceability.

Programmer repair

If the machine turns off and stops working, the problem often lies in the failure of the programmer. To repair it, you must first disassemble the front part of the case. Once access is gained, you need to release the side latches to remove the board. This item should be carefully inspected.

Identified areas of burning are thoroughly soldered. Use a multimeter to check for resistance in the contacts. In addition, any particles trapped in the gear must be removed. The core and gear are removed and inspected for damage. If all parts are intact, the programmer is assembled in the reverse order and installed in the device.

Replacing the unit locking device

The sunroof locking device often breaks down due to constant heating and cooling. Such impacts lead to deformation of the bimetallic plate. To replace a damaged element, you must carefully dismantle the lock. You need to disconnect the connector from the old blocker. After this, the purchased part is installed. Then the locking device is assembled and installed in place.

What to check first?

If the washing machine does not start, this does not mean that it needs to be thrown away. To begin with, you can carry out independent diagnostics - sometimes the breakdowns are so minor that you can deal with the problem even without contacting the service center specialists. The appliance may not start the wash cycle for several reasons. If they are promptly identified, the service life of the machine can be extended for several more years.

Availability of electricity supply

First of all, you should make sure that there are no interruptions in the power supply in the network. If, when the plug is plugged into the socket, the electronic monitor does not light up and the device does not start washing, then it is likely that the current supply to the machine has stopped. The most common cause is interruptions in the electrical panel, breakdown of the circuit breaker, as well as emergency shutdown of units with RCDs.

The machine may trip during a short circuit or during sudden voltage surges. To ensure its functionality, you should check that it is turned on correctly and accurately. When the machines are knocked out, the lever will be located in the “off” position (bottom), but if immediately after turning on the mechanism still does not work, therefore, it needs to be replaced.

We pay special attention to the fact that when the protective device is knocked out, the user is often electrocuted when the machine is started, after which the unit turns off.

An RCD can be triggered when a current leak occurs to prevent a fire hazard. Low quality devices work quite often, so you need to check their functionality .

Connecting the machine to the network

If power outages are excluded, then you need to check that the machine is connected to the network. The fact is that during use, wires are constantly subject to various types of deformation - tension, as well as breaks, pinching and bending, therefore the possibility that they are damaged during service cannot be ruled out either. To diagnose the cause of the malfunction, you should inspect the cord and plug - if you see traces of plastic melting or burning, and also smell a strong smell, it means that this section of the wiring requires replacement.

You can check whether there are clamps and breaks in the wire using a special device - a multimeter. This device is connected to all wires in turn. If problems are detected, it is best to replace the cable rather than connect its fragments using insulating materials. If you connect the SMA via an extension cord, then the reasons for the wash not starting may lie in this equipment. Its functionality is checked by connecting any other electrical appliances.

Damage to plug and socket

Failure to start the SMA can also occur if the socket is broken. Try connecting the machine to a different power source. Typically, such breakdowns occur when water gets inside the device.

Test mode: what is it and why is it needed?

A service test is one of many algorithms stored in the device’s memory. His task is to check the equipment, identify a failure and inform the owner about it through an indication. This mode is launched by a simple combination of buttons, the result of the work is displayed on the display. Units of older releases or simple models, for example, produced by Candy, inform the owner with a combination of LEDs on the display panel.

This mode allows you to quickly identify the problem and more or less accurately find out the reason for the device failure. After the test has been completed, the final decision on repairs can be made.

Shock absorbers

This element is a consumable material that is produced over time. The period of use depends on the intensity of use. It can be estimated over a period of 5 to 10 years. A characteristic sign is that during the push-up cycle the machine jumps and also moves around the room. Buying shock absorbing pads does not solve the problem.

The manufacturer has provided for proper operation without them. In this case, it is necessary to replace the shock absorbers. There are two of them in the Samsung washing machine. Convenient to carry out repairs. They are attached with removable pins to the body and tank.

Access can be obtained in two ways:

Washing machine shock absorbers