How to change a washing machine button yourself?

The vast majority of modern washing machines are controlled by keys, so if one of them stops working properly, you have to replace it. Especially if we are talking about the on/off key or the start of washing. Let's figure out how to replace the button of the washing machine yourself.

What could have happened to the button?

So, there are several types of malfunctions that the buttons on the CM control panel are susceptible to.

• Sticking of the key, i.e. its constant stay in the pressed position. If there is an indicator, the light will be on all the time.
• The key may fall into the groove.
• The button may fall out of the groove.
• Sometimes a button appears to work properly but does not perform the commands it is responsible for.

According to statistics, the breakdown of washing machine buttons is a rare occurrence. If this happens in the first days or weeks of operation, you should contact the service support center, since the matter is most likely in a manufacturing defect.

If we exclude manufacturing defects from the list of reasons for breakdowns, the following factors can cause problems:

• Careless attitude towards keys. If you press them too hard or hit them, it is no wonder that this will lead to breakage,
• Accumulation of dirt and dust under the key rim. When the layer of dirt becomes too thick, it can prevent the button from making contact with the control board, so there is no response after pressing the key,
• Wear of control levers. This is a purely depreciation process, so it is almost never encountered on units younger than 5 years old,
• Problems with the control board itself (the machine does not respond to commands not because of the button).

The only thing a user can do to extend the life of the keys on their CM is to handle them carefully and clean the slots periodically. This is especially true for the buttons that are used most often (switching on, starting, and selecting modes).

If an insignificant button on the panel stops working, in principle this makes further use of the unit still possible. However, it is necessary to identify the "root of evil", since the problem may lie in the control module, which means that sooner or later it may spread to other keys and even elements of the CM. In case of module failure, do-it-yourself repair is not feasible and will be expensive.

Is it possible to restore the button yourself?

If you are not confident in your ability to repair the buttons of the washing machine, it is better to entrust this to a professional. The process of cleaning and replacing the keys consists of several stages.

• We disconnect the machine from the water supply and electricity.
• There are screws on the back wall that hold the top cover of the washing machine. Unscrew them and remove the cover.
• We disconnect all the wires and terminals, having previously recorded their original position using a photo.
• We release the control unit from its fasteners and move it away from the front wall of the SM. Thanks to this, we get unimpeded access to the keys.

If cleaning does not bring results, you can replace the button. To do this, you need to unsolder the old key and solder a new one in its place.

Also inspect the board for swelling, darkening and other uncharacteristic details. If such are found, it makes sense to change the board, not the buttons. The assembly of the unit is carried out in the reverse order.