How to check the washing machine programmer?

Some washing machines have mechanical rather than electronic control. Such machines have a programmer installed - a device consisting of a timer, a control board and numerous contacts. This mechanism is reliable, but complex: it is impossible to determine the cause of the breakdown without dismantling and diagnostics. We suggest figuring out what is inside the control device and how to check the washing machine programmer. A detailed review of the device with step-by-step instructions is below.

Basic elements of the command apparatus

In mechanical washing machines, the programmer is the key unit of the control unit. There are many parts inside it, each of which can become dirty or break over time. To repair the control unit, you will have to check all the elements of the design, and if necessary, patch them up or replace them.

Before you start checking and repairing the programmer, you need to study its internal structure. Thus, the standard command device consists of:

• Synchromotor,
• Gearbox,
• Contacts,
• The motor,
• cogwheels and gears,
• cams (grooves, recesses and projections).

The operating principle of the programmer also depends on its type. Thus, hybrid devices are more reliable and easier to operate but have limited functionality. Electronic command devices, on the contrary, are more convenient in everyday life due to fine tuning and the presence of many additional options. But electronics break down more often, reacting sensitively to voltage surges.

How does a control device failure manifest itself?

It is almost impossible to miss a programmer breakdown: the malfunction is manifested by a number of "telling" signs. As a rule, the machine freezes, not responding to user commands, or does not turn on at all. In the second case, you should make sure that there are no problems with the power cord and socket. If everything is clean with external electrical communications, then the washing machine's command device is faulty.

The following “symptoms” also indicate problems with the command device:

• The running program freezes;
• The set cycle time differs from the value specified by the mode;
• The LEDS on the dashboard are blinking randomly.

Despite the reliable design, the control unit may fail even after 10 years. According to service center statistics, the device most often breaks down due to careless handling of the machine. It is enough to accidentally move the selector handle when the washing is on, so that the board gets knocked down and “flies”. The programmer also gives an error after sudden voltage surges in the electrical network. The third possible reason for the machine to fail is moisture or dirt getting inside the control unit. A factory defect in the components is also possible.

Disassembling and checking the part

For a comprehensive check of the programmer, it is necessary to first properly dismantle and disassemble it. The latter is often difficult, since many command devices have non-standard instructions - there are dozens of types of the device. But it is possible to identify the general principle and sequence of disassembling the part.

Let's consider the procedure for disassembling and repairing the programmer from the Ariston washing machine. The algorithm is as follows:

• Inspect the programmer and find the latches on the sides that secure the plastic cover,
• Pry up the latches with a flat screwdriver and move them,
• Slowly remove the top cover from the body,
• Assemble the springs located under the housing,
• Find the control board, carefully remove it and put it aside,
• Unhook the central gear and inspect the remaining gears for dirt (clogged debris must be removed),
• Carefully inspect the board (burnt elements and tracks are re-soldered),
• Use a multimeter to measure the resistance on the contacts (if deviations from the norm are recorded, then the programmer is faulty and will have to be replaced completely),
• Remove all gears,
• Remove the motor core,
• Check each element for integrity and serviceability,
• Disassemble and test the engine (be sure to inspect the winding on the motor; if it is burnt, wind a new one onto the rod),
• Treat the contacts with alcohol,
• Assemble the command device by following the instructions described in reverse order.

But disassembling and repairing the control unit is not always so easy. Thus, it is strongly not recommended to check the electromechanics of a washing machine from Germany, for example, Miele or Siemens, at home. The problem is in the complex device, or rather, in the presence of several plates compressed in pairs under the body. When opening the "box", the flaps fly apart, irreparably damaging the plastic holders that fix them. As a result, it is extremely difficult to assemble the structure back - the fasteners must be restored. It is better not to take risks and entrust the diagnostics of German programmers to professionals from the service.

Home repair is not suitable for Gorenie electromechanical machines either. The programmers of this manufacturer have soldered control boards. When checking such modules, it is necessary to unsolder and solder many elements and tracks. The difficulty is that you should not work with a standard "thick" soldering iron, but with a tool with a special thin tip. By the way, not all professional craftsmen have this skill. It is better not to waste time and effort, immediately refuse to disassemble the control device and simply replace it with a new one.

It is worth understanding that self-repair of the command device is a risky business. Some devices have a simple design, are easy to disassemble and assemble at home. Other programmers are so complex that one careless move will lead to their irreparable breakdown. It is better not to experiment with the latter devices, but to immediately contact the service center.