Repair of the control unit and of the Samsung washing machine

A breakdown of the main electronic module of the washing machine is a serious matter. With such a malfunction, the washing machine may not turn on at all, or start, but perform programs with errors. For example, do not start spinning, wash in cold water, etc. Such failures make it impossible to use the machine.

In this case, you can't do without repairing the control unit. We'll tell you why the module of a Samsung automatic machine can fail. Let's figure out whether it's possible to repair the controller yourself.

Why does the control unit break?

Samsung washing machines are highly reliable. The brand produces equipment that meets European quality standards, so the machines usually do not require repairs for many years of operation. However, a small percentage of breakdowns still exists.

The main electronic unit of the Samsung washing machine can break down due to various factors. Let's look at the main reasons for this malfunction.

• Factory defect. Its percentage is minimal, but still this factor takes place. It can be determined visually - the board will have poorly soldered contacts, peeled tracks, areas of solder spreading, etc. Usually the malfunction manifests itself during the first month of using the washing machine. In this case, you should contact the service center, the breakdown is included in the warranty list, so it will be fixed free of charge.
• Problems with electricity. The electronics of modern washing machines are very sensitive to voltage fluctuations in the network. A strong "surge" can cause the control unit to fail.
• Liquid getting on the board. The module should never come into contact with water. Otherwise, it will lead to oxidation of contacts and tracks. Sometimes the user exceeds the dosage of detergent and the "soap cap" goes beyond the tank, seeping to the electronics. The microcontroller shorts out and stops functioning. Often in such a situation, it is enough to dry the control unit well.

Mice or rats, which like to gnaw through contacts, can also disrupt the operation of the control unit of the Samsung washing machine. Cockroaches that have crawled inside the machine can cause a malfunction. Let's figure out how to check whether the electronic module is really not functioning correctly.

Let's make sure the block is broken

How do you know if the problem is really in the microcontroller? The "symptoms" of this malfunction can be different. You can think about the need to repair the control unit if the following signs are observed:

 

• The washing machine collects water in the tank and immediately drains it,
• The machine does not turn on, and the error code appears on the display,
• All indicators on the dashboard are lit or flashing,
• Washing programs are performed incorrectly, with significant violations (the duration of the cycle increases, the water does not heat up to the required degree, etc.),
• The drum rotates unpredictably - sometimes quickly, sometimes very slowly.

If the equipment simply hangs during the program execution, then it is also likely that the problem is in the control module. The self-diagnostic system of Samsung washing machines will help to identify the cause of the equipment failure. Information on how to activate the test mode is provided in the instructions.

You can inspect the control board yourself, at home. To do this, you will have to remove the electronic unit. This is done as follows:

• De-energize the washing machine,
• Turn the shut-off valve to turn off the water supply to the washing machine;
• Unscrew the two bolts holding the top cover of the case, remove it and put it aside;
• Remove the powder container from the machine;
• Remove the screws located around the perimeter of the control panel;
• Remove the instrument panel by disconnecting the wire contacts;
• Release the latch and open the module cover.

Next, the unit is inspected for carbon deposits, damage to contacts, tracks, and oxidized areas. Even one semiconductor can burn out - and this will already cause equipment failures. What to do if such defects are detected?

Is it possible to repair the unit yourself?

Removing the electronic module on Samsung washing machines is quite simple. On machines of other brands, the work process will be similar. The main difficulties begin after - specific knowledge and tools are needed directly to repair the control unit.

If you have never worked with electronics and do not understand what tracks or semiconductors are, it is better not to risk repairing the washing machine yourself. You should entrust the work to specialists when:

• It is noticeable that some areas of the control board have changed color (these may be dark spots or scorch marks),
• The capacitors have changed shape (their caps may become convex),
• The varnish coating on the magnetic coils has faded,
• The area where the main processor is located has darkened,
• Changed the color of the microcircuit pin.

In these cases, soldering of the board and replacement of some semiconductor elements will be required. It is advisable to entrust such repairs to specialists. Otherwise, you can cause even more damage to the machine.