You turned on the washing machine, loaded the laundry, pressed Start and were sure that the washing program would start. But something went wrong. The program did not start or started, the machine filled with water and then stopped. Perhaps an error is displayed on the control panel.
What could be the reasons for such behaviour of the washing machine and how to deal with the situation - we will figure it out in this article.
The washing machine turns on but does not wash - what can you do yourself
If the washing machine behaves strangely and does not start washing, first of all it is worth excluding the following errors in its operation.
- The door of the machine is not closed. Perhaps you have not closed the hatch completely or something is preventing it from closing. Check the door: if something is blocking it, put clothes deeper into the drum and make sure the door is closed securely. Or simply open and close the door until it clicks.
- There is no water in the house. To make sure that water is supplied, simply open the water tap. For example, in the sink. In case of problems with the water supply, contact the management company.
- The water supply to the washing machine is shut off or the shut-off valve is not fully open. Check if the tap is fully open. Perhaps someone in the household accidentally closed it. Open it all the way for the machine to operate normally.
- The inlet hose is kinked or pinched by an object. Inspect the entire length of the inlet hose. If you find a kink or clamp, straighten the hose so that water can flow freely into the washing machine.
- The inlet valve filter is clogged. Each automatic washing machine has a mesh filter that catches large particles and impurities from the tap water entering the washing machine. If the filter is clogged, the water pressure weakens, or no water enters the machine at all. To fix this, turn off the water supply to the washing machine, disconnect the inlet hose from the machine, remove the filter with pliers and wash it. If limescale has formed that cannot be simply washed off under running water, soak the filter in a citric acid solution. After cleaning, insert the filter back, connect the water supply hose and do not forget to fully open the shut-off valve.
- The "delayed start" mode is enabled. This function is available in most modern machines. It allows you to program the wash for a convenient time. Check if you have accidentally activated this function. If so, reset the settings so that the washing machine starts washing right now.
- The "child protection" function is activated. In modern models of washing machines, this option blocks the reaction to pressing the keys on the control panel so that children cannot accidentally start or stop the program. That is, you press the "Start" button to start the wash, but the machine does not accept this command, considering it an accidental press by the child. To deactivate the function, as a rule, you need to press and hold the "Start" button for a few seconds or a combination of two keys indicated by a special icon (usually in the form of a child's face). Exact information on how to turn off the child mode can be found in the manual for your washing machine.
- Electronics (control unit) failure. Sometimes, due to power surges, the intelligent control module freezes. In this case, it needs to be rebooted. To do this, disconnect the machine from the power grid for 10-15 minutes, and then plug it back into the socket. If after disconnecting from the power, the washing machine starts working normally, it was a one-time failure of the control unit, and you have successfully dealt with it.
Why does a new washing machine turn on but not wash?
If a new washing machine does not start, the reason is definitely either incorrect operation or incorrect installation. Let's consider such situations in more detail.
- There is no water supply in the apartment. Check if there is water in the tap: to do this, turn on the cold water in the sink. If there is no water, contact your management company.
- The shut-off valve is closed or not fully open. Check whether the water supply valve to the washing machine is open. Perhaps one of the household members has closed it. If so, open the valve to the "maximum open" position.
- The filler hose is pinched or kinked. Inspect the entire length of the hose. Something may have fallen on it or it may be twisted. Free or straighten the hose if there are visible problems.
- The "Delayed start" function is activated. This function is designed to select the start time of washing. Perhaps you accidentally turned it on, and the washing machine plans to wash at a later time. Reset the settings and turn on the program again if you plan to wash right now.
- Low voltage in the network. If the voltage in the electrical network drops below 200 V, most modern washing machines refuse to work and "go" into an error. If low voltage is detected, contact your power supply organization.
- Incorrect installation of the drain hose, which causes water to drain out of the machine by gravity. Normally, the drain hose should be raised to a certain height (about 60 cm from the floor) to prevent spontaneous drainage of water from the washing machine tank. If the installation was done incorrectly, you need to reconnect the washing machine according to the instructions: yourself or by calling a technician.
Possible malfunctions in which the machine turns on but does not start washing
If you have checked all possible situations from the list above, and none of them are similar to yours, alas, most likely something is broken in the machine. According to the experience of the Wash Man masters, the following malfunctions can lead to such a problem.
1. Water supply valve is faulty
The inlet valve is a unit that is responsible for supplying water to the washing machine. It consists of a plastic housing that contains an electromagnetic coil and a membrane. When electricity is supplied to the coil, the membrane opens, and the machine begins to fill with water.
From the experience of the masters! In modern washing machines, the valve usually consists of two or even three sections, each of which has its own coil and membrane. Each section is responsible for filling with water at a certain stage of the program. For example, in two-section valves, one section opens when filling with water for pre-wash, the second - for the main wash, and both sections open when the machine fills with water for rinsing.
Sometimes, during long-term use of the machine, the coil burns out, which is why the membrane does not open when voltage is applied to the coil. As a result, water does not enter the machine, the washing machine does not start washing, and a water intake error is displayed.
Signs
The washing machine does not fill with water and does not start washing. The display may show a water filling error code. Depending on the brand of the machine, the errors may be as follows:
- 4E or 4C in Samsung washing machine,
- H20 in Indesit washing machines,
- IE in LG machines,
- H20 in Ariston or Hotpoint-Ariston machines,
- E17 or F17 in Bosch washing machines,
- E4 in Haier,
- E10 in Electrolux,
- E02 in Candy.
How To Fix
The fill valve needs to be replaced with a new one.
2. The hatch locking device (HLD) is out of order
The door locking mechanism (UBL) ensures that the door is closed during the program. Structurally, the UBL consists of a housing in which a thermal element (tablet) and a bimetallic plate are located. Voltage is applied to the thermal tablet, which causes it to heat up, transferring heat to the plate, which bends and presses the latch. It enters the groove and the machine hatch is locked.
Unfortunately, over time, the coating of the heating element burns out and the tablet is destroyed. Less often, the bimetal loses its properties. As a result, the operation of the UBL is disrupted: the door remains unlocked, the machine "understands" this and does not start washing.
Signs
The machine does not lock the door when the program starts and does not wash. It is possible that a door closing error is displayed. Depending on the brand of the washing machine, the codes may be as follows:
- dE, Ed, door, dC in Samsung cars,
- F06, F6, F17 or door in SMA Indesit,
- dE in LG washing machines,
- F06 or F6 in Ariston or Hotpoint-Ariston washing machine,
- F16 in Bosch,
- E40 in Electrolux cars,
- E01 in Kandy.
How to fix
The UBL mechanism cannot be restored; it is replaced with a new one.
3. Worn out engine brushes
In commutator motors, the brushes come into contact with the rotating commutator and create torque, which causes the motor shaft to rotate.
Over time, due to friction, the graphite brushes shorten and their contact with the collector deteriorates. This leads to a decrease in engine power, and users notice that the washing machine does not reach high speeds during spinning.
When the brushes are shortened to 1 cm, contact with the collector is lost, the drum stops rotating altogether, and the washing machine does not start washing.
Signs
At first, the washing machine could not reach high speeds during spinning, and then it stopped rotating the drum altogether. Washing does not start, although the door is locked, and water is poured in. Perhaps the display shows an engine error, in particular:
- UE or 3E in Samsung washing machines,
- F1 or F01 in Indesit machines,
- F01 or F1 in Ariston or Hotpoint Ariston,
- F21 or E02 in Bosch,
- E50 in Electrolux,
- E08 in Kandy machines.
Also, some users note that before the machine stopped washing, the engine sparked.
How To Fix
Brushes are consumables and are replaced with new ones.
4. Control board defective
The control unit is the intelligent part of the washing machine. In fact, it is a microcircuit that consists of many radio elements, tracks and a processor. It is the board that receives all the data from the washing machine sensors. It also gives commands to turn on and off various units of the washing machine.
Unfortunately, boards are extremely sensitive to moisture and voltage drops. Due to such external factors, radio components on the board fail, their contacts burn or oxidize, and tracks burn out.
In a situation where the washing machine turns on but does not wash, possible faults should be looked for in the UBL circuits, water supply valve, motor, water level sensor or heating element on the board.
Signs
The machine turns on but does not wash. Perhaps the display shows an emergency code. Depending on the circuit on the board where the breakdown occurred, the control unit error may light up, as well as the lock, water inlet, pressure switch, motor and even heating element errors.
How To Fix
First, a visual inspection of the control module is carried out for damage. Then the electric circuits are rung. Based on the diagnostic results, defective components are replaced and oxidized or burnt contacts and tracks are cleaned and soldered. If serious damage or a processor malfunction is detected, the board is replaced completely.
5. The water level sensor is out of order
The pressure switch is a unit that is responsible for determining the water level in the washing machine. This device consists of:
air chamber, housings with built-in diaphragm, coil and contacts, pressure tube that connects the body to the chamber.
When the machine fills with water, the pressure in the air chamber changes. The changes are transmitted through the tube to the sensor, contacts are closed in it, and information that the water has reached the required level is sent to the control module. It, in turn, gives the command to the control valve to stop filling with water.
If the washing machine does not start the washing cycle, a possible cause may be a broken pressure switch, which is stuck in the "full tank" position. As a rule, the malfunction is associated with a clogged air chamber, pressure tube or defective sensor contacts.
Signs
The machine does not fill with water and does not start washing. The display shows a pressure switch or water fill error. Depending on the brand of the washing machine, the following errors may occur:
- 1E, IE, 4E or 4C in Samsung machines,
- F04, F4, H20 in Indesit washing machines,
- PE or IE in LG machines,
- F04, F4, H20 in Ariston or Hotpoint-Ariston machines,
- F26, F27, E17 or F17 in Bosch washing machines,
- error 10, FA, E4 in Haier,
- E32, E33, E34, E37, E10 in Electrolux,
- E20, E21, E02 in Candy.
How To Fix
The pressure switch is inspected. The clogged air chamber is cleaned, the tube is blown out. If the sensor contacts are damaged, the pressure switch is replaced with a new one.
6. Washing machine motor broken
It is the washing machine motor that makes the drum rotate. Like other units, the motor can fail. Especially if the washing machine is old or has been systematically overloaded. Here are the types of failures that occur in this unit:
breakage of stator or rotor windings; interturn short circuits of windings; defects in the collector lamellas: their delamination.
Signs
The washing machine does not start washing, the drum does not rotate. In this case:
if the stator or rotor winding breaks, or if the lamellas are defective, the motor cannot be heard at all; When there is an interturn short circuit, the motor makes a humming sound, but the drum does not rotate (or rotates only when the program is started with an empty tank), and the motor may also spark.
Additionally, the washing machine may display a motor error. Depending on the brand of the washing machine, the errors may be as follows:
- 3E in Samsung cars,
- F01, F1 in Indesit washing machines,
- LE in LG machines,
- F01 or F1 to Ariston,
- F7 or error 13 in Haier,
- E50, E54 in Electrolux,
- E07, E08 or E09 in Kandy.
How To Fix
Repairing the engine is not practical; it is replaced with a new one.
7. Defective tachometer
A tachometer (or Hall sensor) is a unit mounted on the engine rotor. It determines the speed of rotation of the shaft by analyzing the voltage generated.
Often, vibrations during operation of the washing machine cause the tacho sensor to break down: because of them, the magnet unscrews. Sometimes, the coil burns out. If the tacho sensor is damaged, the control module cannot determine the drum rotation speed, and the washing machine does not wash.
Signs
The washing machine drum does not rotate after starting the wash cycle or makes several revolutions and stops. The display may show a tachometer or motor error. Depending on the brand, the alarm code may be as follows:
- 3E, UE in Samsung washing machines
- F02, F2 in Indesit, UE, LE in LG machines,
- F02, F2 in Ariston and Hotpoint-Ariston,
- F21 in Bosch,
- E50, E52, E56 in Electrolux,
- E07, E08, E17 in Candy.
How To Fix
The tachometer sensor is inspected. If the magnet has come loose, it is put back in place. If the coil is damaged, the sensor is replaced with a new one.
8. The drive belt has come off or broken
The drive belt is responsible for transmitting rotation from the motor to the drum. The rubber part can stretch and wear out over time, especially if the machine is often overloaded. In washing machines that have been idle for a long time, the belts often dry out and crack. In addition, a belt break or slip can be associated with drum play due to bearing failure.
Signs
The washing machine behaves "as usual": the LEDs are on, water is poured in and drained, the engine hums as usual. But the drum does not spin, and the wash does not start.
How To Fix
A stretched or torn belt is replaced with a new one. If the belt has simply come off, it is put back on the pulley. In all cases, the bearings and the crosspiece are checked. If they are found to be damaged (usually an indirect sign of this is loud noise during spinning and play in the drum), then the bearings and/or the crosspiece must be replaced.
9. The leak protection system (Aquastop) has been activated
Many modern washing machines, starting from the middle price segment, are equipped with a leak protection case. Aquastop is a microswitch and a special sensor made of foam and is located on the bottom of the washing machine. When a leak occurs, water gets into the tray, the float sensor floats up and the switch is triggered. The signal from it goes to the control module, which gives the command to drain the water. The washing machine does not respond to commands and constantly drains the water until it is removed from the tray.
Leaks can appear in the following places:
- In the connections of the filler pipe with the tank or dispenser for detergents,
- In the connections of the drain pipe with the tank or pump,
- In a damaged drain hose or its connection to the pump,
- In a damaged drain pipe,
- In the tank if it is punctured,
- In bearings, when the seal has lost its tightness, and water flows through the bearings down the tank into the sump,
- In the hole where the heating element is inserted, if its gasket has lost its tightness.
Signs
The washing machine does not respond to start and other commands from the control panel, no program works. The drain pump does not turn off. Water has appeared in the tray. In machines with a display, the Aquastop error may light up, in particular, F23 in a Bosch washing machine or EF3 in an Electrolux.
How To Fix
It is necessary to remove water from the tray, determine the location of the leak, and then fix it.
- If a leak occurs in the connections, it is necessary to tighten the clamps or replace them with new ones.
- If the pipe or drain hose is damaged, they are replaced with new ones.
- If the tank is punctured or the bearings are leaking, these components also need to be replaced.
- If water is leaking through the heater gasket, in most cases the entire heating element assembly needs to be replaced, as gaskets are almost never sold separately.
We discussed this topic in detail in the article “Why does the washing machine leak from the bottom?”
10. The heating element (TEN) has failed
The heating element is responsible for heating the water in the washing machine tank. Structurally, it is a metal body with a heating coil inside. During the use of the machine, the heating element becomes covered with scale from various deposits: impurities from water, residues of detergents and even small debris such as dust, lint, threads, etc.
A heating element covered with scale has a deteriorating performance: it takes longer to heat the water to the set temperature. This leads to either the heating coil burning out or the housing itself burning out. In the latter case, a short circuit occurs.
Signs
The machine locks the door, perhaps even fills the tank with water, but does not wash further and drains the water. The display may show an emergency code for a heating element malfunction. Here are the heating errors in the most common brands:
- H1 in Samsung washing machines,
- F08, F8 in Indesit,
- tE or HE in LG machines,
- F08, F8 in Ariston or Hotpoint-Ariston washing machines,
- F06, F07, F19 in Bosch washing machine,
- F4 in Haier, E03 in Electrolux washing machines,
- E16 in Kandy.
If the heating element housing burns out, the washing machine may blow out fuses.
How To Fix
The heating element should be replaced with a new one.
11. Temperature sensor is faulty
The temperature sensor is a thermistor integrated into the heating element. The unit is responsible for determining the water temperature. If it fails, the control board does not understand whether the water is hot enough, and the wash does not start.
Signs
The washing machine locks the door, perhaps even fills with water, but the wash is interrupted almost immediately, and the water is drained. The display may show an error with the temperature sensor or heating. Here are the most common emergency codes depending on the brand of the washing machine:
- H1 and tE in Samsung washing machines,
- F03, F3 in Indesit,
- tE or HE in LG machines,
- F03, F3 in Ariston or Hotpoint-Ariston washing machines,
- F19, F22, F37 or F38 in Bosch machines,
- error 3 or F4 in Haier,
- E61, E62, E66, E68, E69, E3A, E71 or E74 in Electrolux,
- E05 in SMA Candy.
At the same time, programs without heating water can proceed normally.
How To Fix
The temperature sensor cannot be repaired and must be replaced. If the thermistor is built into the heating element, the heating element with the temperature sensor assembly is replaced.
12. Damaged wiring, loose or faulty contacts
Due to constant vibrations during operation, wires often wear out, contacts come loose and burn out in washing machines. If the machine turns on but does not wash, the signal break may occur in the water supply valve circuit, UBL, motor, pressure switch or heating element. In private homes, mice and rats often gnaw the wiring.
Signs
The machine does not start washing. It may fill with water but then drains and writes an error. Depending on where the signal is interrupted, an error may be displayed about the hatch blocking, water intake, motor, pressure switch or heating element.
How To Fix
It is necessary to find the place where the signal is broken for this, the circuits are rung. Then, depending on the nature of the breakdown, the wires are twisted, or the entire wire cable is replaced. The loose contacts are inserted more tightly into the connector. If the contacts are burnt or oxidized, they are cleaned and soldered. In case of extensive damage, the entire contact group is replaced.
If your washing machine turns on but the wash does not start, it is time to seek qualified help. The technicians of the mobile service "Repair City" have already repaired thousands of washing machines. We will help you with the repair too.
We promptly respond to requests and arrive at a time convenient for you: including on the day of the request. We carry out washing machine service at your home without the need to transport the washing machine to the service center. We provide a guarantee of up to 3 Months for all types of work and new spare parts. We make sure that your equipment works as it should.
