Error F9 in the Atlant washing machine

Belarusian Atlant washing machines, frankly speaking, are not the most reliable. According to statistics from service centers, these machines are among the top five in terms of the number of breakdowns in the first 3 years of operation. Fortunately, these machines have a built-in self-diagnosis system, which allows you to quickly determine the nature of the problem. For the purposes of this publication, we will be interested in the F9 error in the Atlant washing machine. We will provide an explanation of this error, look for the reasons for its occurrence and try to eliminate them.

What does this code mean?

Before we move on to deciphering the F9 error on the Atlant washing machine, let’s see how this code appears on machines of this brand without a display. To recognize not only the F9 code on a washing machine of this brand, but also any other code, you need to look at the bottom row of indicators located on the control panel.

In our case, in addition to the power indicator, the first and fourth lights are on, indicating error F9.

Now let's talk about decoding. If code F9 is displayed on the display or control panel, it means that either the tachometer has failed, or the engine has broken down, or the electrical communications between the engine and the control module have broken down, and, finally, the module itself could have broken down. Let us add on our own that the Atlant washing machine often suffers from problems with the firmware of the electronic module. All it takes is a more or less serious failure in the electrical network and the firmware begins to “become childishly glitchy.”

Fortunately, problems with the electronic module are still less common than malfunctions of the tachometer or engine, therefore, if there is an error F9 on the Atlant washing machine, self-repair is indicated, if, of course, you have sufficient “communication” skills with equipment.

Problems with the tachometer

The Atlant machine has a completely standard internal structure, so if you open the back wall of this “home assistant”, you will not see anything unusual there. The back cover can be removed very easily, just unscrew a few screws. Under the cover you will immediately see:

• rear wall of the tank;
• large pulley with drive belt;
• contacts of the heating element with the wires suitable for them;
• pipes;
• a motor with a chip connected to it with wires and a tachometer.

For obvious reasons, we pay close attention to this last detail. By the way, the Atlant brand washing machine is distinguished by a rather convenient arrangement of internal elements, in particular, through the back wall there is almost perfect access to the engine and tachometer. This is what we will use.

We disconnect the wiring going to the tachometer, then take a multimeter and check the part. Next, we need to remove the tachometer and check its ring, perhaps a layer of oxide has formed inside. If there is even a little oxide deposit, it must be thoroughly cleaned off. If a part burns out, it must be replaced with a similar new one. If you would like more information about this part, please read the article Tacho sensor in a washing machine.

Engine check and repair

The Atlant washing machine may also display an error code F9 if there are any problems with its motor.The problem here is that if the engine has a leak on the housing or the armature is broken, nothing can be done; you will have to change this part. No, well, theoretically, it is possible to repair the engine in these cases, but the cost of repairs will be astronomical; it’s easier to order a new engine.

Okay, let's not delve into philosophy, but let's start checking the engine. First the engine needs to be removed. To do this, disconnect the chip with wires from it, then unscrew the bolts and pull off the motor. Next, we find the brushes, unscrew the holder bolts and pull out both parts for inspection. If the brushes are worn out even a little, they must be replaced. Change the brushes in pairs to ensure even wear.

Buy only original brushes, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the lamellas and then you will end up with expensive motor repairs.

Now we need to partially open the motor housing and check with a multimeter whether there is any current leakage to the housing. Then we check each turn of the winding for breakdown. If no breakdown or leak is detected, and the brushes are completely intact, then the cause of error F9 is not in the engine at all - we’ll look further.

Electrical circuit and control module

What to do if the engine with the tachometer works “like a clock”, and the error code F9 annoyingly informs that the malfunction has not gone away? The answer to this question is obvious - you need to check the circuit between the engine and the control module.

A little earlier we unhooked the chip with wires from the engine. We return to it, taking a multimeter with us. We test each wiring one by one; if any of them does not ring, it must be replaced immediately. We recommend checking the entire bundle of wires at least twice, since errors are not excluded with this method of testing wiring.

If the circuit is fully operational, then the cause of the error lies in the electronic module. If you come to this conclusion, start looking for a good washing machine repair shop, because it is strictly not recommended to repair the control module yourself. Interested in details? Read the article Is it worth it to repair electronic modules yourself?, well, we are gradually approaching the logical conclusions of our publication.

Firstly, we managed to decipher the error with code F9 on the Atlant washing machine. It indicates a malfunction in the tachometer, motor, circuit or control module. Secondly, we came to the conclusion that it is quite possible to check and repair all elements except the control module yourself. And thirdly, we focused on the fact that independent repair of the control module is impractical, as this can lead to even more serious malfunctions. Good luck!

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