How to fix a washing machine programmer

How to fix a washing machine programmer On the “tidy” of an automatic machine there is a program switching knob. With its help, users select the desired washing algorithms. This is a complex mechanism responsible for activating different modes, starting spinning, draining, and rinsing.

If the shift selector breaks, it becomes impossible to use the automatic. In most cases, you can repair the washing machine programmer yourself. We'll tell you what parts the device consists of and how to repair it.

What parts does the programmer consist of?

Having decided to repair the program selector yourself, you need to find out what parts the device is assembled from. The mechanism includes the following elements:

motor;
fee;
contacts;
gears;
gearbox;
cams (these are special protrusions and recesses that activate the synchromotor).

On modern automatic machines you can find two types of programmers: mechanical or electronic.

Mechanical (hybrid) program selectors are considered the most reliable; they rarely break down. If necessary, they are easier and cheaper to repair. Electronic parts are more modern, but more often they become unusable, as they react sharply to changes in the electrical network.

Repairing a part

First of all, you need to dismantle the programmer, and then disassemble it. The main difficulty is that there are a lot of types of selectors, even on machines of the same brand they differ. And each device has its own characteristic features.

We will explain how to disassemble the Ariston CMA programmer. The algorithm of actions will be as follows:

turn off the power to the automatic machine;
remove the command device from the “dashboard”, having dealt with the fastenings;
find the latches that press the back wall of the device;
pry up the latches and remove the cover of the programmer housing. Proceed with caution, there are small springs hidden underneath that can fly apart and get lost;
carefully remove the board “hidden” under the programmer cover;
remove the largest gear located in the center;
look to see if debris is clogged in the small gears. Often the reason for the programmer not working is just clogged “stars”;
inspect the board, look for traces of carbon deposits on it. If semiconductors or traces are damaged, it will be necessary to arm yourself with a soldering iron.

It happens that there is no visible damage inside the selector. You can check the functionality of the SMA programmer using a multimeter. Attach the probes to the board contacts and measure the resistance between them.

If the readings are normal, you need to disassemble the device further. Follow these steps:

take out all the gears;
remove the selector motor core;
assess whether there are any defects on the extracted elements;
wipe the contacts of the parts with alcohol;
put the programmer back together.

When disassembling the synchromotor, be sure to inspect the motor winding - it may burn out or break.

It is better for owners of Miele or Siemens machines not to start repairing parts with their own hands. Programmers for German washing machines have a very complex structure - they are based on several plates compressed in pairs. During disassembly, these plates fly apart, and it is difficult to restore the structure later. In this case, it is more advisable to entrust the matter to the service center specialists.

But even German programmers are considered “trifle” in comparison with the devices that are equipped with Scandinavian Gorenje and Asko washing machines. Manufacturers supply selectors with a soldered control board. Only a master who works well with a thin soldering iron can fix them.

The specialists themselves almost never agree to repair the program selectors of Gorenje and Asko machines. Therefore, in this case, it is more advisable to buy and install a working programmer. When choosing a device, consider the model of your washing machine.

Why does the part break?

Finding out that the programmer has failed is quite simple. If you turn the selector knob and the machine does not switch washing modes, it means the device is faulty. Other signs may also indicate a breakdown:

The washing machine does not turn on. Of course, there may be several reasons for this, but if there are no problems with the power supply, then the problem is either the control board or the programmer itself;
during washing, the algorithm gets lost, the cycle duration increases or decreases;
After turning on the machine, the display on the dashboard flashes randomly.

Mechanical control devices are very reliable. Usually they work uninterruptedly throughout the entire life of the automatic machine: 10 and 20 years. The main reason for the breakdown of hybrid programmers is considered to be careless handling of washing equipment. For example, if you forcefully twist and pull the handle in different directions, it can easily be damaged.

The main reason for the breakdown of electronic programmers is voltage surges in the electrical network. Also, malfunction of such devices is often caused by moisture getting on the board. And, of course, a manufacturing defect cannot be ruled out.

Most often, you can fix the programmer yourself. This applies to devices installed on Samsung, ElG, Indesit, and Kandy washing machines. It is better to entrust the repair of command devices of Miele and Siemens machines to specialists. And it is more advisable to immediately replace the selectors of the Swedish and Slovenian Gorenje and Asko automatic machines with new ones.