Indesit washing machine hangs on the spin cycle

Indesit washing machine hangs on the spin cycle So, the day came when the next wash ended not with spinning the clothes and notifying the user about the end of the process, but with the program freezing. What to do in such a situation? It happens that the washing machine notifies you of a failure in the system by displaying a fault code on the display. But in most cases, the device does not inform what exactly is causing the breakdown. If the Indesit washing machine is stuck on the spin cycle, you should be patient and diagnose its elements one by one. This is the only way to discover the reason for the washing stop.

What should we check first?

Where to start looking for the causes of the problem? The first step is to eliminate common mistakes in operating the Indesit washing machine. So, you need to make sure that:

The “Spin” option was set before washing. It is possible that a mode has been set that does not allow for spinning and draining waste water from the tank. In this case, it is very easy to set up the operation of the machine - just turn on the spin cycle, and the washing will go according to plan;
the drum is not overloaded with things. When wet, laundry becomes very heavy. Rapid rotation of the drum during spin cycles can damage the drive mechanism. As a result, the SMA will stop working. The solution to the problem is simple - remove some of the clothes from the drum and run the wash further.
The washing machine drum is not balanced. Such a nuisance occurs when washing one large item in the machine. The product may get stuck in a large lump, and this in turn will lead to imbalance. By evenly distributing the item over the surface of the drum, you will restore the washer’s functionality.

But what if everything is far from so simple? If device control errors are excluded, but the problem is not solved, you will have to dig deeper. We'll tell you where to start looking for a problem that has occurred in the system.

Main causes of the problem

What could cause the Indesit washing machine to freeze in spin mode? You will have to check most of the details of the automatic machine. First of all, it is recommended to inspect the drum. Perhaps a foreign object got in there during washing and is blocking the operation of the equipment. It can be anything: a coin, a self-tapping screw, a bra wire, etc. The reasons for the Indesit machine freezing can be anything.

Severe wear of shock-absorbing elements. Modern washing machines are sensitive to any changes occurring in the system. If the dampers and shock absorbers are too worn and cannot fully suppress the vibrations that occur during spinning, the machine will stop working. Otherwise, the “home assistant” will jump all over the room. The problem is solved by replacing shock-absorbing devices.
Drive belt defect. This reason is typical only for models with belt drive. Perhaps the belt has simply fallen off or broken, so the drum cannot rotate as before.
Malfunction of the SMA electric motor and tachometer. The engine brushes may have worn out or the electrical part of the motor may have broken down. The Hall sensor controls the number of engine revolutions; if it fails, it needs to be replaced.
Failure of the pressure switch. The water level sensor transmits a signal to the “brain” of the SMA that the tank is full. If the pressure switch does not work, the machine may freeze between the rinse and spin stages.
Incorrect operation of the drainage system.If the water cannot be removed down the drain, the machine will also freeze. The spin cycle will not begin until the waste liquid is drained from the tank. You should check the drain system elements for blockages.

The most difficult repairs will be required if the control board is damaged.

The cause of module failure may be a voltage surge in the network or exposure to moisture on the elements of the control unit. To fix the problem you will have to invite a specialist.

Checking the drainage system

If the machine freezes in the spin mode, you should unscrew and inspect the garbage filter. It is he who takes the brunt of the blow; when the filter element is clogged, the flow of water from the tank is greatly hampered. To check the garbage filter:

open the small false panel located at the bottom of the front wall of the case;
cover the floor under the machine with rags or place a container to collect water;
unscrew the filter element;
inspect its surface, remove adhering dirt, hair, and other debris from the filter;
Shine a flashlight into the resulting hole. Use a rag to clean the deposits from the walls, remove threads and hair wound around the impeller;
put the filter back in place.

Next, inspect the drain hose and pipe for kinks or blockages. The pipe is attached directly to the pump, so it can be accessed through the bottom of the SMA. The elements are disconnected, washed with water and reattached.

Shock absorption system of the machine

What to do next? If the freezing of the machine was preceded by increased knocking and vibration during operation, body jumps, the cause of the problem probably lies in worn out shock absorbers. Dampers and shock absorbers are “hidden” under the washing machine tank.Due to internal springs, they absorb vibrations, ensuring quiet and quiet operation of the equipment. Over time, they wear out and can no longer fully perform their functions. Checking shock absorbing devices is easy. The algorithm of actions will be as follows:

turn off the power to the washing machine;
remove the top cover of the case by unscrewing the bolts securing it;
Press the reservoir downwards with force, then release it sharply.

By observing the movement of the tank, you will know if the shock absorbers need to be replaced. If he jumped up and immediately took his previous place, then the springs worked. A tank that wobbles from side to side will indicate wear of the dampers.

You can gain access to the shock absorbers, if they need to be replaced, through the bottom of the MCA or by removing the rear wall of the case. It is not advisable to repair the elements; it is better to immediately install new shock-absorbing devices.

Let's check the drive belt

What “symptoms” can indicate a damaged drive belt? The following signs may suggest this idea:

stopping the drum during spinning;
slow drum rotation;
The program freezes after launch;
If you turn the drum by hand, it moves very easily.

How to check the belt?

unplug the washing machine cord from the outlet;
remove the top housing cover;
dismantle the back wall by unscrewing the bolts holding it.

The drive belt will be in front of your eyes. Inspect its surface for damage. It is better to replace a torn or stretched belt immediately. If it just fell off the pulley, try pulling it back into place. First, the belt is put on the engine pulley, then, gradually, on the tank pulley.

If the belt comes off and you don’t see any damage, it’s better to replace the element; it’s probably stretched quite a bit, and the problem may recur after a couple of washes.

Checking the engine

After checking the drive belt and making sure that everything is in order with it, it is better to immediately inspect the SMA electric motor. First, check the condition of the graphite brushes. These elements direct current to the motor shaft, after which the motor begins to rotate. Brushes are subject to wear and tear and must be replaced periodically. How to do it?

turn off the power to the washing machine;
get to the engine;
disconnect the power supply to the motor;
unscrew the bolts securing the part, remove the engine from the housing;
Unscrew the screws on the sides of the motor, remove the brushes;
install new graphite rods into the grooves and assemble the engine.

If everything is fine with the brushes, you need to immediately diagnose the motor winding. A multimeter will be useful for this work. If the winding is damaged, the entire motor must be replaced.

Next, the tachometer located on the motor shaft is tested. Inspect the Hall sensor; perhaps the contacts have simply come loose from it. Tighten the tacho generator more tightly, reconnect the disconnected wires. The sensor cannot be repaired; if it malfunctions, a new element must be installed.

Water level sensor

A pressure switch is necessary to measure the amount of water present in the SMA tank. Afterwards, the signal is transmitted to the control module, and the “brain” of the washing machine at the right time sends the command to drain or add liquid. A pressure switch transmitting erroneous readings can “confuse” the intellect, causing the SMA to simply freeze. The level sensor is located directly under the top cover of the machine. It’s easy to check the pressure switch:

If the cause of the freeze has not been identified, it is better to call a technician to diagnose the main control module.

disconnect the sensor by unscrewing the fixing bolts and disconnecting the wiring;
inspect the pressure switch tube for blockages;
blow into the tube. If you hear clicks, the sensor is working.

The replacement pressure switch is selected according to the SMA Indesit model number. The element is connected in the reverse order.