How to remove the temperature sensor in a washing machine?

If the automatic machine stops heating water, most likely the heating element or thermistor has failed. You can replace components with your own hands, without the help of a specialist. We'll tell you how to get to the elements, how to remove the temperature sensor on a washing machine, and what difficulties you may encounter in the process.

How to remove and how to check?

A novice technician may need to remove the temperature sensor to diagnose the element. Even more often, the thermistor needs to be removed from the heating element housing in order to move it to a new heater. Removing the part may be difficult, but with a little effort, the goal will be achieved.

The temperature sensor is installed on the heating element. The element measures the degree of water in the tank and transmits this information to the main control module. If the machine washes things in cold water, with other specified cycle parameters, you will have to check both the heater and the thermistor.

The heating element and temperature sensor are in most cases installed under the washing machine tank.

To remove the heating element along with the thermostat, you must:

turn off the power to the washing machine by unplugging the power cord from the outlet;
turn off the tap responsible for the water supply;
remove the rear panel of the case by unscrewing several bolts securing the wall;
take a photograph of the wiring diagram for the heating element and temperature sensor. The photo will help you avoid mistakes during reassembly;
remove the terminals from the elements;
loosen the central nut holding the heating element;
push the heater screw inward and, using gentle, rocking movements, remove the heating element from the socket.

If you are confident that the heating element is working properly, and you only need to remove the temperature sensor to diagnose it, the tubular heater itself does not need to be removed. Look at how the thermistor is secured to the element. On different models of washing machines, the fixation method may differ.

For example, on Samsung machines, the thermistor is secured with metal teeth. To remove the temperature sensor, you need to unscrew the nut that secures it, move the plate and sealing rubber to the maximum possible distance, insert a screwdriver into the hole formed and break the teeth. Only then will it be possible to remove the thermostat.

On some machines you won't have to break anything. It is enough to simply reset the wiring, remove the latch and remove the temperature sensor with gentle, rocking movements. If scale prevents you from removing the thermostat, use a syringe to “drive” a little dishwashing liquid into the gap.

To diagnose the temperature sensor, you will need a multimeter.

Using a multimeter, the resistance of the thermistor is measured. The tester should be switched to ohmmeter mode and the probes of the device should be placed against the contacts of the temperature sensor. Normal values at room temperature (20-23°C) are approximately 6 thousand ohms.

Next, you need to immerse the sensor in warm water (50°C) and wait until it warms up. Then remove the thermistor and re-attach the probes of the device to its contacts. If the thermostat is working properly, the readings on the tester screen will drop to 1350 Ohms. For other values that are very different from the standard, the element will have to be replaced; it cannot be repaired.

Freon sensor recess

Owners of washing machines equipped with a freon temperature sensor will have a little more difficult time. It will be necessary to remove not only the rear panel of the case, but also the front wall with the “tidy”.This will provide access to the outside of the thermostat. The further algorithm of actions will be as follows:

find the wiring, it is located at the back of the case;
carefully pull off the insulation;
use a thin spike to pick up the rubber seal enveloping the copper tube and remove it;
gently press on the base of the heater so that it is easy to remove from the groove;
remove the heating element with the temperature sensor through a special hole in the tank.

Most often, sensors of this type cease to perform their functions due to damage to the freon tube. A leak occurs and the thermostat cannot operate at full capacity. If you find a defect, be sure to replace the part.

Removing an element with a bimetallic plate

The location of the bimetallic sensor is no different from the usual one - it is “hidden” under the tank of the washing machine. To gain access to the part, it is necessary to partially disassemble the machine body. Having reached the element, you need to disconnect the wiring, remove the thermistor and check its resistance with a multimeter. temperature sensor

After measuring the value at room temperature, warm up the sensor and repeat the test again. The indicator on the device screen should decrease significantly. If there is no sharp fluctuation in resistance, you will have to replace the element. Most often, bimetallic temperature sensors stop working due to plate wear. The element cannot be repaired. It is necessary to find, buy and install a new part similar to the one removed.