Should I repair electronic modules with my own hands?

Electronic modules of washing machines are the most complex parts of this household appliance. They are based on a printed circuit board, on which the controls for each unit of the washing machine and its parts are located in a special order. The microprocessor, the most expensive part of the control module, synchronizes the operation of the elements. The electronic modules of modern washing machines can break, and this is where the main problems begin. In the article, we will discuss these problems and outline ways to resolve them.

How to understand that a module is broken?

The most basic problem is to understand whether the control module is actually broken and needs repair, or if one of the units of the washing machine actually broke, and it is it that creates the appearance of damage to the electronics. The resolution of this issue is of priority importance, because if you immediately start repairing or changing the module without sufficient reason, you will throw money away and the problem will not be solved.

Therefore, to begin with, we will figure out how to diagnose a problem with an electronic module? Let's start with a simple one - we will study the typical signs of electronic module failure. In about half the cases, the electronic modules of modern washing machines give out the cause of the malfunction with their “behavior”. All that remains for us is to recognize and identify this.

1. The washing machine does not wring the laundry, while the control panel freezes, and it does not react to user actions, the error code is not displayed on the display.
2. All the lights on the control panel all together and flash alternately, while it is not possible to start any washing program.
3. The washing program is set and started, while the water either does not get into the tank or the water drains immediately, and after that the machine hangs “tightly”, only a reboot saves. In this case, after restarting the washing can be carried out in normal mode.
4. The machine at any washing program erases 3-4 hours in a row without stopping, without switching to rinse and spin. The drain pump does not attempt to remove water from the tank. After a long time, the machine freezes.
5. After turning on, when trying to set the washing program, the machine freezes and immediately turns off.
6. The washing program is set, the washing course is displayed on the display, however, in reality nothing happens, water does not pour into the tank, the drum does not spin - nothing happens.
7. The engine often unjustifiably changes the speed of rotation of the drum, even if the change in speed is not due to the program. The drum alternately and for a very long time rotates in one direction, then in the other.
8. Teng of the washing machine either overheats the water, then leaves it cold, ignoring the temperature sensor.

Important! The indicated behavior of the washing machine only hints to us at a malfunction and future repair of the electronic module. To make sure finally, it is necessary to conduct a series of tests.

Each of the eight above signs of damage can indicate both a malfunction of the control module and a malfunction of one of the sensors or the unit of the washing machine. To make sure that this is truly an electronic module, you must first run the autotest of the washing machine, and then test the aggregates of the machine manually. Only then can the final conclusions about the malfunction be drawn. So how to do a washing machine autotest?

On different models of washing machines, autotest is done in different ways. Therefore, we recommend that you carefully read the manual for your model of automatic washing machine. We give an example of self-testing using the Ardo washing machine as an example.

• We translate the arrow of the programmer into a strictly vertical position, so that the arrow points down.
• Set the temperature to zero.
• Check that the drum is empty and there is no water in the tank.
• We press all the buttons on the control panel at the same time, after which the machine’s auto-test mode should start.

At the end of the test, the display should show an error code corresponding to either a malfunction of the washing machine unit or a malfunction of the electronic module.

Note! The test cannot be carried out in washing machines in which an induction motor is installed, or on ultra-modern machines with a built-in self-diagnosis system (there is a special button on the “self-diagnosis” panel).

Autotest does not in all cases give an adequate result. To verify the malfunction of the electronic module, you need to ring it with a multimeter. The same thing needs to be done with all suspicious aggregates by ringing them one at a time. The work, of course, is very painstaking, but this is the only way to make sure 100% of the malfunction of the electronic module.

Why does the control module break?

There are many reasons for the breakdown of the electronic module. And not all reasons are due to improper operation of the washing machine. But first things first.

1. Factory defect: one of the board parts or the track is damaged.
2. Moisture, work in very high humidity.
3. Voltage drops.
4. Disconnecting the washing machine several times from the mains during the washing program.

Factory marriage, unfortunately, is characteristic of both cheap and expensive washing machines.

Most often, such a marriage occurs in the most difficult part of the washing machine - in the control unit. Fortunately, in most cases the problem is identified in a short time, when the machine is still under warranty, but sometimes the problem manifests itself only after a few years. In this case, repairs have to be carried out at their own expense and often with their own hands.

Any automatic washing machine is designed in such a way as to work in very harsh environmental conditions, especially high humidity. However, in some cases, it is moisture that causes the failure of the electronic module. In general, moisture causes a short circuit, which destroys electrics and electronics. After that, the machine will definitely need serious repairs.

If you connect the washing machine to a "defenseless" power supply, the voltage drop may well burn any unit of the washing machine or all units together, including the electronic module. This can be avoided if you include in the electrical communications that supply the washing machine, a difavtomat.

And finally, the user factor. Never unplug the washing machine during operation from the mains. Several of these outages may well disable the electronic module. If you urgently need to turn off the washing machine, it is better to click on the stop, and then turn it off - this will be less harmful than a sudden shutdown.

Repair it yourself or call the master: which is more profitable?

Now we turn to the main question: is it worth it to repair the electronic module yourself or is it better to entrust this responsible matter to specialists? The answer to this question is quite difficult. Everything will depend on your knowledge, skills and abilities to work with microchips and printed circuit boards, as well as on the nature of the breakdown.

The amateur’s most basic problem is detecting a breakdown in the electronic module. Each part needs to ring, identify a burned out element or a punched track, and then replace the element or solder the track. The likelihood that you will do everything right with mediocre skills tends to zero.

Of course, it is possible to replace the electronic components of modern washing machines, but this will not work, especially if high-quality diagnostics have not been carried out. The new electronic module board is likely to burn again.

There is another option - remove the entire control unit and give it to the master for testing. This is not recommended by experts. If you already invite the master, then you need to give him the opportunity to ring and check the control unit in place, directly on the washing machine. So he has the ability to identify the problem more accurately.

Important! Electronic modules of modern washing machines can only be repaired by qualified craftsmen, do not trust repair to anybody, take an interest in the recommendations of a specialist before entrusting him with work.

Like it or not, it’s more profitable to contact a specialist. Do-it-yourself repair of such a complex element of a washing machine can lead to even greater costs. In the worst case, when conducting an incorrect equipment test, you can burn not only the control unit, but also the heater, engine, drain pump or all at the same time - you have to buy a new car. This begs the question - why take the risk, is it not better to entrust the repair of your home assistant to a good master?