How to replace the heating element in an Electrolux washing machine

Having noted that the automatic Electrolux machine does not heat the water during the washing process, you need to find out the cause of the malfunction as soon as possible. Most likely, this happened due to a breakdown of the heating element. To fix a problem, you don’t have to call a technician; you can examine the part and, if necessary, change it yourself. To replace the heating element in a washing machine you do not need to have any special knowledge, just read the instructions below.

Getting to the part you're looking for

Typically, the heating element in an Electrolux washing machine is located at the back of the washing machine body; it is very easy to reach; such manipulation will take no more than five minutes. The algorithm of actions will be as follows:

• disconnect the machine from the power supply;
• disconnect the machine from the utilities;
• pull out the unit to provide free access to the rear wall;
• remove the back of the case;
  
• remove the drive belt (if it is in the way).

After completing a chain of simple steps, you will see the heating element. The described step-by-step instructions are suitable for front-loading machines. But what if your washer is top-loading? The stages of work will be the same, only the right side wall should be removed, not the back one.

Checking the part

Checking its functionality using a multimeter will tell you whether the heating element needs to be replaced. To carry it out, you need to disconnect the power supply contacts from the part and remove the temperature sensor. Then you need to turn on the mode on the multimeter, which will allow you to measure the resistance.Set the device to 200 Ohm, connect the ends of the selector to the terminals of the heating element.

If the heating element is working properly, the multimeter will display a resistance in the range of 26-28 ohms. When the value deviates from the specified interval upward or downward, the heater is faulty. If the device shows zero resistance, this also indicates a breakdown of the heating element.

Important! When testing the heating element, follow safety precautions; be sure to turn off the power to the machine before starting.

If the device confirms the uninterrupted operation of the heater, this does not mean that the system is functioning properly. There is a dielectric in the cavity of the tubes, and it probably goes to the body of the automatic machine. The heating element should be tested for breakdown to the housing. To do this, the multimeter is switched to buzzer mode. To make sure that the operating mode on the selector is selected correctly, a light bulb will light up on the device and make a characteristic sound. You need to check the element as follows: attach one end of the multimeter to the terminal of the heating element, attach the other end to the body. When the tester does not make any sounds, the system is fully operational. If a characteristic squeak is heard, the heater must be replaced.

Heater replacement work

After you have determined the reason why the washing machine does not heat the water, you should proceed to fixing this problem. It is not difficult to replace the heating element with your own hands, the main thing is to strictly follow the following instructions.

1. Unplug the machine from the power outlet.
2. Get rid of residual water; this can be done using a drainage filter.
3. Gain easy access to the heating element.
4. Take a photo of the diagram for connecting the contacts to the element; this will allow you not to make a mistake with the polarity of the wires during subsequent connections.
5. Disconnect the wiring from the heater.
6. Find the bolt that secures the part, remove it from the groove.
7. Lightly push the fastener inward and pull the heater towards you.

If you cannot remove the element, try prying up the rubber seal with a screwdriver. To facilitate the removal process, you can treat the seal with a special liquid WD-40.

Attention! If you are not completely sure that the problem lies in the heating element, remove the part very carefully, in case it is fully operational and does not need to be replaced.

After the heating element is disconnected, you need to do the following:

• clean the hole in which the part was located from accumulations of debris, remove plaque and scale residues;
• put a new heater in this place, be sure to connect a temperature sensor to it;
• tighten the mounting bolt;
• Connect the power contacts according to the photo taken at the beginning of the process.

When finished, check to see if the problem has been resolved. To do this, run the washing processes one after another, always at different temperature conditions. If the machine is functioning properly, you can replace the housing cover and continue to use the washer.

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