The Indesit brand is widely distributed on the Russian market. This is more reliable technology than Ardo and other brands, but it is also prone to breakdowns. Reviews from users of washing machines from this company show a variety of breakdown statistics, but it is worth noting that in each specific case everything depends on the correct handling and design features of the model.
As part of the article, we will analyze the main malfunctions of the Indesit washing machine and describe what to do to eliminate them, and this will help direct the owners’ efforts to repairs without panic.
What affects the frequency of malfunctions in the Indesit washing machine?
The Indesit company was founded in Italy, but now has factories in many countries around the world, which has made its products cheaper for the end consumer. The most popular and sought-after models from this brand today:
- BWE 81282 LB - with a huge display;
- BWSB 50851 – with a very affordable price;
- BTW D 51052 W - with vertical loading.
In general, this is a reliable technique that can serve for many years, but even it breaks down from time to time. The nature of breakdowns and their frequency for this particular brand depends on the following factors:
- Indesit washing machines come with vertical and horizontal loading types. In the latter, the hatch cuff leaks more often, since it undergoes increased loads to ensure tightness.
- The type of drive for transmitting torque is direct or belt. When using pulleys and a belt, increased vibration and breaking of components occurs, which contributes to the rapid failure of bearings and bushings.
- The frequency of malfunctions in the Indesit washing machine is also affected by correct installation. If the horizontal is incorrectly set, one side will undergo increased loads, which will accelerate the wear of mechanical parts.
- How often the machine is used (every day or a couple of times a week) naturally affects its trouble-free service life.
When faced with a malfunction, you don’t need to be scared and think that you will now have to buy new equipment - most breakdowns can be fixed in a few hours if you have the tools and spare parts. Some problems can be fixed even with your own hands. But first you need to diagnose the malfunction, determining exactly which unit or part is damaged.
Diagnostics of malfunctions of the Indesit washing machine
Finding the exact location of the breakdown can be difficult, since most users have little knowledge of the structure of the washing machine and the purpose of its internal elements. In devices with a display, a displayed hint will help diagnose the malfunction. Such equipment can independently examine the performance of the main components and show where the failure occurred.
Errors in this brand's technique are indicated by the letter F and several numbers. Their decoding is given in the operating instructions. If it is lost, you can use the following list, which corresponds to most Indesit models:
- 01 - there is a break or short circuit in the wires leading to the motor;
- 02 - the sensor reading the drum revolutions has failed or its power supply has been interrupted;
- 03 - the heating element relay is faulty or the liquid temperature is incorrectly determined;
- 04 - there is too much water in the drum or there is no water at all;
- 05 - draining is impossible due to a blocked pump impeller;
- 06 - contacts in communication loops are damaged or missing;
- 07 — the operation of the heating element is blocked by protection because the tank is empty;
- 08 - water has entered the relay and it cannot be turned on;
- 09 — the control module has failed (program error);
- 10 — the liquid level is determined incorrectly;
- 11 - the pump cannot cope with pumping out water;
- 12 - no contact in the electronics circuit;
- 13 - setting a certain level of liquid heating is violated;
- 14 - models with drying capabilities do not enable this function;
- 15 — the controller in the clothes drying mode is broken and the process cannot be stopped;
- 16 - it is impossible to unlock the drum (only for vertical machines);
- 17 - the door closing and locking sensor is broken (or the hatch is simply not closed);
- 18 - electronics module is broken (complete breakdown).
If the unit does not have a display, then to diagnose malfunctions of the Indesit washing machine you will have to rely on external factors that can be visually observed. It is important to determine at what stage the work stoppage occurs and what is functioning and what is not. Here we pay attention to:
- Does the machine turn on at all (indicator lights come on, you hear the sound of water filling, pumping out)? Or the device is completely silent and does not respond to button presses.
- Is there rotation from the motor to the drum?
- Are there any extraneous sounds in the form of grinding or squeaking?
- Are there any leaks or is the tank empty?
By conducting diagnostics, you can find most breakdowns yourself. Next, you need to build on their character and decide whether to repair it yourself or turn to specialists. A description of common faults and ways to eliminate them will help with this.
The washing machine is leaking
If an automatic washing device leaks, first you need to find out where the liquid is coming from. It can flow from below, or it can pour out of the hatch. This is usually caused by damage to the washer parts.
Classic reasons
- A problem with the hose is the most common reason why the device leaks (for example, Bosch WAN 28260 BY). If there is a violation at the joint, the problem is solved by replacing the gasket. If the reason is a damaged hose, it should be replaced.
- The tank is damaged - in this case it is impossible to do without replacing components. To determine problems in the tank, you need to inspect the bottom of the device. You will need a flashlight or a keychain option, like KingCamp LED 1. You can find where the machine is leaking by following the traces of water. If the washing unit has a vertical loading, then you will need to remove the part of the housing located on the side.
- The oil seal has failed - in this case it is worth looking at the tank and the place where the bearings are located. If they are worn out, they, like the oil seal, will need to be replaced.
- The pipe for filling into the tank is damaged - the fixation is weakened in the place where the parts are connected. To restore the fasteners, epoxy resin is needed. To do this, you will need to dismantle the pipe, dry it, remove the adhesive residue, and then apply “epoxy” or moisture-resistant glue to fix the part during installation in the same place.
- The problem is in the drain pipe - it is recommended to replace the element by first removing the top cover of the washing machine body (for example, Bosch WLG24160BY).
- The drain pump is worn out - this can also be solved by replacing it.
- The seal of the hatch has broken down - the cuff has become “aged”. The damage is repaired with a rubber patch, which is glued with waterproof glue. For strength, it is recommended to remove the fixing clamps and change the position of the repaired part so that the patch is on top.
- The dispenser is faulty: the “hopper” (the recess for filling with washing powder) is clogged or the water supply power has increased, the water inlet valve has broken. If the problem is in the “hopper” or the dispenser compartment, it is worth cleaning the spare parts; if it is in the valve, it will need to be replaced.
Possible malfunctions of the Indesit washing machine in electronics and electrical
Since Indesit washing machines contain many sensors and a complex microcircuit that are subject to constant stress in the form of vibration, this leads to periodic problems in the electrical circuit. Here are the most common problems with this brand of household appliances:
Network filter
Just behind the wire entry into the housing is a small block with a visible spool of wire. This element protects against frequency surges in the network and various impulses that can damage equipment located further down the chain. Unfortunately, for the Indesit brand, failure of the surge protector is one of the most common malfunctions. This is not due to poor contact or small cross-section of the wires, but due to the accumulation of condensation on the device.
Signs of such a breakdown will be a complete lack of functioning (starting the program, drawing water and spinning does not work). The only thing that will help here is to replace this small part, which will require unscrewing the housing cover and re-soldering the contacts to the new filter.
Control module
Indesit washing machines with mechanical controls last quite a long time, 8-12 years. Due to the simple power switching circuit on the programmer, they are reliable and easy to operate. Models with one switch, rather than two, are the most unpretentious. Replacing the programmer is the rarest failure.
But Italian technology with electronic control and large displays, although much more convenient than its predecessors, is also more “capricious”. From time to time, the control module may generate an error in the operation of the program, or even fail. Signs of such a malfunction in the Indesit washing machine will be:
- random flashing of indicator lights;
- burning codes 09 and 18 on the screen;
- draining the water immediately after collecting it;
- too short or, on the contrary, long washes;
- no spin.
Although such a unit is more complex than a programmer, its repair does not consist of replacement, but of reflashing. To do this, you will need a master with a computer and a special program. By re-entering the software, you can restore normal operation of the entire device, which will save time and money on repairs.
heating element
Some Indesit washing machine models have a steel heating element without additional coating. This promotes accelerated adhesion of water deposits to the surface of the heating element. Such a “crust” leads to a deterioration in the heating of the liquid and the element’s own overheating. Ultimately, the heating element burns out and the machine washes only in cold water.
This malfunction of the Indesit washing machine can be determined by the cold glass door and poorly washed powder in the supply container. You can finally diagnose a burnt-out heating element by disassembling the housing and “ringing” its two contacts with a tester. The terminals are on the right and left, and in the middle there is a contact for grounding.
Repair consists of installing a new heating element with the same power and size.
Pressostat
At the bottom of the tank of the Indesit washing machine there is a pressure switch that determines the presence of water level. If it burns out, then the device does not know whether there is liquid in the tank, so the washing programs stop working (no water is collected), rinsing, spinning (the control module does not receive data that there is water and it needs to be removed).
The device is mounted on a small plate at the bottom of the case. To reach it, you may have to turn the unit on its side. By unsoldering two of its contacts and installing a new one, the problem is completely solved.
Tachogenerator
The Indesit company installs a speed sensor on all its machines, which has the shape of a metal ring with a stator (electric winding). A magnetic rotor connected to the axis of the drum rotates inside this device. The leads are soldered to the wires and tell the main unit how fast the rotation is during washing and spinning.
A malfunction of the Indesit washing machine is manifested in the fact that the spin speed is too high (800 rpm is set for comfortable ironing of shirts, but they are overdried), or at very low speeds (water drips from the laundry after being removed from the drum). If such signs are detected, you will need to disassemble the housing and get to the back side of the drum, where the sensor is located. Replacing it with a similar one eliminates the problem of weak or strong revolutions.
Engine
Among the malfunctions of the Indesit washing machine, there is also a break in the electric motor winding. Most often, the manufacturer uses engines with a square body and a belt transmission of torque. They are installed in the lower right corner, and rotation is carried out through a pulley system.
Burnout of wires in the winding manifests itself in the cessation of drum revolutions. At the same time, all other functions work (the program lights are on, water can be filled and drained).
To finally detect the breakdown, the machine body is disassembled to gain access to the electric motor contacts. They are displayed on the side and are in a white block. The tester “rings” the winding, and if the current does not pass, then the motor burns out.
There are two options for repairs: rewind the motor (if you have a good specialist for this) or install a new motor that matches the mounting holes and power.
Button contacts
A broken button contact is the most common malfunction of an Indesit washing machine. Due to strong vibration and thin wires, the terminals inside the electrical unit fray or fall off. This manifests itself in the absence of a light indication on a certain button (pre-wash, add speed, wash without spin, start button) or a reaction to pressing it.
To check the version, you need to remove the top cover and use your fingers to pull each wire leading to the control panel. If a loose cable is found, then using a soldering iron and tin you can return it to its place.
UBL
To prevent the apartment from being flooded with water when the door is poorly closed, manufacturers equip Indesit washing machines with a hatch blocking device. After closing the door and pressing the start button, the system locks the lock and will not allow it to be opened until the process is completed.
If this unit is broken, then the control module does not receive information about the state of the door and “thinks” that it is still open, so the equipment does not work further.
You can recognize such a malfunction of the Indesit washing machine by the buttons that continue to light, but there is no characteristic locking click when you press start of washing. The repair consists of replacing the UBL, which is located inside the housing and has an electronic-mechanical effect.
Solenoid valve
An electromagnetic valve is used to regulate the water supply to the tank. The Indesit brand uses unit models with one and two coils, which depends on the specific type of equipment.
They operate on the same principle: water enters through one channel and exits through another. Between them there is a barrier plate that seals the vestibule, which receives commands from the control module. Shutting occurs by supplying power to the electromagnetic part of the assembly.
When a failure occurs, the following symptoms may appear:
- water is not collected at all;
- too long accumulation of liquid in the drum;
- At rest, water appears in the tank spontaneously.
To fix a problem with the valve of the Indesit washing machine, you will need to disconnect the supply hose and remove the top cover. The valve is secured with two screws that can be unscrewed. You can try to blow out the inlet in case plaque has gotten into it, and restart the unit after returning the unit to its place. If the above symptoms continue, the solenoid valve will need to be replaced.
Possible malfunctions of the Indesit washing machine in the mechanical part
Problems in the operation of the Indesit washing machine also occur in the mechanics, which leads to water leakage, grinding and blocking of rotation, as well as the inability to drain. Here are the most common breakdowns in this category:
Drum axle bearing or bushing
If you hear a grinding or squeaking sound when the drum rotates, then the malfunction of the Indesit washing machine lies in the failure of the bearing located between the central axis and the container for loading laundry. This usually happens after prolonged use for 6-8 years. The lubricant dries out and the assembly begins to crumble due to heat and mechanical stress.
Depending on the model of the washing machine, it is possible to get the bearing out in different ways: in one case, a pulling device is used, and in the other, you will need to saw the outer wall of the drum along the seam and work from the inside. For such work, it is best to invite a master. After installing a new bearing, thoroughly lubricate it with grease.
The sleeve it fits into has three or four arms for securing. Sometimes the walls of the sleeve break off and fall into the drum. This manifests itself in noise during washing and spinning. From time to time, small iron objects or shavings can be found in the drain filter. Replacing a cross with new walls is also difficult and requires the intervention of a specialist.
Feed filter
This is a malfunction that periodically occurs in all washing machines, including the Indesit brand. A filter is installed in front of the faucet in the drainage line to the washing machine and at the entrance to the housing itself, trapping small particles, plaque and rust.
When capacity is reduced, water will flow slowly or stop altogether. The signs are a delay in starting, even though the indicators are working normally. To correct the situation, sequentially unscrew the above places and remove the blockage.
Impeller jamming
Another mechanical malfunction of the Indesit automatic washing machine is the jamming of the pump impeller, which is responsible for draining the water during rinsing and spinning. The unit is located immediately behind the drain filter, and is made in the form of a plastic propeller with three blades. Rotating from a small electric motor, it pumps out liquid.
If iron coins, hard objects forgotten in a pocket, or disintegrating parts of the drum bushing get into it, the blades may lock. This will manifest itself in the form of a humming pump and undischarged water in the tank. To troubleshoot the problem:
- stop the program;
- unplug the device from the outlet;
- unscrew the drain plug;
- drain the liquid;
- shine a light into the impeller and make sure that the foreign object is there;
- pry it with tweezers and pull it out.
Leaks from under the door
Mechanical malfunctions of the Indesit washing machine include leakage from under the door during operation. This is due to wear of the cuff responsible for sealing. There may be two reasons for this: the rubber on the cuff has shrunk and become thinner, so the tightness of the hatch closure has decreased, or the cuff has been punctured by a hard object.
In the first case, you will need to purchase a similar cuff, suitable in size and fastening. Its installation is quick and completely solves the problem. The cost of such repairs is low. In the second case, it is necessary to disconnect the cuff, seal it and turn the damaged part towards the top of the hatch, releasing the water pressure on this part.
Clogged drain filter
The most common malfunction in an Indesit washing machine, which can be fixed in 5 minutes, is a clogged drain filter that allows dirty water to pass through for the next rinse cycle or spin cycle. Threads, hair and small objects can get stuck in it, and over the years a decent layer accumulates, creating a jam.
To repair an Indesit machine yourself you will need:
- stop the program;
- turn off the power;
- unscrew the drain plug;
- remove all debris from its conical or mesh part (depending on the model);
- check the cleanliness of the compartment into which it is screwed;
- put everything back in place.
Strong vibration
Owners of Indesit washing machines also complain about periodic strong vibration during washing or spinning. Although the device has a shock absorption system that can fail, most often the cause is improper distribution of the laundry in the drum, which can be corrected by stopping the program and rearranging the items (this can only be done during the period without water - between rinses).
Indesit washing machines will last a long time if you respond to detected faults in a timely manner and carry out repairs correctly. If you do not have the necessary skills or tools, it is better to call a specialist.
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Possible malfunctions
If independent attempts to correct the error did not lead to results, then your Ariston ACS is faulty and requires the help of a professional technician. Here are the breakdowns our technicians fixed when code H20 appeared on the screen.
Fill valve - from 1600 RUR*
With this error, the water supply valve to the machine most often fails. Usually the solenoid coil of the valve burns out, so it does not open, and the washing machine does not draw water at all or only during rinsing.
The second situation occurs in Ariston washing machines with a two-section valve. In this design, one section of the valve is responsible for collecting water during washing, and the second part for rinsing. When the part of the valve that opens during rinsing fails, the Hotpoint-Ariston washing machine does not rinse the laundry and displays error H20. And during washing, in this case, the machine fills with water normally.
The valve cannot be repaired and must be replaced.
Water level sensor (pressostat) - from 1,700 rubles*
The pressure switch measures how much water is in the Ariston washing machine. If there is an H2O error, the signs of its malfunction are as follows:
- the Ariston washing machine constantly fills and drains water, and then the H2O error code is displayed;
- The washing machine overflows water (too much water in the tank), then drains it and displays H20.
The pressure switch chamber becomes clogged, its hose becomes damaged, becomes clogged or falls off, or the sensor itself fails. The wizard diagnoses the level sensor and:
- cleans the pressure sampling chamber;
- blows out the pressure switch hose;
- puts the hose on the sensor if it comes off;
- changes the tube if damaged;
- completely changes the pressure switch if its sensor is faulty.
Electronic controller (control module) - from 2100 rubles*
The control unit is the “brain” of the washing machine; it contains all the algorithms for the operation of the SMA. With this error, the part that controls the water intake fails (valve control triac, resistors, capacitors, etc.) or the firmware becomes faulty. In this case, the Ariston machine does not pour water at all or takes in little water, then drains it and displays error H20.
It is necessary to replace the failed elements on the board in the water inlet circuit, solder the burnt or rotted tracks and contacts on the microcircuit. If the firmware fails, the technician removes the board and takes it to the workshop. There, a master electronics engineer unsolders the memory, programs it again using special equipment and solders it back.
If the controller is seriously damaged or the processor fails, the entire control module is replaced.