Malfunctions of Hotpoint Ariston washing machines

The Hotpoint Ariston brand produces washing machines that are distinguished by their stylish design, functionality, good build quality, and ergonomics. In addition, the equipment has high performance characteristics. However, even the most reliable equipment is not immune from breakdowns. Let's look at typical malfunctions of Hotpoint Ariston washing machines and see how the damage can be repaired.

Learn to “communicate” with your machine

Frequent breakdowns are not typical for Ariston washing machines. In most cases, an automatic machine whose service life does not exceed five years will work flawlessly if the user provides proper care for it. As for typical malfunctions, most often housewives complain about a clogged drain system. Hair, debris, threads that get into the pipes, pump and filters form blockages. As a result, the machine cannot remove water from the tank after washing. In isolated cases, the unit begins to make a lot of noise during operation, does not begin to draw liquid, or refuses to wash at all.

Almost all Ariston SMA models are equipped with a self-diagnosis system for faults. The automatic machine itself informs the user about a detected breakdown by displaying an error code. After this, all that remains is to decipher the designation and understand the reason for the failure that occurred.

The interpretation of the codes should be found in the user manual; this information is also freely available on the Internet.

Having identified which element is damaged, a decision is made about the possibility of repairing it yourself or the need to call a specialist.Let's imagine the decoding of the symbols issued by the self-diagnosis system.

• F1 Indicates a malfunction in the engine drives. You can repair the equipment by replacing the controllers.
• F2 Informs that the main control module is not receiving a signal. It is better to entrust the repair to a specialist, as the engine will need to be replaced. However, before drastic actions, it is necessary to check the reliability of fastening of all elements in the electric motor-controller chain.
• F3 Indicates a malfunction of the temperature sensor. The thermostat may need to be replaced.
• F4 Appears when the sensor that measures the water level in the system does not operate correctly. Often, such a code is displayed on the display when the connection between the controllers and the pressure switch is poor.
• F05 Indicates that the drain pump has failed. Perhaps the problem is that the pump is clogged, then cleaning the element will help correct the situation. Also, the reason may be a short circuit or break in the winding; this can be checked with a multimeter.
• F06 Indicates that the buttons on the control panel do not function. In such a situation, you will have to reinstall the panel.
• F07 Informs that the heating element of the washing machine is not covered with water. During the repair process, you will need to check the connection between the heating element, the main module and the pressure switch. Parts may need to be replaced.
• F08 Indicates a stuck heating element relay or problems with the controllers. New parts should be supplied to replace non-functioning ones.
• F09 Indicates a failure caused by the non-volatility of the SMA memory. In this situation, flashing the microcircuits will help.
• F10 Indicates incorrect operation of the controller responsible for the water level in the tank. The element will need to be replaced.
• F11 Displayed on the display when the pump stops sending signals about its operation.
• F12 Indicates an open circuit between the sensor and the display module.
• F13 Lights up when the drying mode is violated.
• F14 Informs about the impossibility of drying after selecting a certain washing program.
• F15 Indicates that drying does not stop automatically.
• F16 Indicates that the hatch door is not tightly closed. The locking device may have failed. We need to check the lock.
• F18 Indicates a serious problem - problems with the microprocessor.
• F20 Appears on the display a few minutes after the cycle starts. Indicates that it is impossible to draw water into the tank. The problem may be a breakdown of the control unit, lack of water in the water supply, insufficient pressure or damage to the valves.

Having identified the cause of the malfunction, it becomes clear how to proceed. You can deal with certain breakdowns yourself; sometimes you will have to contact a service center for help.

If the screen is missing

Automatic Ariston machines that are not equipped with a display signal faults detected by the self-diagnosis system by flashing the display on the control panel. Most washing machine models have only two indicators - a symbol confirming the hatch is locked and a power light. The door lock LED is usually in the form of a lock or key and is always on. When selecting the desired washing mode, the selector knob rotates in a circle, while clicking slightly.

Certain Hotpoint Ariston models indicate breakdowns by flashing the “lock”, the “Spin” light and the “Program End” LED.You can find automatic machines without a display that tell you about an error by showing the temperature indicators at 30°C and 50°C. At the same time, the LED will light up to indicate washing in cool water and indicators 1, 2 and 4 will flash.

Refuses to turn on

The reason that the machine does not want to turn on is most often a broken power cord, a broken socket or a damaged control module. First of all, you should check whether the electricity supply to the house has been cut off. If not, make sure that the outlet is working properly by plugging another device into it. Next, the power cord is inspected - defects on it are visible to the naked eye. Repairing the main control unit can only be done by an experienced technician; it is not worthwhile to delve into the electronics of the SMA on your own without the necessary knowledge.

The Hotpoint Ariston washing machine may not start if:

• The inlet hose is clogged or the water intake valve is broken. Due to the inability to collect water for washing, the equipment will not be able to work;
• the engine is faulty. In this case the cycle cannot be started either.

To find out the reason why the washing machine refuses to work, you will have to perform equipment diagnostics. If the problem is in the power cord, you can replace it yourself. If there is a problem with the control unit, it is better not to start repairing it yourself.

The belt does not hold, there is no spin

Users of an Ariston washing machine may encounter problems with motor failure (the drum will not rotate), failure of the Hall sensor (a device that regulates the number of rotor revolutions) or breakage of the drive belt. As a result of at least one of these malfunctions, normal operation of the machine will be impossible.

To check the operation of the motor and the integrity of the belt, you should remove the back cover of the washer housing.

Once you have access to the elements, you can begin diagnosing them. If the reason lies in a broken tachometer, it is advisable to invite a specialist to carry out repairs.

The drive belt stretches and falls off after using the Ariston for several years. The failure of the element may occur earlier if the elastic band was initially of poor quality. This also leads to constant overload of the machine, causing the drum to rotate and the belt to be thrown off. In addition, the rubber band may break if the pulley is loosened. If the drive belt is very stretched or has visible defects, it is better to immediately buy and install a new one suitable for your model Ariston.

The machine may not start spinning due to a blockage in the drain system. Waste water is not discharged into the sewer system, thereby slowing down the operation of the equipment. It is better to start troubleshooting by washing the debris filter, then you need to clean and check the pump.

To diagnose the engine, you will need a multimeter. The tester measures the resistance of the motor winding. If it is missing, the engine will have to be replaced.

Drum stopped, no water

The drum of an Ariston washing machine may not move for several reasons. Firstly, due to a fallen drive belt. In the event of such a malfunction, the washing program will start, the machine’s motor will hum normally, but the drum will freeze in place. The problem is solved by replacing the rubber band.

If the washer does not pick up speed in the spin mode or does not spin at all, it may be worn out. engine electric brushes, they need to be replaced quickly.It is also likely that the tachometer that controls the rotation speed of the drum has failed. The Hall sensor will have to be changed. It is possible that the automatic machine initially rattled and made noise during operation, and then stopped rotating. In this case, the issue may be broken bearings. The solution to the problem is to replace them.

Very rarely, such a symptom may indicate a breakdown of the electronic module. It is also possible that the signal in the wiring or contacts of the elements may be interrupted. To solve the problem, it is better to invite an experienced specialist. The machine does not fill most often due to a clogged inlet hose, a damaged fill valve, or a broken pressure switch. In this case, do-it-yourself diagnostics and repairs are acceptable. Much less often, the problem lies in a broken control unit.

Problems with the door, cold water

One day the user may discover that the hatch does not close. There may be mechanical damage (such as deformed plastic latches) or an electronic failure that is causing the door to not lock. When using the washing machine for a long time, the hinges on which the door is hung may also sag.

A frequent breakdown can be considered the failure of the heating element. If the machine does not heat the water, it is worth inspecting the element. In most cases it will need to be replaced. The heater becomes covered with scale, which provokes its combustion.

Failures that occur infrequently

In fact, failure of the main control module is extremely rare. The diagnostic system recognizes the malfunction and notifies the user about it. Also, “noise problems”, which are situations where the washing machine makes a lot of noise or grinding noise, does not often occur. Here, most likely, the oil seal and bearings will need to be replaced.Perhaps the problem is loose counterweights, which also cause the equipment to operate too loudly.

If an automatic machine is leaking, it is better to invite a technician to carry out diagnostics to avoid damaging the electrical insulation of the device.

What other “symptoms” of a malfunction can an Ariston washing machine produce?

• Stop rinsing clothes. Here you first need to examine the heating element. When the element cannot heat the water, the next wash cycle does not start. If the heater is working properly, you will have to check the thermostat.
• Do not wash the powder out of the dispenser. In such a situation, cleaning the filters will help. Rarely is the water supply mechanism disrupted, then detergents also remain in the cuvette.

Whatever the malfunction of the Ariston washing machine, you should diagnose the problem as soon as possible. Based on the information received, it is worth determining whether it is advisable to repair it yourself or whether it is better to contact specialists. Elimination of minor defects can be done at home, but it is better not to get involved in SMA electronics without experience and skills.

1 reader comment

1. 01/04/2022 at 09:34

   Ula:

   The washing machine (F 11) broke down, called a repairman. The technician began to change the heating element without diagnostics (by the way, he took the original heating element) p. Then I changed the pump, after a test connection the machine did not start working. This time there was already (F 01). I didn't drain the water either.In the process of replacing the pump in the rubber tube that went to the pump, the master pulled out and threw away the part - a ball slightly larger than a tennis ball. As a result, without making the machine, I asked to pay 4,500 rubles. I get the impression that I was deceived. I didn’t ask to change the heating element, and the new pump also didn’t bring any benefit... as a result, there’s no money, the machine doesn’t work.

   Answer