Indesit washing machine does not switch modes

Why does it happen that sometimes the Indesit washing machine does not switch modes? What could be the reason for this behavior of the “home assistant”? Should I call a professional or can I solve the problem myself? Let's look into the nuances.

Let's focus on two possible problems

You should not immediately disassemble the body of the washing machine in order to see any obvious damage. First, analyze the behavior of the “home assistant”. You may be missing something important. Try running the automatic machine in different modes. If on any program the SMA does not proceed to rinsing and spinning, then there really is a problem.

Be sure to run the washing machine separately in the “Rinse + Spin” mode. If this program is executed, then breakdown and clogging of the elements of the drain system can be eliminated. When the device freezes during this function, you will have to additionally check the pump, garbage filter, pipes, and drain hose.

Experienced craftsmen, who have repeatedly encountered the reluctance of the machine to switch modes, identify two typical reasons for this behavior of the “home assistant”. In 95% of cases, the “culprit” is the heating element, in the remaining 5% it is the control module. Since statistics point more to the heating element, it is this that is checked first.

Where to look for the heating element?

What to do to check the heating element of an Indesit washing machine? There is nothing complicated in the work ahead; you can cope with the task yourself, without the help of a specialist. To diagnose the heating element, you will need a multimeter (you can buy a tester for $2-3).

The location of the heating element differs in different washing machines. Italian manufacturers took care of their consumers and placed the heater in such a way that it could be reached simply by removing the back wall of the SMA. Therefore, this type of repair is considered easy.

There is no need to buy a new heating element in advance. It's better to first get to the tubular heater and check it with a multimeter. If it is damaged, dismantle the element and go to the store directly with it. This will make it easier to find a similar spare part.

Changing the heating element with your own hands

You can replace the heating element at home. The main thing is to strictly follow the instructions for action and observe safety regulations. Before starting work, be sure to turn off the power to the washing machine. Further:

• disconnect the automatic machine from the water supply and sewerage;
• pull out the machine so that you have free access to the rear of the case;
• Unscrew the self-tapping screws around the perimeter of the rear panel with a Phillips screwdriver;
• move the wall to the side;
• find the heating element - it is located below, under the tank;
• attach the multimeter probes to the contacts of the tubular heater;

Normally, the heating element should produce a resistance of about 25-35 Ohms; if the readings are very different, then the heating element is faulty.

• take a photo of the heating element wiring diagram;
• disconnect all contacts with terminals from the part;
• loosen the central nut holding the heater, twist it from the bolt;
• press the bolt into the hole;
• remove the heating element from the SMA body, helping yourself with a flat screwdriver;
• remove the temperature sensor from the old heater and move the thermostat to the new heating element;
• clean the seat from debris and dirt;
• place the new tubular heater in the socket, secure it with a bolt and nut;
• connect the wires to the terminals of the heating element, focusing on the photos taken earlier;
• Replace the rear panel of the SMA housing and secure it with bolts;
• connect the washing machine to the communications.

After this, you can run a short test cycle. Observe whether the machine switches modes and starts rinsing and spinning. If yes, the problem can be considered solved. No - you will have to diagnose the control module.

Will replacing the control module help?

If the heating element of the Indesit automatic machine is working, but it still does not switch modes, you will have to check the electronic unit. It is better to entrust diagnostics of the control module to service center specialists. If the unpleasant guess is confirmed, then you can replace the board yourself so as not to overpay.

To replace the main control module SMA Indesit, you must:

• turn off the power to the washing machine by unplugging the power cord from the outlet;
• turn off the shut-off valve responsible for the water supply;
• disconnect the device from the water supply and sewerage;
• remove the top cover of the machine (by unscrewing the two self-tapping screws holding the panel);
• remove the detergent dispenser;
• remove the bolts securing the control panel of the washing machine;
• remove the dashboard by removing the plastic latches;
• take a photo of how the wires are connected from the electronic module to the control panel;
• disconnect the wiring from the unit;
• move the control panel to the side;
• Unscrew the screws holding the control module;
• remove the electronic unit from the machine.

A new control module is purchased for a specific SMA Indesit model. Installing a working electronic unit is performed in the reverse order.First, the board is fixed in the case, then the wires are connected to it (it is better to focus on the photo taken so as not to confuse the contacts). Next, the tidy and the top cover of the washing machine are fastened into place.

After assembling the body, turn on the machine and check how it responds to commands. If the “brain” responds correctly to pressing buttons and turning the programmer, then the job is done correctly. Next, run a test cycle - the washing machine should start switching modes.

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