How to change a washing machine button with your own hands?

The vast majority of modern washing machines are controlled by keys, so if one of them stops working properly, you have to replace it. Especially when it comes to the button to turn on/off the washing machine or start the wash. Let's figure out how to independently replace the washing machine button.

What could have happened to the button?

So, there are several types of problems that affect the buttons on the SM control panel.

• Sticking of a key, that is, its constant stay in the pressed position. If there is an indicator, the light will be on all the time.
• The key may fall into the groove.
• The button may fall out of the groove.
• Sometimes a button appears to work properly, but does not execute the commands for which it is responsible.

According to statistics, failure of washing machine buttons is a rare occurrence. If this happens in the first days or weeks of operation, you should contact the service support center, since the issue is most likely a manufacturing defect.

If we exclude manufacturing defects from the list of causes of failure, the following factors may cause problems:

• careless handling of the keys. If you press or hit them too hard, it’s no wonder that this will lead to breakage;
• accumulation of dirt and dust under the key rim. When the layer of dirt becomes too dense, it can prevent the button from contacting the control board, so there is no reaction after pressing the key;
• wear of control levers. This is a purely depreciation process, so it practically never comes across on units less than 5 years old;
• problems with the control board itself (the machine does not respond to commands, not because of the button).

The only thing a user can do to extend the life of the keys on their SM is to handle them with care and periodically clean the sockets. This is especially true for the buttons that are used most often (turn on, start and select modes).

If an insignificant button on the panel stops working, in principle this makes further use of the unit still possible. However, it is necessary to identify the “root of evil”, since the problem may lie in the control module, which means that sooner or later it may spread to other keys and even elements of the control system. If the module breaks down, repairing it yourself is not possible and will not be cheap.

Can I restore the button myself?

If you are not confident in your ability to repair washing machine buttons, it is better to entrust this to a professional. The process of cleaning and replacing keys consists of several stages.

• Disconnect the machine from the water supply and electricity.
• There are screws on the back wall that hold the top cover of the washing machine. Unscrew them and remove the cover.
• We disconnect all the wires and terminals, having previously recorded their original position using a photo.
• We release the control unit from its fastenings and move it away from the front wall of the CM. Thanks to this, we get unhindered access to the keys.

Important! First, thoroughly clean the socket from dust and debris and check whether this will somehow affect the operation of the key. You can quickly check using the ringing method.

If cleaning does not bring results, you can start replacing the button. To do this, you need to unsolder the old key and solder a new one in its place.

Also inspect the board for swelling, darkening and other uncharacteristic details. If such are found, it makes sense to change the board, not the buttons. Reassembling the unit is carried out in the reverse order.

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