How to change the control module of a washing machine

control module in Ariston One of the most unpleasant breakdowns in the SMA is the failure of the main control module. The electronic unit is the “brain” of the washing machine. It controls all processes, from water intake to draining and spinning. If the board is damaged, the machine will not be able to wash.

Replacing the control module of a washing machine is not an easy task. It is necessary to act as carefully as possible so as not to further damage the equipment. We'll tell you how to install a new electronic unit yourself.

When do you need to change the “electronic brain” of SMA?

First you need to make sure that the problem is really in the control unit. Sometimes the illusion of a module failure is created by another faulty part of the washing machine. This is very important, because if the reason is in another node, then replacing the board will not solve anything, and the money will be wasted.

You can suspect damage to the microcontroller by the “behavior” of the SMA. This problem has characteristic symptoms. Let's figure out in what situations it would be useful to check the electronic unit.

The washing machine does not start spinning, and the control panel freezes and stops responding to button presses. In this case, the fault code is not displayed.
The display on the “tidy” blinks chaotically, and it is impossible to select and start the washing algorithm.
The machine allows you to select a mode and start the cycle, but the process stops there. The machine either does not start drawing water at all, or all the liquid immediately goes down the drain. After a few minutes, the washing machine freezes and “reanimates” only after a reboot. When you restart, it is likely that the wash will run as normal.
The washing machine, regardless of the selected mode, works for 3-4 hours without ever starting to spin or drain. The pump doesn't even try to pump water out of the system. After some time, the device freezes.
After starting the SMA and trying to select the desired washing mode with the programmer, the device freezes and turns off.
The engine changes the drum speed at its discretion.
The heating element ignores the commands of the temperature sensor and cannot heat the water to the specified degree, leaving it either cold or bringing it to “boiling water”.

If the machine cannot correctly perform the washing algorithm, freezes during the cycle, or turns itself off, this is a reason to check the functionality of the control module.

Each of the described symptoms may indicate either a board failure or a failure of any sensor. For example, the reason that the water does not reach the desired temperature may be a non-working heating element or thermistor. A damaged pressure switch can cause gravity flow. Before attempting to replace the control module, be sure to perform a comprehensive diagnostic of the washing machine.

Let's run a self-test of the machine

Modern automatic machines can help in identifying breakdowns. Washing machines have a self-diagnosis system for faults, which needs to be activated. At the end of the test mode, the device will display an error code indicating the problem area. How to run auto-check?

On all machines, the self-diagnosis system is activated differently; information on how to enter the service mode is given in the user manual.

On the control panel of some models there is a special button, by clicking on which you can start self-diagnosis. This is the simplest option for activating test mode.On Ardo washing machines, auto-check is activated as follows:

the programmer handle is rotated to a vertical position, while the arrow “looks” down;
the temperature is set to zero;
All buttons on the control panel are pressed at once.

Running a service test on many Indesit models is done like this: Test mode of the Indesit washing machine

The program selector is set to position 1, the machine turns on;
the programmer is moved to position 2, the washing machine is turned off;
the selector returns to the first position, the “ON” button is pressed again;
The program switch knob is set to position 3, the washing machine turns off;
the programmer rotates again to the first position;
the start key is pressed;
the switch turns to “Drain”.

Once you run the auto check, you will have to wait. The machine will begin to perform all stages of the cycle one by one: drawing water, spinning the drum, etc. This is necessary to identify at what point the failure occurs. During the service test, the washing machine will display a fault code corresponding to the problem. You can decipher the error using the instructions for the SMA.

If the error code stands for “damage to the heating element,” then you shouldn’t delve into the “brain” of the machine. It will be enough to install a new heating element. But if the machine specifically indicates problems with the control module, repair of the controller cannot be avoided.

The self-diagnosis system does not always indicate a specific problem. Sometimes the error code indicates completely different problems, for example, damage to the fill valve, broken wiring, and module failure. In this case, each node is checked with your own hands.

The control module is checked with a special device - a multimeter.

All other “suspicious” parts are also tested with an ohmmeter. The device can measure the resistance between contacts and check parts for breakdown. Such manual diagnostics will allow you to identify the problem with one hundred percent probability.

Replacing the control module

In some cases, it is possible to repair the control board, but usually experts advise replacing the entire module. In the vast majority of frontal automatic cars, the electronic unit is located behind the dashboard. It is quite large in size, so it will be difficult not to notice the controller.

To avoid wasting time searching, take a look at the instructions. It shows exactly where the control board is located. To dismantle the module, you must:

turn off the power to the washing machine;
turn off the tap responsible for supplying water to the system;
disconnect the machine from communications;
remove the top panel of the case by unscrewing the bolts holding it and unfastening the latches;
take out a cuvette for detergents;
remove the bolts located near the powder receptacle;
Unscrew the screws securing the tidy;
carefully remove the control panel without touching the wires;
capture the wiring diagram in a photo;
disconnect the bundle of wires from the control panel, move the tidy to the side;
unscrew the bolts holding the control board;
remove the control module from the SMA housing.

Then carefully inspect the controller for damage. These may be traces of soot, mechanical defects, or rust. In some cases, the board can be “reanimated” by replacing the semiconductor or soldering the track. However, most often repairs will take more time and money, so it is easier to replace the unit with a new one. seriously damaged control board

If the warranty for the machine has not yet expired, do not diagnose and repair it yourself. Entrust this to the service center specialists. When the free service period has expired, you can try to fix the washing machine at home.

Installation of the new control module is carried out according to the same scheme, in reverse order. The controller is fixed in the machine with bolts, wiring is connected to it (when connecting the chips, you need to rely on the photos taken during disassembly). Then the dashboard, powder receptacle and top cover are returned to their place.

After assembling the machine body, check its functionality. Connect the washing machine to the mains and run an idle cycle. The problem should be resolved. If the machine completed the program in normal mode, then the replacement of the control module was completed correctly.