What to do if the washing machine does not respond to a button press? In the article we will provide step-by-step instructions, tell you whether it is possible to repair or replace the buttons with your own hands.
The electronics of the washing machine are the most vulnerable part. This applies to the control panel and buttons on it. The keys are constantly affected by the user, they get powder, rinse aid, which leads to a failure in work.
Causes and signs of damage
How to determine the cause of the malfunction by external signs:
- The start button does not turn on. When pressed, the machine does not react in any way.
- Pressing the “Start” key causes the LED to light up, then nothing happens.
- When the “On / Off” button is selected, all the lights start flashing.
Why buttons do not work:
- A strong impact on the buttons leads to the fact that over time they sink.
- The cause of the breakdown may be detergent on the panel. As a result, the keys stick.
- Broken contacts leading from the electronic board to the buttons.
Note! If the power button does not work after buying and installing the washer, the reason is a factory defect. Contact the warranty service.
Most often, buttons that are subject to frequent exposure break down. These are the Start, Pause, program selection buttons. Also, the rotary selector fails.
Diagnostics of malfunctions, their elimination
Before looking for the cause of the malfunction, disconnect the machine from the network and communications. Start the test with the simplest element that does not require disassembling the machine.
Voltage problems
It happens that you try to start the washer, but nothing happens. It is not necessary to immediately contact the service, maybe you have a power outage. In this case, you just need to wait for it to resume.
There are also power surges in the network itself. If the voltage level is too low or vice versa exceeds 220 volts, then the washing machine will not work. To check the guess, take a multimeter, set the toggle switch to voltage measurement mode. Attach one probe to the COM jack on the outlet, and the other to the VΩmA jack.
Keep in mind! Network problems can occur if your neighbors use high-power equipment.
If you find problems in the network, then you will need the help of an electrician.
Extension cord defective
It is recommended that the washing machine be connected directly to the network. But if you use an extension cord, choose a quality device with overload protection.
Carefully inspect the wiring at the time of burnout or molten plastic. If everything is okay externally, connect another device (lamp, charging) through the extension cord and check its operation. If the device does not work, replace the adapter.
Unlocked hatch lock
If the door lock is not locked, washing will not start, as there is a risk of water leakage. Try to press the door tighter - if it doesn’t come out, the lock may be broken. In this case, check the hole into which the lock tab enters. Perhaps garbage got in there.
Also check the lock itself:
- Open the door.
- Remove the two bolts that secure the UBL lock.
- Bend the sealing rubber of the hatch and remove the clamp.
- Having put your hand through the housing, remove the lock and disconnect the wiring.
You can check the lock with a multimeter. We wrote more about this in previous articles. If there is a malfunction, then the part cannot be repaired; a complete replacement is needed.
Noise filter does not work
Since the washing machine is a powerful device, its design provides for the FPS filter, which suppresses interference. Thanks to him, other appliances in the kitchen (TV, radio) do not experience interference.
You can check the filter’s performance as follows:
- Unplug the washing machine.
- Remove the two bolts that secure the top cover.
- Slide it away from you and remove it from the case.
- Near the wall in the corner you will notice a filter. It looks like this:
- Inspect the wiring and surface of the part. As a result of a power surge, the filter could swell, and the wires would melt and burn.
- After disconnecting the wiring and loosening the mounting screw, remove the filter from the housing.
- FPL contacts are called by a multimeter.
The power button does not work in the washing machine
From the interference filter, the wiring leads directly to the Start button. Without closing the top cover, check the button contacts. If outwardly there is no damage, call two wires with a multimeter - phase and zero. To do this, turn on the button to understand whether it connects the contact or not.
Such a wiring device - from the filter to the Start button - is typical for early brands of washing machines. In modern models, wiring leads directly to the control module. Therefore, the electronic unit is checked next.
Bad control board
Testing the command device is not an easy task. It’s better not to do it yourself. All elements and contacts of the board are checked with a multimeter in a certain order. Therefore, if there is a suspicion of a breakdown, contact a service center.
The machine does not respond to button presses at all
What should I do if, except for the “On / Off” button, no key works on the panel? Are all the buttons broken? Not. Most likely, the "Child Protection" was installed.
Disconnecting the machine from the network will not help to remove the lock. It is necessary to simultaneously press the "Spin" and "Function" keys. Make sure that the lock no longer appears on the display.
What to do if the sensor does not work
If the touch buttons on the panel of the Ariston, LG, and other washing machines do not work, then they need a complete replacement. You can purchase the touchpad separately and install it in place of the old one.
Most often, the sensors fail due to increased humidity in the room or when liquid detergents get into it. It is advisable not to install such a technique in the bathroom, as its electronics are very “delicate”.
How to replace the buttons of a washing machine
Can I replace the buttons of the washing machine with my own hands, or is it necessary to call the wizard? The answer is unequivocal - it is possible. Proceed sequentially:
- Before starting work, unplug the washing machine.
- It is necessary to remove the dispensing tray. Pull it toward you while pressing the latch in the center.
- Having unscrewed the screws at the back, slide the top cover away from you and set it aside.
- Unscrew the screws that are located behind the dispensing tray.
- If there are screws on the other side of the panel, unscrew them.
- Release plastic latches using a flat screwdriver.
- Before disconnecting the wiring, photograph the location of the connectors. So you can connect them correctly.
- Removing the panel from the case, you will see its components. This is the panel body and the control unit, which is mounted on latches.
- Release the latches and set the control board aside.
- Now you can see the buttons.
- All keys and the selector are removed by simply pressing from the outside, so changing them is not difficult. The design is very simple, the buttons just click on certain sections of the board in operation. Therefore, the fee is checked without fail.
After deleting old elements, start installing new ones. To do this, you only need your hands and a screwdriver. Then the electronic module is put in place, the latches snap into place and the wiring is connected.
If during disassembly you find that debris, powder, gel got into the button connectors, try cleaning them and checking again. You may not have to purchase new parts.
Is it necessary to repair the control panel
Before you fix the panel, you thought: is it necessary to change all the elements because of one button? The question is which key is not functional.
- If the start button does not work, you will not be able to turn on the washing program - repair is required.
- The rotary selector does not work - it will not work to switch the program and wash individual types of things. And if the temperature toggle switch is broken, the washing quality will drop sharply.
Of course, if the button is malfunctioning, which is rarely used or not used at all, then you can try to further operate the washer. However, this is dangerous. After all, the cause may be a malfunction of the module section or contacts. Therefore, it is recommended not to delay the repair.
In some cases, the self-diagnosis system of the washing machine may display a malfunction code on the display. For example, if a module breaks down. Then you need to find out the meaning of the code and take appropriate action.
Replacing the buttons on the panel is not difficult with your own hands. But if it comes to electronics - use the services of professionals.