Do-it-yourself repair of a mechanical washing machine programmer

In detail: do-it-yourself repair of a mechanical washing machine programmer from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.

The execution of the programs of some automatic washing machines (already receding into the past) is based on the operation of special mechanical devices.

They are called differently: programmers, timers or washing machine command devices.

The controls are controlled by a contact switch driven by a series of cams. Movement to the cams is transmitted from a synchronous motor through a series of gears and levers.

They consist of two components: an electromechanical timer and a control board. The control board is soldered directly to the connectors on the timer and performs the following operations:

- controls washing programs and additional functions
- controls the timer motor
- controls and monitors the drum motor

All other components and devices are powered by the contacts of the programmer.

Image - DIY repair of a mechanical washing machine programmer


1 - stepper motor, 2 - transmission gears,
3 and 4 - cam packs, 5 - sliding contacts

It consists of a set of software discs with tabs and grooves. The ridges and grooves are called cams.

The entire set of discs with cams drives the synchronous motor with a gearbox in rotation, as shown in the figure.

Image - DIY repair of a mechanical washing machine programmer


The command devices are reliable in operation, but when the equipment is more than 10 years old and they become unusable.

The most common malfunction is burning of the contacts for supplying voltage to the heating element or input network contacts.

It is enough to rinse and clean the burnt contact. Special liquids for flushing contacts are sold (KONTAKT S, Caig Deoxit).

Spray on the commander's mechanisms and perhaps disassembling it will not be required.

Scroll the gears clockwise a couple of times in a circle until the fluid will disperse through the mechanism.

Be sure to check the end device for voltage. When disassembling, it is better to photograph the location of the elements to avoid mistakes.

Video (click to play).

The timer is faulty only if there is voltage at its input, but not on the device controlled in this position.

Image - DIY repair of a mechanical washing machine programmer

The programmer is a knob on the control panel of most washing machines. It looks simple, but in fact it is a complex mechanism that controls the activation and deactivation of various washing programs, the collection and drainage of water. This is a whole control unit, consisting of many parts. Looks like a protruding knob on a control panel.

Its role is undoubtedly important, since the end result depends on its performance. This mechanism is located near knobs, displays, buttons. Some people call it - a command device or a timer programmer for a washing machine.

Image - DIY repair of a mechanical washing machine programmer

The programmers are reliable and less sensitive to voltage surges than the mostly premium machines with electronic control panels, which undoubtedly have their advantages. Without a programmer, machines with fuzzy logic function can cope with washing processes.

Exists two types of programmers: hybrid (mechanical) and electronic.

Electronic have a more advanced mechanism with a wide range of functions.

Their disadvantage is that, like all electronic devices, they are sensitive to network surges.

Image - DIY repair of a mechanical washing machine programmerHybrid more modest, but they are distinguished by long operability and reliability, if necessary, by a quick and cheap repair of the washing machine programmer. The service life of the programmer is not short - from 10 years.

And if we consider the frequency of breakage of units in washing equipment, then it will stand in the last places.

However, external influences can accelerate the process of wear and tear. If there are children in the house, then they often speed up the process of breaking the programmer without any malicious intent.

What is the breakdown of the programmer characterized by?

  1. Image - DIY repair of a mechanical washing machine programmerThe machine refuses to turn on, but the power grid is in order.
  2. The equipment turns on, but there is no reaction to the timer regulator.
  3. There is no wash time on the electronic display.
  4. Flashing lights and error.
  5. Washing starts, but there is a failure in the program and in the washing time up or down.

Image - DIY repair of a mechanical washing machine programmer

Parts of the programmer may break. The mechanical programmer of the washing machine consists of:
  • synchromotor;
  • contacts;
  • cams responsible for the operation of the synchromotor;
  • reducer;
  • gears.

It depends on the model of the washing machine. There are some things to consider when disassembling. If, for example, talk about the Ariston typewriter, then:

  1. The removed programmer is subject to careful inspection. On the side you will see the clips that secure the cover. They snap off with a screwdriver. There are many springs under the cover that try to scatter in different directions when removed.Image - DIY repair of a mechanical washing machine programmer
  2. After removing the cover, you will see the board from the wrong side. You need to get it out and put it aside.Image - DIY repair of a mechanical washing machine programmer
  3. Next, a gear is taken out and the gears are carefully examined. If there is debris, they are cleaned.
  4. We turn our attention to the board. If damage, burnt parts or tracks are noticeable, then they must be re-soldered.Image - DIY repair of a mechanical washing machine programmer
  5. If there is no damage, then using a multimeter, the resistance at the contacts is checked.
  6. Next, we get all the gears and the motor core of the part. The winding is checked on the engine in order to exclude burnt areas. If found, replacement will be required.Image - DIY repair of a mechanical washing machine programmer
  7. The integrity of all elements and contacts is checked.Image - DIY repair of a mechanical washing machine programmer
  8. The programmer is assembled in the reverse order.

The programmer is the most important control element in the washing machine. He is responsible for choosing the washing mode, stepfather and soaking. And in the latest models, this part is also responsible for drying the laundry. This element is also called a timer or a command device. The programmer is found in many automatic washing machines. Outwardly, it looks like a round knob located on the control panel.

Causes of breakage

The programmer, like many other parts of the typewriter, sometimes fails. In this case, repairs are carried out or replacing the washing machine programmer... Failure of this element can occur for the following reasons:

• power supply voltage jumps. In the event of power failures, circuit boards and wiring malfunctions often occur. As a result, the software crashes and errors occur during the operation of the washing machine. In this case, software reinstallation is required.

• careless handling of the device. It's no secret that many people are very careless about their technique. Washing machines quite often receive mechanical damage that does not allow it to fully function.

Read also:  DIY repair bumper burst

• water got on the metal gears of the commander, they rusted and began to rotate with difficulty. Replacing the washing machine programmer Is a very expensive procedure. For this reason, it is best to try cleaning the surface first;

• the heating element is defective. Very often, the breakdown of the heating element leads to the failure of other parts of the washing machine. Also, a breakdown of this element can lead to malfunction of the software control. If the heating element is very hot, the wheel, buttons and other elements may melt.

Image - DIY repair of a mechanical washing machine programmer

The washing machine will not be able to fully perform its functions if the programmer fails.Therefore, the replacement of this element must be carried out immediately.

There are several signs that you need to change the washing machine programmer or repair it:

• the machine does not turn on if the power supply is working properly. The cause of such a malfunction may be a part of the control unit, in particular, the programmer;

• Before disassembling the washing machine, it is necessary to check the condition of the socket and the power cord;

washing machine does not set programs or they fail during washing. And the time shown on the display does not correspond to the set washing mode;

• For some models of washing machines, the malfunction of the programmer can be determined by external ghosts. For example, if all the lights on the control panel are blinking at the same time.

Image - DIY repair of a mechanical washing machine programmer

What to do when this control circuit element becomes faulty? This problem can be solved in two ways. You can try to repair the washing machine yourself or contact a special organization.

If the machine has an electromechanical programmer, then you need to buy a new one, which is similar and replace this element.

Replacing the electronic version is much more difficult. Let's figure it out how to change the washing machine programmer with your own hands... For this you need:

• buy a branded programmer;

• download drivers for the electronic device;

• download software for your model;

• complete the installation of all software on the computer and check the health of the equipment;

• connect the controller to the computer and the control panel of the machine;

• Install the program and driver on the command device, as well as perform the firmware.

It's better to buy a branded programmer. Such a device is tested by the manufacturer, it is much easier to connect it. It is also much easier to find software for such a programmer.

Today, all manufacturers of washing machines also produce parts for them. For this reason, it is not at all difficult to select the required part for a specific brand. Spare parts can be purchased from company representatives, ordered in the online store or in service centers.

Image - DIY repair of a mechanical washing machine programmer

The programmer is one of the most important control parts in the washing machine, which is responsible for choosing the required washing mode, including spinning, soaking, and, in new models of machines, for drying. The programmer is also called a command device or timer, it is used in most automatic washing machines and looks like a protruding round knob on the control panel.

Only machines with a microprocessor and the presence of the fuzzy logic function can do without a programmer; control in such units is carried out using a touch or keypad. And if the programmer fails, then washing in such a machine is impossible. But how to understand and check that the malfunction of the machine is in this particular part, is it possible to repair it with your own hands, we propose to figure it out together.

The programmer is an important part of the control unit in the washing machine, which consists of a large number of parts.

These parts can break down over time, which means they may need to be repaired. But in order to carry out such a repair, you need to deal with the programmer device. The electromechanical command apparatus of an automatic machine includes the following main elements:

  • synchromotor;
  • reducer;
  • contacts;
  • gears;
  • cams (projections and recesses) that drive the synchromotor.Image - DIY repair of a mechanical washing machine programmer

There are two types of programmers:

The hybrid commander is considered the most reliable, but its functionality is limited. The electronic units of the automatic machine control unit are more advanced, have a large number of functions and fine tuning.But they are prone to more frequent breakdowns, they can react to power surges, get lost in work, and turn off arbitrarily.

Breakdown of the programmer can be determined by several signs:

    the machine stopped turning on and at the same time everything is in order with the electrical network, then the cause of the malfunction may be caused by one of the elements of the control unit and the controller as well;

Be sure to check the power cord and outlet for breakdowns before disassembling the machine.

  • during washing, the program gets lost, the time does not correspond to the selected mode;
  • in some models of washing machines, an external sign may be the blinking of all indicators on the control panel.
  • Image - DIY repair of a mechanical washing machine programmer

    Despite the fact that the command apparatus is a fairly reliable part of the washing machine, it can break down in 10 years. The main reason noted by the masters is the careless handling of the unit by users. So, for example, if a child approached the machine during washing and began to turn the handle, then this may be enough for the programmer to fail.

    Another reason for breakdowns is power surges in the electrical network. In addition, moisture getting inside the programmer can also cause malfunction. Well, we do not exclude defects in the production of parts.

    We start repairing the programmer with its correct disassembly. The problem is that there are quite a few types of programmers, and there is nothing to say about the models, each model has its own disassembly features. Let's talk about the features of disassembling the programmer using the example of a device from an automatic washing machine Ariston. The procedure is as follows:

    • We take the programmer removed from the typewriter and carefully examine it. We find the clamps on the side holding the plastic cover, pry them off with a screwdriver and remove the cover.Image - DIY repair of a mechanical washing machine programmer
    Read also:  DIY renault scenic torsion beam repair

    Important! When removing the cover, be extremely careful, there are several small springs under it, which tend to fly apart when disassembling the programmer, do not lose them.

    • After we remove the cover, under it we will see an inverted board. Carefully take it out and set it aside.Image - DIY repair of a mechanical washing machine programmer
    • We take out the central gear and examine the small gears. Often, debris is clogged in them, which interferes with the normal operation of the mechanism.
    • Now we carefully examine the board. Often you can see burnt elements or paths on it. They will have to be re-soldered. Image - DIY repair of a mechanical washing machine programmer
    • If there are no burnt tracks, then we take a multimeter and measure the resistance at the contacts of the control board, there is something.
    • We continue to disassemble the programmer. Now our task is to remove all the gears one by one, and then the core of the programmer motor. Image - DIY repair of a mechanical washing machine programmer
    • Next, you need to visually check the integrity of all elements, wipe the contacts with alcohol and assemble the device in the reverse order. The repair of this control has been completed.Image - DIY repair of a mechanical washing machine programmer

    Note! When disassembling the programmer engine, do not forget to inspect the winding, because it can also burn, which will disrupt the operation of the control device. If a burnt wire is found, it will have to be removed, and a new one should be wound in its place.

    Experts strongly advise against undertaking the repair of programmers of German washing machines such as Miele or Siemens with their own hands. Their devices have a complex design, represented by several compressed in pairs plates. When you start to disassemble such programmers, the plates fly in different directions and then it is extremely difficult to assemble them, since the fragile plastic grooves are damaged during the expansion of the plates. For our part, we advise you to entrust the repair of programmers from German washing machines to masters.

    It should be noted that German programmers are not the most difficult thing yet. In washing machines Gorenie, programmers with a soldered control board are installed. To repair them, you need to masterfully own a soldering iron, and not an ordinary one, but a special one with a thin tip. Even the majority of masters do not undertake the repair of such programmers, therefore, for our part, we will advise you not to waste your energy, but simply replace the broken programmer from the Gorenie washing machine with a new one.

    In conclusion, we note that repairing the command apparatus of a machine with an automatic machine with your own hands is not always a rewarding business. There are devices with the simplest design, in which it is not a sin to dig deeper, it can and will not succeed, but it will not get any worse. But another command apparatus is so complicated that repairing it is simply not advisable, or it can only be done by a good master.