Frequent breakdowns of Ariston brand washing machines and how to fix them

Common breakdowns

All possible malfunctions of the washing machine can be divided into several groups:

1. Doesn't turn on.
2. Doesn't drain water.
3. There is no spin.
4. Does not open.
5. No heating.
6. Leaking.
7. Doesn't take up water.
8. Makes extraneous noise.

There may be several reasons for each of the listed malfunctions. For example, the lack of water in the tank can be due to either a broken inlet valve or a simple clog in the inlet hose.

Before you start repairing the Hotpoint-Ariston washing machine yourself, you need to determine the probable causes of the problems and possible methods for eliminating them.

Doesn't turn on

Possible reasons why the washing machine does not work when turned on:

• the socket or power cord is faulty;
• The control module is damaged.

It’s easy to check the serviceability of the outlet - just plug in another, working device. Damage to the cord can often be seen visually, by testing the cable with a multimeter to be sure. If there is no resistance between the “start” and “end”, the cord should be replaced with a new one.

Only a specialist can troubleshoot the Ariston Hotpoint module. The cause of failure may be a sharp surge in voltage in the network. Reflashing or replacing a module is an expensive procedure.

In some cases, after being plugged in, the machine signals that it is ready to work (the indicators light up), but after selecting a program, the washing does not start. There may be several reasons for this:

1. The inlet hose is clogged or the valve is faulty. The appliance cannot start due to lack of water.
2. The electric motor burned out. Most likely, in this case, the machine will fill with water, but the washing process will not advance further. As a rule, a breakdown is accompanied by extraneous noise.

Removing a blockage at the inlet is quite simple. To do this, you need to remove the inlet hose, wash it under pressure, and clean the inlet filter mesh with a brush.

Replacing a faulty valve proceeds according to the following scheme:

1. The inlet hose is unscrewed.
2. The top cover is removed (the 2 bolts on the back wall that hold it are unscrewed).
3. The clamps connecting the pipes and the valve are unfastened, and the terminals are removed.
4. The valve is pulled out from its seat and washed. After washing, its contacts should be ringed, checking the resistance. If it is missing, the problem is not a blockage, the part has failed and needs to be replaced with a new one.

After installing the new valve, the assembly is assembled in the reverse order and a test run is carried out.

The machine does not drain water

The most common cause of this problem is a clogged drain system. The breakdown may also be due to a failure of the pump or control unit (the drain command is not given).

The process of removing clogs begins with cleaning the filter. The procedure can be represented as follows:

1. The filter cover, hidden behind the front panel at the bottom of the facade, opens slightly.
2. A flat dish is placed under it to collect the flowing water.
3. When the washing solution has completely drained, the filter is completely removed and washed.

If the blockage is severe, not only the filter can become clogged, but also the pump and even the drain hose. If cleaning does not lead to the desired result, it is necessary to check the serviceability of the pump.

Before you begin repairing the Ariston washing machine yourself, you need to dismantle the part in the following sequence:

1. Unplug the power cord from the outlet, disconnect the drain and inlet hoses.
2. Lay the car on its side and remove the bottom protection.
3. Disconnect the terminals, unscrew the clamps on the pipes.
4. Unscrew the screws holding the pump (1 or 4 depending on the model).

What you should be wary of:

• the impeller is pushed forward;
• strong backlash;
• a large amount of scale in the filter seat.

To make sure the part is in good condition, you need to check the resistance of the motor windings. If it is absent (the norm is 140–180 Ohms), the pump is faulty and the winding may break. You can check the engine by connecting it to the network. If the pump is working properly, the impeller will begin to rotate.

No spin

There are three main reasons for this malfunction:

1. The motor failed and the drum stopped rotating.
2. The tachometer, which regulates the speed of rotation of the rotor, is faulty. The engine runs at minimum speed and the spin cycle does not meet the specified parameters.
3. The belt is broken.
4. Problems with the electronic module.
5. The water does not drain and the machine cannot start spinning.

It is very easy to check the last point - just drain the water through the filter or drainage tube and start the spin program.

To check the operation of the engine and the integrity of the belt, you need to remove the back cover of the device by unscrewing the fastening screws. A broken belt can be seen visually, but the motor will have to be examined in more detail.

To check the serviceability of the engine, it is necessary to measure the resistance on adjacent lamellas. It should be the same, within 0.2 Ohm. Sometimes wear on the slats can be seen visually. The part cannot be repaired - the engine must be replaced.

If the problem is not in the motor, you need to check the serviceability of the tachometer. The sensor is located on the shaft immediately behind the engine. It can be inspected and ringed without removing it from its seat.

The device is considered operational if the resistance it produces is about 60 ohms. In this case, you can check its contacts and how well it is secured to the shaft.

The door won't open

There may be several reasons why the hatch was blocked:

1. There is still water in the tank and the machine cannot open the door to avoid flooding.
2. The door handle mechanism is broken.
3. The hatch locking device is faulty.
4. Problems with the control module.

Before you begin the repair, you need to open the door by inserting a thin ruler under the hatch and squeezing the tongue or using an emergency cable (it can be found under the filter cover).

A faulty handle does not respond to pressure; if it breaks, it must be replaced with a similar one. The locking device located on the front panel must be removed by first unscrewing the bolts holding it and pulling off the cuff. The part rings and changes in the absence of resistance.

No heating

If the machine washes in cold water, most likely the heating element has become unusable. Replacing it is quite easy.

Troubleshooting proceeds according to the following scheme:

1. Remove the front panel.
2. Find the heating element at the bottom of the tank and test its contacts with a multimeter.
3. If there is no resistance, replace the part with a similar one.

The cause of the breakdown may be accumulated lime or mechanical wear of the heating element.

Leaking

You can determine the location of the leak by observing the washing machine during the washing process. If water appears while filling, the inlet hose is probably damaged. If during reset - drain hose or pipes.

Water that accumulates under the bottom during washing may indicate a leaky tank. If it flows down the front wall from the side of the hatch, it’s all a matter of a leaking cuff.

To restore the tightness of the joints, it is necessary to replace the leaky part with a new one, tightening the joints.

Doesn't take up water

The main reasons why the machine does not take in water:

• clogged inlet hose;
• Fill valve malfunction;
• problems with the control module;
• The pressure switch is faulty - without water it gives a signal that the tank is full.

All of the listed parts except the faulty module can be diagnosed and replaced at home.

The machine makes strange noise

The probable cause of the grinding noise is wear of bearings, shock absorbers, suspension springs, as well as foreign objects getting inside the drum.

Replacing bearings in Ariston vertical washing machines follows the following algorithm:

1. The device is disconnected from the electrical network and water supply.
2. Unscrew the screws from the back and front that hold the side panel and remove the panel.
3. Remove the pulley after first unscrewing the bolt holding it.
4. Having reached the hub, unscrew the screws and remove it from the seat.
5. Carefully knock out the bearing and seal.
6. An oil seal is installed in the hub, the bearing is pressed in, the place where the oil seal comes into contact with the shaft is cleaned and lubricated.
7. The hub is installed back, the car is assembled in the reverse order.

The bearing on the other side of the washing machine is changed according to the same principle, only without removing the pulley.

The bearing in front-loading Ariston washing machines changes according to a standard algorithm, like any other machine of this type.

The problem is not with the washing machine.

Ariston Hotpoint may not turn on due to a completely banal reason - lack of electricity supply to the room, apartment, entrance or house. If the lights turn on in the remaining rooms, then it is worth plugging in some working electrical appliance into the outlet to which the washing machine is usually connected. If the device works, then the problem may have another cause.

Washing machine Hotpoint-Ariston

It's not always about a breakdown. After checking the socket with another electrical appliance, you need to insert the plug of the machine into the socket again and try to press it firmly. If the machine turns on, it means that the cause could be a plug that is not firmly inserted into the socket. But if Ariston works intermittently and may suddenly turn off, then the cause may be a breakdown inside the plug, as well as problems with the supply of electricity to the outlet.

Voltage measurement

It also happens that the Ariston machine turns on, but the spin mode does not work, even if the time has already come for this part of the wash. In this case, you should turn off and turn on the device again.

If after this the spin does not work, you need to:

1. Open the door and check whether clothes are preventing the drum from spinning at the speed required for this mode.
2. Raise the elastic a little, as a lace or sock could get in there, blocking the rotation. This procedure is carried out only after disconnecting the machine from the network.

If no external causes were found, and the spin mode is set, then you need to look for problems internally.

Ariston washing machine error codes

Error codes in the form of symbols on the screen help determine the cause of the failure.

In models without a display, a certain periodicity of indicator blinking corresponds to a particular error. Thus, the owner of the washing machine will be able to find out which unit has problems.

DIY washing machine repair

In most cases, troubleshooting an Ariston washing machine can be done independently, while saving the family budget.

Removing blockages

A clog cannot be called a breakdown, although sometimes it leads to damage to the drain pump. Small objects, wool, threads and other debris - all this accumulates in the drain filter, which must be cleaned periodically. A blockage in the drain line causes error code F05 to appear.

Typically the drain filter is located at the bottom of the front panel, on the right or left side

In addition to the drain, the fill strainer may become clogged. In this case, information code H20 appears.

Location and cleaning of a dirty inlet filter

Less commonly, the drain hose or pipe located between the tank and the drain pump becomes clogged. To clean, they need to be removed and washed under a strong stream of water. A blockage can also form in the sewer where liquid from the lubricant is drained.

Fill valve malfunction

A sign of breakdown is a sound reminiscent of the babbling of a stream. If water seeps into the tank through the valve, even when the machine is turned off, it means the valve is not closing completely. Another possible malfunction is that the valve does not fully open, so water does not fill the tank in the allotted time (error H20).

Dual inlet valve with control coil

The integrity of the valve control coils is checked with a multimeter. Their resistance should be in the range of 25–60 Ohms. You can replace a faulty valve yourself. To do this, you need to remove the top cover of the case under which it is located.

The machine does not heat the water

Such breakdowns of Ariston washing machines are associated with damage to the heating element or the circuit that controls its operation (failure codes F07, F08). Most often the heater burns out. Repairs related to its replacement can be done independently.

Removing a damaged heating element from a washing machine

To do this, you will have to remove the back cover of the washing machine. At the bottom of the tank there is a heater panel along with a temperature sensor. You need to remove two terminals with wires and check the resistance of the heating element with a multimeter. If its value is not within the range of 25–40 Ohms, this means that the heating element is faulty.

To replace the heating element, unscrew the fastening element located in the center of its panel, then carefully remove the heater. To make it easier to install the new part, lubricate the end of its rubber gasket with soapy water.

Video about replacing the heating element in the Aristron HotPoint SM:

Damage to the bearings and oil seal of the drum axle

This kind of breakdown of Ariston washing machines is associated with wear and tear and appears after long-term use. Signs of defects are noise and crackling sounds during spinning. There is increased vibration associated with play in the drum axis.

Replacing a bearing in the tank of an Ariston washing machine

To eliminate such damage, you will have to completely disassemble the home assistant. If the tank is made of plastic and is not dismountable, it will need to be replaced. For such repairs, it is better to call a specialist.

Problems with the control unit

There are breakdowns of Ariston washing machines in which the CMA does not respond to commands, while all the buttons on the control panel blink. This means that the ECU is inoperative (errors F09, F18). One of the main reasons for its damage is the high humidity that is usually present in bathrooms. Therefore, experts do not recommend installing SM in such places.

Washing machine controller

You can try to restore the operation of the ECU by drying the circuit board with a hairdryer. Sometimes a complete reboot of the machine helps, for which you need to turn off the power and wait 15-20 minutes, then turn it on again. This technique is recommended to be used in case of memory failure in the controller. If these steps do not help, call a specialist.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that if you see an error code on the display, there is no need to panic. Find out what this malfunction means and try to fix it yourself without calling a technician. In most cases you will be able to do this.

Features of AVSL 100 repair

Sometimes owners of AVSL 100 machines encounter problems whose solutions are not so obvious:

1. The washing machine interrupts the program before spinning or rinsing. If the device is disconnected from the network and then turned on again, the unit will complete the process. The likely problem is a faulty drain pump that jams from hot water.
2. The device freezes during operation and the fault is not detected. After cooling, the washing machine resumes washing. The probable cause is wear of the motor brushes; they need to be replaced with new ones.

In general, malfunctions of washing machines of this series can be considered typical.

Malfunctions in the heating circuit

The heating element is faulty

Problems in the heating element are a common cause of error F8 (F08). Under the influence of water and washing powder, solid deposits appear on the heating element. Trying to warm up the scale layer, the heating element is exposed to high currents and burns out. A voltage surge in the electrical network can also cause a heating element to fail.

If error F8 (F08) appears while the washing machine is operating, you can determine the malfunction by placing your palm on the loading compartment hatch. Water with a temperature above 40 degrees will heat the glass.

In order to prevent scale formation, it is recommended to clean the machine with citric acid. Removing solid deposits will help increase the service life of the heating element and prevent it from overheating. To do this, pour about half a glass of citric acid into an empty drum and turn on the spin mode. After the washing cycle is completed, the scale along with the water will go down the drain.

Thermostat (temperature sensor) is broken

The thermostat is used to regulate and maintain the set temperature. Sensor failure is determined by the following signs:

• Despite the temperature set by the mode, the water heats up to a boiling point.
• the temperature of the walls of the housing of the unit itself increases.

Washing machines are equipped with one of three types of thermostats, different in design, but performing the same function:

• bimetallic
• thermistor
• gas-filled

To determine the condition of the thermostat, you need to remove it and check the resistance at the contacts with a multimeter. This will require opening the machine body, and each of the three types of sensor has its own mounting features, this must be taken into account.

A faulty thermostat cannot be repaired; it must be replaced with a new one. Operating a washing machine with a broken temperature sensor will cause the heating element to burn out, so such repairs should not be delayed.

Features of AVTF 104 repair

Top loading washing machines such as the AVTF 104 have a number of features:

1. If water accumulates under the bottom of the machine, not only the tank and various connections may leak, but also the seal at the top.
2. An imbalance of the unit can lead to spontaneous opening of the hatch flaps. As a result, the heating element may be knocked down, the doors themselves may be broken, and the tank may be damaged.
3. Vertical machines are distinguished from frontal models by the principle of fastening the drum, which is supported on two axle shafts equipped with two bearings. Accordingly, to replace them it is necessary to remove not the rear part of the unit, but the side panels.

It is worth considering that top-loading models are made in Europe, therefore, replacement parts for them are more expensive and less common.

Bearings are worn out

If, during washing, the owner of the equipment hears an increasing hum, which turns into a loud knock during the spin cycle, this most likely indicates the failure of the bearings. To verify this, open the hatch and manually turn the drum. If the bearings are deformed, a strong play will be clearly felt.

This malfunction occurs as a result of prolonged use. The seal that covers the seat and bearing dries out over time and cracks form on it. Moisture penetrates through them, washes out the lubricant, and as a result, the bearing rubs and deforms during operation.

Troubleshooting this type of fault is much more difficult than replacing a heating element or pump. To do this, the owner of an Ariston washing machine will need to completely disassemble his device and remove the tank and drum from the housing.

Further repairs depend on the type of tank. Usually on washing machines of this manufacturer it is non-separable, so you will need to cut it into two halves along the seam. You should first select the bolts with which the parts of the tank will be connected during assembly and drill holes of the appropriate diameter along the seam.

Next, the faulty bearings are knocked out and new ones are installed in their place. The seals also need to be replaced.

After repair, the Ariston washing machine is assembled in the reverse order. The tank halves at the joints must be lubricated with silicone sealant to avoid leaks.

Replacing bearings is a very complex and difficult process, therefore, if you are not confident in the successful completion of the repair work, you should contact specialists.

Features of the Margarita 2000 repair

This model was sold back in the 2000s, but you won’t see it on store shelves for a long time. However, in some families it still serves faithfully. Despite the outdated design, the model has a standard design.

There are some nuances during dismantling - the powder receiver of this washing machine does not extend forward, but rotates 450 degrees clockwise, so in addition to the standard two horizontally inserted screws, it is held in the desired position by another vertical one.

Margarita 2000 has a mechanical control; when a malfunction is detected, the command device begins to rotate clockwise. The frequency at which the “On/Off” indicator lights up will help you navigate current malfunctions.

The number of blinks forms an error code, for example, 3 blinks in a row corresponds to F03, two blinks – F02, etc. The pause between series is 4 seconds.

The model is far from new, so its main malfunctions are associated with long-term operation: wear of the electric motor brushes, failure of bearings, inlet valve, drain pump, heating element.

Causes of malfunctions of Ariston washing machines

The main cause of breakdowns of Ariston brand SMs is not manufacturing defects, but improper operation of the equipment and failure to follow the recommendations described in the instructions. For example, these units are not designed for hard water, and for their normal operation, water softeners must be installed in the inlet water main. Often, owners of various models of Ariston washing machines, for example Margherita 2000, ignore this condition, which leads to failure of the heating elements (heating elements). There are other weaknesses of Italian washing equipment:

1. Fill and drain systems often suffer from blockages . Inlet strainers become clogged with small particles present in poor-quality tap water. The drain filter becomes clogged with small objects from pockets, as well as threads, buttons and wool. If cleaning is not carried out, the equipment may fail.
2. As mentioned above, heating elements burn out due to scale . Such problems often occur not only in the Hotpoint Ariston ARSL 105, but also in other models and brands of washing machines.
3. The inlet valves through which water enters the machine are not very well designed . The material from which the sealing gaskets are made quickly loses its elasticity and begins to let water through.
4. Bearings and seals fail over time in many CMs . Such breakdowns in Ariston washing machines occur less frequently than in appliances of other brands, but they still occur sometimes.
5. The electronic components and components of washing units are made of high quality, but the causes of malfunctions are often voltage drops , which surge protectors cannot smooth out.

Modern washing equipment is quite complex, so sometimes defects appear in its operation. Owners can fix most of them themselves (with certain skills).

Breakdowns in Ariston machines and how to fix them

The stability of Ariston machines, first of all, depends on the correct operation of them . If certain problems arise, you can try to fix them on your own, without resorting to the help of a specialist. But to do this, you need to figure out what most often can cause malfunctions.

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Blockages

Perhaps one of the most common reasons causing problems in the operation of the machine is blockages that impede the passage of water during the draining process, which, in turn, makes it impossible for the washing machine to switch to rinse mode. Characteristic signs of this problem are idle operation, loud noise and the inability of water to pass through the hose (or very poor water flow). As for the places of blockage , they can be concentrated:

• in the drain hose itself, and in most cases, blockages occur if it is installed incorrectly,
• Often blockages form in the drain filter itself,
• blockages may occur in the pipe, which is located between the drain filter and the tank,
• and also in the pump, although this is an extremely rare practice.

In order to correct the situation and eliminate the malfunction, it is enough to clean the machine from blockages in accessible places (pump, hose, drain pump or pipe).

No water heating

The second problem that you may encounter during the operation of Ariston machines is the lack of heating of water during the washing process . Often in such a situation, the washing machine may receive an electric shock due to dysfunction of the insulation of the heating element.

The main cause of such a malfunction is extremely hard water , which results in the formation of scale. The repair consists of replacing a damaged electric heater (TEH). To do this, unscrew the back panel of the machine, since it is behind it that the fastening part of the broken electric heater is located. You must first disconnect all contacts and unscrew the fastening screw, then carefully pull out the broken heating element and replace the part with a new one. That's it, the problem is fixed, and the machine should heat the water as before.

Bearing damage or wear

The most difficult problem is the breakdown or partial wear of the bearing or oil seal in Ariston. Fortunately, in practice, it is extremely rare.

To understand that machine malfunctions are the result of bearing failure , just pay attention to the following signs:

• during operation of the unit, all moving elements of the washing machine begin to make characteristic sounds during spinning,
• at the same time, the shaft begins to come into contact with the bushing,
• vibrations are possible.

It must be said right away that this problem should be corrected promptly , since otherwise you can simply break the machine. The only difficulty is that the repair will require almost complete disassembly of the machine. Therefore, if you are not confident in your actions, it is best to entrust this process to a professional.

Machine power does not turn on

In this case, most likely there is a malfunction associated with the socket or power supply cable . To check the operation of the outlet, just try turning on another electrical appliance. If everything is fine with the socket, then you need to check the wire itself. To do this, you need to unplug it from the outlet and try to “ring” it with a special tester.

If the electrical wire is normal, then most likely the problem is hidden directly in the machine’s power supply. This is a rather complex problem, so only an experienced professional can solve it.

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Problems with drum rotation

Another problem that can cause the machine to stop working is the drum not rotating . There are several reasons that can cause this situation: engine failure, electrical wiring problems, control panel malfunction, or filter clog. However, the most common cause is wear or excessive stretching of the belt. In this case, you need to replace it; there shouldn’t be any special problems with replacing it yourself.

If the reason is different, then it is best to call a professional to your home to identify the cause of the machine breakdown.

Malfunctions in the control unit

An equally common problem that users of Ariston Hotpoint or Margarita machines may encounter is a malfunction that occurs directly in the control unit . The main reason for this problem is the malfunction of our electrical networks, which is extremely problematic to deal with on our own.

In this case, the problem is easier to prevent than to fix. Therefore, before you start using a washing machine, in particular an Ariston, it is best to install special protective equipment that helps protect the washing machine from power surges and other similar failures. This approach will be much more efficient and economical than replacing the entire control unit.

Wear of machine fasteners

Operational problems can also arise due to loosening or breaking of the mechanical fasteners with which the machine is equipped. Most often, this is expressed in weakening the fixation of the machine hatch. The problem has the following symptoms: strong noise during operation of the washer and characteristic vibrations. To get rid of this, just tighten or completely replace the fasteners with new ones.

How to determine a malfunction on washing machines without a display

New Ariston washing machines with a self-diagnosis system display fault codes on the screen, after which they can be deciphered using the user manual. In older series without a screen, for example, Ariston 2000, the same information is displayed using indicators. The lights flash at a certain frequency; you need to count the number of flashes in a series, and then refer to the instructions, which list all possible types of errors.

If the washing machine is not equipped with a self-diagnosis system, you can determine the malfunction by its characteristic symptoms, and then carry out repair work on your own. Otherwise, you should contact the service center. Professionals have a special diagnostic key that is inserted into a connector on the system board and uses it to read information about the state of the equipment.