Indesit washing machines are famous for their reliability and long service life. However, even high-quality equipment is not immune from breakdowns.
A huge advantage of modern devices is that they give a hint where exactly the failure occurred.
Read the article about what error F12 means on an Indesit washing machine, how to decipher it and fix it.
What does code F12 mean?
If the washing machine is equipped with an electronic display, then error F12 will be indicated on it in an alphanumeric image.
Outdated models with mechanical control signal an error in a different way: the program selection knob begins to rotate, and the power indicator will blink in parallel. The light signal is repeated 12 times, followed by a short pause and the cycle repeats.
To understand that the equipment indicates error F12, you need to start from the car model, since the set of signals may differ:
- Indesit IWDC – the “spin” and “rinse” functions are on, all indicators located horizontally flash in parallel;
- Indesit WISN – the lock button flickers quickly and the “wash” and “rinse” buttons flicker slowly;
- Indesit WIL-WISL-WIUL – the hatch lock button is flashing, the “quick ironing” and “intensive washing” buttons are flickering a little slower.
In 99% of cases, error F12 appears immediately after the device is turned on to the network, before the program has been selected. During operation of the equipment, an error rarely appears. If it occurs during washing or spinning, the drum stops rotating. The machine does not respond to commands.
Decoding
Error F12 is simply deciphered. It indicates a lack of communication between the indicators and (signals and buttons) the control board.
Essentially, the device signals that two critical modules are not communicating with each other. In this case, the connection is not completely lost, since the control module is still able to transmit information about the problem to the user.
What does error F12 mean on an Indesit washing machine?
Error F12 is noted in the instructions for the Indesit washing machine and indicates a lack of interaction between the main module and the control panel. In other words, the connection between the buttons located at the front of the unit and the main electronic unit that receives user commands is disrupted.
If the Indesit washing machine is equipped with a display, then error F12 will be displayed on it in the form of an alphanumeric designation. If the model does not have a screen, the unit will report a malfunction in other ways:
- flashing speed sensor;
- simultaneous lighting of the “wash delay” and “super wash” indicators.
Typically, error F12 occurs when the device is connected to the network. At this moment, a contact appears between the control module and the buttons with light indication. If it is of poor quality, the machine immediately displays a corresponding message. But in some cases, the malfunction becomes noticeable already during the process of drawing water or even in the middle of the wash.
Attention! When error F12 appears, Indesit may instantly freeze and not respond even to pressing the “On/Off” button. In this case, the only thing left to do is turn off the power completely.
Error F12 can occur in both old and completely new Indesit machines
Reasons for appearance
Reasons why error F12 may appear on an Indesit washing machine:
- The program crashed when the device was connected to the network. Most often, such a violation occurs due to a voltage drop, a sudden change in water pressure in the water supply system, or due to an emergency shutdown.
- There were violations during the operation of the machine. Error F12 may appear if too many items were loaded into the drum, or the user started the third wash cycle without a rest break.
- The buttons that are responsible for a specific program are out of order.
- The contacts leading from the control module to the indicators have burnt out or come loose.
- The control module has failed.
Depending on the reason that caused the malfunction of the equipment, the actions to eliminate the malfunction will differ.
When error F12 can be resolved yourself
Although the error is usually associated with a serious breakdown, there are rare situations when the Atlant washing machine issues code F12 for another reason that you can handle yourself.
- Low or high voltage in the network. The washer has operating voltage. Usually it falls within the range of 180–250 V, but the exact range of the minimum/maximum value depends on the model of the machine. If the voltage control detects a value outside the range, the SMA may go into a motor error. Wait until the mains voltage returns to normal. To protect against surges in the future, install a voltage stabilizer on the line.
- Control unit failure. Jumping voltage can “drive” the control unit crazy. The machine will react and display any error, for example, as in our case, F12. Unplug the washing machine, let it sit for 15 minutes, then turn it on again and run the program. If the error disappears, then you are lucky, there was a one-time failure of the control module.
Possible malfunctions when repairs are required
If disconnecting your Atlant machine from the network did not help, but the voltage in the apartment is normal, then the reason for code F12 lies in a breakdown, and the washing machine requires professional repair. We have collected the main faults and described their symptoms. You can find your situation and understand what will have to be repaired.
The control unit is faulty - from 1800 rubles*
The engine will not start without the control module. The block is responsible for controlling the entire washing machine, connecting the nodes to each other, and also for the order of their operation.
If there is an F12 error on the board:
- Radioelements in the motor electrical circuit fail, mainly the motor control triac, but other elements can also burn: resistors, capacitors, diodes, relays and others.
- tracks in the motor circuit burn out or oxidize;
- Occasionally the firmware crashes or the unit’s processor burns out.
At the same time, the Atlant washing machine stops with code F12 after one or two turns of the drum or does not turn it at all, triggering an error immediately when turned on. In rare cases, the error may:
- issued at any stage of the program without any pattern;
- it appears and then disappears, that is, the machine returns to normal after a few washes.
HOW TO FIX
Repair depends on the board malfunction:
- burnt out elements are replaced with new ones;
- burnt or rusted tracks are cleaned and soldered;
- The firmware is reprogrammed if it fails;
- The control unit is replaced with a new one if the processor burns out.
The motor brushes are worn out - from RUB 1,300*
Brushes in a commutator motor are current-collecting elements. Without them, the motor will not be able to rotate and drive the drum. The main disadvantage of current collectors is rapid wear.
The carbons are made of soft graphite, which wears out quickly, especially under intense engine load. The brushes in Atlant washing machines wear out quickly also due to the design of the motor used.
Depending on the wear of the brushes, the machine spins the drum only when washing, and when squeezing, it jerks and stops. If the brushes are heavily abraded, when the length of the coals becomes less than 1 cm, the spin cycle does not start at all, and the washing stops as soon as it has started. Due to poor contact of worn brushes with the motor commutator, the engine may spark.
HOW TO FIX
Brushes are consumables and must be replaced with new ones.
The engine burned out - from 1800 rubles*
The engine is the driving force of the washing machine. The main causes of motor failure are short circuits in the windings or their breakage.
The short circuit can be inside the winding, between the stator and rotor, and to the housing. The most dangerous thing is between the windings. It can cause a short circuit in the machine circuit and in the power supply network, and cause a fire. Therefore, if the circuit breaker breaks when you turn on the washing machine, it is dangerous to use the machine and requires urgent repairs.
HOW TO FIX
The motor needs to be replaced. Rewinding the windings for restoration is impractical.
How to fix the problem?
The simplest solution to the problem is to reboot the equipment . If it was not possible to deal with error F12 in this way, you will have to disassemble it.
Rebooting the Indesit washing machine if the program fails
If the cause of the error is not related to a breakdown, but is due to a malfunction of the program, you can try to fix it yourself. To do this, reboot the device.
In order not to permanently damage the equipment, the procedure is performed according to the following scheme:
- turn off the device by pressing the “off/on” button on it;
- unplug the cord from the outlet;
- leave the machine turned off for 15-20 minutes;
- After the specified time has passed, the machine is turned on to the network.
If it was not possible to cope with the problem the first time, the procedure can be repeated 2 more times. There is no need to reboot the device more times, as this can lead to serious damage to the module.
Rebooting the control module
If rebooting the device as a whole did not help eliminate the error, you can try to reboot the control module separately .
On an Indesit washing machine, this procedure is carried out as follows - simultaneously press and hold two buttons ON and START/PAUSE.
After resetting the program, the error should disappear (if the reason lies in a malfunction of the control module).
Checking contacts between indicators and module
Sometimes the cause of error F12 is the separation of the contacts connecting the indicators and the control module. Most often this happens during a spin cycle, when the device stands on an uneven surface and moves out of place. also be a reason .
To check the contacts, you will have to remove the top cover to gain access to the control panel. It is attached with bolts that are unscrewed. The wires connecting the module and the panel are checked for integrity, and if necessary, the contacts are cleaned.
Replacing buttons
To access the buttons on the washing machine, you must remove the front panel. Procedure:
Disconnect the device from the network.- Tighten the bolts holding the top cover, carefully lift it, without applying much force, so as not to damage the plastic latches.
- Loosen the fasteners of the panel, which are located in the niche of the powder receptacle, and then remove the part.
The latch responsible for securing it is located in the upper left corner of the washing machine body. - When the panel is removed, check the functionality of the buttons. Sometimes to restore them it is enough to simply clean them.
If the button definitely needs to be replaced, then this procedure can be performed without removing the panel. It is enough to pick it up with a thin screwdriver and remove it, then install the new part.
How to resolve error F12 in an Indesit washing machine
In some cases, it is not even necessary to disassemble the washing unit to eliminate the error. In other situations, you will have to gain access to the internal circuits of the device.
Troubleshooting a software glitch
If error F12 appears on the Indesit iwsb 5085 or another model for no apparent reason, and the unit itself is still new, it makes sense to try to fix the software failure. To do this you need:
- Turn off the Indesit washing machine from the network.
- Wait 15 minutes.
- Reconnect the device to the outlet.
- Set any washing program.
- If error F12 persists, repeat the algorithm twice more.
There is another way to fix a software failure. Necessary:
- Completely unplug Indesit from the outlet.
- Leave the washing machine inactive for half an hour.
- Connect the unit to the electrical network.
- Press the “On” and “Start” buttons simultaneously and hold them for 30 seconds.
If the internal parts and microcircuits of the device are working properly, then one of the methods will help restore communication between the controls and return the device to working condition.
Simply turning off the machine helps if water gets on the microcircuits - the tracks have time to dry
Internal Troubleshooting
If the device does not respond to attempts at a software restart, then repairing error F12 in Indesit wisl 103 and other models will have to be carried out using the physical method. To do this you will need:
- Unscrew the screws from the rear panel of the unit and carefully remove the cover.
- Remove the control module, usually located on the bottom left side.
- Carefully inspect the unit for melted wires, swollen capacitors and other defects.
- If necessary, clean contacts or replace small parts.
- Disconnect and reconnect the cables connecting the module to the front control panel.
- If there is no visible damage to the machine block, ring its elements using a tester.
If during the process of inspecting and checking the control module it turns out that it is seriously damaged, it would be better to go to the store with the part and buy exactly the same new one. This will be more expensive, but it will be simpler and more effective than trying to repair the unit yourself, especially if you have no experience in carrying out the relevant work.
When dismantling the Indesit control module, it is necessary to write down or sketch the connection diagram
Advice! If error F12 appears during the washing process, you need to drain the water from the drum into a substitute container. Most likely, the device will not be able to remove the liquid on its own.
If restarting the Indesit washing machine, checking the connections and trying to repair it yourself does not bring results, all that remains is to send the unit for service. In principle, it is not recommended to open new devices that are still under warranty, since you will no longer be able to count on free repairs after that.
When should you call a specialist?
You can't always cope on your own. If the cause of error F12 is a failure of the control board, then you will not be able to do it without the help of a specialist. Replacing the “brain” of a device is a complex task that requires certain knowledge and skills. The cost of work will vary depending on the model of the washing machine.
Approximate prices in the Russian Federation:
- Replacement of a control or display unit – from 2000 rubles. Working time is from half an hour to 1.5 hours.
- Repair of control or display board – from 2500 rubles. In case of a simple breakdown, work is carried out on site. If the board needs to be re-flashed, the technician will take it to the service center.
The stated price only includes machine repairs. If you need to buy a board, the user will pay for it separately. The cost of a new part starts from 8,000 rubles.
You can find a specialist by looking at advertisements on the Internet and in newspapers. You can use the services of private specialists and service center workers. Before making a choice, you need to read the reviews left by other people. This will minimize the risk of encountering scammers.
Professionals always provide a guarantee for the work performed, documenting this. The forms must contain the seal of the service and the signature of the employee.
How can I prevent this problem from occurring in the future?
Preventative measures to prevent error F12 from appearing in the future:
use an adapter for connection - this will protect your equipment from power surges;- do not overload the drum, put in the machine the amount of things that does not exceed the maximum permissible weight;
- install equipment on a flat surface to protect it from vibrations during drum rotation;
- transport the device carefully, do not allow it to fall or shake.
Helpful information
Tips for eliminating error F12 on an Indesit washing machine:
- If the indicators start beeping during washing, you should first try to restart the device. Do not open the door when there is wet laundry and water inside the drum.
- Any actions involving opening the case must be performed when the device is unplugged. Otherwise, the risk of electric shock increases.
- If the device is under warranty, then you do not need to open it yourself. You must immediately contact the service center to diagnose and repair the breakdown that led to the error. If this is not the user’s fault, then repairs are carried out free of charge.
Read about decoding error codes for Indesit washing machines in this section.
How does the error manifest itself?
In this case, the electronic module of the Indesit displayless machine uses certain panel lights, the sequence of which will indicate the error in question. In the standard version, these are activated “Super Wash” and “Wash Delay” indicators, but on a number of machine models in this situation the speed sensor only blinks.
Almost always, the F12 error code makes itself felt immediately when connecting the washing machine to the power supply, and the user does not have time to select any washing program or, in principle, somehow activate the control panel. With Indesit, the freeze occurs instantly, so much so that the only way out is to completely unplug the cord from the outlet.
