Checking the temperature sensor in the washing machine

To make sure your clothes are washed at the proper temperature, a washing machine’s temperature sensor is essential. If it’s not functioning properly, you may observe that your laundry is drying too quickly or too slowly, which could cause your clothes to become stained or even break.

You can find out if the temperature sensor is working properly by performing a quick check on it. You can avoid wasting time and money by using this check to address a minor issue before it gets worse. We’ll walk you through the process of checking the temperature sensor in this guide so you can maintain the smooth operation of your washing machine.

Purpose and types of temperature sensors

This component of the washing machine circuit regulates the water in the tank’s temperature. Real-time parameter measurements are made by the sensor, which then sends data to the control module for analysis. If needed, the control module then issues an order to activate the heating element.

Three different kinds of sensors can be found in modern washing machines. Every one of them has unique qualities, benefits, and drawbacks. These consist of an electronic thermistor sensor, a gas-filled temperature sensor, and a bimetallic element.

Bimetallic element

This is a mechanical device only. A plate composed of two metals, one with a considerably higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the other, serves as the sensor’s moving element. The plate bends, closes, or opens the contacts when the predetermined temperature is reached.

Irons, inexpensive convectors, and other heating devices with a temperature measurement feature all use the same element. The sensor is easy to use and reasonably dependable, but its accuracy is poor and it frequently fails because the contacts have oxidized.

Gas-filled sensor

This kind of temperature sensor is made up of a conductor connecting the temperature controller, the sensor, and a sealed tube that is filled with gas. Installed within the tank, the sensor senses temperature variations by producing pressure, which acts on the membrane to close or open the contacts, thereby turning on or off the heating element. These temperature sensors are present in Indesit washing machines from earlier models.

This temperature sensor stands out for having a reasonably accurate temperature reading, but it is hard to make and prone to malfunctions. The sensor must be replaced because even the smallest damage to the tube results in total non-function.

Thermistor

This type of element is entirely electronic, in contrast to earlier ones. It has nearly entirely replaced mechanical components in contemporary washing machines. found in the majority of Bosch, Samsung, and other washing machines. Since the temperature sensor is positioned right next to the heating element, changing it is simple. It is a metal cylinder with a diameter of roughly 10 mm in terms of structure. To connect to the wiring, there is a connecting block.

The temperature sensor functions by decreasing its resistance in response to variations in the surrounding air temperature. A long service life is ensured by the lack of moving parts, and high reading accuracy is guaranteed by the electronic filling.

Symptoms of a temperature sensor malfunction

The majority of well-known brands’ automatic washers, like Bosch, are able to identify temperature sensor malfunctions on their own. If something goes wrong, a code appears on the screen so you can figure out exactly where the problem is coming from. In addition, the following signs point to a malfunctioning sensor.

1. When running any program, the water temperature rises almost to boiling.
2. The body parts heat up, in some cases steam appears in the area of ​​the loading hatch.
3. The heating element does not turn on, the washing machine does not heat the water at all.

Repairs should be initiated upon the appearance of an error code on the screen and any of the above-described signs of malfunction. It is not worth waiting because breaking the temperature regulation will result in ruined laundry as well as damage to several washing machine components.

Partial disassembly of the washing machine

The temperature sensor is affixed to the body of the tank in order to measure the water’s temperature. You will have to take the washing machine apart in order to access it. The newest models are the easiest to work with because the sensor is a thermistor, which can be checked and replaced by simply removing the back panel.

You must take the washing machine’s plug out of the socket before you begin working. Disconnect the outlet and inlet hoses after that. They need to be handled carefully because there may still be water inside that could leak onto the ground.

It is preferable to place the washing machine in the center of the room rather than next to the wall. The following algorithm is used to complete the work:

1. unscrew the screws holding the back wall;
2. remove the panel, put it aside;
3. loosen the screw holding the heating element;
4. remove the temperature sensor.

This guide is applicable to newer models of washing machines from Samsung, Ariston, Indesit, and other manufacturers that have thermistor technology. There are specific nuances to look for and remove sensors from older washing machines, which are covered in the section below.

In order to guarantee that the water heats to the proper temperature for each cycle, the washing machine’s temperature sensor is essential. The machine may not function properly or clothes may not be washed correctly if this sensor malfunctions. A simple procedure that can help identify and resolve problems and guarantee your washing machine is operating effectively and efficiently is checking the temperature sensor.

Checking the thermistor

You should confirm that the resistance of the electronic temperature sensor changes in response to changes in the surrounding air temperature. For work, a multimeter is required. The following needs to be carried out:

1. disconnect the wires from the sensor;
2. remove it from the socket;
3. switch the device to the resistor testing position;
4. check the resistance with a multimeter (the normal value at room temperature will be about 6 kOhm);
5. lower the thermistor in hot water;
6. repeat the measurement.

A thermistor resistance of less than 1.5 kOhm is ideal, roughly at 50 degrees. The sensor needs to be changed if the value remains constant or if the gadget displays a "break." Installation is done in reverse order, with the washing machine’s back wall attached last.

Removing and checking the gas-filled temperature sensor

Another type of sensor, the working part of which is a tube filled with gas, may be encountered by owners of older Indesit or LG washing machines. You must disconnect the regulator and disassemble the machine’s front panel before you can remove and inspect such a temperature sensor.

The sensor itself can then be easily located by following the wires that emerge from the regulator. It is fixed to the drum, but the manufacturer and model will determine the precise installation location. It is advisable to study the disassembly instructions for a particular washing machine before beginning any work.

This temperature sensor needs to be checked with a multimeter as well. It is now operating in "ringing" mode. 45 to 50 degrees is the setting on the temperature switch. The moment of contact operation is recorded after the sensor is submerged in hot water.

The temperature sensor that failed is replaced. Separate sales are made for the sets of sensors and regulators. It is preferable to replace a few, as this ensures a long service life and guards against unforeseen repairs.

Maintaining clean and fresh laundry depends on your washing machine’s temperature sensor operating correctly. The effectiveness of the washing process is directly impacted by this tiny but crucial part, which makes sure that the water is heated to the proper temperature.

It is a good idea to check the temperature sensor if you notice any problems with your washing machine’s heating, such as cycles that are too hot or the water not getting warm enough. You can determine whether the sensor is defective and take the appropriate action to replace or repair it by following a few easy steps.

Maintaining your washing machine on a regular basis and promptly troubleshooting its temperature sensor can prevent more serious issues in the future and ensure that it functions well for many years to come.

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