How to check the lock of an Indesit washing machine?

Your Indesit washing machine’s lock is a tiny but essential component that makes sure the door stays firmly closed during a cycle. A broken lock could be the cause if the machine is having trouble starting or stopping in the middle of its cycle. One easy way to find out if the lock needs to be replaced or repaired is to check it.

You can save time and money by learning how to check the lock on your own, as you might be able to solve the issue without having to hire an expert. Finding the right problems to look for is crucial, whether the door isn’t locking correctly or the machine isn’t identifying the lock.

We’ll walk you through the process of checking the lock on your Indesit washing machine in this guide. All you’ll need is a few basic tools and some knowledge to diagnose the problem and determine the best course of action.

Step Description
1 Turn off the washing machine and unplug it from the power source.
2 Open the door to check if the lock is visibly damaged or if there are any obstructions.
3 Inspect the door lock mechanism for any signs of wear or misalignment.
4 Try to manually push or pull the lock to see if it moves freely.
5 Reconnect the machine and turn it on. Attempt to start a cycle to see if the lock engages properly.
6 If the machine doesn"t start or the lock doesn"t engage, consider replacing the lock or contacting a professional for repair.

Features of the sensor design

Gaining an understanding of the lock’s mechanism and working principle is important before you begin diagnosing and repairing it. Here, a lot is dependent on the kind of lock. Therefore, the electromagnetic locks on the outdated Indesit models did not require any special maintenance. The "magnets" are ineffective in operation and are not currently used in the manufacturing of washing machines because they instantly unlock when the power is turned off.

The locks on Indesit machines today are bimetallic, a different kind of lock. This lock is more dependable than its predecessor and prevents the door from being opened while washing. However, fixing it is also more challenging. The following components make up the upgraded UBL:

  • thermal element;
  • bimetallic plate;
  • latch.

Contemporary Indesit devices come with a thermal element and a lock with bimetallic plates.

The device functions as follows: the thermal element receives a current signal from the control board, heats up quickly, and conducts the charge to the plate. The part grows larger and presses against the latch as a result of the bimetallic base. It slides out and sticks to an outgrowth in a unique groove. Everything happens very quickly, and a distinctive click indicates the UBL’s final operation. The machine is closed and prepared to fill the drum if it makes a sound.

Similar to that, but in the opposite order—the plate shrinks when the current is cut off, the lock repositions itself, and the lock is removed—the door opens. There might be a little wait because the Indesit safety mechanism frequently keeps the lock in place until it is certain the tank is empty. After a short while, wait and press the hatch handle once more.

There are issues with the UBL’s functionality if the door still refuses to open. We’ll go into more detail about the causes, effects, warning signals, and required fixes for malfunctioning locks.

Why the lock breaks?

There are two main reasons why an electronic lock breaks. The first is wear brought on by continuous use. To be more precise, the bimetallic plate gradually deteriorates and collapses when heated, which reduces the lock’s strength to almost nothing. Repairing this device won’t help in this situation; it’s best to take it apart and install a new analog one.

A broken lock is also a result of issues with the electronics in the washing machine. Here, there are two possible outcomes:

  • Voltage surges on the network “break through” the thermo -element that stops heating and starting the chain reaction to the plate and the latch;
  • the thyristor responsible for the UBL on the control board closes, the current supply to the blocker does not stop, and the lock is not released.

Wear or issues with the washing machine’s electronics cause the UBL to fail.

The door can become blocked for mechanical as well as electrical reasons. For instance, if the door hinges are warped, the hatch does not give in, or if the lock’s tongue is broken. As a result, it is not permitted to let kids "ride" on the door or to hang wet items on it. It is vital to perform the required diagnostics in order to precisely ascertain the type and severity of the malfunction. The planned washing can then proceed more easily with the malfunctions eliminated.

When checking the lock on an Indesit washing machine, make sure the machine is unplugged and turned off. Next, look for any obvious damage or obstructions on the door latch. The control board or the lock mechanism may be malfunctioning if the door does not lock or unlock properly. Using a multimeter to test the lock can help ascertain whether it needs to be replaced or is in good working order.

Testing procedure with a multimeter

It is generally easy to assume that the UBL has failed if there are issues with the machine’s door lock. The machine makes the nature of the breakdown very evident with such a "diagnosis". For instance, the subsequent "symptoms" manifest:

  • The hatch does not open, although several hours passed after the cycle completion;
  • the error code F17 appears on the screen or the Start/Stop button on the dashboard flashes 17 times;
  • the door does not give in, even when the machine is disconnected from the power supply;
  • when trying to start the cycle, the lock does not work, washing does not start.

There is a problem with the way the UBL is operating if at least one of the symptoms on the list is present. Breakdowns are typically caused by the device itself, the wiring that is attached to it, or the washing machine’s control board. You can identify the cause with a multimeter check that is more precise.

Examine the current washing machine’s electronic circuit before initiating diagnostics. Determining the locations of the "neutral," "phase," and common contact is crucial. The UBL itself must then be taken out of the computer. This is how we behave.

  1. Disconnect the washing machine from the supplied communications.
  2. Open the door.
  3. Unscrew the bolts holding the UBL.
  4. Unscrew the two bolts at the back that secure the top cover of the machine.
  5. Pour the lid from ourselves until the latches work, and remove.
  6. We run our hand down towards the UBL (to the right of the cuff).
  7. We disconnect the wiring connected to the UBL and, holding it with the other hand, we take out the device.

Next, we grab a multimeter, set it to the "Resistance" mode, and use the probes on the "phase" and "neutral" settings. We move on to the second step if the display shows a three-digit number; if not, we quickly replace the UBL with a new one. Connecting the "empty" wire to the common contact and the second one to the "phase" is the next step. We connect to the power grid by using a screwdriver to turn the lock on the blocker into the operational position. A functional gadget has a click, but a malfunctioning one does not.

It’s essential to inspect the lock on your Indesit washing machine to make sure it operates securely and efficiently. You can find any lock mechanism problems that might be interfering with your washing cycles or keeping the machine from working properly by following the instructions provided.

Start by looking for any obvious wear or damage on the lock. Make sure the door latch latches into place and releases smoothly. Should you come across resistance or strange sounds, it could indicate that the lock is broken and needs to be replaced.

Don’t forget to inspect the wiring that is attached to the lock. Unstuck or broken cables can occasionally cause issues with the door’s locking system. If you find any problems, make the necessary repairs or secure the wires.

In the end, you may want to consider seeking professional assistance or consulting the Indesit service manual if the lock still presents issues after performing these checks. Your washing machine will continue to function properly for many years to come with routine maintenance and quick fixes for any problems.

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Alexey Volkov

Specialist in service and repair of washing machines. My work has taught me to understand all the intricacies of the device of this equipment. On this site I share my knowledge about how to properly care for a washing machine to extend its service life, and what to do if problems arise. My goal is to help you avoid common mistakes and save money on repairs.

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