How to check the tachogenerator in a washing machine: where it is located, do-it-yourself replacement

The tachogenerator, sometimes referred to as a tacho or tachometer, is an essential component of washing machines that regulates the speed of the drum during cycles of washing. The tachogenerator may be to blame if your machine is exhibiting symptoms such as irregular spinning or error codes associated with motor issues.

Repairs can be shortened in duration and cost if you know where to find and how to check the tachogenerator. You are able to diagnose and even replace the tachogenerator on your own with a few simple tools and some perseverance.

This post will walk you through the steps of finding, inspecting, and changing the tachogenerator in your washing machine so that it functions properly once more.

Step Description
Locate the Tachogenerator It"s usually found on the motor of the washing machine. You"ll need to remove the back panel to access it.
Check the Tachogenerator Disconnect the wires and use a multimeter to test for resistance. A working tachogenerator will show resistance; if not, it might be faulty.
Replace the Tachogenerator If it"s damaged, remove the faulty part and install a new one by connecting the wires and securing it in place.

What is a tachogenerator in a washing machine

A coil with a winding, the ends of which are brought out to a common block of wires for powering the electric motor, is the most common type of tachosensor found in washing machines. The tachogenerator works on the basis of a magnet that rotates inside its coil, which is dependable fixed to the engine shaft.

See also: Where to find the Bosch washing machine’s heating element and how to take out the water heater

The processor measures the resistance of the magnet inside the winding as it rotates at different speeds.This information is used to calculate the engine’s and the washing machine’s drum’s rotation speeds. The control unit modifies the engine rotation speed to the intended value if it differs.

The tachogenerator’s design varies slightly on machines where the engine is driven directly to the drum, but its function and goal remain the same: controlling engine speed. These machines have an engine that rotates in synchrony with the washing machine’s drum, allowing for more precise rotation speed adjustment. This has an impact on both the overall unit’s dependability and the improvement of the washing quality.

Where is the tacho sensor in the washing machine

The drive motor has the tachogenerator mounted directly on it. The magnet is fixed to the rotor and rotates synchronously with it inside the sensor coil, while the coil’s real estate is attached to the engine housing.

Additionally, some washing machine models have speed sensors right on the tank. The signaling pendulum is on the drum’s rotating pulley, while one portion of the sensor is fixedly mounted on the tank.

Tachosensors of this type are typically mounted on machines that have vertical loading.

The control module can stop the washing machine drum so that the loading hatch is at the top of the tank for simple laundry unloading based on its readings.

In direct drive machines, the tachogenerator is mounted on the motor stator and senses the engine’s drum pulley’s speed.

To locate the tachogenerator in your washing machine, which is typically attached to the motor, locate it and run a quick test to see if it’s working properly. If it’s broken, you can replace it yourself with some simple tools and avoid paying for a repair service.

Signs of a faulty tachosensor

The control units either don’t receive engine speed data at all or get it in the wrong format if the sensor is malfunctioning. When a washing machine’s tachogenerator malfunctions, the entire appliance will operate incorrectly.

When this component breaks down, the machine starts:

  • Rotate the drum in the washing mode at the wrong speed. Excessive revolutions lead to an imbalance of the tank, strong vibration and displacement of the entire product along the base on which it is installed.
  • Shock absorbers and bearings are subjected to a strong load. If the machine has a function for recognizing imbalance, the device stops the programs and displays a fault code on its display;
  • When a signal is sent to the electric motor, it begins to quickly gain speed. The machine experiences a beating of the tank inside the housing. In machines with a belt drive, the belt wears out until it breaks;
  • In washing machines equipped with modern inverter motors, an increasing squeak appears, but the drum may not even start moving.

How to check the tachogenerator on a washing machine

You must first locate the tachogenerator’s installation site before you can inspect it. The electric motor’s wires must then be removed, and you must locate the two wires that lead to the necessary parts. Ring the sensor coil with a multimeter that is configured to measure resistance.

Depending on the brand of motor installed on the product, the resistance of the washing machine sensor may vary from 70 to 250 Ohms. The motor shaft must be manually rotated if the multimeter displays any values.

In this instance, a functional tachogenerator’s resistance will alter.

You should inspect the sensor contacts when they are connected to the motor and control board if the sensor itself maintains typical resistance values. Checking the integrity of the wiring by ringing it also doesn’t hurt.

You must set the tester to the lowest resistance measurement mode in order to accomplish this. The magnet on the motor shaft becoming loose is a common reason why the tachogenerator operates incorrectly. You must hold the magnet in one hand while attempting to turn the shaft with the other in order to check. The magnet needs to be firmly fastened if it rotates on the shaft.

How to adjust the engine speed from a washing machine

In a washing machine, the engine speed is adjusted via a sophisticated control system. It needs to precisely maintain the drum speed regardless of the weight being applied.

The drum speed controller can only be set to spin mode by the machine’s owner.

However, a lot of washing machines have self-diagnostic modes where you can verify that the speed is set correctly. The average and maximum engine speed as well as the washing mode rotation frequency are displayed by the LG washing machine’s diagnostic mode tachometer.

Using a LATR, you can change the engine speed without the need for a washing machine.

With this device, you can passively adjust the engine speed using the tachometer.

You can also use additional specialized equipment to verify that speed sensors are functioning properly when used in conjunction with engines.

With a few simple tools and some perseverance, you can check and replace the tachogenerator in a washing machine on your own. Knowing where it is and how it works will make it easier for you to find and address common problems that could be affecting your computer’s performance.

Your washing machine’s tachogenerator may be the source of problems if it’s spinning or has irregular drum movements. You can check whether it needs to be cleaned, adjusted, or replaced by following a few easy steps.

Not only will doing this repair yourself save you money, but it will also boost your confidence when dealing with future potential problems with your washing machine. Maintaining your appliance will increase its lifespan, ensure that it keeps operating efficiently, and enhance your laundry experience.

Video on the topic

Tacho sensor for any collector motor.

How to easily check the tachogenerator of an automatic washing machine.

CHECK THE TACHOGENERATOR, TACHO SENSOR WITH YOUR OWN HANDS

How to check the tachogenerator, tacho sensor, hall sensor of a washing machine

How often do you conduct maintenance of your washing machine (cleaning filters, drum, and t.d.)?
Share to friends
Dmitry Kuznetsov

Technical consultant and blogger. I have always been passionate about technology and enjoy learning how various equipment works. On this site I share my knowledge about washing machines, offer advice on caring for them and talk about new products on the market.

Rate author
FAQ-Washer.com
Add a comment