Washing machine door closing sensor

Ever ponder how your washing machine determines when the door is firmly shut? All of this is possible because of a tiny but essential part called the door closing sensor. This tiny appliance is quite helpful in making sure your laundry is cleaned effectively and safely. Your washing machine wouldn’t be able to properly begin its cycle without it.

The purpose of the door closing sensor is to determine if the washing machine door is closed all the way before the wash cycle starts. The sensor alerts the machine’s control system to stop the cycle and stop any water leakage if the door isn’t closed all the way. This helps shield your home from potential damage in addition to protecting your clothing.

In this post, we’ll examine the operation of this crucial component of your washing machine, its significance, and what to do in the event that you run into problems. Knowing the function of the door closing sensor will help you gain a better understanding of your washing machine’s internal operations, whether you’re troubleshooting an issue or simply curious about how your appliance keeps everything in check.

What does the closing module consist of?

It’s important to know what the door locking device is, what parts make up the mechanism, and how it operates before disassembling it. These days, automatic machines come with bimetallic locks and blockers. This type of module is highly dependable as it prevents the door from opening while washing. Therefore, the washing machine’s door lock consists of:

• thermoelement;
• locking "tongue";
• bimetallic plate.

The door locking module functions on the following principle:

• the control unit supplies current to the lock thermoelement;
• the thermoelement heats up in 1-3 seconds;
• the charge is transferred to the bimetallic plate;
• The plate changes in size and exerts pressure on the latch;
• "tongue" falls out and remains in a special recess.

A distinctive click will alert you to the door locking mechanism’s status.

Everything is done in reverse order, but the hatch opens in the same manner. The lock "comes out" of the groove and "stands" in the place of the bimetallic plate when the current supply stops changing shape. The door’s lock is taken off.

It should be noted that the UBL is not turned on for one to three minutes after the cycle ends on the majority of washing machine models. As a result, you shouldn’t try to yank the door open right away. You must wait until the plate has cooled and the control module has confirmed that the tank is completely empty of water.

In the event that the hatch remains closed for ten to twenty minutes, there was probably a malfunction in the mechanism. We will go on to explain why the blocker may break as well as how to inspect and fix it. To the right of the drum door on the case’s front wall is a locking mechanism. Its location is indicated by a small rectangle that sticks out slightly. This is the groove that the lock’s "tongue" fits into.

What causes breakdowns?

There are two common reasons why a washing machine’s door closing sensor malfunctions. The majority of the time, routine wear and tear on the mechanism components brought on by extended machine operation is what causes the lock to malfunction. As a result, the plate degrades over time when heated, and after a few years, the fixation becomes minimal. If so, it would be impractical to repair the lock; instead, it would be best to remove the outdated unit and install a new one.

Moreover, issues with the machine’s electronics may result in the locking mechanism not working properly. The issue might be that:

• voltage surges in the electrical network "break through" the thermal element of the lock, it stops heating up and transmitting charge to the plate and hook;
• the triac on the board responsible for the operation of the lock is closed, as a result of which the current is constantly supplied to the UBL, so the door lock is not removed.

The UBL can malfunction due to mechanical reasons as well. If the door is drooping or the hinges that hold it in place are distorted, it might not open. Furthermore, the lock’s "tongue" could break. It’s crucial to keep objects off the hatch and to keep kids off of it in order to avoid these issues.

You can identify the breakdown’s cause on your own if you comprehend the locking lock’s mechanism and working principle. We’ll teach you how to use your hands to diagnose the mechanism. After identifying the issue, the next step is to resolve it and carry on cleaning.

A vital safety component that guarantees your washer runs safely and effectively is a door closing sensor, which determines whether the door is closed all the way before the machine begins a cycle. This little but essential part keeps the washer from starting if the door isn’t shut firmly, preventing leaks and guaranteeing that your laundry is cleaned thoroughly. You can keep your washing machine operating smoothly and troubleshoot common problems by being aware of how this sensor functions.

How to test the part?

Most of the time, it is fairly simple to determine that the door locking mechanism is broken. When the washing machine exhibits this kind of issue, it is obviously broken. Principal "symptoms" include:

• the hatch does not open, even after 1-2 hours from the end of the wash;
• the display shows the corresponding error code or the LED of the Start/Pause button on the dashboard flashes 17 times (other indicators may also light up, depending on the model of the washing machine);
• the door does not open even when the washing machine is disconnected from the electrical network;
• after starting the wash, the lock does not work, the machine does not start the cycle.

How can I see if the washing machine door closing sensor is working properly? A multimeter can be used for diagnostic purposes. You should first read the instructions and familiarize yourself with the washing machine’s electrical circuit. This will assist you in comprehending the phase’s location as well as the UBL’s neutral and common contacts. You can then start taking the lock apart. You must take the following action:

• de-energize the automatic machine;
• turn off the valve responsible for the water supply;
• disconnect the equipment from communications;
• open the hatch;
• unscrew the bolts securing the UBL;
• unscrew a couple of screws holding the top cover of the washing machine;
• push the panel towards you and remove it;
• stick your hand down, moving towards the lock (it is located to the right of the cuff);
• unhook the wires connected to the lock;
• remove the device from the case.

With a multimeter in resistance detection mode, you can then "arm yourself" by pressing the tester probes against the lock’s neutral contact and phase. The display should show a three-digit number. Replace the UBL if the value does not match. Attaching the wires to the phase and common contact is the next step in the check process. To connect the device to the network, you must first move the lock’s "tongue" into the operating position with a screwdriver. A functional blocker is audible, while a malfunctioning one remains "silent."

Examine the hinges if the diagnostics reveal no issues with the lock’s functionality. Maybe they are distorted, which is why the door droops. Additionally, mechanical damage to the mechanism’s "tongue" could be the cause of the machine’s reluctance to block the hatch. Make sure to verify this guess as well.

For your laundry to be cleaned safely and effectively, the washing machine door closing sensor is essential. While your machine completes its cycle, you can feel secure knowing that leaks and accidents are avoided thanks to this sensor, which determines whether the door is shut securely. The machine won’t start if the door isn’t closed all the way, saving your clothes and your house from possible mess.

Gaining knowledge about this sensor’s operation will assist you in resolving common problems. For instance, it might be worthwhile to check the sensor itself if your washing machine isn’t starting and you’re positive the door is closed. Dust and small obstructions can occasionally interfere with how well it works. Everything can be kept in good working order with routine maintenance and sporadic inspections.

To sum up, the sensor that detects when the washing machine door closes is a tiny yet essential part of contemporary appliances. It guarantees effectiveness and safety, which makes it a crucial component of your laundry routine. You can keep your washing machine in good condition and steer clear of needless headaches by taking care of this sensor and being aware of how it works.

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