Instructions for removing and replacing the heating element for an LG washing machine with your own hands

A heating element, or tubular electric heater, is necessary to maintain the temperature during washing.

In LG washing machines, this part is one of the most vulnerable. The heater often fails due to long service life and violation of operating conditions.

What it looks like, where the heating element is located in an LG washing machine, how to get it out and replace it, if necessary, we will tell you further.

What does it look like and work like?

The heating element of an automatic washing machine (WMA) is a curved smooth tube with a conductive wire running inside it. The internal part is made of alloys with high electrical resistance. Changing the current parameters allows you to adjust the heating intensity.

Between the body and the working element there is a layer of material with high thermal conductivity. Between the contacts of the heater there is a socket for a temperature sensor, which determines the water temperature.

For more tight fixation of the heater in the seat it may have a sealing collar or collar. This must be taken into account when choosing a part. Instead of a heater without a thermostat, you can install a heating element with space for a sensor, but the hole will require a special plug.

Where is?

The heating element is located at the bottom of the SMA tank.To gain access to the part, you will need to unscrew the fasteners and remove the back wall of the machine. At the lowest point of the tank there are external contacts of the heater and temperature sensor, to which colored wires fit. The working part of the element is immersed inside the groove.

Causes and signs of part failure

Depending on the quality of the part and operating conditions, the service life of the heating element ranges from 2 to 10 years.

The reasons for its failure are:

• manufacturing defects;
• the formation of a thick layer of scale, which impedes heat removal;
• incorrect choice of heater or temperature sensor when replacing;
• damage to the metal body of the part;
• a sharp surge in voltage in the network, which leads to burnout of the conductive wire.

If the heating element is working, but does not heat the water, then the problem may be a breakdown of the temperature sensor, protective relay or electronic control unit of the machine. To protect the heating element and the electronic unit, the SMA is connected to a voltage stabilizer or relay, which disconnects the device from the network if the nominal parameters are sharply exceeded.

The main signs of a malfunction are the lack of water heating or the washing temperature is too low for the set program. If the heater body is damaged, a short circuit may occur, which leads to the machine switching off at the meter.

If the temperature mode does not correspond to the program, then LG washing machines with a display issue a code tE (from “temperature error”). SMAs without an electronic display indicate a problem by flashing or continuous lighting of all temperature indicators. As a rule, the tE error appears a few minutes after the wash starts.

How to remove and replace?

For diagnostics and repairs, you will need a Phillips and flathead screwdriver, a wrench ("8"), lubricant (for example, WD-40) and a multimeter. If there are signs of heating element failure necessary:

1. Disconnect the SMA from the network, wait 15-20 minutes. After this, turn on the unit and start the program again. If the sunroof glass remains cold for several minutes or the tE error occurs again, drain the remaining water in the tank and proceed with diagnostics.
2. After turning off the machine, slide and remove the top cover. Close the inlet hose. Disconnect the drain and inlet hoses.
3. Remove the screws that secure the back panel. Dismantle the wall.
4. At the bottom of the tank, find the external contacts of the heating element. If the part is covered by the drive belt, remove it from the disk.
5. Check the fit of the wires to the terminals. If one of them comes off, secure it in place and check the operation of the machine.

   When all the wires are tightly fastened, take a photograph of the order in which they are connected and begin dismantling.

6. Loosen the central nut that secures the heater. Remove the temperature sensor. Press down on the nut and stud.
7. Grab the heating element body and pull it out of the groove, swinging it slightly. During the removal process, do not touch the contacts. If during operation the sealing ring has hardened and makes it difficult to remove the heater, you need to carefully pry it off with a flat screwdriver.
8. Inspect the surface of the heating element for damage and scale. If the part is covered with a thick layer of sediment, immerse it in a warm solution of a weak acid (citric or acetic acid).
9. Switch the multimeter to resistance measurement mode, connect the probes to the heater contacts. The permissible value is 24-40 Ohms, depending on the heating element model (to calculate the resistance, use the formula R = U2/N, where U is the network voltage, and N is the rated power). If the display shows a lower value (less than 10-15 ohms), the part is faulty.
10. After checking, clean the seat from scale and other contaminants. Apply grease to the groove and rubber seal.
11. Insert a new part, after checking it with a multimeter. Reinstall the temperature sensor, tighten the fasteners and connect the wiring.
12. Install the back panel, connect the hoses and start washing without laundry at 60-900C. Check the water temperature (for example, by touching the hatch).

Where and at what price can I buy a new one?

You can buy a new part in an online store, an LG service center or from a supplier of spare parts for equipment in your city. The easiest way to select the right part is to show it to the seller or name the marking. You can also determine the standard element from catalogs for washing machine models.

When purchasing a heater online The following parameters need to be taken into account:

• seat dimensions;
• presence of a collar, seals, holes for the sensor;
• configuration of the working part of the heating element (shape, length and width);
• power.

If a strictly similar part is not supplied, you can choose a heater with similar characteristics. The permissible discrepancy in length is -1 cm, and in power - ±200 W. The new element must have the same shape as the previous one: straight or curved.

Some models of heating elements have a protective coating, which does not affect its configuration and interchangeability, but increases wear resistance and service life. The cost of the heater ranges from 400 to 1500 rubles. The best manufacturers of tubular elements for LG washing machines are IRCA and Thermowatt.

How much do the services of a master cost, where can I find one?

The cost of repairing or replacing the heating element in the service is from 1800 rub. excluding the price of a new spare part. If the problem lies in the temperature or drying sensors, then replacing them will cost about 1,700 rubles. In case of malfunctions of the electronic unit or the heater control system, the cost of repair starts from 2,600 rubles.

When contacting a private master, you can reduce costs by 10-25%. If the washing machine is under warranty, then you should only contact the official service center of the brand.

To select a service provider, you can turn to directory sites and trading platforms. To minimize the likelihood of fraud, you must:

1. Find reviews of companies on city forums, and when reading, pay attention to the spread of response dates.
2. Call the most popular and reliable services, compare the cost of diagnostics and replacement parts.
3. Find out the legal addresses of companies and check the presence of a branch at the specified coordinates.

Before starting repairs, you need to discuss the estimate with the technician and follow the diagnostic procedure. Reliable home appliance repair companies provide a receipt, a certificate of completion and a guarantee for the services.Depending on the type of malfunction, the warranty period ranges from 6 months to 2 years.

Conclusion

Thus, the heating element is a necessary spare part for the efficient operation of the washing machine. If the water does not heat up during washing, then you need to check the serviceability of this part and the temperature sensor. If the operating rules are followed, the heater can operate for up to 5-10 years.