Instructions for selecting and replacing heating elements in a Whirlpool washing machine
Whirlpool is a famous brand of washing machines. Not the most popular on the market, but still buyers often choose it.
Like all washing machines, Whirlpool's heating element may fail over the years, making it impossible to use it for its intended purpose.
We'll talk about how to replace the heating element in a Whirlpool washing machine in the article.
Content
What is a heating element?
The abbreviation TEN stands for tubular electric heater. This is one of the main elements of washing machines with both horizontal and vertical loading. The operation of the washing machine depends on its good condition. If the heating element breaks down, the operation of the washing machine becomes impossible.
Symptoms of a problem
Stopping water heating by a washing machine is not always a sign of a breakdown of the heating element; the reason for this may be the failure of other devices, for example: a temperature sensor, a control board. To determine the breakdown of this particular technological unit, it is necessary to diagnose the machine.
Some signs, indicating that the cause of the malfunction may be the heating element:
- The glass of the machine hatch remains cold throughout the washing process at set temperatures above 60°C.
- The surface of the machine is electric. This is a very dangerous situation; in this case, immediately disconnect the device from the network.
- The washing machine smells bad. This may occur due to washing powder getting on the heating element.
On some models, a fault code is displayed on the display; its explanation is written in the instructions. This greatly simplifies the diagnostic procedure.
Where is the part located in the Whirlpool washing machine?
In Whirlpool horizontal-loading washing machines, the heating element (and other key components) is located so that it is convenient to reach if necessary. The heating element is located under the laundry tub.
How to remove and replace?
To remove the heating element in a Whirlpool washing machine, necessary:
- disconnect the device from the power supply and water supply;
- drain the water from the machine through the drain filter;
- unscrew the back panel - the heating element is located behind it;
- tighten the drive belt;
- find a metal “chip” with rounded edges under the drum - this is the device mount.
To check the heating element you will need a multimeter:
- Set the multimeter to ohmmeter mode.
- Connect the probes to the contacts of the heating element.
- Watch the multimeter readings.
Normally, readings should be between 20 and 30 ohms. If the values on the multimeter do not correspond to the norm, the heating element must be replaced. Scale and dirt on the heating element also indicate that the element requires replacement.
To remove the heating element, you must first loosen the retaining bolt and push it deep, then loosen the device body and remove it. Actions must be neat and clear.
When removing the heating element Do not damage the rubber seal. Damage to the seal will lead to depressurization of the washing machine.
After removing the old heating element, the “socket” is cleaned.Fix the nut on the new heating element and treat the rubber seal with lubricant. The next step is to install the heater in the “socket”, secure it with mounting screws, and connect the wiring - a photo taken in advance will help with this.
After installing the heating element, the drive belt is returned to its place, the back wall is screwed on, and then the machine is connected to the communications.
After replacing the heating element, the washing machine is turned on in test mode. The water heating temperature must be set at least 60°Cso that you can feel the heating of the door glass. If the glass is warm and no other disturbances in the operation of the machine are observed, then the replacement was made correctly.
How to change in a top-loading machine?
In machines with vertical loading, diagnosing and replacing the heating element is even easier than in machines with front loading. “Vertical machines” have an inspection window in the drum that allows you to see the internal condition of the machine. The drum must be rotated so that this window is on top for ease of opening.
Use a flashlight to assess the condition of the heating element. If you need to remove it, then you also need to look through the inspection window on which side the wiring and fastening of the heating element are located - the side wall on that side needs to be unscrewed.
First of all, you need to disconnect the washing machine from the power supply and water supply. The side wall of the case is easily detached - to do this, you need to unscrew the bolts located along the perimeter of the wall.
Procedure when removing the heating element from the “vertical”, the procedure is very similar to the procedure when working with a front-loading machine:
- The “nest” of the heating element is at the very bottom;
- In order to assemble everything correctly when restoring the machine, it is recommended to photograph the connection of the heating element chips;
- unscrew the temperature sensor chip;
- unscrew the nut that secures the heating element;
- remove the heating element from the “socket”.
Pull out the heating element together with the rubber cuff. If the rubber has dried out and cannot be removed, dishwashing liquid will help remove it. The cuff treated with dishwashing detergent will soften and easily stretch along with the device.
Before installing a new heating element, you need to clean the “nest”: remove any remaining scale, debris. Cleaning is conveniently done through the inspection window.
A working heating element is installed in the prepared place. Carefully connect the contacts, based on the photo taken in advance.
Where can I buy a new one and at what price?
A new heating element can be bought in specialized stores that sell spare parts for home appliances, or ordered online. The cost of a new heating element starts from 700 rubles. But you can’t buy the first device you come across that you like at the price or is sold in a nearby store.
Heating elements have certain features to consider when choosing:
- Firstly, the heating element can be straight or bent in shape. Only a device of the same shape as the previous one is suitable for replacement.
- Secondly, the dimensions of the heating element. You need to come to the store with a broken device or knowing exactly its length.The difference in length is permissible up to 1.5 mm.
- Thirdly, the power indicator of the heating element indicated on the flange part of the device. The difference in power between the old and new heating elements should not exceed 150 W.
- Fourthly, the location of the terminals and fasteners must match exactly, otherwise difficulties will arise with connecting and installing the heating element.
And an important point concerning not the heating element itself, but the material from which the washing machine tank is made. If the washing tank is made of plastic, then all parts installed under it must be equipped with a rubber gasket.
The shape of the gasket varies depending on the model of the machine. Under the metal tank on the seal for the heating element there is a special collar in the flange part; it is needed to fit the device more tightly into its place.
Both options are acceptable for replacement. The main thing is that the parameters described above match. It is better to spend a little more money on a new device than to buy a used one. There are no guarantees that a used heating element will work efficiently and for a long time.
The video will tell you how to choose a heating element for a washing machine:
Call the master
In the case where independent replacement of the heating element is impossible, The best solution would be to turn to professionals. The most obvious way to find a master is to look at popular message boards on the Internet. There you can compare prices for services and phone numbers of specialists.
In the regions of Russia, the cost of replacing a heating element starts from 600 rubles. In many advertisements the price is indicated “by agreement”.
Conclusion
To independently diagnose and replace the heating element in a Whirlpool washing machine, you will need attentiveness, ability to operate equipment, tools (screwdrivers) and a multimeter. By following safety rules and taking into account the requirements for a new device, you can relatively cheaply return your washing machine to serviceability for many years.
