Washing machine is a complex household appliance that can support several wash modes for different types of laundry at once. One of its main features is the rapid heating of water. Temperature is controlled by special integrated sensors. If the water during the wash is too cold or hot, then you might need to check the temperature sensor in the washing machine and maybe even replace it with a new one as you might have Samsung washer temperature sensor problem.
How to check the temperature sensor in the washing machine?
Simple washing modes usually require heating water to 30 ° C. In some cases, the sensor does not send a signal to stop the heating element and the washer continues to heat the water to the maximum possible temperature. This problem may damage the laundry or lead to huge bills for energy.
The fault may be associated not only with the temperature sensor but also with a special programmer responsible for automatic temperature control. The repair options depend on specific model of the washer.
Malfunctions of bimetallic sensors are usually associated with mechanical damage or wear which affect the integrity of the electrical circuit. As a result, the water is brought to the critical boiling point.
You need to do the following things to check its serviceability:
- partially disassemble the washing machine;
- remove the terminals of the wires from the temperature sensor;
- use a multimeter to check the contacts when choosing different modes.
The resistance should be the same for all programs, but in case of malfunctions it will vary.
Gas-filled thermostat is larger than a bimetallic one has a copper capillary tube in it. The malfunction is usually associated with damages in this freon-filled tube. If the gas comes out, then the temperature is determined incorrectly.
The following procedures need to be carried out for determination of this cause:
- partially disassemble the washer to get access to the sensor;
- use a multimeter to measure the resistance between terminals;
- check if there is a specific clicking sound when the heating element stops heating.
Modern models of washing machines come with built-in electronic thermistors. They measure the resistance with the use of semiconductors. Resistance determines on the specific temperature of the water inside the drum. Besides, there is a special controller responsible for the operation of the heating element. Such models are considered to be the most effective ones, but their repair is always more difficult and expensive. Very often, only the replacement of the thermal sensor can solve the problem.
Such sensors look like plastic or metal rods attached directly to the heating element unit. Their working element is immersed in water to determine the temperature.
What is the normal resistance of the washing machine temperature sensor?
Depending on the specific model of the washer and the type of sensor used, the resistance may be different. At a temperature of 30 ° C, the values will usually be within 17-17.5 kΩ, and at 80 ° C – about 2.1-2.5 kΩ. The higher the temperature in the drum is, the less the resistance will be.
However, such information is not 100% genuine, and therefore cannot serve as a basis for immediate repair. It is necessary to accurately determine the characteristics for a specific model and only then you will be able to carry out a replacement or try to troubleshoot your washer.