If your washing machine just had an error code or a fault you might want to reset it. All it takes is a press of a button to reset the machine. While older appliances usually do not have a reset button, more recent models often do. If you don’t have a reset button on your machine, don’t fret. Washing machine models that are programmable may have a different reboot or reset method.
Washing machines usually display an error code or fault when there is something wrong with the power. There could be an unbalanced load (deviation in voltage), a power spike, or even interruptions in power. Troubleshooting may get a little complicated, especially if there is something wrong with the appliance parts.
Understanding your machine is vital if you want to fix the issue and reset it. Here are a few things to keep in your mind when you need to reboot your machine.
The washing machine stopped or won’t start
There is no avoiding laundry that needs cleaning. In 2018, 8.9 million pieces of washing machines were sold in the US. A machine that does not turn on or turns off unexpectedly can be stressful. Before attempting to fix the situation yourself, make sure your hands are dry. The last thing you want is to get electrocuted because of carelessness. Dry your hands with a towel before you touch any power source or button.
The first step is to make sure the power source is working. You should test the power source with any other appliance or device to ascertain its status. If there is nothing wrong with the power source, you can move on to check the status of the circuit box. If there is a tripped breaker, you should reset it by moving it entirely to the ‘off’ position before switching it on again. Make sure you unclog the drain hose if the appliance stopped working in the middle of the wash.
After the completion of the steps above, check the manual to understand the specific requirements of a reset. Some machines require you set the knob to a setting before which the reset function cannot operate. The more information you have about your machine, the better chances you have of a successful reset. Try pressing the “Start-Pause” button for five seconds and then switch the machine on. If the washing machine appears to have turned on, run it for a cycle, and check if it is operating correctly.
What to do if there is no reset button?
Everyone does not have a modern washing machine or the world’s smallest portable washing machine at their disposal. If your machine does not have a reset button, you will have to reset it manually. Depending on the instructions in the manual, switch off the circuit breaker for a prespecified period. This period is usually between thirty seconds to a minute, depending on the make and model of the washing machine. If the washing machine has a knob control make sure it isn’t on ‘final spin.’ If there are button controls, choose any cycle instead of ‘spin.’
Then you have to make sure the water to the machine is on and switch the circuit breaker on. The washing machine should switch on after this process. Make sure you read the manual to ensure you miss no step that is unique to your machine. If all else fails, don’t attempt to repair the machine on your own. A lack of expertise can create a more problematic issue than the one you started with initially.
Is your machine programmable?
Back in the 1800s, washing machines were hand-powered. With various innovations in the industry, we now have programmable washing machines. Often these programmable machines have a reset function that counters the ‘Delay Start’ command. The method of ‘resetting’ can vary according to the make and model of the machine. Therefore, you will have to check the manual to ascertain how to reset it. If you can’t find the physical manual, look online, and you will be able to find it on the manufacturer’s website. However, it should relieve you if your machine has these capabilities.
You might need a technician
Contrary to popular appliance myths, using the machine as less as possible doesn’t ensure that all appliance parts remain safe. If despite all measures, you are unable to reset the machine, you may need to call a technician. After all, you don’t want the dirty laundry to pile up.
If nothing happens even after resetting the machine, there might be something wrong with an appliance part. Everyone is not authorized to replace parts or service a machine, so make sure you do not attempt to do it on your own. An authorized technician will be able to troubleshoot the issue and find an appropriate solution for your washing machine woes. Finding replacement parts is also possible, and your technician will guide you in this regard.
Final thoughts
When there is too much dirty laundry, and the machine isn’t working, you feel stressed out. If there is an error code or a fault with your machine, you should attempt to reset it. While many machines do not have a reset button, that doesn’t mean you can’t reset it manually. If you have a newer model it should probably have a reset button or a programmable reset function.
Do not forget to keep your hands dry when dealing with your appliances. Check the manual to understand all the steps and make sure to follow through. If you’ve lost the manual, check for a copy of it online. Don’t attempt to repair the machine yourself if you are not authorized to do so.
If the machine does not function after the reset, you might have to call in an authorized technician.
