Even such reliable appliances as Bosch can fail. A typical malfunction for washing machines of this brand is the breakdown of the heating element. It is usually caused by the operating conditions.
Replacement of the heating element can be carried out independently. We will tell you how to do it. And then you decide whether to call the expert or not.
Prepare everything you need
Replacement of the heating element in Bosch brand washing machines can be attributed to the average degree of difficulty. At the same time, it will require a minimum of tools for it. However, you will have to be patient. So prepare:
- a flat and a bent screwdriver;
- a wrench for the bit;
- a bit of “torex” type with the size of 10 mm;
- a tester to measure the resistance.
As for the heating element, buy only the original spare part. To find out what kind of heating element you need, look at the marking of the heating element when you dismantle it. Or tell the seller the model of your Bosch washing machine and he/she will offer you the one that fits. The original spare part is more expensive than the equivalent.
Provide access to the heating element
The heating element in the washing machine of the German brand Bosch is located behind the front panel. In most cases it discourages the user from carrying out self-repair. To provide access to the heating element, you will have to spend time to disassemble the machine. Prepare the equipment beforehand by disconnecting it from the supply lines and move it to a free area in the room.
- Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the bolts holding the body cover, they are located in the back. Then remove the cover.
- Pull the detergent drawer out of its seat.
To pull the cuvette in the Bosch washing machine, you need to press the latch located above the compartment for the conditioner. Then pull the detergent drawer towards you.
- Behind the detergent drawer find 2 bolts and unscrew them.
- Carefully remove the control panel, do not pull it forward so as not to break the wires. Put the panel on top of the washing machine.
- Now using a flat screwdriver, remove the bottom panel of the washing machine. There is a drainage filter behind it and two bolts holding the front panel. They must be unscrewed.
- Next, remove the hatch cuff inside the drum by opening and removing the metal clamp for this.
- Then remove the lock by unscrewing the two bolts and disconnecting the supply wires from the lock.
Now nothing holds the front panel of the body, so we can carefully remove it.
Change the heating element
As soon as the panel is removed, locate the heating element below, under the tank. You can test its operation with the help of a tester by attaching the probes to the contacts of the heating element. If the resistance is in the range of 25-35 Ohm, it means that the heating element is intact, otherwise change the part.
To pull the heating element from its nest, you will need:
- first remove the terminals with wires,
- then remove the thermistor;
- next, using the “torex” head unscrew the bolt located at the base of the heating element;
- hook the heating element using a flat screwdriver at its base and drag the part towards you.
If it is not so easy to remove the heating element, then sprinkle its base with WD-40 liquid and wait a bit, then try again. If you are 100 percent sure that the heating element is broken, pull it out without fear of breaking.
So, when the heating element is removed, now you need to clear the seat of dirt under the new heating element. Then install a thermistor removed from the old part on a new part. Lubricate the base of the heating element, for example, with the Fairy dish-washing liquid to better fit the tank. When installing a new part, be careful as the heating element must be placed without any tilts, otherwise leakage will occur. After installing the heating element in its seat, tighten the nut on the retaining bolt. Do not overtighten it so as not to squeeze out the rubber seal. In the end, connect all wires according to polarity and proceed to collecting the body of the washing machine in the reverse order.
A few words about the signs of this breakdown.
The malfunction of the heating element in the Bosch washing machine can manifest itself in different ways. Of course, the primary sign is the lack of water heating, which you will understand by touching door of the drum with your hand. In addition, in most models of machines, the F19 error code appears on the display. To find out about other errors in Bosch washing machines, read the article on our website.
Another sign of a broken heating element, when it needs to be replaced, may be a malfunction of a fuse. A faulty heating element can also cause the protection tripping unit to activate, installed in your electrical panel. And it is not at all necessary that the heating element is broken.
Perhaps, it was just that the contact had pulled off. Timely cleaning of the washing machine from scale can help you prevent the quick failure of the heating element. You can use both special means and just a citric acid for this. On the contrary, Calgon water softener is unlikely to help. Maintain your home appliances attentively.