Do you think your washing machine motor is faulty? To find out, you will have to carry out several tests, including that of the tachometer. In this article we will explain the procedure to follow in order to test it yourself.
- What is a tachometer?
- How do you remove the motor from your washing machine?
- How do I test my washing machine’s motor tachometer?
What is a tachometer?
The tachometer is like a small dynamo which, when rotating, produces a certain voltage allowing the motor to turn at a certain speed. The tachometer produces a voltage that you determined by choosing the washing machine program. In other words, it tells the electronic board how fast your washing machine motor is running. A tachometer fault often manifests itself by uncontrolled rapid rotation of the motor.
First you must remove the side or rear panel of your washing machine
In order to access the part you want to test, namely the tachometer, you will need to access the motor for this you must unscrew and remove the side or rear panel of your washing machine. Of course, before proceeding with the removal of the metal panel, unplug the power cable of the washing machine from the mains socket. This will save you from the risk of electrocution. Also, protect yourself from the risk of injury by always moving the device with the help of a second person.
You will then have to remove the motor from your washing machine
Before you can test the tachometer, you need to extract the motor from the device. Start by disconnecting the electrical wires connected to it then remove it or the mounting screws that hold the motor in place. You can now take the motor out of the washing machine and place it on a flat surface. At the back of the motor you will find a round part with two wires: this is the tachometer . It is held either by a clip or by a screw. You must disassemble it from the motor in order to take it out and check the condition of the cylindrical magnet on the motor shaft.
The tachometer also called speed sensor allows your washing machine to know the rotational speed of the motor. Although it happens very rarely, the tachometer magnet may be unscrewed or broken, so check that it is firmly attached. You can also check the value of the tachometric coil, using a multimeter in Ohmmeter mode. To do this, disconnect the motor wiring and place the tips of your tester on the terminals of the tachometer. The value must be between 50 and 200 Ohms (Ω)depending on the manufacturers. If the value is zero or too high, your tachometer may be faulty. Often, the main fault concerning the tachometer is a water leak affecting the engine connectors and therefore the tachometer wires.