How to replace the heating element and temperature sensor in your washing machine

Washing MachineModerate⏱ 15 - 20 minutes

Инструкция на английском (оригинал iFixit). Непонятные термины — в разделе «Основы → Словарь».

If your washer no longer heats water, displays error codes, trips the breaker, or leaves clothing with odors and residue, the heating element or temperature sensor may have failed. Replacing these parts restores proper wash temperatures and prevents further damage. Follow these instructions to safely replace the heater and either the analog thermostat found on older machines or the NTC sensor used on modern models.

🧰 Tools

Flat-head Screwdriver
Wrench 10 mm
Large Needle Nose Pliers
Flashlight
Gloves

⚙️ Parts

Heating Element
Temperature sensor

ШагиSteps

Disconnect power

Unplug the washing machine from the mains supply before starting any work.
The host repeats this warning twice to stress its importance.

Remove rear panel

Undo the screws securing the rear cover and lift the panel away to expose the heater area.
Removing the rear cover gives direct access to the heating element.

Remove drive belt

Pull the belt toward you while slowly rotating the drum until the belt slips off the motor and drum pulleys.
Slide the belt off so it does not obstruct heater removal.

Disconnect heater wiring

Photograph the wiring and note that one lead is longer than the other for correct re-assembly.
201–212 seconds show the different cable lengths that aid identification.
Pull the spade connectors off the heater and earth terminals using pliers if necessary.
198–207 seconds remind you to remove all electrical connections.

Loosen retaining nut

Back off the 10 mm nut on the heater clamp but do not remove it completely.
Leaving the nut on prevents the sealing plate from falling into the tub.

Release gasket and extract heater

Insert a flat-head screwdriver at both sides of the rubber gasket and gently lever it outward.
227–237 seconds show prying the gasket to free the heater.
Grip the element and wiggle it straight out of the opening.
252–265 seconds display removal of a corroded heater.

Clean heater opening

Wipe away rust, scale and debris from the slot where the heater seals.
299–305 seconds emphasise cleaning the seat.
Shine a flashlight inside the tub and remove any stray bra wires or socks.
312–331 seconds recommend checking for foreign objects.

Lubricate and position new heater

Spread a thin film of dish soap or oil on the new gasket so it slides easily.
361–369 seconds explain using lubricant for easier insertion.
Insert the element slightly downward so the internal spacer hooks into its seat inside the drum.
389–401 seconds demonstrate the angled insertion.

Secure new heater

Tighten the retaining nut until the gasket compresses and the heater stops moving.
401–416 seconds show tightening the nut.
Confirm the heater remains seated by pulling it gently after tightening.
431–440 seconds verify correct seating.

Reconnect wiring

Remove any transport covers from the new heater terminals and push the supply wires onto their original pins.
442–466 seconds cover removing plastic protectors.
Attach the earth wire firmly to its terminal to avoid electric shock hazards.
477–502 seconds stress correct grounding.

Remove analog thermostat

Cut or release the cable ties holding the capillary tube to the chassis.
521–535 seconds mention freeing the ties.
Lift the rubber groove and slide the thermostat bulb out of the socket.
535–557 seconds show extracting the bulb.

Install analog thermostat

Feed the new bulb into one side of the rubber groove, lift the lip, and push it fully home.
571–591 seconds illustrate seating the bulb.
Fasten the capillary to the frame with fresh cable ties and reconnect the control wire.
557–570 seconds advise replacing ties.

Replace NTC temperature sensor

Pull off the two sensor wires and lever the NTC sensor straight out of the heater pocket.
646–690 seconds describe sensor removal.
Push the new sensor firmly into the pocket until flush and reconnect the wires.
737–749 seconds show pressing the sensor in place.

Refit drive belt

Loop the belt over the motor pulley, align it with the drum pulley grooves, and rotate the drum to seat the belt fully.
753–769 seconds guide belt installation.

Reinstall rear panel

Position the rear cover and tighten its two screws to complete the reassembly.
771–782 seconds note careful screw installation.

The belt, heater and sensor are now secure and the rear panel is back in place, so your washing machine is ready for its next load with full heating performance restored.

«How to replace the heating element and temperature sensor in your washing machine» — автор Ula Gantar, iFixit, лицензия CC BY-NC-SA 3.0. Показано без изменений. Открыть оригинал и комментарии →