This thread gives some history and pics. Someone found a closely matching service manual, which is here:
That goes to the error codes, which implies that I was reading the error codes upside-down. I thought it was error code 9 but the machine apparently has error code 18. It means the “load is imbalanced”. How does it sense that? There is no load in it at all now . But it’s trapped in an error state that cannot be cleared.
Am I missing something? Because this is outrageous. AFAICT, all components work. But the control board thinks there is a fault. And there is no way to clear it and force it to run. Page 86 of the service manual says:
“Explain the customer the following unbalanced load preventive actions.”
IIUC, according to page 86, the previous user ran an unbalanced load many times in a row. They retried running an unbalanced load enough times that the machine entered a locked state to protect itself from damage. But this service manual does not give a way to reset the machine. Am I fucked?
It’s the same problem with my other Beko washing machine as well. Both my Beko washing machines are trapped in an error state that is unclearable. The secret info was not released for either machine.
Not an expert but I would look into replacing the control board itself rather than trying to fix it. If you can reset it, I would guess it uses a jumper like on an oldschool motherboard.
Controller boards tend to cost about as much as a complete working 2nd-hand machine.
I have not checked yet for the machine at hand, but my other Beko which is also trapped in an error state and the parts shops can no longer get the controller board. Beko themselves cannot get one either. And I must say, replacing hardware to change the state of software is not an acceptable solution for me.
A jumper, I can handle. But I need the information. In fact that’s all I need – information. Which pins need a jumper?
FWIW: I had a Samsung washer that would throw “unbalanced load” error during the spin cycle. It was a top-load, with the motor+drum suspended on 4 springed/dampened rods. The only two solutions that worked were either: 1. Arrange clothes to one side to compensate the unbalanced drum (lots of trial and error there). Or 2. Put a foam mat around the suspended drum (had to take off the top part of the washer to do that). Somehow that dampens the shaking/imbalance just enough to not trip the sensor.
Don’t buy Samsung appliances.
I think I’m done buying washing machines. I have been hand-washing my clothes for over a year now. If I buy a machine, I become part of the problem… I become part of the financial support system for the scandals.
I can’t quite tell from what you describe if Samsung did something wrong. It seems reasonable to have a sensor. But if it’s too sensitive and gets false positives, then indeed that’s junk.
I think nothing is worse than what I experience with Beko: secret codes that force us to trash machines where all components work, but the manufacturer will not reveal the secret code that enables the machine to run. Nothing is more infuriating.