Zanussi Control module firmware and PCB compatability

[Ham]

Folks,
I’m repairing a Zanussi ZWHB7160P washing machine. One of the brushes burned out and the fault has burnt out traces and taken out a couple of components on the control module. It so happens that I already have a spare PCB from a very similar machine – ZWGB7140K. The machines have the same hardware as far as I can see apart from the one I’m working on now has a larger drum – it’s a 7kg rather than a 6kg load. Same motor, same pump, same door lock etc. The PCBs look as if they have the same chips. There are some differences e.g. on 3 of the relays the codes are different but the ratings appear to be same. The stickers on the case give different product codes for the machine, obviously, different MCF and CCF numbers (whatever they are!) BUT the same Firmware number.
So I’m tempted just to pop the board in the machine and see if it works even though the only online reference to the board I can find don’t give both models in the compatibility list.

The alternative is to repair the traces on the burnt board (don’t mind doing that) and replacing the burnt SMDs from the other board (I’ll be honest, I’m willing to give it a go but not experienced in SMD soldering – give me through hole any day!)

Any thoughts, guidance or advice?

Many thanks!

[electrofix]

the firmware will be configured differently to cope with different drum sizes and poss different programme positions

Dave

[Ham]

Thanks for your response, Dave. What I was interested by is that the label indicates that the firmware is the same version on both boards. Are you saying that despite being labelled with the same version number you would expect the firmware to be different?

[electrofix]

short answer. dont know

only electrolux would know that but unless they alter the pulley sizes if you put a bigger drum it would go at different speeds

it may be the same firmware but there may be a way the manufacturer can configure it for different machines

Dave

[Ham]

Fair enough: thanks, Dave. The front panel is exactly the same: same programmes, same circuit board, same firmware. I can’t see what’s different on the control module pcb so I might just give it a go. What’s the worst that could happen? (Which I guess is what I’m asking in this thread!).

[electrofix]

motor speed would be my worry

the drum has to turn at a specific speed before spin the make sure the washing is distributed evenly so it does not bounce.
also if it washes too fast the clothes move to fast and dont fall on each other

Dave

[Ham]

That’s helpful, thank you. I will report back!

[Ham]

Ok, so far so good with the control pcb installed. Machine has seemed to work ok on a couple of programmes. The drums are the same diameter between the models, as are the pulleys, so I’m not worried about the controller thinking it’s turning the drum at a different speed. I did notice a difference between the models that I hadn’t appreciated before – the machine I’m working on has a 1600 rpm spin whereas the other one has a max 1400 rpm spin. I don’t know if that will give us problems in the future. If the only consequence is that the controller is spinning my drum at 200 rpm less then I’m happy with that. Time will tell if this is a long term repair or if we’re living on borrowed time….but at least we’re getting some use out of an otherwise dormant control board and an otherwise useless machine!

[RachelInouye]

Thanks for the update.

[andyjawa]

Well done.

[Author]

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