A steam generator will in principle generate more steam than a standard iron, this will make ironing easier. More than the heat, it is the humidity of the laundry that facilitates the elimination of creases.
If your steam generator no longer produces steam, the iron is hot but no steam comes out. Typically, steam failure on this machine is due to poor maintenance. Tap water can have a lot of limescale, scale can accumulate on the steam generator and limit some of its functions.
Start by checking that your sole does not show any white or brown marks, a sign of tartar in your device. If this is the case, you will need to descale your device. If the problem persists and your steam generator still does not produce steam, it will then be necessary to review and test certain elements such as:
- the solenoid valve,
- the pipes,
- boiler resistance,
- the thermostat,
- the hot melt as well as
- the pump and
- the electronic card.
This can solve your problem of a steam generator that no longer produces steam.
DESCALE YOUR STEAM PLANT
If your steam generator no longer produces steam, you may notice white marks on the iron of your steam generator and some holes are blocked. This may be the cause of the problem.
- Dilute 1/3 of a bottle of white vinegar with water and pour it into the steam generator tank. Leave to act overnight.
- On one side of the steam generator, remove the plug that accesses the boiler. Pour 1 L of the diluted solution and close with the cap, leaving to act overnight.
- Then proceed with a steam rinse using the rinse option. Be sure to put a container under the iron to catch the water that comes out.
- Let the iron soleplate soak lightly in white vinegar for a few hours to finish. If it is too damaged, replace it.
TEST THE STEAM PLANT SOLENOID VALVE
It is a solenoid valve which manages the arrival of steam in the iron. If it is stuck in the closed position, this would explain why your steam generator no longer produces steam. To test it:
- Dismantle your appliance until you locate the solenoid valve: generally, it is located just after the boiler.
- Disconnect the terminals just above the solenoid valve.
- Set your multimeter to 2 kΩ.
- Put the test probes of the multimeter on the two terminals opposite to each other
The multimeter should display a value around 1 kΩ. If so, then your solenoid valve is in good condition, if not, it is faulty.
CHECK THE PIPES
If you notice a noise, it means that your solenoid valve is working. The problem must then come from your hydraulic circuit.
Disassemble your steam generator, check that all the pipes are in good condition and that they are not clogged. If they are damaged, they will have to be changed.
CHECK THE RESISTANCE OF YOUR BOILER
The boiler is located inside your appliance and can generally take two different forms: a large thick disc or a large cylinder.
- Remove the cover of your steam generator to access your boiler.
- Set your multimeter to the 200 Ω position.
- Disconnect one lug from the resistor and put the multimeter test probes on both ends of the boiler wires.
- If you get a non-zero value (usually around 40 Ω) then the resistor is functional. Otherwise, it will need to be changed.
TEST YOUR PUMP
The problem may be with your pump, which is located inside your device, usually just at the outlet of the tank.
- Set your multimeter to continuity mode, or to the smallest gauge of ohmmeter mode.
- Insert the multimeter probes into the pump terminals.
- If you get a non-zero numerical value (often around 200 Ω) it means that your pump is in good condition. On the other hand, if you do not obtain a value, then your pump is defective.
TEST THE ELECTRONIC CARD
If all the other elements seem to be correctly supplied, the electronic card will have to be tested by measuring the voltage which circulates with a multimeter. This test will be carried out under voltage, so you must wear insulating gloves and do not touch metal parts with your hands.
- Remove the cover of your device to access your electronic card. Generally, it is placed at the front or at the back of the device.
- Set your thermostat to the lowest temperature and turn on your appliance.
- Set your multimeter to DC voltmeter mode (V with lines), on a caliber greater than 230 volts
- Put the test probes of your multimeter in the terminals at the level of the switch. Be careful not to touch any component or bare parts that are electrically powered.
- Flip your switch to the ON position.
- The value displayed should be around 230 Vols, the power supply voltage for your device, supplied by the socket.
- Do the same at the safety thermostat and thermal fuse inputs. You should also find a value close to 230 volts.
If you cannot find the correct value, replace your card.
