How to replace the RSO filter in your washing machine

Written By: Ula Gantar
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How to replace the RSO filter in your washing machine

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

10

Time Required

15 - 25 minutes

Introduction

If your washing machine trips the breaker, gives off a burnt smell, or just won’t power on, the culprit could be the RSO filter, also called an input interference filter. This small but important component prevents electrical noise and surges from damaging your appliance.
Fortunately, it’s easy to replace, inexpensive, and can bring your washer back to life without calling a technician.

    • Unplug the washing machine from the wall socket before starting any work.

    • Confirm the cord is fully free so no one can accidentally restore power.

    • Breaker trips, burnt smells, or popping noises often signal a failed RSO filter.

    • Opening the appliance and replacing parts may affect your warranty; review manufacturer terms before proceeding.

    • Never bypass the filter because voltage spikes can damage the washer and other household electronics.

    • Consult the service manual or manufacturer website to confirm your model uses a replaceable RSO filter and to obtain torque values.

    • Look near the power entry point for a small rectangular or cylindrical unit marked with mains voltage ratings.

    • On some older machines the filter sits behind the front panel and is secured by a 13 mm nut.

    • Many newer models mount the filter under the removed top cover beside the power cord entry.

    • Troubleshooting Tip: Not sure if the filter is broken? Look for burn marks, bulging, or a strong burnt smell. Sometimes you’ll also hear a loud “pop” when it fails. Even if it looks okay, a faulty filter can still trip the breaker.

    • Undo the two or three screws on the machine’s back edge with a screwdriver.

    • Slide the cover backward and lift it off to expose the filter compartment.

    • Use a camera or smartphone to capture clear images of every wire connected to the RSO filter.

    • The flat contacts usually link neutral lines while the side contacts link phase lines; photograph this layout for reference.

    • Two green‑yellow earth wires attach to the metal tabs of the filter and must return to the same positions.

    • Grip each spade connector and pull it straight off the filter tabs to free phase, neutral, and earth leads.

    • Avoid tugging on the wire insulation to prevent breakage.

    • Undo the two screws securing the filter bracket using a screwdriver or wrench.

    • Lift the filter upward to clear the plastic locating clips and withdraw it from the appliance.

    • Check the removed filter for scorch marks, cracks, or bulging metal which confirm internal failure.

    • Do not attempt to open or repair the faulty filter because it is a sealed component.

    • Seat the new filter into the bracket so all four plastic lugs fully engage.

    • Tighten both mounting screws until snug without overtightening.

    • Ensure the filter orientation matches the original to keep the wiring layout correct.

    • Attach both earth wires to the filter’s ground tabs.

    • Push the harness connector onto the output terminals until fully seated.

    • Fit incoming phase and neutral wires onto their original straight terminals.

    • Compare the connections with your photo to confirm identical routing.

    • Replace the washing machine’s top cover and secure it with the rear screws.

    • Reconnect the power cord and run a short rinse cycle to verify the breaker no longer trips and no smell is present.

    • If the machine still trips or emits any abnormal smell disconnect it immediately and consult a qualified technician.

Conclusion

With the new RSO filter in place, your washer should operate quietly and without tripping breakers. Keep the photos you took for future reference, always disconnect power before further work, and consult an authorised service centre if unusual symptoms return.

You’ve successfully replaced the RSO filter. If your washer powers on and runs normally again—congrats! This tiny part often solves big electrical issues.

If your machine still smells burnt, won’t turn on, or trips the FID switch again, take a second look at the filter—burn marks, bulging, or a “pop” sound are all signs of failure. Even if it looks okay, a faulty RSO filter may be the hidden culprit.

Author

Ula Gantar

Member since: 08/01/25

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