Not many users of washing machines delve into their principle of operation and what parts are inside the unit. But, if the device suddenly breaks down, then you have to call the master or, if finances do not allow it, you have to figure out the principle of operation of the machine yourself. Today we will talk about one small, but very important part in the washing machine - the pressure switch.
What is a pressure switch in a washing machine
Before you do anything with the pressure switch, you need to figure out what it is. A pressure switch, also known as a water level sensor, is available for every automatic washing machine. It is needed in order to determine whether there is water in the tank of the washing machine and how much of it.
What would happen if there was no pressure switch? Imagine you start a washing program and the machine starts to draw water. Since there is no pressure switch, the washing machine does not know how much water is in the tank, and whether it is there at all. The machine is typed and typed, because there is no sensor that would “tell” it: “Enough to type, there is already enough water!”. We are not talking about the fact that different washing programs use different amounts of water, which is also regulated using this sensor.
Now you understand why you need a water level sensor? Now let's figure it out what is this sensor, and what is the principle of operation of the pressure switch washing machine.
The water level sensor is a small round plastic element to which wires and a tube are connected, which is connected to a pressure tank. When water is filled in the tank, the pressure corresponding to the water level is applied through the tube and the relay closes or opens the contacts, thereby “telling” the washing machine about the desired water level.
Setting the pressure switch of the washing machine
In order for the water level sensor to respond correctly to the desired pressure and work at the right time, manufacturers adjust the pressure switch of the washing machine. In most cases, the owners of equipment do not need to worry about such a setting., since everything has already been done and tested in production.
But there are situations when the owners of the equipment want to experiment with adjusting the pressure switch of the washing machine. Each water level sensor has adjustment screws that can achieve the desired result, they are twisted to fine-tune it.
What if the water level sensor is faulty
It may happen that the pressure switch breaks down and does not work properly, respectively, and the washing machine will also work incorrectly. What happens if the pressure switch breaks down? If your washing machine shows the following symptoms, then most likely you have a broken water level sensor.
- The machine starts washing without water in the tub; it also includes a heater for heating water without the water itself. In this situation, most likely the heating element will burn out from overheating, since it is designed to work in water.
- The machine draws too much water or, on the contrary, does not get it. It may even happen that the water is drawn in ad infinitum until something breaks and the water flows out.
- Water may remain in the tub even after washing is completed.Or you can pull out the wet laundry after the spin cycle. If a spinning is not working in your washing machinethere may be other reasons for this error.
- Washing machine may not rinse clothes.
As you can see, such a small detail can lead to serious consequences, and if your machine behaves this way, then you need to make sure that the sensor is working.
How to check the pressure switch of a washing machine
If you suspect that it is the water level sensor that is faulty in your washing machine, then you should not immediately throw it away and buy a new one. First you need to make sure that the reason is in it. For that, let's check it out.
To check the pressure switch of the washing machine, first you need to get to it. It is usually located on the side wall of the washer closer to the top.. Therefore, we remove the top cover - to do this, unscrew the two bolts at the back that secure it, then slide it away from you and remove it.
It is best to unscrew the pressure switch. It is usually fastened with one or two bolts that must be unscrewed.
Next, disconnect the hose and contacts from the water level sensor. The hose is held on with a clamp, so you will either have to unscrew it or push it apart with pliers. To disconnect the wires, simply pull the plug.
The first step is to inspect the sensor itself for damage, as well as the tube that came up to it. The tube must not be clogged or damaged.If there is a blockage in it, then clean it; if it is damaged, it must be replaced. Look at the sensor contacts: if they are dirty, clean them.
Now we go directly to the test of the pressure switch itself. To do this, we need a small hose, the same diameter as the one we removed from the sensor. You need a small length - 10 cm should be enough.
Then we put one end of the hose on the inlet fitting of the level sensor, and in the second we blow; we put the pressure switch itself to the ear and listen - clicks should be heard.That is, they applied - silence, then they blew a click should be heard. There may be several clicks, they will depend on how hard you blow into the tube. If there are clicks, then everything is in order with the sensor itself, it is working.
You can do the same with a multimeter. - just do not listen, but measure the conductivity, which should change with increasing air pressure. Watch the video to see how the pros do it.
How to replace a pressure switch in a washing machine
If the pressure switch fails, it must be replaced. Fortunately, this is not an expensive item and is available to anyone. You can find and buy it via the Internet: just type the appropriate query in the search. Next, you will need to tell the model and brand of your washing machine to the seller, and he will tell you which part is right for you. You can also find the water level sensor by its number, which is indicated on it.
Installing a new pressure switch is very easy.: you will need to put a hose on it, plug in the contacts and screw it into place. After that, you need to start the washing machine and check its performance.
Comments
Thanks
THANK YOU YOUR HELP.
There are a lot of words everywhere, but there is no essence. But no one has identified (all over the Internet) the most important feature: .. clicks ... clicks ... you can hear ... - in Russian it should sound like - “pressure sensor on spring-loaded self-returning contacts” - and it is immediately clear that when the pressure is released, we must hear a second click - otherwise this is a malfunction!
Faced such a situation. The sensor works in reverse. Those. clicks can be heard when you create a vacuum.
Good evening, tell me how much the water sensor for the washing machine Lg will cost
I learned a little from the video, I didn’t explain how to adjust the pressure switch, I don’t see the point in changing the part due to underfilling when it can be adjusted. near the machine itself, it came from the factory with a low water level, which is why the rinsing is terrible (everything is in powder stains) and the wash looked like wet linen on the floor.
The article is interesting, but not exhaustive. In my EW692S model, the spin mode does not turn on on any washing programs. The machine freezes every time at the moment of the final draining of the water, i.e. the pump continues to drain, pumping out all the water, but the spin cycle does not turn on. I decided to check the level sensor. I opened the lid and found two pressure switches inside instead of one as in the video! Therefore, it remains unclear which of them tracks which level. And in general, is it the reason for the lack of spin.
Thank you very much for the article! The machine gave an IE error, thanks to your article they found a pressure switch, and there just a hose, it turns out, fell off!))) They connected it back, everything works! Otherwise, I would have to call the master and I can imagine how much this call would cost us)))
find a capacitor 100 nan if below 60 change
Can the pump not constantly pump out water due to the pressure switch? The bottom line is that the water is picking up like normal, but the water drain does not stop, the pump works without ceasing.
if you blow into the hose, what should be, what is the reaction?
Hello! Tell me plz. Machine "idesit wisa81", after self-study. repair to replace bearings after about a month of operation, after using. cleared from scale, the subsequent first starts became problematic: first, a set of water up to 0.5 tank, while a leak appeared at the bottom of the tank. After manual incl. prog. spin and switch to other prog.in particular #8, it somehow starts up and works as usual ... Thanks in advance for the answer!
akai awm 1401 gf does not finish the washing program when it is running and can work indefinitely until you unplug it from the outlet. At the same time, it correctly draws water, erases, drains water, wringes out and drains again after spinning, but does not stop according to the program.
Thank you! The water supply was not turned off. I was able to fix the problem myself! I thought the sensor was covered, but only the tube to it was clogged.
My Hotpoint-Ariston103 draws little water on the main washing programs 2.3.4, and there is no water heating during washing. Can I fix it myself without calling the master?
lg washing machine draws water but turns the drum for a few seconds
lg washing machine draws water but does not drain
Does the length of the tube suitable for the pressure switch play a role? Can it be shortened? I broke at the entrance to the pressure switch. Thanks
THANKS! The video helped a lot to understand the reason for the accumulation of excess water in the tank (how simple it is).In the video, I especially liked the moment when you need to throw out the pressure switch.
The problem is this! I turn on the machine, I set certain functions to start, and nothing happens, silence only says the light on program 4! what could be?
Thank you!
The article is useful, and the frequencies of the sensor (empty, full, overflow) would be handy! SMA SAMSUNG F1015 after 2 years of inactivity at start-up only took in (maybe warmed up) water, only DRAIN started! E7, selection of frequency removal of error E3). so far I can’t achieve the launch of ANY mode, maybe one of the experts will tell you (
And why is he so sure that you won’t assemble, I collected the contacts, cleaned it, assembled it and everything works