How to check the pressure switch in a washing machine

Sometimes it is necessary to check the pressure switch, because the stable operation of the machine, as well as its service life, depend on it. But there is not always enough money to pay for the work of a master.

If the warranty period for the washing machine has expired, you can check the pressure switch yourself. But, before that, you should learn more about the device itself, as well as know its location, functions and operating principle.

What is a pressure switch

Before you perform any actions with the device, you should understand what it even is? Pressostat is a sensor that determines the water level and also controls its quantity.

Location of the device in the washing machine

Most people think that the pressure switch should be located in the tank itself, believing that it works according to the “float principle”. But this is not true at all.

As mentioned above, the sensor operates using pressure, not water. That is why it is located not inside the tank, but outside, in its upper part. This arrangement allows the sensor to avoid direct contact with water. In some washing machines, the sensor may be located underneath the tub.

Operating principle of the device

The sensor has the shape of a round element made of plastic. Special wires and a tube are connected to the device. The tube is connected to a high pressure tank.

When the process of supplying water to the tank occurs, a certain level of pressure is supplied through the attached tube. The contacts close, which “tell” the machine that the level required for washing has been reached.

Signs indicating a malfunction of the device

A malfunction of the pressure switch can lead to a failure in its stable operation. Therefore, you should periodically “listen” to the machine and monitor its overall operation.

There are several signs by which you can determine that the device has become unusable.
The main signs of incorrect sensor operation:

1. The washing machine starts working, or activates the heater, if there is no water in the tank.
2. The tank begins to overflow with water, but this is still not enough to wash.
3. When the “rinse” mode is turned on, pumping begins, or vice versa, water supply begins.
4. The heating element's fuse trips, resulting in a fairly strong burning smell.
5. The machine does not work in spin mode.

If suddenly such signs are observed in the operation of the machine, then it is time to check the functionality of the pressure switch. You can do this yourself. To do this, you should arm yourself with a screwdriver, preferably with various interchangeable attachments. This is necessary because many manufacturers of washing machines use fasteners equipped with special heads to protect the device.

How to check the pressure switch yourself

If the symptoms described above were noticed in the operation of the machine, then it is time to check the operation of this device.

Checking the pressure switch is quite simple. To do this you need to do the following:

• To start checking, you should dismantle the top panel of the washing machine itself. To do this, you need to unscrew special bolts from the panels, after which the panel moves. In most car models, the pressure switch is located in the side wall, namely, in its upper part.
• Most often, experts advise unscrewing the pressure switch. Most often, the device is secured with several screws. Unscrewing them is quite simple.
• After access to the device is gained, it is necessary to disconnect the tube and all contacts from the device itself. The tube is firmly secured using special clamps. They should be carefully removed. If this cannot be done, then the clamps can be cut off and subsequently replaced with new ones.

After dismantling is completed, you must do the following:

• There should be no damage or cracks on the sensor body. You should also check the tube and the insulating material of the wiring itself. If blockages and minor damage are found, all this should be eliminated. You should also clean the sensor contacts.
• Now you can proceed to checking the operation of the sensor itself. To check, most often, a ten-centimeter hose is used, which is similar in diameter to the removed hose. The hose should be connected to the fitting of the device. After which, you should blow hard into it. At this moment, clicks should be heard from the device, the number of which will depend on the force with which you blow.
• If clicks are inaudible, then most likely the device is faulty and needs to be replaced with a new one.

In order to finally make sure that the device is faulty, you should measure its resistance using a special device - a multimeter. In the case when the resistance of the device remains the same during “blowing in,” the sensor can be thrown out.

The pressure switch is necessary for the operation of the entire washing machine. Her work depends on him. If the device becomes faulty, the operation of the entire machine is disrupted. Without a sensor, it is impossible to wash, and a breakdown of the sensor can lead to breakdown of the machine itself.

In this case, you definitely can’t do without buying a new washing machine. Replacing the sensor is quite a troublesome task, but not at all difficult. To avoid its breakdown, you should monitor the operation of the machine and correct all malfunctions in a timely manner.