Most users of washing machines are not interested in the device and the parts inside. When the machine, whether Bosch, LG or Ardo, fails, they call the wizard for quick troubleshooting. If, for any reason, the owner of the stylalka wants to fix it himself, he first needs to understand the principles of the device.
In many cases, the malfunction can be connected to the pressure switch, so for self-repair it is important to know what kind of part it is, what its failure leads to and whether it can be repaired.
What's this?
Such a detail as a pressostat is in any automatic washing machine, whether it is the technique of the brand Electrolux, Samsung, Indesit, Zanussi, Ariston, Candy or any other manufacturer. The main function of this element in the washing machine is to determine the presence of water in the tank and its level. That is why the second common name for such a detail is the "water level sensor".
In the absence of a pressure switch, the control module of the device could not determine if water is being pumped into the tank and how much it is already inside the machine. In addition, different programs require different amounts of water, which should also be regulated by the pressure switch.
The sensor itself is a rounded piece of plastic, to which wires are connected. Also, a pressure tube from the pressure vessel approaches the pressure gauge.
The principle of the work of the pressure switch is that after the water is collected in this reservoir, the pressure rises, which is the incentive for closing or opening the contacts in the relay.
Setting up the
For the correct operation of the level sensor it should be set up, but this is not the owner's responsibility of the washing machine, but of the manufacturer, since the adjustment is carried out and checked at the production site. However, there are situations when the owner of the equipment wants to change the settings of the pressure switch. This can be done by twisting the adjusting screws provided on the part.
What factors can indicate a breakdown?
The fact that the malfunction of the washing machine can be caused by a problem with the pressure switch, indicate such symptoms:
- The water did not get into the tank, and the machine started to wash. A consequence of this situation is usually a burnout of the heater, because the heater must work in water.
- Water is not enough in the tank.
- The machine is full of water.
- The wash is over, and the water is still in the tank, so after squeezing you took wet clothes from the machine.
- The rinse cycle does not start.
- You smell the burning that comes from the tank.
Service check
If you suspect that the water level sensor is not functioning, do not rush it immediately to a new one. First, check whether the pressure switch is faulty. To do this, remove the part from the machine, previously disconnected from the network. Typically, this sensor is located on the side of the device closer to its upper part. So your first action should be to detach the top cover.
Unscrew the bolts that hold it, slide the cover away from you and remove it. The sensor mount uses 1-2 bolts, which you have to unscrew. Also it is necessary to detach contacts and a hose from the pressostat by unscrewing its clamp using pliers.
After that, check the sensor using a hose about 10 centimeters in length, the diameter of which should be the same as that of the tube removed from the pressure switch. Put one end of this hose on the inlet fitting, and in the second blow, applying the pressure switch to your ear. You should hear a few clicks( one to three depending on your washing machine) indicating the performance of the sensor. If silence is inside the pressostat, then it does not work.
Also for testing, you can use a multimeter to measure the conductivity. With a serviceable pressostat, it will change with increasing air pressure.
You can see the process of checking the pressure switch for efficiency in the next video.
Repair
After removing the pressostat from the washing machine, first of all you need to see if the sensor itself is damaged, and also to evaluate the integrity of the hose. In addition, it is important to check if there is a clog inside the tube. Replace the damaged tube with a new one, and if it is clogged, it must be cleaned. Then inspect the contacts of the pressure switch and, if necessary, clean them.
Replacement with the new
If you are convinced that the level sensor is faulty, it will have to be replaced with a new part. You can buy a new pressostat in a regular store and on the Internet. To do this, you only need to know the brand and model of the washing machine or look at your non-working pressostat number.
It's easy to install a new sensor. First, a tube is put on it, then contacts are connected, after which the pressure switch is installed in its place in the washing machine. Next, it only remains to start the device and check if the new sensor is working.
For more information on the work of the pressure switch, please see this video:
