How to adjust the pressure switch of the washing machine

Over time, any element of the washing machine may fail - the rubber seal begins to crack, the heater stops heating, the water level sensor gives an incomprehensible error. An imperfect system of water intake into the tank will talk about the problem with the pressure switch. The washing machine will either not get the liquid, or load it in excess.

Not in all cases, the sensor must be replaced with a new one, sometimes it may be necessary to adjust the pressure switch. By attempting to adjust the part on your own, you will avoid unnecessary expenses for the purchase of the element, while extending the life of the existing sensor for many years. We will figure out how to adjust the part that is responsible for collecting the right amount of water in the tank.

Before opening the pressure switch

After detecting a malfunction in the system, you need to understand whether the pressure switch was really the cause. Carefully inspect the filling system, examine the hose and the fitting of the water intake sensor, its transition chamber. On the inspected elements should not be:

• scuffs, tear;
• plaque from laundry detergents.

If you find dried detergent on the parts, be sure to rinse the components and try to start the machine again. Perhaps these measures will help restore the performance of the pressostat.

Next, check the stability of the supply wiring to the sensor. Perhaps some wire is worn out or bent. If a defect has been detected, repair it and check the washing machine for operation.

And finally, you need to look at the contacts of the pressostat, if they are dirty, you should clean them. Then start the check of the water intake sensor. Diagnostics will require a tube with a diameter similar to the permanent sensor hose. One tip of the tube will have to be put on the inlet fitting of the device, slightly blow into the free second hole. When the sensor is working properly, it emits clicks. If even after such a check no problems were found, it is necessary to disassemble the pressure switch.

Adjustment process

It is not necessary to resort to the help of professionals to set up a fluid level sensor; repair work can be done independently. It is necessary to clearly follow the instructions below and perform all actions carefully, with extreme caution. To adjust the level sensor of the washing machine, the following algorithm of actions must be observed:

• disconnect the machine from the mains and water supply;
• remove the pressure switch by unscrewing the pair of bolts holding it and gently disconnecting the wires supplying the part;
• find special screws designed to attract and weaken the internal contacts of the device;
• remove residual sealant from their surface.

These manipulations can be called preparatory, the main work on setting up the pressure switch is yet to be done. Next, using the cleaned screws, you must try to catch the moment of rapprochement and opening of the contacts with your own hands. In this case, it will be necessary to use the “poke method”, well-known to everyone, since non-professionals do not have special devices to set the closing moment. It is necessary to do so:

• turn the first screw half a turn, connect the sensor to the machine, turn on the machine and start the washing mode;
• if in your case the required volume of water was not initially collected, but now it has become larger, then the correct course of action has been chosen. Loosen the screw stronger in the same direction, after which fill part of the part with sealant;
• if unscrewing the bolt caused the opposite effect, scroll it in the opposite direction by one or one and a half turns.

The main task when adjusting the pressure switch is to set the optimal parameters for its operation, so that the sensor works at the right time, clearly determines the amount of water collected in the tank.

After the screws are screwed to the desired position, be sure to treat them with silicone sealant to avoid subsequent loosening of the fasteners.

Signs indicating a part breakdown

Many factors can indicate a liquid level sensor failure.. If the pressure switch fails, the normal operation of the washing machine is violated, the machine starts to function incorrectly. Certain signs indicate a malfunction of the device.

1. The washing mode is activated even when the drum is empty.
2. The heater starts to work, although there is no water in the tank. This action will certainly lead to burnout of the heater.
3. An automatic machine draws “as much as it wants” water, and not the desired amount provided by the washing program.
4. The washer cannot drain the waste water at the end of the cycle.
5. The rinse mode in the machine does not work.

It is not difficult to diagnose a breakdown of the pressure switch on your own, the described symptoms quite clearly indicate problems with the sensor. However, not in all cases the adjustment of the sensor will help, in certain situations it will require its complete replacement.

If the adjustment didn’t help?

If the attempt to set up the pressure switch with your own hands failed, this does not mean that you need to change the washing machine or urgently call the master. The most budget option is to replace the defective part with a new sensor.

It is important to choose the right pressure switch for replacement, be sure to consider the make and model of your automatic machine.

Installing a new water level sensor does not take much time. It is enough to remove the broken part by first taking a picture of the wiring diagram, and then carry out the following sequence of actions:

• fix a working pressure switch in the system;
• connect the hose to the sensor tube and secure it with a clamp;
• inspect the resulting compound for cracks, creases, damage;
• connect the wiring according to the previous diagram.

You should not use a washing machine with a non-functioning sensor, this can lead to a serious malfunction of the machine, it is necessary to adjust the pressure switch as soon as possible or replace it with a working one.

Then you need to assemble the body of the machine, putting the top cover in place, turn on the washer in the network and start the washing program. After replacing the part, the situation should undoubtedly improve.