A breakdown of the water level sensor (pressostat) of the Indesit washing machine is easy to notice.
The washing machine suddenly begins to slow down the washing process, turn off the rinse or spin functions, or even start the specified program without water in the tank.
Solving the problem yourself will not be difficult. It is enough to carefully study the operating principle of this small device and, armed with a screwdriver, begin the repair process.
What is this detail?
A water level sensor (pressostat) is the simplest electromechanical unit that controls the volume of water in the tank of an Indesit washing machine.
The pressure switch is a plastic washer, inside of which there are tubes, an inductor with a core, and an air chamber with a diaphragm. A pressure hose and wiring are connected to the plastic housing of the sensor.
The operating principle of the water level sensor is simple : depending on the pressure created by the water entering the drum, the force pushing the internal membrane of the pressure switch increases. When the water reaches the required level, the membrane closes certain contacts and triggers a command in the control unit of the Indesit washing machine to stop water intake.
If there is no pressure on the membrane, the control unit receives a signal to stop the washing program (which is indicated by an error displayed on the dashboard of the washing machine).
Washing machine pressure switch, what is it and how to check? Adviсe
There is a washing machine in almost every home, and therefore it is quite difficult to imagine everyday life without such equipment. Owners of washing machines often encounter the fact that the device stops working during washing. Most often, this problem appears due to a malfunction of the level switch, which is often called a pressure switch. Therefore, every owner of such equipment should know how to check the pressure switch on a washing machine.
To make sure the sensor is working, you need to check it. There are several useful recommendations that will help you check the serviceability of the part.
Where is
Before proceeding with dismantling, you should understand the location of the product. Many washing machine owners mistakenly believe that the part is located inside the drum, but this is not the case. Most manufacturers install a level switch on top of the drain body, which is mounted near the side wall. This arrangement is considered very convenient, as it simplifies the removal of the product from the structure.
However, on some models the sensor may be installed in other locations. For example, in modern models of Samsung or Ariston washing machines, the part is installed on the right near the front wall. For cars, the relay is located in the central part of the left side wall.
How to dismantle
It is quite easy to dismantle the pressure switch yourself. However, despite this, you need to familiarize yourself with how to do it correctly. The dismantling process is carried out in several successive stages:
- Removing the top cover. To get rid of it, you will have to unscrew two bolts that are located on the back wall. The top cover is then carefully slid back and removed.
- Detaching a part. The relay is connected to wires leading to the control unit and a hose. Before removing the product, you must carefully disconnect the wiring and hose.
- Removing the pressure switch. It is connected to the wall with mounting bolts that must be unscrewed.
There are different methods for checking the functionality of a device, but most often they use a multimeter for this.
Before you begin testing, you must carefully study the electrical circuit of the device and carry out preliminary setup of the tester.
It is set in advance to resistance mode, after which the probes are connected to the contacts of the removed part. After connecting the probes, the values on the tester display should change. If the numbers have not changed, then the relay is faulty and will have to be completely replaced with a new one.
If the breakdown turns out to be minor, you don’t have to buy a new part, but simply manually adjust the old one. When setting up, adhere to the following recommendations:
- It is necessary to determine the optimal amount of water for the washing machine. For each model there is an optimal volume of liquid that is needed to complete the programs. Therefore, it is necessary to find out in advance how much water should be poured into the tank for washing and rinsing things.
- Configure. On the surface of the product there are adjustable screws that are adjusted depending on the required amount of liquid.
Every washing machine has an important device called a pressure switch.
This is a sensor that monitors the level of water poured into the drum and informs the electronic module of the equipment about its quantity at each stage of washing.
Modern machines are equipped with sensors that are responsible not only for the water level, but also monitor the amount of laundry loaded.
Where is?
In the Indesit washing machine, the pressure switch is located under the top panel, on the right side of the body.
Getting to the pressure switch is easy. It is enough to carry out a series of sequential actions:
Unplug the washing machine and move it away from the wall.- Turn off the water supply tap to the washing machine.
- Unscrew the two bolts securing the top panel (fasteners can be found on the back wall of the household appliance).
- Lift it, move it slightly (until the characteristic two clicks), and then remove the top panel. Do not press on the cover, otherwise the plastic latches holding the top panel will break.
After the washer cover is removed, in the corner, on the right side, on the body of the household appliance you can see a small washer with wires - a pressure switch.
Most often, the sensor housing is made of white, black or blue plastic. A tube extending from the washer deep into the washing machine will also help to recognize the pressure switch.
How to check?
The following problems indicate a malfunction of the water level sensor in the Indesit washing machine :
- the washing process starts when the tank is empty (this is a very dangerous situation, fraught with failure of the heating element);
- the water level in the tank is insufficient or, on the contrary, exceeds the norm;
- the washing machine constantly draws and drains water from the tank;
- the machine blocks the washing process at the rinsing or spinning stage (the pressure switch does not transmit the necessary signals to the control module);
- At the end of the wash, the tank remains full (there is no water drainage).
Also, if the pressure switch breaks down, the washing machine displays errors on the display or signals it by flashing indicators in a certain combination.
There are several ways to check the performance of the water level sensor in more detail.
Option 1
The washing machine is first turned off from the network and the water supply valve is closed.
Having reached the pressure switch, change the pressure hose from the sensor to a tube similar in diameter to the fitting. Blow into the tube several times , after which the pressure switch should produce two or three characteristic clicks.
They are the ones who signal that the device is fixed. If no clicks are heard, the sensor must be checked for mechanical damage, carefully inspect (clean if necessary) the pressure hose.
Check using a multimeter
The device is first set to “resistance” mode . Touch the probes of the tester to the sensor contacts. If the readings on the multimeter screen change - the sensor is working, the resistance indicator has not changed - the pressure switch must be replaced.
How to check the pressure switch of an Indesit washing machine, the video will tell you:
Finding and checking the level sensor
To check the pressure switch you do not need to have special knowledge. Even a beginner can cope with this task. The sequence of actions will be as follows:
- turn off the power to the washing machine;
- close the valve responsible for supplying water to the tank;
- remove the top cover of the case by unscrewing the screws holding it;
- find the liquid level switch;
- prepare a tube of a size similar to the diameter of the fitting;
- Disconnect the pressure hose, insert the prepared tube into it and lightly blow into it.
If the pressure switch is working properly, you should hear one or three soft clicks.
Then examine the part for damage. Inspect the hose for blockages and, if necessary, clean it with a stream of water from the tap.
When, after an external examination, no defects were identified, you will have to use a multimeter to further diagnose the sensor. Switch the device to resistance mode, connect the tester probes to the contacts of the pressure switch. If the value on the multimeter screen changes after the procedure, it means that the contacts are working perfectly; if the resistance value remains the same, the relay must be replaced.
How to adjust?
You can adjust the pressure switch yourself, the main thing is to act slowly, strictly following a certain sequence of actions:
- We press out the fixing bolts and release the wiring connected to the sensor.
- We find screws next to the terminals (they are the ones that attract or loosen the contacts of the pressure switch).
- We clean the sealant from the screws.
Next begins the most important stage - adjustment. The goal is to record the water level in the tank at a certain moment when the sensor is triggered, and adjust the device to optimal operating parameters.
Since only professional craftsmen have special devices for setting the pressure switch, self-adjustment at home will be carried out using the tracking method:
carefully turn the first screw half a turn, start the fastest wash program;- we evaluate the result - if the amount of water in the tank has increased in comparison with previous measurements, then the adjustment is being made in the right direction;
- repeat the steps with the second screw;
- We finish the adjustment process - if necessary, tighten the screw another half turn, cover it with sealant, and return the sensor to its original place.
If, as a result of the first scrolling, the water in the tank has become even less than it was at the very beginning, the screw is turned one turn in the opposite direction.
Each scrolling is accompanied by starting the machine for a quick wash and analyzing the filling of the tank with water. Considering that the relay contact travel is very small, it is recommended to turn the screw no more than half a turn at a time .
Operating principle and location of the pressure switch
In washing machines, a pressure switch is used to determine the water level and control its quantity. The device operates under pressure and is usually located on top of the tank to avoid direct contact with the liquid. Much less often, the manufacturer installs the sensor below, under the tank.
A pressure switch is a small plastic part with a round shape. It communicates with the tank through a tube, and is connected to the control board by connecting wiring. When water is drawn into the completely sealed tank of the washing machine, air enters through the tube into the pressure switch chamber. A pressure is created corresponding to the amount of liquid poured in, due to which the contacts close and transmit to the central board that the required amount of liquid has entered the tank. Thus, if the pressure switch is faulty, no voltage is supplied to the control module, which means the washing machine will not be able to determine the water level and will complete the program or will not perform it correctly.
How to replace?
If adjusting the pressure switch does not lead to the desired result or mechanical damage is visible on the plastic case, there is only one solution to the problem - replacing the water level sensor.
Anyone can do this kind of work with their own hands. The main thing is to choose the right new element (the reference point is the serial number) and strictly follow the prescribed algorithm:
- Disconnect the Indesit washing machine from the water supply and power supply systems. Clean the drum. Drain the water.
- Remove the top panel, opening access to the pressure switch (attached to the housing on the right side).
- Disconnect the hose and contacts from the sensor, unscrew the fasteners securing the pressure switch to the washing machine body.
- Install a new sensor in place of the dismantled elements. Connect the hose to the pipe and secure it with a clamp. Connect contacts.
- Reinstall the top panel in its original place.
- Connect the Indesit washing machine to the water and power supply network.
After replacing the pressure switch, the washing machine must be tested (just run the quick wash program).
Signs of a malfunctioning pressure switch
If the water quantity sensor is faulty, the following signs indicate this:
- The washing machine turns on the heating element without water, this will lead to overheating and damage to the heating element.
- There is very little water in the drum or, conversely, an excess, in some cases it can leak out.
- Rinse does not work or water is not poured in or fluid is pumped out incorrectly.
- There is a burning smell and the heater fuse trips.
- After spinning, things are very wet.
- After draining, some liquid remains in the tank.
Many manufacturers, for example, Samsung or LG, install a self-diagnosis system in their devices. If a sensor malfunction is detected, the equipment displays a special code or reports the type of failure by flashing the indicators in a certain sequence. You can decipher this information using the user manual.
Where and at what price can I buy a water level sensor?
To avoid low-quality crafts, it is better to buy new water level sensors for Indesit washing machines at the service centers of the manufacturer.
When purchasing, you must indicate to the seller the name and modification of the washing machine or the pressure switch code (numbers, letters, signs printed on the body of the part).
The average cost of a pressure switch for an Indesit washing machine is 1,500 rubles.
Signs of a faulty water level sensor
Failure or malfunction of the pressure switch leads to problems with the operation of the washing machine. Externally, signs of a faulty water level switch may look like this:
- the machine washes or turns on the heater when there is no water in it;
- the tank is overfilled with water or, conversely, there is clearly not enough water for washing;
- when the rinse mode is turned on, liquid is periodically pumped out and supplied;
- the appearance of a burning smell and the activation of the heating element fuse;
- The laundry is not spun.
The appearance of such signs should be a reason to check the functionality of the pressure switch, for which you need to arm yourself with a screwdriver with replaceable heads, since many manufacturers use fasteners with special heads to protect against unauthorized access.
See also:
The drum in the washing machine does not spin
Call the master
Don't have the time or desire to repair your washing machine? Service center specialists will come to your aid . Contacts can easily be found on the Internet or on the back pages of household appliances.
On average, replacing a pressure switch will cost 1,600 rubles. (excluding new part). The urgency of order fulfillment and the price difference for a new part (original sensors are more expensive) can significantly increase the cost of the work performed.
It is important to remember that the master will be able to announce the final amount to be paid only after a complete inspection and diagnosis of household appliances.
If a specialist demands a full payment before the repair begins, it is better to refuse such services (most likely this “master” is a scammer).
A lot of important and useful information about repairing Indesit washing machines is presented in this section.
