How to disassemble a washing machine pressure switch

Any automatic washing machine is equipped with a water level sensor - the relay monitors the degree of filling of the tank. If a malfunction occurs, it may be necessary to disassemble the pressure switch of the washing machine. We will tell you what parts the device consists of, how to properly open its case, and, if necessary, adjust the element.

We open the relay case

To check whether debris has entered the pressure switch or whether the contacts have shorted, you may need to disassemble the water level sensor. You can open the device case yourself. The algorithm of actions will be as follows:

• Turn off the power to the machine,
• Remove the top cover of the case,
• Find the pressure switch,
• Unscrew the screw holding the sensor, disconnect the pipe and connector,
• Remove the element from the housing.

Before disassembling the pressure switch housing, be sure to make marks on it with a marker. This is necessary in order to perfectly align the halves of the plastic "shell" later. To disassemble the pressure switch as carefully as possible, you will need:

• Unnecessary plastic card,
• Scissors,
• Pliers,
• Small thin screwdriver.

The algorithm of actions will be as follows:

• Cut the plastic card into pieces measuring 1x2 cm. In total, you will need about 8 of these “pieces”,
• Insert the plastic pieces one by one between the two halves of the pressure switch using pliers,
• Use a screwdriver to pry up the top half of the "shell".

By lifting the housing part two or three times, you will see that the shell will easily "split in half". This way you can quickly gain access to the insides of the pressure switch. Remove the membrane and check the sensor contacts.

Testing and setting up the sensor

Before you start repairing your "home assistant", find the receipts and see if the washing machine is under warranty. If the term has not expired and you have the right to free diagnostics, it is better to contact the service center specialists. It should be remembered that if you open the machine case yourself, you can not count on warranty service in the future.

If the warranty card is no longer valid, you can start diagnostics. First, you should remove the sensor from the housing. The algorithm of actions will be as follows:

• De-energize the washing machine by pulling the power cord out of the socket,
• Turn off the tap that supplies water,
• Unscrew the two bolts securing the top panel of the machine,
• Remove the "cover" of the unit,
• Find the pressure switch - it has the shape of a washer,
• Unscrew the bolt that secures the relay in the housing, remove the connector,
• Loosen the clamp and remove the sensor from the machine.

Before adjusting the device, you need to check whether it is working properly. For diagnostics, you will need a rubber tube of the same diameter as the pressure switch. Having taken out the level sensor, put the prepared tube on its input nipple. Then blow into it - the working pressure switch will make 1-3 characteristic clicks. If the device is silent, it means that the contacts do not work, and the relay is faulty.

Then inspect the level sensor. It is necessary to make sure that it is not deformed, there are no traces of burning on the surface. Also check the hose for blockage, sometimes the cavity is clogged with dust. If the tube is clogged, blow it out or rinse it with warm water.

Hardware diagnostics of the pressure switch is more accurate. To test the device, set the resistance measurement mode on the device and apply the multimeter probes to the terminals of the pressure switch. To trigger the contacts, it is necessary to create pressure in the tube.

If the values ​​on the multimeter display remain unchanged when the relay contacts are triggered, the pressure switch will have to be replaced. If the numbers on the screen change, we can say that the sensor is working properly. Then, it may be enough to simply adjust the existing device.

The level sensor is adjusted manually. Adjustment will be useful in cases where too little or too much water is poured into the tank during washing. The amount of liquid collected by the washing machine can be reduced or increased - to do this, you need to set the reaction force of the pressure switch.

First, you need to de-energize the machine. Then remove the top panel of the case, find the pressure switch and disconnect the connector. The relay has three adjustment screws, one of which needs to be tightened. The bolt used for adjustment is usually located in the central part.

To tighten the screw, you will need a Phillips screwdriver or a special key. The process is carried out in stages - it is necessary to evaluate the intermediate results of the pressure switch adjustment. So, you should turn the bolt half a turn, then assemble the machine body and start a test "idle" wash. If the desired effect is not achieved, you need to turn the screw again.

To set up the pressure switch, you need to have a minimum basic knowledge of the internal structure of the washing machine. If you do not have even the slightest idea of ​​how the level sensor functions, it is better to invite a specialist to do the job. Otherwise, you can cause even more harm to the "home assistant".