Everything you need to know about the pressure switch of the Atlant washing machine
Is there not enough water flowing into the washing machine? Or is the washing drum too full? The problem may lie in a breakdown of the pressure switch - the water level switch.
You can troubleshoot problems yourself without the help of specialists. It is enough to follow safety precautions and carefully read the recommendations for replacement.
Read about the pressure switch for the Atlant washing machine in the article.
Content
What it is?
All washing machines are equipped with a special sensor when assembled at the factory. It is called a pressure switch and needed to fill the required volume of water in the drum. The program unit receives a signal from it about the presence of water, due to which the washing stages change in the correct order.
The pressure switch body looks like a round bowl, with an air chamber installed inside it. A tube is attached to it, which at the other end is connected to the tank from below.
When water is drained from the tank, the chamber pressure decreases, the rod lowers, and the springy contact plate moves to the bottom. The electrical circuit is broken. Based on the pressure switch signals, the machine controls the water pump, motor, and heater.
How to find a part in the washing machine?
You need to unscrew the two bolts that secure the top cover of the machine and remove it.
If you stand facing the loading hatch, you can easily notice the pressure switch. It is installed on the right wall of the washer closer to the front corner..
Before opening the back panel, be sure to unplug the electrical cord from the outlet so that the machine is de-energized. You also need to turn off the water supply using a tap.
Checking the water level sensor
To understand that it is the pressure switch that is faulty and interfering with the proper operation of the machine, you need to know the signs of its breakdown.
Signs of breakdown
A malfunction can be identified using the following criteria:
- the machine washes without water, the heater turns on despite the absence of liquid in the tank;
- During washing, the water is collected in insufficient quantities or, conversely, the drum overflows;
- in rinsing mode, the machine constantly draws and drains water;
- a working machine emits the smell of burnt plastic, the fuse trips;
- after spinning, things remain very wet, the cycle is not carried out properly.
All this may indicate a breakdown not only of the pressure switch, but also of other parts. Before changing the sensor, you need to check it by removing it from the machine.
How to dismantle?
To check the water sensor, you need to remove it from the washing machine. To do this you will need a flathead screwdriver.
To get to the pressure switch, need to:
Unscrew the two bolts on the back of the machine.- Remove the top cover by sliding it back about 1.5 cm.
- Find the pressure switch on the side wall and disconnect the block with wires from it.
- Disconnect the hose that goes to the fitting and is secured with a clamp.
- Unscrew the bolts holding the pressure switch and remove it from the machine.
When the sensor is removed from the machine, it needs to be inspected. The housing itself may have visible damage. Look at the outer slats; if they are dirty or have signs of rust, this may affect the operation of the sensor. If dirt or corrosion is found on the mechanism, it must be removed and cleaned.
Check the tube - it may be clogged, due to which the sensor cannot work correctly and the machine malfunctions when washing. To solve the problem, rinse the hose with water.
If the hose is not attached tightly enough to the tube, this can also affect the operation of the machine. Air escapes through the mounting point, and as a result, the pressure in the pressure frame is not enough to connect the contacts.
How to test?
To make sure that it is the pressure switch that influences the improper operation of the machine, it needs to be tested:
- Place a small hose onto the fitting.
- Hold the sensor to your ear and blow into the hose.
- A distinct membrane sound should be heard inside the pressure switch housing. There can be from one to three clicks, depending on the number of contacts in the device.
- If a click is not heard, the pressure switch is not working and requires replacement.
Adjustment
The volume of water poured into the machine is regulated by two screws on the sensor body. The first screw, which is installed in the center, is responsible for connecting the contacts, the second is for breaking the electrical circuit.Depending on the model of the washing machine, the number of contact groups may vary - this is due to the fact that different variations of machines have their own set of washing programs.
Washing modes are set to a certain amount of water, and it is different in each program. For example, in the “Cotton” and “Quick Wash” modes, the volume of water poured into the tank differs noticeably. Correct setup is carried out by production specialists. They fix the position of the screws with varnish or paint.
It is not recommended to change the position of the screws yourself; this can lead to malfunction of the machine and failure of the washing programs. To adjust the adjusting screws yourself, you need to know exactly how much water is required in all modes at each stage of washing. According to this principle, the moments of switching on and disconnecting contacts are established.
The video will tell you about the pressure switch of the washing machine:
Replacement
If after checking it turns out that the water level sensor is indeed faulty, then it needs to be replaced. You need to buy a new pressure switch from the same manufacturer and model as the previous one. It must correspond to the brand of the machine and the volume of the drum. It would be a good idea to check it before installation.
Installation of the sensor is carried out in the same way as its removal, only in the reverse order:
- Secure the housing with screws in its original place.
- Connect the hose to the fitting and tighten the clamp at the fastening point.
- Connect the wires to the connector.
- Replace the top cover of the machine.
- Tighten the bolts on the rear panel.
Where can I buy?
You can buy the sensor in specialized stores selling household appliances and service centers.
You can order a water level switch online on sites selling parts from washing machines and other household appliances. Pressostats are also available for sale on Ozone, Yandex.Market and other large marketplaces.
The cost of the device is from 500 rubles. depending on the manufacturer and quality of the product. The most budget options can be found on AliExpress (from 400 rubles). The average price for online stores is 700-800 rubles.
Call the master
If you are unable to fix the sensor failure yourself, call a specialist.. You can find them on Avito; many craftsmen offer their services at home, and they charge less than employees of official service centers.
To avoid running into a scammer or an unscrupulous professional, read reviews from people who have already used the services. If this is a worthwhile specialist, his profile will definitely have reviews from grateful clients.
The specialist must have instruments with him that will help identify the malfunction. Pressostat. If everything is fine with it, the technician will determine what the problem really is.
Conclusion
You can replace the Pressostat yourself; this is not the most difficult operation with the machine. Choose a high-quality replacement that matches the parameters of your washing machine.
If replacement fails, call a technician. If the washing machine is still under warranty, take it to the Atlant service center.
