How to find and repair a faulty pressure switch on an Indesit washing machine?
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.
Content
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 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).
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?
About the malfunction of the water level sensor in the Indesit washing machine indicate the following problems:
- 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).
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:
How to adjust?
You can adjust the pressure switch yourself, the main thing is 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.
Since only professional craftsmen have special devices for setting the pressure switch, self-adjustment at home will take place 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.
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 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.
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.
At the time of buying it is necessary to indicate to the seller the name and modification of the washing machine or 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.
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.
A lot of important and useful information about the repair of Indesit washing machines is presented in this section.
Conclusion
Provided that all stages of testing, adjustment, and replacement of the water level sensor are strictly followed, restoring the normal operation of the washing machine will not be difficult even for a novice in repair work.
