Washer Pressure Switch Toubleshooting, Testing and Replacement

Always disconnect power before performing any repairs
The washing machine pressure switch controls the level of water in your washer. If your washing machine is not filling all the way, overfilling, underfilling, not filling at all, Will not agitate, will not spin, displays sud, f1,f2,f3,f4,f5,f6,f7,f8,f9 The pressure switch is often the problem and quite easy to test. First you will need to access the pressure switch. On many washers this is located under the top console. Right behind the water level selector. In order to rule out the hose being clogged or cracked and allowing pressure to escape you will need to gain access to the fill chamber on the side of the tub housing. The chamber fills with water as the washer reaches its level. As the level in the chamber increases it pushes air pressure up the hose to a switch. The switch is tripped when it reaches a certain pressure determined by the manufacturer.


The hose that goes from the fill chamber to the switch needs to be checked for clogs or cracks or leaks. This area can collect sediment and sludge may build up. The hose can be cleaned or replaced. After checking the hose for obstructions or leaks clean the end thoroughly if you have not already done so.


 

Connect your multimeter to the pressure switch. One lead on the middle terminal and one on either end terminal. Set your multimeter to ohms on the 1x scale. You should have no reading at this time. Now connect one lead to each outside terminal. Again, you should have no reading. Next take the hose from the fill chamber end and blow into it. This will simulate the pressure and allow the switch to trip. When you blow in you should get a reading on your multimeter. Your multi meter should be connected to the middle terminal and one of the outside terminals. If it fails either test you will need to replace the pressure switch. The pressure switch is usually held in by a screw or 2. Remove these screws.


 

Take a pic of the wiring. Remove the wiring. Align new switch and install screws. Connect hose from fill chamber. Connect wiring. Reassemble the machine and test. These troubleshooting and testing would be similar for many makes and models but will vary depending on manufacturer. Some of the manufacturers that use a similar pressure switch are Admiral, Amana, Asko, Bosch, Caloric, Dacor, Estate, Frigidaire, Fisher Paykel, Gemini, General Electric, Gibson, Hamilton, HotPoint, Jenn Air, Kelvinator, Kenmore, Kitchen Aid, LG, Magic Chef, Maytag, Miele, RCA, Roper, Samsung, Sears, Tappan, Thermador, White-Westinghouse, Whirlpool