Noticed a malfunction in the dishwasher? If water is not added to or poured into the hopper, the cause may be in the pressure switch of the dishwasher. It is he who controls the level of dialing and sends a signal to the control board. Do not ignore the first signs - a minor problem can lead to serious damage.
How to check and replace pressotat, read the article.
Types and principle of operation of the water level sensor
All dishwashers of famous brands - Electrolux, Bosch, "Ariston", "Samsung" - are equipped with a level sensor (pressure switch). Each washing program requires a different amount of water. To control the set, and this element is provided. It responds to pressure changes in the chamber.
Inside the sensor is a rubber membrane. The stronger the pressure rises, the more the membrane expands, actuating the switches. So the electronic board receives information about the amount of water in the tank.
There are two types of pressure switch:
- Mechanical. You can talk about its breakdown when the membrane is damaged.
- Electronic. It works due to the built-in board; in case of a malfunction, the error code is displayed. For example, E3, E16 (Bosch); i20 (Electrolux), AL03, AL05 (Ariston), E3, E5 (Siemens) and others. See the “Error Codes” section for a list of all designations for your brand.
In dishwashers with a flowing heating element, a duct sensor (flow meter) is used.
You can do diagnostics and change the device yourself.
Causes of malfunction and solutions
You can find out that the sensor is not working, by characteristic signs:
- The machine overfills or does not add water to the tank.
- No set of water.
- After dialing, the drain starts immediately.
- The equipment stops with a full tank, but the drain does not start.
Why is this happening:
- the sensor element is damaged;
- broken contacts, blown wiring;
- pressure hose clogged - this happens when washing powder or food debris gets in.
The location of the pressure switch in your model (Krupps, Indesit, any other) should be indicated in the instructions. Most often it is located at the bottom. To check or replace you need to get to the details.
Work sequence:
- Disconnect the dishwasher from the mains and communications.
- Place a blanket and turn the machine “on its back”.
- Unscrew the screws around the perimeter or unfasten the latches of the bottom cover.
- If a float sensor is attached to the pan, disconnect its wiring and unscrew the mounting bolt.
- Having access to the details, you will see a box made of plastic, from which the tube leaves.
- Using pliers, disconnect a tube from the tank. Last inspect at the time of blockages.
- Diagnosing the mechanical part of the sensor is simple: blow into the pressure take-off pipe, listen. If clicks are heard from the pressostat, it means that the switch worked, the device is in good condition. A few seconds may elapse from the moment of exposure to the click.
- Check the electronic part with a multimeter. Connect the probes to the contacts - if the readings drop to zero, the pressure switch is working.
- If there is a problem, replace the sensor.
- Disconnect the handset and contacts. The handset can also be checked for obstruction.
- Remove the mounting bolts.
Buy only genuine parts for your model. This is a guarantee of many years of operation of the dishwasher.
After the repair is completed, reassemble in the reverse order and reconnect to the communication site. Run a test run to verify that the installation and configuration are correct. If the machine normally takes water and carries out a washing cycle, the repair is carried out efficiently.
It is always better to prevent damage than to spend money and time on repairs. Therefore, adhere to the rules of operation of the PMM, and also clean the drain from blockages a couple of times a month. A video on the topic will help you: