pressure switch -the system that determines correct water level in the drum. If its giving an incorrect indication to the program timer machine will either overfill, refuse to fill or refuse to spin. Its an air operated diaphragm switch triggered by rising air pressure induced by the entry of water into an airtight vessel attached to the base of the drum. It tells the program timer that the water has reached the correct level, allowing it to proceed to the next stage in the wash cycle. Power off, drag machine out onto the floor, remove back cover and top cover. The pressure switch is a round item about 3 inches across with several wires and a thin rubber pipe attached. It generally sits just under the top cover. Disconnect the thin rubber pipe from the switch and blow down through it to clear any blockage. Switch itself may be faulty but its more likely the pressure pipe or the vessel attached to the other end of the pipe is blocked. Remove the pressure vessel, put a small nut or screw in it, fill it with water and shake vigorously till any crud or residue is removed. Some machines have the pressure vessel integrated as part of the filter unit, with a pressure chamber moulded into the top of the filter body. Refit all parts, check that joints and connections are water tight.
Repair and service your own washing machine. Go to www.2ndwave.co.uk/manual.html
dannyboy, February 2009
