How to Check a Pressure Switch on a Washer

The pressure switch on a washer is wired to the water-level control to regulate the flow of water into the tub. When the pressure reaches a certain level below the tub, air forced through a hose activates the switch in the control panel, sending a signal to close the inlet valves and start the agitation cycle. A defective pressure switch may prevent the tub from filling properly, if at all. Testing the switch takes only a few minutes using an ohmmeter.

Screwdriver set
Ohmmeter
Duct tape
1/4-inch plastic tubing no more than 3 feet long

Instructions

- 1
  Shut off the washer and unplug the power cord.
- 2
  Extract the screws on the sides of the control panel using a screwdriver.
- 3
  Insert the edge of a flat-blade screwdriver into the crevice below the front of the control panel and the top of the washer on the left side.
- 4
  Pry up the control panel with the screwdriver to pop out the left clip holding the control panel to the top of the cabinet.
- 5
  Tip the control panel toward the rear of the appliance to rest the panel on its back. The pressure switch is connected immediately behind the water-level control on the front panel.
- 6
  Pull off the 1/4-inch air tube on the side of the pressure switch. Secure the tube to the washer cabinet with a piece of duct tape to prevent the tube from slipping down into the cabinet.
- 7
  Push one end of the new 1/4-inch tube onto the port on the pressure switch.
- 8
  Pull off the two wired contacts from the terminals on the switch. Tape the wires to the top of the washer.
- 9
  Clip the ohmmeter probes to the presure switch terminals.
- 10
  Blow into the end of the air tube. If the pressure switch is working, the ohmmeter will beep and register a resistance reading on the meter. If the ohmmeter displays zero, the switch is broken and must be replaced.

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