Where is the pressure switch located in a Candy washing machine?

Every modern washing machine is equipped with numerous complex electronic components and sensitive sensors. One of these is the pressure switch—a water level sensor that monitors the amount of liquid in the system and then transmits precise data to the control module. This is one of the most important components in a home appliance, as if it's faulty, the machine won't function properly. To check or repair it, you need to know where it's located. Let's take a detailed look at where the pressure switch is located, how to remove it, and how to test it at home.

What is this sensor and what function does it perform?

The pressure switch in a Candy washing machine is very easy to find – just remove the top panel of the machine body, which requires first removing the fixing screws. The level sensor itself is located in the corner near the side wall of the washing machine. It looks like a small, ribbed plastic element, vaguely resembling a hockey puck. It can be made in a variety of colors, but what's more important is that it has wires running from both sides of the washing machine, and a small tube running from the end.

The water level switch may vary depending on the Candy washing machine model; for example, sometimes it is smaller in size, and the wires to it run from only one wall of the housing.

The element gets its name from its active connection to pressure. Contrary to popular belief, this component is not triggered by water, but by the pressure created by the liquid entering the device's tank. The higher the pressure, the greater the pressure exerted by the air, which flows to the sensor through a thin plastic tube. Accordingly, when there is enough water for the selected operating cycle, the air begins to actively press on the membrane inside the device, closing the contact. This sends a signal to the control module, which then orders the water intake to stop, and the process proceeds vice versa.

But if the pressure switch stops responding to pressure, the Candy washing machine won't be able to start the cycle because it simply won't receive confirmation that there's enough liquid in the system for washing. That's why in this situation, it's important to examine the water level switch and its contacts.

Finding and removing the level sensor

Even though the pressure switch in your Candy washing machine is located in an easily accessible area, you shouldn't rush to dismantle and inspect it. This is because if your "home helper" is still under warranty, disassembling it yourself will void the free service. Therefore, it's best to entrust the repair to professionals if the warranty period hasn't yet expired. Otherwise, you can safely open the machine following our instructions.

• Disconnect your Candy washing machine from all power supplies as a safety precaution.
• Remove the lid of the washing machine, having first unscrewed all the fasteners from it.
• Locate the water level sensor located on the right side of the housing.
• Remove the retaining screw and connector so that you can easily pull the relay out of its mounting location.
• Loosen the clamp using pliers or a similar tool, and then remove the pressure switch itself.

Not everyone has a multimeter, so let's first check the unit ourselves. To do this, you'll need a simple tool: a small piece of tubing with a diameter matching the sensor tube. Insert the tube into the pressure switch nipple, then gently blow into it and listen. If you hear a soft click in response to your actions, the relay is responding properly to pressure. If the element remains silent, it needs to be replaced.

Testing the pressure switch coil

Finally, there is a final test that will allow us to accurately check the condition of the pressure switch. Not only washing machines can be checked in this way Candy, but also equipment from Samsung, Bosch and Hotpoint-Ariston brands. What should I do to test the sensor?

• Carefully study the electrical diagram of the pressure switch.
• Switch the multimeter to resistance measurement mode.
• Connect the tester probes to the sensor contacts.
• Create pressure in the tube to activate the membrane.
• Study the readings on the multimeter display.

If the resistance readings haven't changed after the relay has been triggered, the part should be discarded and replaced with a new one. If the readings have changed, it's likely only the pressure switch tube that needs replacing. Intermittent operation can even be caused by a small hole in the tube, allowing air to leak through and preventing the required pressure from being generated for the level sensor.

   

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