Error E21 in Candy washing machine

Any home appliance error is much easier to resolve if you have a detailed explanation at hand. Error E21 in a Candy washing machine informs the user that, for some reason, the appliance is unable to accurately detect the current water level in the drum. Let's take a detailed look at what to check in this situation and how to fix the problem at home.

We search for and inspect the pressure switch

In any washing machine, the water level is determined by a special sensor called a pressure switch. To inspect it, you'll have to partially disassemble your "home helper." Therefore, first of all, check the warranty card for the device. If the warranty is still valid, it's best to entrust the diagnostics to a service center specialist to avoid losing the free warranty, which will be voided if you attempt to disassemble the device yourself.

If the warranty period has long expired, you can proceed with diagnostics without a twinge of conscience. What should you do in this case?

• Disconnect the Candy washing machine from all communications.
• Remove the top cover of the housing, having first unscrewed the bolts that secure it.
• Locate the water level sensor, which is installed next to the control unit, near the right wall of the CM housing.
• Unscrew the screw, disconnect the connector and remove the part from the washing machine.
• Loosen the retaining clamp with pliers and remove the sensor.

You can test the water level sensor's functionality with more than just a multimeter. First, take a small tube with a diameter matching the water level sensor's connection, connect it to the pressure switch, and blow into it. If you hear a click inside the sensor, it's working properly. If the part doesn't respond to these steps, it will need to be replaced, as repair is not practical in this case.

Let's get acquainted with the sensor device

The pressure switch is easy to spot among other components in your washing machine – it looks like a ribbed plastic element, somewhat reminiscent of a washer. It's most commonly found in gray or white, but other colors are also possible. Wires will run to it from the sides of the washing machine, and a small, thin tube will run from the end panel.

In some Candy washing machines, the wiring to the water level sensor is only on one side, not both.

The pressure switch measures the pressure within the system, not the water level itself. Therefore, the amount of liquid in the tank directly affects the pressure and flow of air passing through the pressure switch tube. This air acts on the membrane, causing the contacts to close, signaling to the machine's control board that there is sufficient water for the selected cycle.

If the water level sensor is not working, there's simply no way to transmit information about the current water level in the tank to the washing machine's control module, so the cycle won't start. Therefore, if the E21 error code appears, you should immediately check the pressure switch yourself and replace it if it is indeed faulty. The problem could lie in the sensor contacts, its tube, or the relay itself.

Let's test the pressure switch

The most convenient way to test the part is with a multimeter. If you have this handy tester at home, you can check the pressure switch as follows:

• Look for the electrical diagram of the sensor specifically for your Candy machine.
• Place the multimeter probes on the contacts of the element being tested.
• Blow into the tube to trigger the water level sensor.
• Check the values ​​on the tester display.

If the multimeter readings change during the test, the device is working properly, but if the value remains the same, the element needs to be replaced. It's also worth considering that the problem could be related to the pressure switch tube, since even a small crack or hole in it will prevent the required pressure for the relay from being achieved. Replace the water level sensor and the E21 error code will not bother you for a long time.

   

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