How Does a Pressure Transducer Work?
A pressure transducer is the component inside some washing machines that detects water level in the tub. It’s similar to a water level pressure switch but works differently to detect and communicate the tub water level to the main electronic control board in the washer.
In this article, we’ll reveal how this electronic water level detector works.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The pressure transducer detects the water level in the washer tub by measuring air pressure changes in an air tube connected to the tub. It converts these measurements into a digital signal, which is sent to the washer’s electronic control board to manage the water level during wash cycles.
- Failures in the pressure transducer system, such as air tube leaks, wiring issues, or a faulty transducer, can disrupt washer operations. Troubleshooting involves checking air tube integrity, wire connections, and, if necessary, replacing the pressure transducer or the control board.
- The blog emphasizes DIY steps to diagnose and resolve issues, including a safe YouTube video tutorial for replacing a common washer control board with the pressure transducer integrated into that circuit board.
The Role of a Pressure Transducer in Your Washer
The pressure transducer in your washer detects water level in the tub and converts the water level reading to a digital signal that it transmits through wires to the main electronic control board in the washing machine.
The main control board uses the water level pressure transducer signal to detect when the tub is full. When the tub is full, the control continues to the next step in the wash or rinse cycle to tumble or agitate the clothes.
How a Pressure Transducer Works
Here’s a basic explanation of how a pressure transducer works to detect water level in the washer tub:
- The water level pressure transducer detects air pressure exerted through an air tube connected to the bottom of the washer tub to determine water level.
- Air pressure in the tube increases directly proportional to the water level in the tub.
- As the washer tub fills with water, air in the sensor tube exerts pressure on a diaphragm that moves a metal rod or core inside a coil in the transducer to convert the air pressure (water level) to a digital frequency signal that is transmitted to the main electronic control board in the washer.
- The control board detects the digital frequency signal from the pressure transducer and shuts the water valves to end the filling process when the control detects that the set water level has been reached in the washer tub.
In this manner, the water level pressure transducer helps the washer’s electronic control board precisely control water level in the machine’s tub.
What Can Go Wrong?
While the water level pressure transducer is an accurate and reliable component, failures in the water level sensing system do occasionally occur.
Because a water level pressure transducer transmits a frequency signal to the control board, the internal logic in the control board will detect problems with the signal and display an error code on the control panel when a failure occurs.
When you see an error code on your washer, look up the code on our washer error code charts and follow the troubleshooting recommended to fix the problem.
Here are some common pressure transducer failures that you may face:
Air Tube Leaks or Connection Problems
The water level pressure transducer depends on the air tube for accurate measurement of the water level in the tub.
Damage or a loose connection in the air tube that causes an air leak will prevent the pressure transducer from accurately detecting water level in the tub.
Unplug the washer and check the air tube for damage and replace the tube if you find cracks, tears or damage.
Reconnect the air tube if the find it loose or disconnected at the bottom of the tub or on the water level pressure transducer.
Wiring Failure
The washer electronic control board depends on wiring to detect signals from the water level pressure transducer.
Loose or disconnected wires will typically cause the control to display an error code on the display. For example, LG washers will display the PE error code when the pressure transducer wire harness is damaged or disconnected.
Unplug the washer and check the pressure transducer wire harness connections on the electronic control board and the pressure transducer.
Reconnect any loose wires and replace any broken wires.
Failed Pressure Transducer
Although rare, pressure transducers sometimes fail due to internal wiring problems or an internal circuit board failure.
When this happens you’ll need to unplug the washer and replace the water level pressure transducer.
The water level pressure transducer is incorporated into the electronic control board on common Kenmore, Whirlpool, Amana and Maytag top-load washers. To replace the pressure transducer on those models, you’ll need to replace the entire electronic control board.
Here’s a DIY video that shows how to replace the control board in those machines:
If you’re unable to resolve an issue with the water level pressure transducer on your own, schedule washer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the washer.
The pressure transducer plays a critical role in washer operations. Understanding how it works and how to troubleshoot common problems will help you keep your washer running smoothly.
When your washer breaks down, keep in mind that Sears Home Services is always standing by with the best washer repair technicians in the business.
Trust us to help you keep your washer and all of your home appliances in top shape.
Schedule your washer repair now!
With years of experience, our technicians possess the skills to repair your washer, regardless of the issue.
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Repair Washer Resources
Learn how a top-load washing machine works and how to use and maintain the washer.
Learn how a mixing valve works to control water temperature in a washer.
Learn how a hall sensor works in a washer to control spin basket speed and direction.
Find out why your washing machine is leaking and learn the troubleshooting step and repair tactics to fix the problem causing the leak.
Glossary Terms
Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.
A washing machine pedestal is a platform that raises the washer off the ground, providing easier access to the appliances and often includes additional storage space such as drawers.
A washer tub is the interior part of a washing machine where clothes are placed for washing, typically made of stainless steel, plastic, or porcelain-coated metal, designed to hold water and withstand the agitation or spinning during the wash cycle.
Fabric softener is a laundry additive used to soften and freshen clothing, reduce static cling, and make fabrics feel smoother.
Common Repair Washer Symptoms
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer won't stop filling are a clogged water valve, a bad water-level pressure switch, or a malfunctioning electronic control board.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer won't spin or drain are a seized gearcase, a broken motor, or a failed door switch.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer won't turn off are a malfunctioning electronic control board, broken motor or a jammed door lock assembly.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer won't start cycle are a malfunctioning electronic control board, jammed door lock assembly or a faulty user interface.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer vibrates are a damaged suspension rod, malfunctioning electronic control board or a dead fan.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer is experiencing the rinse cycle not working are a broken lid switch, a bad water-level pressure switch, or a malfunctioning electronic control board.