How to Replace the Water Level Switch on a Washer

The water level switch on a washing machine does more than just limit the amount of water used in a wash cycle. It also works in tandem with the main controller to start the agitating, draining and spinning processes. Therefore, if your washing machine isn't acting properly, it is usually the fault of one of these two components.

If your washing machine has a faulty water level switch, you may notice overflowing, no spin cycle or no draining. In most cases, only one contact will go bad, meaning that if you change the load size on the switch, the washer will work normally. Even still, it won't be long before the other load sizes follow suit and start having problems. It's best to replace the water level switch when you first notice a recurring problem. Here is how.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdrivers
• Needle-nose pliers

1. Unplug the washing machine's power cord from the wall outlet.

2. Remove the dial from the water level switch. This is the dial located under the words "Load Size."

3. Unscrew and remove the screws that secure the control panel to the washer's body.

4. Tilt the control panel toward you and look to see how its lower portion disengages from the washer body. In most cases, you may have to slide the panel cover to the left or right to unhinge it.

5. Locate the water limit switch on the inside of the control panel. The water limit switch is usually found to the far left on the front of the control panel. Once you have the cover off, you will notice that it has a clear hose attached to it.

6. Remove the hose and the wires that are connected to the terminals. Depending on your model, there may be more than one set of wires, so write down how and where the terminals get connected to the limit switch, which will make it easier for you to reconnect them later.

7. Remove the limit switch by either unscrewing the screws that secure it to the control panel or twist the body of the switch to remove it from its clamps.

8. Locate the part numbers on the water limit switch and purchase an exact replacement.

9. Install the new limit switch, connect the water hose and wires to the terminals in the same manner as before and put the control panel back together.

10. Push the limit switch dial back on its shaft and plug the washer's power cord back in.

11. Set the load size to "Small" and test your washer by running a wash cycle.

Tips & Warnings

• Always unplug an appliance before accessing its control panel.