How to replace reed switch flow sensor on

For Whirlpool washers, F20 indicates no incoming water or that the tub didn't fill to the appropriate level in the expected time. The problem could be simple: open the shut-off valves. (Sometimes, the hoses may need to be replaced. Anti-flood hoses can limit the water flow if they are leaking.) Other issues are a faulty inlet valve or a problem with the flow sensor. Watch the water come into the machine. If it flows in slowly, turn off the shut-off valves. Take the hoses off the washer and place the ends in a bucket. Open one shut-off valve at a time and watch the water flow rate. If the water flows through the hoses at the normal rate, look at the inlet valve. If the water was coming into the washer normally, then the flow sensor may be a problem. This involves a reed switch and an air tube, dirt in the tube can sometimes be blown out which cures the problem. Otherwise, check the reed switch and replace it.

If water pours into the machine and then drains out, check the position of the drain hose. If the hose end is below the water level of the washer tub, the unit will siphon out water as fast as it flows in. If these problems are not seen, then the issue could be the control board not receiving the water level information. Check the wiring for damage (small breaks in the wiring can happen). The wiring harness connections may have corrosion building up. Replace or clean the wires. If needed replace the control board.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

NF indicates no water flow. This could mean that the incoming water valves were shut-off, the incoming water flow is low, or that the washer didn't detect the water flow into the washer correctly. If the drain hose is too low, the washer could fill and drain simultaneously. This can also cause the problem.

First if the washer is not getting any water, then check your shut-off valves and the hoses. Disconnect the hoses from the washer and place a bucket under them. Check the flow by turning on each valve for a bit. Clean or replace the filters at the shut-off valves and in the washer. Consider replacing the hoses. Some anti-flood hoses will reduce the water flow if they detect leaks. Make sure that the hoses are not kinked. If the water flow is good at the shut-off valves, then the inlet valve may have failed in the closed position.

If water is filling the washer, then the problem is in the water flow detection system. This could indicate the small reed switch is damaged, the air tube to the reed switch is clogged or that tube has a hole in it. Some washers check for fill by the change in the drum weight. This signal may not be reaching the control unit due to a problem with the sensor or the wiring.

If the washer is filling and draining, pull your drain hose up. It is below the washer fill level. This creates a vacuum that will drain the washer.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

An E11 error indicates a problem with the incoming water. The error will occur if the tub doesn't fill normally in about 8 minutes. This could be related to closed shut-off valves, failing anti-flood hoses, or debris in filters in the hoses or at the inlet valve on the washer. It could also come from a fault with the sensor that detects the weight of the washer tub, a problem with the reed switch that tracks water flow into the washer, the air tube that goes to the reed switch or a failure of the inlet valve. It can even indicate that the end of the drain hose is below the water level in the washer and is siphoning water out as the tub fills.

If no water or a trickle of water is reaching the tub, first make sure that the shut-off valves are open. Next close the valves and disconnect the hoses. Place the hoses into a bucket and check the water flow by opening the shut-off valves. Shut off the valves. Clean the filters, including those in the inlet of the washer. Reconnect the hoses or replace them with new ones if there was low flow. (Check the flow at the shut-off valves themselves with a similar bucket under the valve opening, if you can.) If these steps don't work, you need to replace the inlet valve assembly. It failed in the closed position.

If water is filling the tub normally and flowing out the drain, check the drain hose position. If the tub is filling and is held in the tub, then the washer isn't correctly measuring the water flow. Check the reed switch and that tubing by blowing into the tube. Replace a faulty switch and remove any blockages from the tubing. Check the wiring harness to ensure that the message got to the control board.

See http://www.searspartsdirect.com/model-number/41741122310/0582/0153200.html for parts diagrams and price lists. You need the control panel diagram.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

Fault Code E14
Cause: Reed switch flow sensor fault
Action: Check contacts on the reed switch connection are clean.

Assuming the inlet valve and hose and supply is OK and its filling with water....e14 is..
Flow fault or flow sensor fault, could be a poor connection on the sensor to the water matrix or less likely a blockage in the matrix.
Also check all inner for cleanliness and debris.

Possible that the inlet flow of water is low and so there is time taken to fill up . So check the pressure at the inlet. Also if the water level pressure sensor is faulty then the program will be halted as the water level is not indicated.
Please check the sensor.

hi did you find the solution or what the 7 flashes mean as my dishwasher is doing the exact same thing.

thanks
jane

You must to make sure that you have not used too much teflon tape, and also that the flow sensor is still inside the inlet pipe. For example these units some with a reed switch type flow mechanisim which when flow is detected it opens the door for the electricity to pass through the unit. so no Flow no power, or in your case there maybe something clogged, or your flow sensor is not inside the inlet pipe, also if this unit has been installed previously and had been working for sometime now, then check on the inside pipe behind the screen you will notice there is a small black or either white bullet style flow switch, if this flow switch is stuck on the inside of the unit, this is your problem, if not its a reed switch, you can call 1-888-818-4328 and ask for an ADK reed switch see picture attached

the code means water inlet problem
Have the water flow meter checked or replaced. If the internal wheel sticks inside the meter, the CCU will think no water is entering the washer and give you this error code.
Do you notice an above normal amount of water in the washer when you notice the error code? This is a good indication the flow meter is faulty. You can obtain the part from Sears and install it yourself. Very easy fix.
The flow meter has a reed switch on the side of it.
Sometimes this switch fails and doesn't respond to the magnetic wheel inside the flow switch. It is suppose to provide a pulse action as the wheel turns. The CCU interprets these pulses to determine flow rate. Just because the wheel inside the meter turns, does not necessarily mean the reed switch is functioning. Exactly when do you see the hf error. At the exact moment you see the error is the washer's water level higher than normal?

A GOOD TIP IS: blow air back into drum and into the pressure switch. It will usually work after that!

I had same problem. Reolace the magnetic reed switch in the level sensor unit. It is a float with a magnet inside which goes up and down a shaft activating the reed switch inside the sensor shaft. The switch is just an ordinary normaly open glass encapusated magnetic reed switch. Carefully hack out the original with a suitable tool but not a drill and slide in a new one. If you can't change the sensor just pull out the power plug and re-plug . This usually resets the circuit. Not a real fix just a temporary work around. Much easier if you can just find a replacement level sensor unit. Good luck.