Error E21 in the Candy washing machine

It is much easier to deal with any error in household appliances if you have a detailed explanation at hand. Error E21 in the Candy washing machine informs the user that for some reason the device is unable to accurately detect the current water level in the tank. We will analyze in detail what needs to be checked in this situation, and how to solve this problem at home.

We look for and inspect the pressure switch

In any washing machine, the water level is determined by a special sensor - a pressure switch. To inspect it, you will have to partially disassemble the “home assistant”. Therefore, first of all, check the warranty card for the device - if the product warranty is still valid, then it is better to entrust the diagnostics to a service center specialist so as not to lose the free warranty, which will expire if you disassemble it yourself.

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

Disconnect the Candy washing machine from all communications.
Remove the top cover of the case, having first unscrewed the bolts securing it.
Find the water level sensor, which is installed next to the control unit, not far from the right wall of the CM housing.
Unscrew the screw, also 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 performance of a water level sensor not only with a multimeter. To begin, take a small tube, the diameter of which will correspond to the fitting of the water level sensor, connect it to the pressure switch and blow into it. If after this you hear a click inside the sensor, then it is ok.If the part does not react in any way to the described actions, then the element will need to be replaced, because repair in this case is impractical.

Let's get acquainted with the sensor device

It is very easy to recognize the pressure switch among other components of the washing machine - it looks like a corrugated plastic element, a bit like a washer. Most often it is found in gray or white, but the colors may be different. Wires will go to it from the walls of the CM, and a small thin tube from the end panel.

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

The pressure switch does not take into account the water level inside the tank itself, but the pressure inside the system. Therefore, the pressure and pressure of the air that flows through the pressure switch tube directly depends on the amount of liquid in the tank. It is the air that acts on the membrane, which is followed by the closure of the contacts, after which the control board of the machine receives a message that there is enough water for the selected operating cycle. how does a pressure switch work?

If the water level sensor does not work, then there will simply be no one to transmit information about the current amount of water in the tank to the CM control module, so the cycle will not start. So if fault code E21 occurs, you urgently need to check and replace the pressure switch yourself if it really has failed. Problems may be in the contacts of the sensor, its tube, or in the relay itself.

Let's test the pressure switch

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

Look for the electrical diagram of the sensor specifically for your Kandy 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, then the device is working, but if the value remains the same, then the element must be replaced. It is also worth considering that the problem may be related to the pressure switch tube, because if there is even a small crack or hole in it, then the required pressure for the relay will be unattainable. Replace the water level sensor, and the E21 fault code will not bother you for a very long time.