FA error in Haier washing machine

Not the most common FA error in a Haier washing machine appears on the display a few minutes after the cycle starts. Informs the code that the washer cannot determine how much water is in the tank. The reason is most often a damaged pressure switch or a breakdown in communication between the level sensor and the control module. Let's figure out what to do in such a situation.

Where can I look for this sensor?

If the Haier CMA is new enough and is not under warranty, you should not try to fix the problem yourself. The warranty period will be interrupted if you try to disassemble the machine body. Therefore, if you notice an FA error on the display, invite a service center specialist for free diagnostics and repairs.

If the warranty on the automatic machine has long expired, you can fix the “home assistant” with your own hands. First you need to inspect the pressure switch. The algorithm of actions will be as follows:

• turn off the power to the washing machine;
• turn off the shut-off valve responsible for supplying water to the SMA;
• move the machine away from the wall;
• remove the top cover of the Haier case;
• find the pressure switch;
• disconnect the wiring from the level sensor;
• Unscrew the pressure switch fixing bolt;
• Loosen the clamp and remove the sensor from the SMA housing.

Most often, a pressure switch is a round piece of white or black color, to which a pressure tube and wiring are connected.

The mechanical part of the pressure switch is checked with a tube whose diameter corresponds to the level sensor fitting. You need to connect it to the device and blow inside. If the part makes clicking noises, then everything is fine. The “silence” of an element will indicate its malfunction.

If there are no clicks, then the relay does not respond to the pressure created in the system. A broken pressure switch will have to be replaced; it cannot be repaired. A new level sensor is purchased for a specific Haier AGR model.

A few words about the design of this element

To find the pressure switch, just remove the top panel of the case. The level sensor vaguely resembles a washer. It has a corrugated plastic body. The color of the part is usually white or black. There are wires connected to it on one side, and a thin tube on the other.

In fact, the pressure switch does not measure the amount of water in the tank. It determines the pressure in the system. The more liquid is drawn into the washer, the greater the pressure of air passing through the sensor fitting.

The air passing through the pressure switch puts pressure on the membrane. This causes the contacts to close. This sends a signal to the control module to stop adding water to the tank. The microprocessor responds to the command and closes the inlet valve.

If the pressure switch is broken, the wash will not start. The control module will not receive a signal that there is enough water in the tank and will not start the remaining components. Therefore, if you notice an FA error on the display, you must urgently check the level sensor.

Sometimes the reason is not a breakdown of the pressure switch, but a loose contact or a clogged tube.

Let's test the pressure switch coil

It is not always necessary to replace the pressure switch. If the problem is that the contacts are disconnected, then it will be enough to restore the connection. When the cause is a clogged fitting, cleaning the tube will help.

Diagnostics of the pressure switch coil is performed with a multimeter. The tester must be switched to ohmmeter mode. Then:

• study the electrical circuit of the water level sensor;
• attach the multimeter probes to the pressure switch terminals;
• create pressure in the fitting, ensuring impact on the membrane;
• look at the multimeter readings.

When the membrane is triggered, the readings on the multimeter screen should change. If this does not happen and the resistance remains the same, the pressure switch will have to be replaced. The reason is not always that the coil is damaged - even through a small crack in the tube some air will escape, which means that the pressure required by the relay will not be achieved.

Experts recommend purchasing only original Haier spare parts. A new pressure switch is selected for a specific SMA model. You can go to the store with an old level sensor and ask the seller to pick up an analogue.

Replacement of the level sensor is carried out in the reverse order. The seat must be cleaned of dirt. Afterwards, a new pressure switch is installed, fixed with a bolt, wiring and a pressure tube are connected to it. Then the washing machine body is assembled and the test cycle is started. If the washing has started and the FA error is no longer displayed, then the repair can be considered complete.

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