Nearly all Washing Machines have a standard method of operation. Understanding how they work is not beyond most peoples capabilities:

Throughout the washing machine blog pages we have compiled basic tips and advice on fault finding and conducting DIY washing machine repairs.
The information is no where near exhaustive and you are welcome to email your ten penneth worth.
Always seek professional advice on attempting any electrical repair. Any help on these web pages is for information only and the usual common law disclosures apply.

When trying to diagnose a fault its quite difficult to know where to start but once you have a basic understanding of the various washing machine parts it’s quite simple to affect a simple repair. One of the first things that can be over looked is the Pressure Switch.

Pressure Switch (water level switch)

Before we get started on looking at your pressure switch, have you unplugged or isolated your machine from the fuse box or consumer panel.

Oh! did I mention, you need to isolate the machine from the fuse box.

The pressure switch or water level switch is used to measure the level of water in the washing machine drum.
This is achieved by the passage of air through a small rubber hose attached at one end to the base of the drum and at the other through a nipple on the switch. The hose being filled with air. When water begins to fill in the drum it also enters the hose. As the water level rises inside the drum, it pushes on the air trapped inside the hose and increases the air pressure. When the air pressure reaches a predefined level, it pushes on a diaphragm inside the switch.
Think of Boyles Law with pressure and volume and you can see how effective this is.