How To Repair Dehumidifier That Keeps Saying The Bucket Is Full
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- 8 repair stories
- 4 step by step videos
Sensor Assembly
If the bucket is full indicator on your dehumidifier is on but the bucket is actually empty, you may have a problem with the sensor assembly. Some electronic control models use a sensor assembly that monitors the relative humidity and evaporator temperature. The sensors provide information to the electronic control where it is used to cycle the compressor and the fan motor on and off as required, and to provide defrosting when needed. Sometimes a failure of this sensor assembly can cause the control board to produce an error code and often turn on the bucket is full light erroneously. The sensor is difficult to accurately diagnose so check the float assembly and the float switch before suspecting a faulty sensor. This sensor assembly is located near the evaporator coils.
Float Switch
If the bucket is full indicator on your dehumidifier is on but the bucket is empty, you may have a problem with the float switch. This switch is located near the bucket and is tripped by a float mechanism when the water level in the bucket rises. This is a safety device to prevent the unit from overflowing. When the switch is tripped, power to the compressor and fan motor circuits is disrupted until the bucket is emptied. This would be the first component to check when this symptom occurs. You can test the switch for continuity with a multi-meter, but first make sure that the float assembly is not binding or holding the switch in the bucket is full position.
Float Assembly
If the bucket is full indicator on your dehumidifier is on but the bucket is empty, you may have a problem with the float assembly. This device is located near the bucket and it moves as the water level in the bucket rises, tripping the water level switch when the bucket is full. This is a safety device to prevent the unit from overflowing. When the switch is tripped, power to the compressor and fan motor circuits is disrupted until the bucket is emptied. Make sure that the float assembly can move or pivot freely and that it will actuate the level switch when the bucket is full. If the assembly is warped or damaged it should be replaced.
Control Board (PCB)
If the bucket is full indicator on your dehumidifier is on but the bucket is empty, and you have an electronic control model, you may have a problem with the control board. The status of the water level switch for the bucket is monitored by the electronic control board. When the control board, which is often referred to as the PCB , sees the status of the switch as full, it will disrupt power to the compressor and motor circuits and will also turn on an indicator light to alert the user. If there is a specific failure with the control board it may interpret the status of the level switch as being full, when in fact it is not, and therefore shut off the compressor and the motor and turn on the indicator light. This component is often misdiagnosed so eliminate the float, the level switch and the sensor assembly before replacing the control board.
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