How to Replace DC96-01703B Water Level Pressure Switch on Samsung Washer — Step-by-Step

Your Samsung washer fills with water but never stops, or maybe it won't fill at all. You hear the motor humming, but the tub stays bone dry. Nine times out of ten, it's the water level pressure switch that's gone bad. The DC96-01703B controls when your washer starts and stops filling — when it fails, your washer can't sense how much water is in the tub.

What You Need Before Starting

This is a straightforward repair that most people can handle with basic tools. Here's what you'll need:

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver or putty knife
• Needle-nose pliers
• Towels (to catch any residual water)
• Work gloves (optional but helpful)

Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Safety First

Unplug your washer from the wall outlet before you touch anything. Even if it seems off, the switch connects to live wiring. Also, turn off the water supply valves behind the washer — you don't want any surprise leaks while you're working. If there's standing water in the tub from a failed cycle, run a drain cycle first or manually drain it using the emergency drain hose.

Step 1: Access the Top Panel

Remove the three screws along the back edge of the top panel. Once they're out, slide the entire top panel toward the back about an inch, then lift it up and off. Set it aside somewhere it won't get scratched. The pressure switch is mounted on the right side of the washer frame, usually near the detergent dispenser area.

Step 2: Locate and Disconnect the Pressure Switch

The DC96-01703B is a small cylindrical component with a clear air tube connected to the bottom and a wire harness plugged into the side. Press the locking tab on the wire harness connector and pull it straight off — don't yank on the wires themselves. Use your needle-nose pliers to carefully squeeze the hose clamp on the air tube and slide it down. Then twist and pull the air tube off the switch nipple.

Step 3: Remove the Old Switch

The switch is held in place by a mounting bracket or clip. On most Samsung models like the WF330ANW or WF350ANW, there's a single screw holding the bracket. Remove it, then slide the switch out of its holder. Check the air tube while you're here — if it's cracked, kinked, or has water inside it, you'll need to replace it too. Water in that tube will cause the same symptoms as a bad switch.

Step 4: Install the New DC96-01703B Switch

Slide the new pressure switch into the mounting bracket and secure it with the screw. Push the air tube firmly onto the nipple at the bottom of the switch until it's seated completely — you should feel it click into place. Slide the hose clamp back up to secure it. Finally, plug the wire harness connector back in until you hear it click. Give it a gentle tug to make sure it's locked.

Step 5: Reassemble and Test

Replace the top panel by setting it in position, sliding it forward until it clicks, then reinstalling the three rear screws. Plug the washer back in and turn the water supply back on. Run a quick rinse cycle and watch the water level carefully. The washer should fill to the correct level and stop automatically. Listen for the distinctive click from the new pressure switch when the water reaches the right height.

Testing After Installation

Don't just assume it's fixed — actually test it. Start a normal wash cycle and watch through the door. The washer should fill, pause when it reaches the proper level, then begin agitating. If it overfills or won't fill at all, double-check that air tube connection. A loose tube is the most common installation mistake. Also make sure the tube isn't kinked anywhere along its path down to the outer tub.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my pressure switch is bad or if it's something else?

The clearest sign is inconsistent water levels — sometimes too much, sometimes too little. If unplugging the air tube and blowing through it produces no clicking sound from the switch, it's definitely dead. You can also test it with a multimeter set to continuity mode, but honestly, if you're having fill problems and the tube is clear, just replace the switch. At $73.99, it's cheaper than a service call.

Will this work on front-load and top-load Samsung washers?

The DC96-01703B fits specific Samsung front-load models including the WF209ANW, WF218ANW, WF330ANW series, and WF350ANW series. It won't work on top-load models — they use completely different pressure switches. Check your model number against the compatibility list before ordering. It's usually on a sticker inside the door or on the back panel.

Why does the air tube matter so much?

That tube runs from the switch down to the bottom of the outer tub. As water fills, air pressure builds in the tube and pushes a diaphragm inside the switch. When the pressure hits the right level, the switch clicks and tells the washer to stop filling. If the tube has even a tiny crack or if water gets inside it, the pressure reading goes haywire and your washer can't tell how much water is actually in there. Always inspect that tube during replacement.