January 1, 2015

How to replace a water softener rotor position switch

This DIY repair guide explains how to replace the rotor position switch in a water softener. The rotor position switch tells the timer what position the rotor is in, so the timer knows when to start the motor that turns the valve rotor through cycles. If the position switch breaks, the motor runs constantly. Replace a broken rotor position switch with the manufacturer-approved water softener part.

Use these steps to replace the rotor position switch in Kenmore, GE and Whirlpool water softeners.

Quick links

Video

Instructions

Tools required

Phillips screwdriver

Work gloves

Repair difficulty

Time required

30 minutes or less

How to replace a water softener rotor position switch repair guide video.

Replacing a water softener rotor position switch video.

Instructions

01.
Disconnect electrical power
Unplug the water softener to disconnect power.
02.
Remove the top cover
Open the lid and release the 2 front clips on the cover.
Lift the front of the cover up and push it back to release the rear tabs.
Pull the top cover off.
PHOTO: Open the lid.
PHOTO: Release the front clips.
PHOTO: Remove the top cover.
03.
Remove the valve motor
Remove the valve motor mounting screws and lift the valve motor off of the rotor.
PHOTO: Remove the valve motor screws.
PHOTO: Lift off the valve motor.
04.
Remove the rotor position switch
Remove the plastic cover.
Lift the rotor position switch off of the mounting pins.
Disconnect the wires.
Remove the rotor position switch.
PHOTO: Lift off the plastic rotor cover.
PHOTO: Lift the switch off the mounting pins.
PHOTO: Disconnect the switch wires.
05.
Install the new rotor position switch
Connect the wires to the new rotor position switch.
Push the new rotor position switch onto the mounting pins and reinstall the plastic cover.
PHOTO: Connect the switch wires.
PHOTO: Install the new switch.
06.
Reinstall the valve motor
Position the valve motor and screw it into place.
PHOTO: Reinstall the valve motor.
07.
Reinstall the top cover
Position the back of the top cover into the rear tabs and then push the front of the top cover down into the front locking clips.
Close the lid.
PHOTO: Reinstall the top cover.
08.
Restore power
Plug in the power cord.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.

Symptoms for water softeners

Choose a symptom to see related water softener repairs.

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Repair guides for water softeners

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your water softener.

January 1, 2015

How to replace a water softener venturi

By Lyle Weischwill

The venturi valve in your water softener draws brine water from the salt tank to the resin tank for regeneration. Follow these steps to replace a damaged venturi.

Repair difficulty

Time required

15 minutes or less

January 1, 2015