Reed switch is either on or off but the water flow into the machine causes the reed switch to produce a stream of On Off On Off signals that is converted into water volume. Ie it measures the amount of water being allowed into the machine. So it is the varying signal that is needed.
Thanks chaps - fixed the fault...
Had the constant bleeping and flashing of the start button LED (7 flashes, pause, 7 flashes ...). Ensured no drain blockage and emptied all water in sump (below filters) and salt conner - Fault remained.
As per Sleepyhead's post, I removed the left hand...