How to Troubleshoot a Whirlpool Washer: 10 Problems and How to Fix Them

Fact checked by Jessica Wrubel

Whirlpool Cabrio and Duet washers are popular choices for many households, but they can face issues like any appliance. These washers often experience problems, including not starting, producing loud noises, or showing error codes. Fortunately, many common issues can be diagnosed and fixed with simple tools and troubleshooting steps. Before attempting major repairs, it's wise to check basic factors such as power connection, machine leveling, or try resetting the washer.

Tip

Always unplug your washer or turn off its power at your home's electrical panel or breaker before you attempt any repairs.

Washer Won't Agitate

The spinning paddles in the drum of your washing machine are the agitators, and they are responsible for breaking apart stains and dislodging dirt from your laundry. If your washer isn't agitating, it's either because the machine is overfilled, or due to an issue with the motor or lid.

• Laundry load:If you see the error code oL, pause the cycle and remove some of your laundry from the drum.

• Drive belt:The drive belt, which keeps the agitator's motor running, can wear down over time. Locate it underneath the washer and replace it if damaged.

• Cogs:The small plastic directional cogs (or "dogs") wear down and affect the washer. To check, run the machine empty, open the door during the agitation part of the cycle, and keep the door lock pushed down with a pen so the cycle keeps running. If you hear sounds but the agitator is not moving, replace the cog.

• Door lock:The washer cycles will not agitate if the door lock isn't working, as safety mechanisms will interrupt the cycle. Try the techniques below to clean the door and reset the machine.

Washer Won't Start

A start button on your washer's control panel not working despite the rest of the lights coming on is the most common Whirlpool washer issue. Taking off the control panel to try and find the cause will let you see if it's a DIY solution or if a professional needs to be called.

• Remove the control panel:Consult your washer repair manual to remove the control panel so you can begin to diagnose the problem.

• Broken pieces:Check for any loose or broken pieces, such as a small broken-off piece of plastic behind the start button.

• Check wiring:Check all the wiring with a voltage meter. If the timer, main controller, or CCU has failed, the entire control panel will have to be replaced, and you'll need to call a pro.

What Is a Voltage Meter?

A voltage meter,or electrical tester , is a device used by electricians and homeowners to check for voltage, or live power, before they start working on any electrical repairs or rewiring projects. This reader helps to prevent shocks by confirming if the power is fully switched off.

Washer Makes Loud Noises

A washer making loud and unusual noises is usually caused by an unbalanced load of laundry. If your washer is still noisy after rearranging the load, you may need to get out your toolbox, take a closer look, and order replacement parts.

• Water valve:If your washer is louder than usual, it could be down to a mineral buildup in the water valve—the element that controls how much water enters your machine. Remove it from the back of the machine, and order a new valve if you see excessive buildup.

• Overload:If the noise is a loud thumping, the load is probably unbalanced, and you may see the code uL. Stop the cycle, redistribute the wet laundry, and remove any pieces causing an overload.

• Not leveled:If there is a clanging noise, the washer is not leveled on the floor. This should be fixed immediately to prevent further damage.

• Pulley nut: If you hear a high-pitched whine, you need to remove the outer housing of the washer. Use the Whirlpool site to find a diagram of the inside of your washer. and check the nut that holds the pulley in place. Try tightening the nut. If that still doesn't work, the bearings need to be replaced.

• Shock absorber:A damaged shock absorber could also be the culprit of loud noises. You'll need to check (and possibly replace) all four absorbers, which can be found by removing the washer's front and back panels toward the bottom of the machine.

• Tub bearing:If you notice vibrations with the loud noises and have owned your washer for more than 10 years, the tub bearing may be worn out and need replacing.

Washer Won't Drain

If an error code pops up on your screen during the spin cycle and the washer stops, it's because the machine is taking too long to drain out the water. This problem is usually caused by a clogged drain line or an obstruction in the pump.

• Pump filter:Clean out any lint or other obstruction (like a coin or small button) that is clogging the pump filter. The filter can be found by removing the bottom front panel of your Whirlpool washer.

• Drain line:Turn off the water connections. Unhook the drain line from the back of the washer (and keep a bucket on hand to catch spills). Use a long brush to clean the line.

• Water pump:If your washer still won't drain, the water pump likely needs to be replaced.

Washer Won't Spin

If the washer turns on, but the drum or the basket won't spin freely, it's usually because of a loose or broken part within the machine. These are some of the most common parts to check and troubleshoot:

• Drive pulley nut:The drive pulley nut is loose. You can fix it if you are comfortable with taking the back of the washing machine off, removing the washer belt, pulley, and other assemblies—or you can call a technician.

• Shift actuator:The shift actuator is broken. This part shifts the washer between cycles for spinning and agitating and you may need to call a technician to fix it.

• Washer belt:The washer belt may be broken, which could be causing your washer to make a loud noise but not spin. You can check by taking the washer's back off to see if the belt is still on the pulley system.

• Lid switch:The lid switch isn't locking, so you will need to clean the switch, reset the washer by unplugging it and plugging it back in, or run a diagnostic test.
  

Washer Is Leaking or Overflowing

If your washing machine is leaking , start by double-checking if it has been overfilled. If the issue continues after removing any excess laundry, you can narrow down the potential causes of where the leak is coming from.

• Door seal:If the leak is coming from the front of the machine, it is most likely due to a buildup of detergent or debris in the seal or a loose door that needs tightening.

• Hoses:Leaks from the back of the washer are typically caused by loose hoses, which need tightening and securing.

• Water pump:Water coming from underneath the washer can be caused by a hole in the water pump, which could need replacing.

• Drum seal:Water under the washer could also be caused by issues with the seal between the inner and outer drum, where the wash cycle takes place. This issue also calls for a replacement part.

• Water valve:An overflowing washer is usually because of a faulty or blocked water valve, which will need unclogging or replacing.

Washer Isn't Filling or Fills Slowly

Most Whirlpool washers are designed to run without as much water as older washers, but the machine will detect when the water levels aren't changing or are increasing slower than they should. Slowly filling machines may have clogged valves or hoses or issues with water pressure.

• Inlet valve:If the inlet valve controlling the flow of hot and cold water in and out of the machine isn't working, sometimes it's just a small clog. But you may want to call in a professional to inspect and replace the inlet valve because it involves lifting the control panel's housing off the back of the machine.

• Inlet hose:If the inlet hose that supplies cold water from the back of the washer is not functioning, it's an easy fix. Turn off the water supply to the washer, pull the machine out to access the hoses, and replace them. When working on the replacement, check the screen in the washer's inlet to make sure it's not clogged.

• Water line:If the water pressure is wrong, check the line to make sure nothing is preventing water from coming into the washer. If the line is fine, you may need to lift the control panel's housing off the machine and take off clips to investigate further, which you'll want to call in a pro for.

Washer Lid Doesn't Lock

In the event your Whirlpool washer lid initially locks and then unlocks—preventing the cycle from starting—it could be due to either a dirty lid or a larger error that needs diagnosing. Start troubleshooting by dipping a cotton swab in isopropyl rubbing alcohol and cleaning all contact areas on the lid and the washer. If that doesn't work, follow the steps below:

1. Unplug your Whirlpool washing machine and plug it back in after 10 minutes as a reset.

2. Next, run a diagnostic test on your Whirlpool washer by putting the machine in standby mode.

3. Plug it in with all indicators off or with only the Clothes Clean or Done indicator on. Select one button except POWER, START, or STOP.

4. Press and hold for three seconds, then release for three seconds. Repeat the press, hold, and release process a total of three times. This should light up all indicators and display the number 88 in the timer before the machine shows an error code, which you can use to determine the cause of the problem.

5. If this doesn't work, repeat the procedure using a different button.
   

Washer Leaving Deposits on Clothes

If your washer leaves white deposits on clothes—even with different detergents— it's almost always because of excessive detergent usage and buildup or undissolved powder detergent. Cleaning your washer will solve the problem and get your clothes looking their best after laundry day once again.

• Undissolved detergent:If the deposits only occur in the winter months, the problem might be that a powdered detergent is not dissolving completely in the exceptionally cold water. Switch to a warm water temperature cycle to see if the issue resolves.

• Soap scum:If the deposits occur frequently, it's time to clean your washer and get rid of the built-up soap scum from the detergent. One of the downsides of  high-efficiency washers versus standard washers  is that there isn't a huge amount of water to flush away detergent and soil residue that clings to the washer, so you'll need to clean the machine to get rid of the buildup.

Washer Smells Like Burning Plastic

A washer that smells like burning plastic or rubber should be looked at immediately. Unplug the washer and open up the outer housing because this problem is a result of an element of the machine malfunctioning. In either of the following situations, do not use the washer until you have made repairs to avoid a hazardous fire.

• Drive belt:Look for any discoloration, indicating an issue with the rubber drive belt. If the belt slips, stretches, or breaks, it can cause friction and a burning smell—most likely a burning "rubber" smell. The belt should be replaced.

• Electronic components:If the belt looks fine, there is probably an electrical problem with the motor, transmission, or control panel. This is a much more extensive problem and will require the replacement of the burned-out components. For motor issues, you may see codes F50, F51, F52, or other "F" for failure codes.

Frequently asked Questions

How do I reset my Whirlpool washer after an error code?

There are a few ways to reset after an error code. Option 1: Hit the cancel/pause button twice. Option 2: Turn off the washer and unplug it for 10 minutes. Option 3: Turn the dial clockwise, then counterclockwise with full turns, and listen for clicks indicating it's been reset. Otherwise, it's vital to consult your owner's manual for the precise reset method for your Cabrio model.

How do I put my Whirlpool washer in diagnostic mode?

Not every Cabrio model is the same when it comes to putting it into diagnostic mode. You will need your owner's manual to know how to put your model into diagnostic mode. The owner's manual also helps you to interpret the sequences that will pop up on the LCD panel. If you need a new manual, you can download one from Whirlpool's Service & Support Owner Center.

What is the average lifespan of a Whirlpool washing machine?

The average lifespan of a front-loading washer is 11 years, and Whirlpool washing machines are known to last up to 15 when looked after well, regularly cleaned, and used correctly.

Why is the light blinking on my Whirlpool washer?

Flashing lights appear on Whirlpool washers as warnings throughout the spin cycle and can indicate a range of faults. A pre-spin light flashes when water isn't filling properly, a spin light indicates an unbalanced or overfilled machine, and flashing at the end of the cycle shows a problem or blockage with the drain.

Read the original article on The Spruce