Whirlpool Washer Troubleshooting Guide


If you’re experiencing issues with your Whirlpool washer, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through three common problems that can occur with your Whirlpool washer and provide you with solutions to get your washer back up and running smoothly.

Whirlpool Washer Troubleshooting Guide: Common Problems & Fixes

whirlpool washer troubleshooting guide


Whirlpool Washer Not Spinning

Cause 1: Lid Switch Failure

If the lid switch is not functioning properly, the washer will not spin. To check this, try opening and closing the lid. If you don’t hear a click, the lid switch may need to be replaced. Solution: Replace the lid switch.

Cause 2: Drive Belt Failure

If the drive belt is broken or worn, the washer won’t spin. You can check this by looking at the belt for any visible damage or looseness. Solution: Replace the drive belt.

Cause 3: Motor Coupling Failure

If the motor coupling is broken or worn, the washer won’t spin. You can check this by looking for any visible damage or wear on the coupling. Solution: Replace the motor coupling.


Whirlpool Washer Not Draining

Cause 1: Clogged Drain Hose 

If the drain hose is clogged, water won’t be able to drain from the tub. You can check this by inspecting the drain hose for any blockages. Solution: Remove any blockages in the drain hose.

Cause 2: Faulty Drain Pump

If the drain pump is not functioning properly, water won’t be able to drain from the tub. You can check this by listening for any unusual noises coming from the pump. Solution: Replace the drain pump.

Whirlpool Washer Not Turning On

If your Whirlpool washer isn’t turning on, here are a few things you can check:

  • Power source: Check if the washer is plugged into a working outlet. You may want to try plugging in another appliance to the same outlet to confirm it’s working.
  • Circuit breaker: Check the circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. If so, reset the breaker and try turning on the washer again.
  • Control panel: Check the control panel to see if it’s responding. If the panel is not responding, there may be a problem with the control board, which will require professional repair.

Whirlpool Washer Not Filling with Water

  • Water supply: Check if the water supply is turned on and there is adequate water pressure.
  • Inlet valve: Check if the inlet valve is working properly. You can do this by disconnecting the hoses and checking if there’s water flow.
  • Water level switch: Check if the water level switch is working properly. You can do this by accessing the control panel and checking if the switch is in good condition.

Whirlpool Washer Not Agitating

  • Agitator: Check if the agitator is working properly. You can do this by removing any obstructions and checking if it moves freely.
  • Drive belt: Check if the drive belt is in good condition. If it’s worn out, it will need to be replaced.
  • Transmission: Check if the transmission is working properly. If there’s a problem with the transmission, it will require professional repair.

Whirlpool Washer Buttons Not Working

  • Control panel: Check if the control panel is responding. If it’s not, there may be a problem with the control board, which will require professional repair.
  • Buttons: Check if the buttons are stuck or not responding. If they’re stuck, gently clean the area around the buttons. If they’re not responding, they may need to be replaced.
  • Wiring: Check if the wiring is in good condition. If there’s a problem with the wiring, it will require professional repair.

Whirlpool Washer Brake Not Releasing

Cause 1: Broken brake rotor or stator

  • Solution: You’ll need to replace the brake rotor or stator, which can be done by a professional repair technician.

Cause 2: Malfunctioning lid switch 

  • Solution: The lid switch may be preventing the brake from releasing. Check the lid switch and replace it if necessary.

Cause 3: Worn clutch assembly 

  • Solution: The clutch assembly connects the transmission to the tub and can wear out over time. You may need to replace the clutch assembly to fix the problem.

Whirlpool Washer Not Cleaning Clothes

Cause 1: Clogged or dirty water inlet valve 

  • Solution: The water inlet valve may be clogged with debris, preventing water from flowing into the washer. Clean or replace the valve as necessary.

Cause 2: Overloading the washer 

  • Solution: Overloading the washer can prevent clothes from moving freely, which can cause them to remain dirty. Try reducing the load size to see if that improves the cleaning performance.

Cause 3: Faulty wash cycle selection 

  • Solution: Be sure you’re selecting the appropriate wash cycle for the type of clothing you’re washing. For example, a delicate cycle may not be effective for heavily soiled clothing.

Whirlpool Washer Not Completing Cycle

Cause 1: Malfunctioning timer 

  • Solution: The timer controls the washer’s cycles, so if it’s malfunctioning, the washer won’t complete its cycle. Replace the timer to fix the issue.

Cause 2: Clogged or dirty drain pump 

  • Solution: A clogged or dirty drain pump can prevent the washer from draining properly, which can interrupt the cycle. Clean or replace the drain pump as necessary.

Cause 3: Faulty water level switch 

  • Solution: The water level switch controls the amount of water in the washer. If it’s not functioning properly, the washer may not complete its cycle. Replace the water level switch if necessary.

Whirlpool Washer Not Locking

Causes:

  • A damaged or broken door latch
  • A malfunctioning control board
  • A wiring issue

Fixes:

  • Check the door latch for any damage or wear and tear. If it’s broken, you’ll need to replace it.
  • If the door latch is fine, but the washer still won’t lock, it could be a problem with the control board. Try resetting the machine by unplugging it for a few minutes, then plugging it back in. This will often solve the issue.
  • If neither the door latch nor the control board is the issue, there could be a wiring problem. In this case, it’s best to call in a professional to take a look and fix it.

Whirlpool Washer Not Rinsing

Causes

  • A clogged drain hose
  • A malfunctioning water inlet valve
  • A damaged or broken belt
  • An issue with the motor or motor coupler

Fixes

  • Check the drain hose for any clogs. If you find one, try to remove it by using a snake or by blowing air through the hose. You can also try running the washer on a rinse cycle without any clothes in it to see if the problem resolves itself.
  • If the drain hose is clear, but the washer still won’t rinse, it could be a problem with the water inlet valve. You’ll need to replace this part to fix the issue.
  • If the inlet valve is fine, but the washer won’t rinse, it could be a problem with the belt or motor. Check to see if the belt is damaged or broken. If it is, you’ll need to replace it. If not, the issue might be with the motor or motor coupler. This is a more complex issue that should be handled by a professional.

Whirlpool Washer Not Sensing

Causes

  • A dirty or clogged sensor
  • A malfunctioning control board
  • An issue with the water level pressure switch

Fixes

  • Check the sensor for any dirt or debris. If it’s dirty, you can clean it by gently wiping it with a damp cloth. You can also try running the washer through a cleaning cycle to see if that resolves the issue.
  • If the sensor is clean, but the washer still isn’t sensing properly, it could be a problem with the control board. Try resetting the machine by unplugging it for a few minutes, then plugging it back in. This will often solve the issue.
  • You might want to get a technician to take a look at the washer if you think there is a problem with the pressure switch

Whirlpool Washer Timer Not Advancing

Cause #1: Faulty Timer

  • Solution: To determine whether the timer is the problem, you need to test it with a multimeter. First, unplug the washer and remove the control panel. Then, locate the timer and remove it from the washer. Using a multimeter, test the timer for continuity. If the timer doesn’t have continuity, it’s faulty and needs to be replaced.

Cause #2: Broken Lid Switch

  • Solution: The lid switch is a safety mechanism that prevents the washer from running if the lid is open. If the lid switch is broken, the washer won’t advance to the next cycle. To test the lid switch, unplug the washer and locate the switch. You can usually find it near the door hinge. Use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity. If the switch doesn’t have continuity, it’s broken and needs to be replaced.

Whirlpool Washer Not Washing

Cause #1: Clogged or Faulty Pump

  • Solution: The function of the pump is to drain the water out of the washer. A clogged or faulty pump will make it difficult for the washer to complete the cycle. To check the pump, unplug the washer and remove the back panel. Locate the pump and check for any debris or clogs. If there’s something blocking the pump, remove it and try running the washer again. If the pump is faulty, it needs to be replaced.

Cause #2: Broken Belt

  • Solution: The washer’s belt is a component that rotates the drum in the washer. When broken, the washer won’t be able to wash the clothes. To check the belt, unplug the washer and remove the back panel. Locate the belt and check for any signs of damage. If the belt is broken, it needs to be replaced.

Cause #3: Malfunctioning Motor

  • Solution: The motor of the washer spins the drum and agitates the clothes. If it’s malfunctioning, the washer won’t be able to wash the clothes. To check the motor, unplug the washer and remove the back panel. Locate the motor and test it with a multimeter. If the motor doesn’t have continuity, it’s faulty and needs to be replaced.