Whirlpool top loading washer troubleshooting guide

In this Whirlpool top loading washer troubleshooting guide, we will look at the most common Whirlpool top loading washer problems and how to fix them.

Let’s dive in:

Whirlpool top loading washer troubleshooting – common Whirlpool top loading washer faults and how to repair them

Here are some of the faults we will be covering in this guide:

 

Whirlpool top loading washer diagnostic guidelines

Before we get into troubleshooting specific issues, here are some basic diagnostic guidelines that can be very helpful when fixing these types of washers:

Before you start:

For powering on problems…..

Ensure there is power -at the washer’s wall outlet.

Check if a household fuse has blown or if the circuit breaker has tripped.

Also, check if a regular fuse has been used? If so, replace with a time-delay fuse.

Check water supply

Check if both water faucets (cold and hot water) are open.

Also verify that the water supply hoses are unobstructed.

For drainage issues

Make sure the drain hose has not been sealed into the drain pipe.

Also check that there’s an air gap (for ventilation).

In addition, make sure the drain height is as required- it should be actually between 39”(991 mm) – 8’(2.4 m) above the floor.

Other basic troubleshooting steps

Check all the harnesses (and connections) before replacing any components you may think are faulty- What you want to do is Look for connectors that may not be fully seated as well as for broken/loose wires (and terminals), or wires that might not be pressed into connectors far/deep enough to properly engage metal barbs.

A probable cause of the control malfunctioning is corrosion/contamination on some connections. Here you should get an ohmmeter and use it to check across the suspected connections (for continuity).

 

Whirlpool top loading washer troubleshooting rules to remember

All tests/checks need to be done with a VOM(volt-ohm-milliammeter) /DVM(digital-voltmeter) with a sensitivity of 20000Ω per-volt-DC(or greater).

Resistance checks should be done with the washer unplugged (or power disconnected).

Do not use large diameter probes during checks on harness connectors as these probes could damage the connectors (upon insertion).

When removing power, allow enough time for main control(ACU) to power down completely. You can verify this by quickly observing the diagnostic LED– you should notice it is solidly off. At the minimum, you should leave power removed for 1 (one) minute.

 

Whirlpool top loading washer troubleshooting- specific problems and recommended fixes

Whirlpool top loading washer won’t power up /Whirlpool top load washer not turning on /Whirlpool top load washer not starting /Whirlpool top load washer not working

Other signs:

• No operation at all
• No keypad response
• No LEDs/display

Possible Causes and solutions

1. No power to the washer– Check power at wall outlet, check the circuit breakers/fuses/junction box connections.
2. Connection issue between plug and the main control– Check AC power cord (for continuity).
3. Weak/bad connections between main control and the UI– Check the connections (and continuity) between the main control and the UI.
4. User Interface problem– Perform TEST #4(Keys and Encoders) and TEST#10(Service LEDs).
5. Main Control problem– Perform TEST #1(Main Control (ACU)- and replace the main control, if necessary).

 

Important: Please download this service manual and go to section 3(components testing) for the steps to follow when performing various tests we recommend throughout this troubleshooting guide. The manual-courtesy of manualslib.com- has all the instructions regarding Test #1 to Test #12 so it’s very helpful when it comes to fixing most Whirlpool top loading washer models.

 

Whirlpool top loading washer basket light is not turning on(on some models)

Possible Causes and solutions

1. Bad/weak connections between the main control and the basket light– Check the connections (and continuity) between the main control and the basket light.
2. Faulty basket light– Perform TEST #11(Basket Light)
3. Main control problem– Perform TEST #1(Main Control (ACU)- and replace the main control, if necessary).

 

Whirlpool top loading washer won’t start cycle (Whirlpool top load washer wont start cycle)

Whirlpool top loading washer won’t start

Other signs:

No response you press START

Possible causes and solutions

1. Interference/obstructions– Check and remove any interference that is preventing the lid from closing (be sure to check the lock itself too for possible interference)
2. Bad lid lock– Perform TEST #8(Lid Lock) and replace it, if necessary
3. Bad connections– Check the connections (and continuity) between the main control and the UI.
4. User interface problem-Perform TEST #4(Keys and Encoders) and TEST#10(Service LEDs).
5. Main control problem– Perform TEST #1(Main Control (ACU)- and replace the main control, if necessary).

 

Whirlpool top loading washer UI not accepting selections (whirlpool top load washer buttons not working)

Possible causes and solutions

1. Bad connections between UI and the main control– Check the connections (and continuity) between the main control and the UI
2. User interface problem-Perform TEST #4(Keys and Encoders) and TEST#10(Service LEDs).
3. Main control problem– Perform TEST #1(Main Control (ACU)- and replace the main control, if necessary).

Apart from the above, there might be no sounds when you press the keys..

If that is the case, it could be because the button sounds have been turned off – Perform TEST #4(Keys and Encoders).

If that did not help, try the preceding 3 steps.

 

Whirlpool top loading washer won’t fill with water (whirlpool top load washer not filling with enough water)

Possible causes and solutions

1. No water is being supplied to washer– Check if water connections to the washer are okay. Also verify that cold and hot water supply is actually on.
2. Plugged filter/screen– Check for potentially plugged filter (or screen) in the water valve/hoses.
3. Improper drain hose installation– Verify correct drain hose installation.
4. Valve issue– Perform TEST #2(Valves)
5. Main control problem– Perform TEST #1(Main Control (ACU))- and replace the main control, if necessary).

 

Whirlpool top loading washer overfilling with water

Possible causes and solutions

1. Pressure hose issue– Perform TEST #6(Water Level)
2. Valve issue– Perform TEST #2(Valves)
3. Washer requires calibration– Run Service Calibration (see tech sheet)
4. Pressure transducer (on main control) problem– Perform TEST #1(Main Control(ACU))

 

Whirlpool top loading washer Not Dispensing Detergent (Bulk Dispense not working- only on some models) / Whirlpool top load washer not dispensing detergent

Possible causes and solutions

1. Bad connections between rex board, the main control, and bulk detergent dispense pump – Check the connections (and continuity) between the main control, rex board, and the bulk dispense pump.
2. Bulk dispense hose is plugged– Check the bulk dispense hose (for obstructions).
3. Problem in the harness connections– Check the harness connections between the main control, rex board, and the bulk dispense pump.
4. Bulk dispense pump fault– Perform TEST #12(Bulk Dispense Pump & Relay Expansion Board)
5. Main control problem– Perform TEST #1(Main Control (ACU))- and replace the main control, if necessary).

 

Whirlpool top loading washer won’t recirculate water (Only some models have a recirculation pump)

Possible causes and solutions

1. Plugged recirculation hose– Check the re-circulation hose for potential obstructions.
2. Obstructions to re-circulation pump– Check the tub sump (under impeller plate & the basket) for obstructions.
3. Problem in the harness connections– Check the harness connections between the main control and the re-circulation pump.
4. Faulty recirculation pump – Perform TEST #7(Drain Pump & Recirculation Pump)
5. Main control problem– Perform TEST #1(Main Control (ACU))- and replace the main control, if necessary).

 

Whirlpool top loading washer water not heating enough

Possible causes and solutions

1. Improper water hose installation– Make sure the inlet hoses are properly connected.
2. Temperature thermistor fault– Perform TEST #5(Temperature Thermistor)
3. Valve issue– Perform TEST #2(Valves)
4. Main control problem– Perform TEST #1(Main Control (ACU))- and replace the main control, if necessary).

 

Whirlpool top loading washer won’t agitate

Possible causes and solutions

1. Water could be covering the impeller– Perform TEST #6(Water Level)
2. Lid lock issue(does lid lock show open during cycle?)- Perform TEST #8(Lid Lock)
3. Problem in the harness connections– Check the harness connections between the main control and the drive system.
4. Shifter issue -Perform TEST #3a(Drive System-Shifter)
5. Motor issue -Perform TEST #3b(Drive System-Motor)
6. Main control problem– Perform TEST #1(Main Control (ACU))

 

Whirlpool top loading washer won’t spin

Possible causes and solutions

1. Lid lock issue(does lid lock show open during cycle?)- Perform TEST #8(Lid Lock)
2. Problem in the harness connections– Check the harness connections between the main control and the drive system.
3. Shifter issue -Perform TEST #3a(Drive System-Shifter)
4. Motor issue -Perform TEST #3b(Drive System-Motor)
5. Main control problem– Perform TEST #1(Main Control (ACU))

 

Whirlpool top loading washer won’t drain

Possible causes and solutions

1. Improper drain hose installation– Make sure drain hose is properly installed. Make sure it’s not inserted deeper than 4.5”(114 mm). Also make sure the drain hose isn’t sealing into drain pipe- an air gap (for ventilation) should also be there.
2. Improper standpipe position– the drain height must be as required- between 39”(991 mm) – 8’(2.4m) above the floor.
3. The drain hose is plugged– Check the drain hose for potential obstructions.
4. Obstructions to the drain pump– Check the tub sump (under impeller plate & the basket) for obstructions.
5. Problem in the harness connections– Check the harness connections between the main control and the drain pump.
6. Faulty drain pump – Perform TEST #7(Drain Pump)
7. Main control problem– Perform TEST #1(Main Control (ACU))

 

Whirlpool top loading washer cycle times too long

Possible causes and solutions

Oversuds

• Verify use of recommended HE detergent.
• Stop excessive detergent usage

Washer is off balance

• Ensure balanced load- manually re-load it until it is balanced.
• Check washer balance ring for water leak.

Improper drain hose installation

• Make sure drain hose is properly installed. Make sure it’s not inserted deeper than 4.5”(114 mm).
• Also, make sure the drain hose isn’t sealing into drain pipe- an air gap (for ventilation) should also be there.

Improper standpipe position

• The drain height must be as required- between 39”(991 mm) – 8’(2.4m) above the floor.

Washer is draining slowly

• Check for potential pump/drain hose obstructions.

Water pressure drop

• This usually results in abnormally longer fill time.

Friction / drag on drive

• Check motor and the bearings.
• Be sure to check for any items between the tub and basket.

Weak suspension

• Note that basket should never bounce up& down (more than once) when pushed- if it is doing that, replace the suspension.

 

Whirlpool top loading washer troubleshooting – how to fix various poor wash performance issues

Whirlpool top loading washer oversudsing problem

1. Verify use of recommended HE detergent.
2. Stop excessive detergent usage.

Whirlpool top loading washer clothes get tangled

1. Reload the washer- Washer might not be loaded properly.
2. Perform service calibration(See tech sheet)

 

Whirlpool top load washer clothes still wet / whirlpool top load washer not spinning clothes dry (Clothes wet after cycle is complete (not very water saturated, but extremely damp)

Possible causes and solutions

1. Overloaded washer- reload it.
2. Oversuds (see suggestions above).
3. Items probably caught in the tub sump- check and remove.
4. Weak suspension- replace it.
5. Shifter isn’t moving into position- Perform TEST #3a(Drive System-Shifter).
6. Ensure Cold/Rinse water temp >105°F(40°C).
7. Drain pump issue- Perform TEST #7(Drain Pump)
8. Motor issue- perform TEST #3b(Drive System-Motor)

 

Whirlpool top load washer not rinsing clothes

Possible solutions

1. Check for proper water supply.
2. Change to proper HE detergent.
3. Re-load the washer properly.
4. Perform TEST #3a(Drive System-Shifter)- the shifter might not be moving in to spin position.
5. Perform TEST #2(Valves)- there might be a valves issue.
6. Perform TEST #3b(Drive System-Motor)- It can be caused by a motor issue.

 

Whirlpool top load washer not getting clothes clean / Whirlpool top load washer not cleaning clothes properly

Possible solutions

1. Change to proper HE detergent.
2. Re-load the washer properly.
3. Ensure you select correct cycle.
4. Perform TEST #3a(Drive System-Shifter)- the shifter might not be moving in to spin position.
5. Perform TEST #3b(Drive System-Motor)- It can be caused by a motor issue.

 

Whirlpool top load washer damaging clothes

Possible solutions

1. Re-load the washer properly- Washer might be overloaded.
2. Add bleach correctly- It may have been added incorrectly.
3. Check for sharp items in the tub (and remove them).

 

Whirlpool top load washer not draining completely

Possible solutions

The drain pump might be stuck on so check.

Also, check for a defective control board- Perform TEST #1(Main Control (ACU)).

 

Whirlpool top loading washer troubleshooting – tech sheet location

Conclusion

If your washer is brand new, call whirlpool (or wherever you bought it)- it is covered under warranty.

Beyond that, look at the washer’s tech sheet -inside the machine- it will have instructions on how to put the washer into diagnostic mode plus what any error codes that might pop up specifically mean.

 

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