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This is a comprehensive guide on how to reset Whirlpool washing machine top load.
Have you ever found yourself frustrated with your Whirlpool top load washer? Maybe it suddenly stopped working or it isn’t completing cycles correctly.
Before you throw in the towel, consider trying a simple reset.
Resetting your Whirlpool washing machine can often solve common issues and save you the headache (and expense) of calling in a repair person.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of resetting your washer.
So, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or just someone who wants to save time and money, keep reading to learn how to reset your washer like a pro.
How to reset Whirlpool washing machine top load
Before we start, it is important you note that there is no dedicated reset button on Whirlpool washing machines.
Nonetheless, there are several routes that you can take to reset the unit.
These methods are a piece of cake and following them will reset your washer within five minutes top.
Having said that, let’s start with the easiest method…
Reset by unplugging from power outlet
This is inarguably the easiest method.
To reset your washer using this method, first, disconnect the washer from the power outlet.
Next, wait for five minutes.
During these five minutes, the washer will clear out any static/flea electrical charges that may be in the control board.
You see, these charges are what might be causing the washer to act up hence the need to clear them from the board.
Once the five minutes have elapsed, connect your washer and let it sit for 30 seconds before you power it on.
You can now run a wash cycle to see if it runs.
Using the circuit breaker to reset the washer
At times, you might not be in a position to access the washer’s power outlet.
In such a scenario, you will require a different method to reset your washer.
That is where the circuit breaker kicks in.
Here, simply turn off the circuit breaker to the washer line and again, give the washer five minutes for the static charges to clear out.
Once the five minutes elapse, reset the circuit breaker and let the washer sit for 30 seconds before you power it on.
Moving on…
If you have recently replaced any part in the washer, you will perform a different reset procedure to ensure that the control board reads the new part.
This reset procedure is what we call a calibration reset and here is how to perform it…
Reset Whirlpool top load washer by calibration
Before starting the steps below, confirm that the washer is in standby mode – plugged in with all indicators off.
It should also be fully empty – no clothes or water inside the tub – and the lid should be closed.
Tip: you should complete the steps below within six seconds.
- Turn the control cycle dial one complete rotation (360⁰) counterclockwise.
- Rotate the cycle selector knob clockwise one click and wait ½ a second. Repeat this two more times.
- Turn the knob one click counterclockwise and wait ½ a second.
- Rotate the knob selector one click clockwise. You are now in diagnostic mode and all the status LEDs will be flashing in half-second intervals except for the lid lock indicator.
- If the status LEDs are not flashing, you have not completed the process within six seconds. As such, turn the knob 360⁰ counterclockwise.
Now, repeat steps 1 to 4 and complete them within six seconds.
- Turn the cycle selector knob till it comes to the rinse cycle.
- When the rinse LED lights up, press the start button to commence calibration – all status LEDs will turn on to indicate calibration has started.
Tip: do not interrupt the calibration or touch the water – otherwise, calibration must be started by following the above steps.
The calibration cycle will run for two to four minutes.
Once calibration is over, the lid will unlock and the washer will enter standby mode.
Now that you know how to go about resetting your Whirlpool washing machine, let us have a look at the circumstances that will require you to perform the reset.
When to reset Whirlpool washing machines
There are several scenarios that will call for the washer to be reset.
Some of these scenarios are not straightforward as they do not show error codes whereas others are easy as they do show error codes or blink indicator lights.
Nonetheless, all these scenarios have one thing in common – the washer will be acting up.
To kick us off, you will need to reset your washing machine if it acts up in any of the following ways:
- It is not spinning.
- It is not draining.
- The control panel is unresponsive.
- It is stuck in an infinite loop of wash cycles.
- It is stuck in the “Endless Test Cycle”.
Additionally, reset your Whirlpool washer if it displays any of the below error codes:
- F01 – electronic circuit board fault/motor circuit fault
- F09 – software fault
- F12 – electronic control fault
- F18 – internal data error
Moving on…
If your washer does not have a digital display, you can also look at the LED indicators to know when to reset the washer.
Having said that, if the washer blinks any of the following LED combinations, you will need to reset it:
- Led 1 + led 2 – electronic control fault
- Led 1 + led 4 – software fault
- Led 2 + led 3 + led 4 – electronic circuit board fault/heating circuit fault
- Led 3 has static/constant light – internal data error
- Led 4 – electronic circuit board fault
Note: at times, resetting might not work on all the error codes more so where the electronic control board is involved.
In these cases, further troubleshooting is required and at times, replacing the board might be necessary.
How to reset Whirlpool washing machine top load – final words
So, that is how you go about resetting a Whirlpool top load washing machine.
As we wind up, let me mention that if you perform a reset and the error code still comes back, do not perform another reset.
Instead, refer to the service manual (tech sheet) that came with your washer for more troubleshooting steps on the error code.
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