Is your Whirlpool washer causing headaches?

Dealing with a malfunctioning appliance is a hassle that no one enjoys.

But don’t worry:

When it comes to troubleshooting your Whirlpool washer, I have foolproof solutions backed by the expertise of Josh Michelsen, an appliance technician from Ohio with 7 years of experience.

Let’s dive in!

7 Whirlpool Washer Common Problems and Solutions

1. Whirlpool Washer Won’t Start

Question:

Is your Whirlpool washer refusing to power on, start the cycle, or abruptly shutting off mid-cycle?

Well, most Whirlpool washer users encounter starting problems at some point, me included.

Not too long ago:

My washer was having trouble starting up, so I asked Josh, an experienced appliance technician, for help. And he had a few things to say to that effect.

“Before trying any sophisticated troubleshooting methods, confirm that your power supply is in order,” he suggested.

Using some Whirlpool-recommended tips, I determined that the power supply or reception was not the issue.

At this point:

Josh concluded that it was likely an internal hardware issue.

As such, if your Whirlpool washer is having trouble powering on, these component defects could be responsible:

• Faulty drive motor
• Damaged control board

On the other hand:

If your Whirlpool washer powers on but won’t start the wash cycle, you need to explore a range of other troubleshooting options.

These options involve dealing with the following possible errors:

• Defective lid switch or door lock latch
• Malfunctioning timer
• Wrong washer setting (control lock error code)

Anyway, before effecting any of these troubleshoots:

If your Whirlpool washer has been working overtime,I suggest you give it a short break and reset it.

In any case:

Consider calling a qualified appliance technician to make these repairs if you are not technically inclined.

Also, you can find authentic spare parts on Whirlpool’s genuine parts website. Just be sure the part you purchase is compatible with your washer model.

COMMONLY AFFECTED PARTS	ESTIMATED COST
Drive motor	$160 – $470
Control board	$260 – $560
Lid switch	$50 – $100
Door lock latch	$60 – $225
Timer	$200 – $310

2. Whirlpool Washer Won’t Spin

In Josh’s words: “Your Whirlpool washer could be agitating or running the wash cycle perfectly but won’t spin your clothes dry.”

If that’s the case, try these awesome tips to get it spinning again.

Do this first:

Put your Whirlpool washer in service diagnostics mode by following the instructions stipulated in the Whirlpool washer’s tech sheet.

Next:

The error codes on the display panel will help you accurately diagnose your washer.

In any case, here are some common problems affecting Whirlpool washers that won’t spin.

• Faulty clutch assembly
• Incorrect cycle setting
• Overloaded washer
• Insufficient power supply
• Faulty lid switch or door lock latch
• Damaged drive motor
• Broken drive belt
• Defective drainage system
• Faulty shift actuator
• Damaged cam
• Damaged gear case

One more thing:

Please make sure you disconnect your Whirlpool washer from the power source before attempting any repairs.

Josh seriously emphasizes the importance of adhering to safety precautions.

COMMONLY AFFECTED PARTS	ESTIMATED COST
Clutch assembly	$30 – $110
Lid switch	$50 – $100
Door lock latch	$60 – $225
Drive motor	$160 – $470
Drive belt	$25 – $70
Drain pump	$70 – $310
Drain hose	$30 – $75
Shift actuator	$60 – $105
Cam	$11 – $15
Gear case	$250 – $310

3. Whirlpool Washer Is Making Loud Noises

NOISE	CAUSE
Grinding or rubbing	Overloaded or unbalanced washer
Clunking	Hose or items leaning on the washer
Clicking or rattling	Items stuck in the drainage system
Knocking or thumping	Overloaded or unbalanced load during the spin cycle

You’ll most likely also have a washer that shakes violently.

Why?

“Your washer might be unbalanced or have foreign objects stuck in the drainage system,” Josh explained. You may have even forgotten to detach the washer’s shipping bolts.

Other times:

More complicated defects could cause your washer to make such a ruckus.

In any case, here’s what Josh recommends you check for when your washer makes strange noises.

• Unbalanced washer
• Undetached shipping bolts
• Defective drive motor
• Worn drive belt
• Damaged tub bearing
• Faulty agitator
• Stuck foreign objects
• Failed U-joint kit
• Defective motor coupling
• Malfunctioning transmission
• Faulty clutch assembly
• Damaged water inlet valve

Josh added that: “After troubleshooting these issues, your washer should produce a gentle electrical hum or buzz rather than making harsh noises.”

COMMONLY AFFECTED PARTS	ESTIMATED COST
Drive motor	$160 – $470
Drive belt	$25 – $70
Tub bearing	$40 – $115
Agitator	$100 – $160
U-Joint kit	$30 – $70
Motor coupling	$15 – $60
Water inlet valve	$80 – $180

4. Whirlpool Washer Is Leaking

So:

Your Whirlpool washer is leaving puddles of water on your laundry room floor.

As exhausting as laundry duty is, a leaking Whirlpool washer is the last thing you want.

To that end:

In order to achieve the best laundry experience, you need practical solutions to this problem.

According to Josh, the following are some common causes of a leaking Whirlpool washer.

• Defective or clogged drain pump
• Clogged drain hoses
• Worn-out door seal
• Damaged outer wash tub
• Faulty pressure switch
• Clogged water inlet valve

Side note:

If these fixes are too advanced for you, I advise contracting an experienced appliance technician.

Note that this endeavor could be a bit costly.

So, if you’re trying to save cash and you’re skilled enough to work on these repairs, then by all means, have at it.

COMMONLY AFFECTED PARTS	ESTIMATED COST
Drain pump	$70 – $310
Drain hose	$30 – $75
Door seal	$67 – $150
Outer tub	$350 – $1400
Pressure switch	$50 – $280
Water inlet valve	$80 – $180

Troubleshooting Advanced Whirlpool Washer Problems

5. Whirlpool Washer Won’t Fill with Water

Here’s the thing:

Many Whirlpool users have had some bitter complaints about their washers. One prominent complaint is that the washer won’t fill with water.

So:

If you’re in the same bind, Josh recommends you check for:

• Defective water inlet valve
• Kinked fill hoses
• Low water pressure
• Malfunctioning water level switch
• Faulty lid switch or door lock latch
• Defective control board
• Malfunctioning timer

Now get this:

One user had tried everything in the books; he swapped the cold and hot water inlet hoses. And he even replaced the inlet valve to no avail.

So, if nothing is working, what do you do?

Either contact Whirlpool customer service for support or hire a service technician or plumber.

The issue affecting your Whirlpool washer might be beyond DIY troubleshooting.

Josh recommends that: “If the cost of repairs exceeds half the cost of purchasing a new unit, it might not be worth repairing.” But I’ll leave that to your discretion. 

COMMONLY AFFECTED PARTS	ESTIMATED COST
Water inlet valve	$80 – $180
Fill hoses	$25 – $70
Pressure switch	$50 – $280
Lid switch	$50 – $100
Door lock latch	$60 – $225
Control board	$260 – $560
Timer	$200 – $310

6. Whirlpool Washer Won’t Drain

Is there stagnant water in your washtub after the wash cycle?

What a bummer!

Unfortunately:

Whirlpool draining problems often go hand in hand with spinning issues. And frequently, an overloaded washer turns out to be the simple culprit.

But not to worry:

Our expert, Josh, is very familiar with the possible issues of a Whirlpool washer that won’t drain.

He says one should be on the lookout for these issues:

• Improperly installed or clogged drain hose
• Clogged drain pump
• Faulty lid switch or door lock latch
• Excess detergent

Now get this:

“People usually underestimate the significance of the type and amount of detergent used with their Whirlpool washer,” Josh explained.

The thing is:

Too much detergent causes excess suds, leading to drainage and spinning issues. As such, Whirlpool recommends using HE High-Efficiency detergent.

At the end of the day:

After trying these hacks, your Whirlpool washer should drain properly. And if it still doesn’t drain, call a technician for assistance.

COMMONLY AFFECTED PARTS	ESTIMATED COST
Drain pump	$70 – $310
Drain hose	$30 – $75
Lid switch	$50 – $100
Door lock latch	$60 – $225

7. Whirlpool Washer Won’t Agitate

Josh stated that:

“The mechanics of top-loading washing machines cause them to rely on the friction created by the agitator’s paced rotating motion.”

So:

If your top-load Whirlpool washer is not agitating, Josh suggests you watch out for some usage errors.

These include overloading and improperly distributing your clothes around the agitator.

But:

If you already load your Whirlpool washer properly, you could be facing a more complicated defect.

Here’s what Josh believes could be affecting a Whirlpool washer that’s not agitating:

• Faulty lid switch
• Kinked or clogged drain hose
• Damaged drive belt
• Broken motor coupling
• Defective drive motor
• Malfunctioning rotor and stator assembly
• Clogged drain pump filter
• Faulty shift actuator

In any case:

Reach out to a skilled technician to help with repairs if that’s not your niche. And if you’ve tried everything to no avail, then it is time to contact Whirlpool customer service.

Luckily:

According to Whirlpool Corporation, if you’ve used your washer for less than a year, you are covered by a warranty.

This means you can get free replacement parts or even a brand-new washer in the event of premature malfunctions.

COMMONLY AFFECTED PARTS	ESTIMATED COST
Lid switch	$50 – $100
Drain hose	$30 – $75
Drive belt	$25 – $70
Motor coupling	$15 – $60
Drive motor	$160 – $470
Rotor	$170 – $350
Stator assembly	$180 – $600
Drain pump filter	$20 – $70
Shift actuator	$60 – $105

Safety First: Simply Swider’s Essential Safety Tips

One more thing:

Attempting to troubleshoot your Whirlpool washer on your own poses some safety hazards.

That is why I have consulted with a safety expert, Dwayne Madden, to provide useful precautions worth adhering to.

In Dwayne’s words: “Following basic safety guidelines will not only protect you but also others around you.”

To this end:

Here are some essential safety habits to practice when troubleshooting your Whirlpool washer.

• Always unplug your washer from the outlet before attempting any repairs.
• Dress up in the appropriate protective gear. Rubber gloves and safety glasses are must-haves to protect your hands and eyes from injury.
• Use the correct tools for each troubleshooting task.
• Carefully follow the usage instructions stipulated in the user manual. Endeavor to consult a professional when you encounter difficulties.
• Clear out any obstructions around your washer to avoid tripping and other hazards.
• Keep children and pets far away from your washer during a repair.

Note:

Adhering to these safety precautions also mitigates the chances of you damaging your washer. 

Conclusion

Look:

Your Whirlpool washer has its moments. During bad times, you may find yourself wondering if having a washer is even worth it.

But get this:

Troubleshooting your machine is not as complicated as it seems.

So, whether your Whirlpool washer…

• Won’t start
• Won’t spin
• Is making loud noises
• Is leaking
• Won’t fill with water
• Won’t drain
• Or won’t agitate

.. There’s always a solution to the problem.

Now:

Most defects have amateur-friendly solutions, but some are a bit more technical. So, it’s always wise to consult an expert when unsure. Or you can reach out to Whirlpool Customer Support.

Note:

Regular maintenance and proper operation of your Whirlpool washing machine is one sure way of avoiding these issues.

That said:

Share your thoughts and opinionsin the comment section below! I’d love to answer your questions.

Frequently Asked Questions