How To Reset Whirlpool Washer

Whirlpool washers are some of the best on the market. They’re known for their high quality, reliability, durability and fantastic range of features which includes, deep water washes, large capacity drums, smart functions and a sleek, modern design. They have a good service plan and warranty, but like all washers, they sometimes have a few issues. And when a washing machine fails to operate correctly, it can be a big problem. But before you call a technician, I would try resetting the machine. It’s fast, very easy to do and may fix the problem. The best way to reset a Whirlpool washer is a power cycle. To do it, turn off power to the machine by unplugging it. Then, press the Start/Pause button for 5 seconds, wait 5 minutes, and plug the washer back in. At this point it should be reset.

To force reset a Whirlpool washing machine, you must turn off the power and allow any juice inside the circuits to clear out. This is called a power cycle. Turn the machine off and unplug it, or turn off power at the circuit breaker, press and hold the “Start” or “Pause” button for 5 seconds, wait about 5 minutes for the electrical charge to clear out of the washer, then power the washer up again.

Turning off and completely draining all the power is the best way to reset a Whirlpool washer. It drains the machine of all power and restarts its electronic systems. However, it doesn’t fix mechanical problems. If there are broken or malfunctioning parts, you should fix or replace them before performing a reset.

In addition to these methods, there are other ways to reset a Whirlpool washing machine which we’ll explain throughout the article.

Will A Reset Fix My Whirlpool Washer?

Resetting your Whirlpool washer will fix minor software issues caused by bugs and glitches and will clear error codes. Sometimes modern electronics can start to work in funny ways or become unresponsive because of a software problem. A reset can help to fix these sorts of problems by rebooting the software which also clears the machines short term memory and error codes. But a reset does not repair hardware problems.

If your washer is working improperly due to a broken part or physical problem with the door, a sensor, a hose, pump, etc., a reset will clear the error code but it won’t fix the problem. Once you run the machine again, the error code will generally show up again.

The correct way to fix a Whirlpool washer is to do the following:

If you have damaged hardware or another physical issue, make repairs or address the problem causing the error code, then reset the machine.
If there’s a minor software problem causing the machine to operate strangely or the washer is unresponsive, perform a reset.
I generally always start my washer troubleshooting with a reset to see if the problem is minor or a more serious hardware problem.

Always perform a reset first to see if the issue is software or hardware related. If it was a software glitch, the error code won’t come back again and again.

If the error code continues to come back after you’ve reset the machine 2-3 times, it’s a hardware problem. In this case, fix the issue and then reset the machine one last time to clear the error codes.

How Do I Reset My Whirlpool Washing Machine?

The best way to reset a Whirlpool washing machine is by performing a power cycle. Begin by turning the machine off with the power button, then unplugging it from the wall or turning power off at the breaker. Wait about 5 minutes for any residual power to clear out of the washer. Press and hold the “Start” or “Pause” button for 5 seconds, then plug the washer back in or turn on the circuit breaker.

Once a power cycle is complete, your Whirlpool washer should work normally.

Another way to reset a Whirlpool washer is to press “Stop” two times and then press “Power” > next, select a “Wash Cycle” such as “Normal” and then choose a “Wash Option” such as “Hot” > press “Start” to restart the washer. The machine should be reset and working normally.

If you’re still having issues with your washer, keep reading. We’ll discuss some of the most common problems a Whirlpool washer has and how to fix them along with some other ways to perform a reset.

How To Reset Whirlpool Washing Machine

If your Whirlpool washing machine isn’t working correctly, a reset could fix the problem. A reset fixes minor software glitches and bugs which could be causing the machine to operate in strange ways or be unresponsive to button presses. This is actually a very common problem with many electronics and is easy to fix. However, keep in mind that a reset does not fix mechanical problems. If your washer is broken because it needs a new part or a repair, a reset won’t help much.

The best way to reset a Whirlpool washer is with a power cycle, which we’ve already discussed above. But if it doesn’t work, try this method instead.

Start by turning the washer off by unplugging it from the wall or turning power off at the breaker. Wait for at least 60 seconds before plugging the washer back in or flipping the breaker back on.
Returning power to the washer will start a 30 second countdown. During this time, raise and lower the washer lid 6 times. Do this immediately. If you wait too long or don’t raise and lower the lid all 6 times in 30 seconds, the process will have to be repeated.

Make sure you raise the lid just far enough to trigger the sensor switch, usually this is a few inches. You don’t have to lift the lid all the way open. When you lower the lid make sure it’s completely closed.

Once you’ve opened and closed the lid six times during the 30 second countdown, the system should reset.

How To Reset A Whirlpool Washer With Dials

Most modern Whirlpool washing machine have electronic controls and buttons. But older models, and a few newer ones, have dials which you turn to control the machine. If your machine has dials, there are a few ways you can manipulate them to reset the machine. Keep in mind this only works on some models.

Here’s how to do it:

Turn off the washer.
Turn the mode dial to “Normal”.
Turn the dial counter-clockwise one click left, three clicks right, one click left, and then one click right.
The machine should reset.

Resetting a Whirlpool washing machine will clear out minor software bugs and glitches that may be causing it to operate in strange ways or be unresponsive. This is common with many electronic devices, which includes washing machines that use circuit boards and chips.

Once you’ve reset the machine, you can confirm it by doing the following:

Press the “Start” button. If all the cycle indicating lights are lit, press “Start” / “Stop” one time.
Rotate the dial until the following three lights are lit: “Rinse”, “Wash”, and “Stop”.
Turn off the washer and unplug it for ten seconds.
Turn the machine back on and it should be reset.

Run a test load without any clothes to make sure the reset worked. If it didn’t work, try to reset the machine again one more time or perform a power cycle.

How To Reset A Whirlpool Cabrio Washer

The Whirlpool Cabrio is a 4.8 Cu. Ft. 26-Cycle High-Efficiency Top-Loading Washer. It has a large capacity and a ColorLast option that helps keep colors vibrant when you wash them. You can perform a power cycle to reset a Cabrio washer by doing the following:

Press any button on the display pad or press “Pause”/”Cancel” to clear the error code you’re getting > unplug the machine or tun off the breaker > wait about 5 minutes > plug the machine back in or restore power to the breaker. Once you turn the machine back on it should be reset.

Run a test load without clothes to make sure the reset worked correctly. If it didn’t, perform a second reset. If you continue to get an error code, there may be a hardware issue that needs fixing before you reset the machine again.

Always keep in mind whenever you reset a washer, the reset only fixes minor software issues like bugs and glitches. It does not repair hardware problems. If you’re getting error codes because you need a repair or a new part, a reset will temporarily clear the code, but it will usually come back again if you haven’t fixed the hardware issue.

How To Troubleshoot A Whirlpool Washing Machine

There are a few common reasons why a Whirlpool Washing Machine may be malfunctioning, and most are easy to fix. Here’s a list of the most common problems washers have and how to deal with them.

Settings: A washer won’t operate properly if you select two settings that are incompatible with each other.
Delayed Start: Some Whirlpool washers have a timer function with a delayed start. Check your settings to see if delayed start is on by mistake. If it is, your washer won’t start until the delayed start timing is met.
Child-Lock: Many washer models have a child lock function. There may be an indicator light to let you know when the child lock is active. Deactivate the lock to use the washer as normal.
Anti-Flooding Device: If you have an anti-flooding device installed between the washer and water supply, make sure it’s working properly. The device may be shutting off water to the washer which prevents it from working properly.
Control Is Locked: If your Whirlpool washer has an electronic touch-pad, the controls may be locked. If the control lock light is ON, hold the lock button for 3 seconds to unlock it.
Control Settings: Check to see if your control is set correctly. The selector knob should line up with a cycle selection before you press the start button. If the cycle and selector knob are not lined up properly, the washer won’t start.

These are all common issues with malfunctioning washers that are easy to fix. If you’re having trouble with your Whirlpool washer, try them one at a time to see if you can diagnose and fix the problem.

In the next section we’ll review some more common issues that may be a little harder to fix.

No Power

If your washer has no power check the breaker to make sure it hasn’t tripped. Then check the outlet the washer is plugged into. If both are working properly, check the plug.

Door Sensor

The issue may be the door sensor. Open and completely close the door. Check the stripping around the door to make sure the door is fully closing. A front-loading washer may feel like it’s closed all the way when they’re not. If the door isn’t fully closed, the door sensor won’t allow a wash cycle to begin.

Why Is My Whirlpool Washer Not Spinning?

If your Whirlpool washer powers up and starts a wash cycle but doesn’t spin properly, there could be a few different issues. These include using the wrong detergent, an overloaded or unbalanced machine, an issue with the drain hose, a power outage, a pause, a dirty pump filter or an item stuck in the machine.

In the next section we’ll review each cause and tell you how to fix them.

Wrong Detergent

In order for your Whirlpool washer to function properly, you must use the correct detergent for your machine. If you’re using non-high efficiency detergent in a high-efficiency washing machine, it may create excess suds which can cause the machine to function improperly.

Make sure to use the correct detergent for the model Whirlpool washer you have. Use regular detergent in a regular washer and high-efficiency detergent in a high-efficiency washer.

Overloaded Machine

If you overload a washing machine the drum may become unbalanced. This will cause problems when operating the machine because the drum can’t spin properly. Check if your washer is unbalanced or packed too tight. A large load can slow down the spinning process because it’s too heavy, packed too tight and doesn’t allow the clothing to move.

To fix the problem, remove some clothing and balance the load by distributing clothes evenly around the wash basket. Allow some room so clothing can shift while the drum is spinning.

It’s better to wash a single bulky item, like a comforter, by itself. But make sure it fits properly and doesn’t unbalance the drum. Some large items may be too large for a home washing machine.

Power Failure During Spin Cycling

If you temporarily lose power during a spin cycle, the machine may have trouble returning to full spin speed on its own. The fix may require doing a rest or allowing the load to finish its wash cycle and then starting a new one.

Something Stuck In The Machine

If a small item is stuck between the washer tub and the outer tub it could cause the washer to spin slowly or not at all. Check the space for small items by looking through the drum holes. If you find a stuck item, I would call a technician. Removing the stuck item may involve removing the washer drum to access it.

Drain Hose

If your Whirlpool washer is having trouble spinning and water is standing in the drum, you you should check the drain hose. Conduct the check when your spin light is ON. The spin light will turn on after the drain pump is ON for 10 minutes with no water level exchange.

When the washer spins, it pulls water out of the clothes and discharges it out the drain hose. If there’s an issue with the hose, water could have a problem draining out of the tub.

To fix the issue, remove the hose and check it for a blockage. Then re-install the hose. Make sure it’s installed properly without any blockages or kinks.

Pause

If the washer is paused at the wrong time, it could cause a slow spin when the machine is re-started. There’s no way to fix this. Allow the cycle to complete and start a new one if needed.

Dirty Pump Filter

Check the pump filter to see if it’s dirty. If it has dirt buildup, clean it out. A dirty filter can interfere with the machine.

Why Does My Whirlpool Washer Take More Time To Fill With Water?

If your Whirlpool washing machine is taking longer than usual to fill with water, there could be a few issues. First, unhook the supply hoses and make sure the water pressure is sufficient at the faucet. Next, check the screen filter in the connector for any debris that may be blocking water flow. If all these are fine, check the water inlet valve.

Why Is My Whirlpool Washer Stuck On Wash Cycle?

If there’s an issue with your washing machine’s door, the washer could stop mid-cycle. This could be a failure either electrically or mechanically. Inspect the door lock for damages. and inspect the latch. Make sure there’s nothing inside the tract preventing the washer door from closing properly.

Check to make sure the door handle is properly latching onto the latch mechanism. If they’re not properly joining, the door may not fully close. If the door starts to open while the washer is on, it may interfere with the wash cycle.

Do Whirlpool Washers Have A Reset Button?

Whirlpool washers do not have a reset button. However they can be reset manually by performing a series of simple steps. The best way to reset a Whirlpool washer is by performing a power cycle. To force reset a Whirlpool washing machine, you must turn off the power and allow any juice inside the circuits to drain out. Turn off the machine and unplug it or turn off power at the circuit breaker > press and hold the “Start” or “Pause” button for 5 seconds > wait about 5 minutes for the electrical charge to drain out of the washer > power the washer up again. At this point it should be reset.

Once a power cycle is complete the washer should reset. However, if there are still problems with the machine it will give you an error code again. Before resetting a washing machine, you should fix the issue associated with the code it gives you.

Another way to force some model Whirlpool washers to reset is by doing the following:

Turn the Power button on the control off.
Turn power to the machine off by unplugging it or turning off the breaker.
Wait 5 minutes before returning power to the machine.
Turn the washer on by pressing the “Power” button.
Hold the “Program” button down while simultaneously pressing the “Water Level” button two times.
When done correctly, the control panel lights should illuminate which means the machine has reset.

Although Whirlpool washers do not have a reset button, there are still ways to force a reset. A power cycle is the best all around method which works on any washer. But depending on the model you have, there may be other methods you can try.

How To Do A Factory Reset On A Whirlpool Washer

The best way to factory reset a Whirlpool washer is by performing a power cycle. To force reset a Whirlpool washing machine, turn off the power and allow any electricity inside the circuits to drain out.

Turn off the machine and unplug it or turn off power at the circuit breaker > Press and hold the “Start” or “Pause” button for 5 seconds > Wait about 5 minutes for the electrical charge to drain out of the washer > Restore power to the machine and turn it back on. Once the machine comes back on it should reset.

A power cycle doesn’t fix a washer’s hardware problems. If you receive an error code for things like a clogged detergent dispenser, poor drainage or a leak, you must fix those problems before performing the reset. If you don’t, you’ll receive the error code again after the reset is complete.

After you perform a power cycle and receive no error codes, do the following:

Turn the washer off and unplug it for 5 minutes > Plug the washer in a turn it on > The entire control panel should light up (depending on the model washer). Look for the “Lock” Icon and select it to unlock the control panel > Press and hold “Options” and “Select” for ten seconds > Select the options you want.

Once you’re all done selecting options, the control panel should flash.

How To Reset Whirlpool Washer Lid Lock

If there’s a problem with your Whirlpool washer’s lid being locked in place, the machine may not turn on. First, check for obstructions between the lid lock and the lid striker. Then inspect the wire harness connections leading to the lock. In most cases, the washer lid can get stuck because of an obstruction with the locking mechanism.

To reset your Whirlpool washer and the washer lid lock, clean out obstructions around the lid lock and lid switch. Check for loose connections in the wire harness and make sure the actuator motor is functioning properly.

Fix any issues you find which may be interfering with the lid lock. Then perform a power cycle reset.

The best way to reset a Whirlpool washer is by performing a power cycle.

Here’s how:

Turn off the machine and unplug it or turn off power at the circuit breaker.
Press and hold the “Start” or “Pause” button for 5 seconds.
Wait about 5 minutes for the electrical charge to drain out of the washer.
Power the washer up again. At this point, the washer should be reset.

If you dealt with problems around the lid lock prior to performing a reset, the lid lock should be unstuck and working properly and you should not receive another error code.

How To Reset Whirlpool Washer After A Power Outage

There are two ways to reset a Whirlpool washer after a power outage. The first and most common method is called a power cycle. Turn off the washer and either unplug it or turn off the breaker > press a few buttons for about 5 seconds to drain residual energy > wait 5 minutes and then restore power to the machine. This should reset the machine and all error codes.

There’s a second way to reset a Whirlpool washing machine if the first doesn’t work.

Here’s how to do it:

Start by turning the washer off and either unplugging it from the wall or turning power off at the breaker. Wait for at least 60 seconds and then plug the machine back in or flip the breaker On.
Returning power to the washer will start a 30 second countdown. During this time, raise and lower the washer lid 6 times. Start immediately. If you wait too long or don’t raise and lower the lid all 6 times in 30 seconds, the process will have to be repeated.

Raise the lid far enough to trigger the sensor switch, usually this is a few inches. You don’t have to lift the lid all the way open. When you lower the lid make sure it’s completely closed.

Once you’ve opened and closed the lid six times during the 30 second countdown, the system should reset and clear all error codes.

If the outage occurred during a wash cycle, the washer will have to finish the wash in order to drain the tub. Once you reset the machine, turn it on and let the washer complete the wash and drain. Then restart a new wash if needed. I usually run a completely new wash to make sure the machine is functioning properly after a reset.

How To Reset A Whirlpool Washer That Won’t Spin

There’s a second way to reset a Whirlpool washing machine if the first doesn’t work.

Here’s how to do it:

Start by turning the washer off and either unplugging it from the wall or turning power off at the breaker. Wait for at least 60 seconds and then plug the machine back in or flip the breaker On.
Returning power to the washer will start a 30 second countdown. During this time, raise and lower the washer lid 6 times. Start immediately. If you wait too long or don’t raise and lower the lid all 6 times in 30 seconds, the process will have to be repeated.

Raise the lid far enough to trigger the sensor switch, usually this is a few inches. You don’t have to lift the lid all the way open. When you lower the lid make sure it’s completely closed.

Once you’ve opened and closed the lid six times during the 30 second countdown, the system should reset and clear all error codes. But a reset won’t fix the washer’s spin problem.

The most common cause of a washer not spinning properly is an overloaded or unbalanced tub. Remove some clothing to lessen the weight and allow room for the clothes to move when the tub spins.
A power surge or outing during a wash could cause a malfunction. Allow the wash cycle to complete, then reset the machine and perform a new wash.
Check to make sure the “Pause” button isn’t pressed.

Make sure to address the cause of the problem along with performing a reset. A reset alone won’t always fix the problem.

How To Reset Whirlpool Front Load Washer

Whirlpool Front Load Washers are very efficient and feature high-capacity washer drums. They’re very durable and typically use less water per wash vs top load washers. However they require different detergent to work properly and can be a little harder to load and unload. Using standard detergent in a high-efficiency front load washer can cause several issues. If your front load Whirlpool washer is malfunctioning, it may be necessary to reset it.

The best way to reset a Whirlpool Top Load Washer is by performing a power cycle. Turn off the machine and unplug it or turn off power at the circuit breaker > press and hold the “Start” or “Pause” button for 5 seconds > wait about 5 minutes for the electrical charge to drain out of the washer > power the washer up again. At this point, the washer should be reset.

Another way to reset some Whirlpool Top Load Washers is by unplugging the washer for 60 seconds and then plugging it back in > lift the lid up a few inches and put it all the way down six times over twelve seconds. Doing this should reset the motor.

I recommend starting with the power cycle first. Then move on to other methods if a power cycle doesn’t work.

Make sure to fix any issues which may be causing the machine to return an error code or work improperly before resetting the machine. If you don’t fix the problem your machine is having, it will typically still work improperly or give you an error code again after a reset.

How To Reset Whirlpool Top Load Washer

Whirlpool Top Load Washers are among the best in the industry. Top load washers are a traditional design, they use standard soap and do a great job of getting clothes clean. But they’re less efficient and use more water than newer front load washers. Many people prefer top load washers because they’re very dependable and easier to load and unload. However, they can still have occasional issues which can sometimes be fixed with a reset.

Another way to reset some Whirlpool Top Load Washers is by opening and closing the lid several times.

Here’s how to do it:

Unplugging the washer for 60 seconds and then plugging it back in > lift the lid up a few inches and put it all the way down six times over twelve seconds. Doing this should reset the motor.

Finish a reset by running a new cycle without clothes to test the washer.

Why Is My Whirlpool Washer Not Washing Properly?

If your clothes aren’t coming as clean as they should after a wash or the washer level is lower than when the washer was new, try running a Clean Washer cycle. This cycle re-calibrates the control, and resets it back to the factory-set water levels.

Here’s how:

Close the washer lid or door > select the “Clean Washer” cycle > touch and hold the “Start”/”Pause” button for 3 seconds to begin the cycle.

After the cycle is complete, leave the lid or door open to dry the washer interior.

Once that’s done, troubleshoot some other possible problems and their fixes:

Wrong Temperature: Warmer water is best for cleaning clothes. If your clothes aren’t coming clean enough, try a different temperature setting.
Hoses: Make sure the water inlet hoses are connected correctly. If the hoses are installed incorrectly it could effect the water temperature.
Hard Water: If you live in a hard water area make sure to use a high efficiency detergent.
Dirty Washer: You should clean the inside of your washing machine about every month. Run a hot wash cycle with one cup of distilled white vinegar to clean the drum.

Don’t overload the machine with clothes and consider using a different detergent. It’s possible there’s nothing wrong with the machine but you’re using it improperly.