Are you standing with a laundry bucket waiting to be washed, but your Whirlpool washer is acting up again? Or are you worried your weekend schedule will be messed up again as your haughty washer is caught up in unexpected hiccups?
Understandably, your time is tight. The world is running fast, so only some have time to do laundry manually. It is well evident by the statistics that revenues from washing machine sales are about to cross 70 billion U.S. dollars.
So, fret not, as we’ve all been there–frustrated when our beloved appliances cease to work efficiently like ever. Troubleshooting a Whirlpool washer stuck on sensing is an art, but the good news is you can be an artist. Just go through the given article below:
Grasping the “Sensing Function” of your Whirlpool Washer
Whirlpool washers are equipped with a sensing function nowadays. Its primary purpose is to sense the load of laundry inside before beginning the new cycle. Usually, the time taken is about 2 to 3 minutes. But rarely, it may get stuck and unable to pass this stage.
It has multiple reasons, like poorly functioning water inlet valves, power irregularities, improper settings, or a central control board malfunctioning. So, let’s delve into a detailed conversation about them.
1. Try Resetting your Whirlpool Washer Stuck on Sensing
Why don’t you try turning off the power for a couple of minutes? Leaving your washer powerless removes the power interruptions that lead to inefficiency. At times, it may unlock the mystical powers of your Whirlpool washer, and it will start running smoothly.
But if it still does not work, remove the plug for about 20 minutes. Is the problem still unsolved? Don’t worry. Let’s go ahead.
2. Try Checking your Whirlpool Washer Wash Settings
Make sure you have selected the correct settings on your Whirlpool washer. There may be other problems with the washer touch screen, which you can solve quickly by pressing specific buttons in combinations (depending upon which Whirlpool washer you are using), turning off the control lock option, and drying the control panel with a cloth.
But don’t opt for resetting if the screen is showing the error code because doing so will remove the memory, thus making it hard for you how to diagnose the problem. If you need more clarification, please refer to the manual with the washer.
3. Try Checking the Water Intake Valve of the Whirlpool Washer
Sometimes the washer may get stuck on sensing because water may take too long to fill it. It may be due to mechanical errors like corrosion or dirt on the valves. Or due to electrical errors like insufficient power supply.
Another reason is that water supply lines may need to be opened correctly, especially if you notice an illuminated fill light after opening the valves.
To open the valves, cut off the water supply, open the screws, and detach the wires and hose. Replace the water valve with the new one, since it is irreparable. Now reconnect the wires and hose, and you are good to go.
4. Try Evaluating the Drain and Spin Function
- Draining Hose and Pump
Have you checked whether the drain hose is patent or not? Because many a time, it may get blocked due to the entrapment of buttons, coins, or other tidbits. Also, it can be damaged or twisted.
- Spinning Components
Additionally, the spin function may be the culprit. There are many reasons behind it, like worn-out belts, faulty assembly of door locks and lid switches, and power fluctuations.
5. Try Ruling Out Faulty Actuators and Motor
Other issues may be faulty actuators and drive motors.
- Shift Actuator
It may be broken or malfunctioning due to a short circuit. First, look at it properly and evaluate it with a multimeter. If it is problematic, replacement is the only option.
- Drive Motor
The life span of washing machines and their motors is usually about ten years. But if your washer is older than that, the issue may lie within the motor.
But since it is a costly part, double-check with some technicians. And rather than purchasing a new motor, investing in a new Whirlpool machine would be an ideal option.
Try Running the Diagnostic Mode
Ideally, you should enter the diagnostic mode before unfastening the washer. Running this mode gives you an idea often where the fault lies by showing error codes.
Procedure to Enter the Diagnostic Mode
Remove any previously saved modes before following the procedure below by disconnecting the power of your washer for 10-15 seconds.
The given process is general and may only work for some Whirlpool washer models. So, look at the steps in the service manual or tech sheet to enter the diagnostic cycle and follow them if available.
- Give the dial one complete turn.
- Now click the knob in the given order: one left, three right, one left, and lastly, one right click.
- The timing between each click must be a half-second at maximum.
- Once you have gone through all clicks, they will start flashing.
- Rotate the knob to the spin cycle.
- Now press the start button.
- The washer will enter the diagnostic mode.
This diagnostic cycle takes approximately 3-5 minutes. Once, it is done, it will show you the error codes. Then, you have to refer to the service manual to fix the problem given with your Whirlpool washer.
Try Recalibrating your Whirlpool Washer
Why don’t to give a shot to recalibrating if replacing different parts of your Whirlpool washer didn’t work for you?
The reason behind it is that the settings may not be synchronized with the system after the replacement of its components. But before doing so, ensure that the drum is devoid of water.
Procedure to Recalibrate your Whirlpool Washer
- Turn the dial to the 12 o’clock position.
- Repeat the same step as during diagnostic mode, i.e., clicking the knob in the given order: one left, three right, one left, and lastly, one right click. Again timing is the key here.
- All the lights will be turned on for a second except one. Keep on rotating the dial until the Rinse LED lights up.
- Now press the start button.
- The machine will start recalibrating.
Now start another wash cycle and see whether it works for you.
Still Problem Unsolved? What to do now?
If you have gone through all of the above steps and tried the diagnostic mode and recalibration, but your Whirlpool washer is still acting up, the problem may lie with the main control board. The only option you have is to replace it.
Closing Remarks
Stuck on the sensing mode Whirlpool machine may sometimes give you headaches, but following the earlier steps will provide relief. From resetting, checking the settings, evaluating the drains and spin action, and ruling out the actuator and motor function to running diagnostic mode and recalibrating, more than 90 percent of your problems will be solved.
However, asking the Whirlpool dealer would be ideal if your brand-new Whirlpool washer is stuck in sensing mode. Otherwise, go for expert assistance.
How did you find the above troubleshooting steps? Jot down your thoughts in the comment section below.
them manually to help redistribute the weight. Once you have done this, run the cycle again to see if it resolves the issue. If not, then you may need to troubleshoot further.
