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How to Reset a Whirlpool Washing Machine: 7 Easy Methods

Updated
Reset and restore your faith in your washing machine.

You didn’t spend hundreds on a Whirlpool washing machine, only for it to malfunction.

If your washing machine doesn’t seem to be working correctly, a quick way to resolve the issue is to issue a reset. This will reboot the machine and can eliminate any small faults the appliance is experiencing.

We’ll walk you through seven different methods you can use to reset your Whirlpool washing machine. Choose one and give it a go!

Key Takeaways

  • Whirlpool washers don’t have a reset button, but can be reset using various methods.
  • Unplugging the washer for a few minutes can help reset the machine.
  • Pressing a combination of buttons, like pause/cancel twice and power once, can also reset the washer.
  • Other methods include using the dial, opening and closing the lid, or resetting the circuit breaker.


Is There a Reset Button on a Whirlpool Washer?

You might be looking for a reset button, but note that Whirlpool washing machines don’t have a reset button. However, you can still reset the washing machine.

The best way to do this for your particular model is to read the user manual. But we’ll show you some other ways to reset the appliance, which works for most Whirlpool models.

Manufacturer Tip

Check the washer’s tech sheet, usually located underneath the control panel. This might explain the specific factory reset instructions for your particular model.

How To Reset a Whirlpool Washing Machine

We’ll walk you through seven methods for conducting a Whirlpool washer reset. You can choose any of them to perform the reset..

If you have an error message on your machine, these methods can reset that code.

After trying one of these methods, you should check to confirm whether it worked to reset the machine. Here’s how to do so:

  1. Press the start button. If all the cycle lights illuminate, move on to the next step. If they don’t light up, your machine hasn’t reset properly and you will need to try another method.
  2. Press the start/stop button again.
  3. Rotate the dial until the “rinse”, “wash” and “stop” buttons light up on the control panel.
  4. Turn the machine off and unplug it for 10 seconds.
  5. Run a test load without any clothes to check that everything is working normally.

Now let’s get into the methods for how to reset a Whirlpool washer. They work for front-load and top-load machines.

1. Unplug the Washer

The first method may be the easiest, so you might want to give it a go first.

This works by letting the electric charge dissipate. You know when someone says, have you tried turning it off and on again? This works for washing machines too!

  1. Turn off the washing machine at the control panel.
  2. Unplug the appliance.
  3. Wait 3 minutes.
  4. Plug the washer back in.
  5. Wait 30 seconds before turning it back on.

Warning

Don’t unplug the machine without manually turning it off first. This can be unsafe for you, but it can also damage the washing machine.

2. Reset the Circuit Breaker

You can try resetting the machine by disconnecting the power at your home’s electrical circuit breaker panel.

  1. Turn the washing machine off manually.
  2. Locate the washing machine’s circuit breaker in your house’s electric panel.
  3. Lift the circuit breaker. This will disconnect power from the washing machine.
  4. Wait for 3 minutes.
  5. Reset the circuit breaker to bring power back to the appliance.
  6. Wait 30 seconds.
  7. Turn the machine on at the control panel.

If you know an electrician, you can get them to help you with this one!

3. Press Buttons

For this method, you will need to press a combination of buttons to reset the washer. This is as close as Whirlpool machines get to actually having a reset button.

Before you get started, check your user manual to find out what the right combination for your appliance is. If you can’t find any specific instructions, this combination most commonly works.

  1. Press the pause/cancel button twice.
  2. Press the power button once.
  3. Listen out for a beep, or the display panel might flash.

Once you’ve noticed a beep or flash, wait a few minutes before trying a cycle again. Alternatively, you can follow our steps to confirm whether the machine has been reset.

4. With the Dial

The washing machine dial can work to reset the appliance, too.

  1. Turn the washing machine off manually via the control panel.
  2. Turn the dial to the Normal cycle setting.
  3. Turn the dial counterclockwise until it clicks once.
  4. Turn the dial clockwise for three ticks.
  5. Turn the dial counterclockwise for one click.
  6. Turn the dial clockwise for one more click.
  7. Press the start button and wait for the control panel to light up.
  8. Make sure that the “rinse”, “wash” and “stop” buttons have lit up. If not, turn the dial or press the buttons to illuminate them.
  9. Turn the appliance off manually via the control panel.
  10. Unplug the washing machine for 20 seconds.
  11. Plug it back in and turn it on.

It’s a bit of a longer process, and you might have some trial and error. But it might bring you back to your high school locker combination days! Plus, it’s a handy way to reset your Whirlpool washer.

5. Open and Close the Lid

This is a handy technique for top loading Whirlpool washers.

  1. Turn the machine off manually via the control panel.
  2. Unplug the machine.
  3. Wait 1 minute before plugging the appliance back in.
  4. Open and close the lid six times within 12 seconds.
  5. Wait for a beep or for the control panel to light up to ensure it’s reset.

If you’re using a commercial or communal washing machine, this is easy to try. But we recommend contacting the laundromat if you notice a machine that isn’t working correctly.

6. Press Power and Programme

One more attempt at resetting your machine: press the “power”, “program” and “water level” buttons. Then you’ll need to open and close the lid. Here are the full instructions:

  1. Turn the machine off manually via the control panel.
  2. Hold the “program” button down while pressing the “water level” button twice. The control panel should light up.
  3. Press every button on the control panel one at a time, except for the “power” button.
  4. Open the lid. It should beep.
  5. Close the lid, and you should have reset the machine.

7. Reset the Cabrio Touch Screen

Perhaps it’s just the touch screen and sensors that are malfunctioning. You can reset that following this method:

  1. Touch any key on the control panel, which will clear the error code. Alternatively, you can press the pause/cancel button.
  2. Choose any new cycle and click “start”.
  3. If the error code returns, turn off the Cabrio screen and unplug the appliance.
  4. Wait for a few minutes.
  5. Try again. If this doesn’t work, contact Whirlpool for help.

Whirlpool Washer Troubleshooting

You now know how to reset your Whirlpool washing machine for basic errors and issues. But if you have a more specific problem — how can you find a solution?

We’ll walk through three types of problems you may experience and offer you a trusted hack to fix the issue.

Why is My Whirlpool Washer Not Turning On?

If your washing machine won’t turn on, first check that the machine is plugged in and turned on at the wall. You should also check that the appliance is turned on at the main circuit breaker. If not, turn the appliance back on.

Secondly, check that the electrical cord isn’t broken. If so, you will need to replace it.

If you’ve checked for the above problems, you can generally fix this issue by using one of our restarting methods.

If none of that works, contact Whirlpool.

Why Does My Whirlpool Washer Stop Mid Cycle?

Are you waiting for the end-of-cycle signal but not hearing it?

If your washing machine is stopping mid-cycle, there are a few issues that could be to blame.

  • Washer timer: The washer timer might be malfunctioning. If it fails, it won’t tell the control board to switch cycles. This results in the same cycle running no matter which cycle you choose. You need to use a multimeter to check this, so we recommend contacting an electrician.
  • Control board: If the control board is faulty, your washing machine won’t understand which settings you have chosen. Check your control panel for visible signs of wear and tear. If you don’t see any, get an electrician to check it with a multimeter.
  • Door lock motor and switch assembly: The machine can stop mid-cycle if the door lock is broken or defective. You will need to purchase a new latch if the current one is broken. If you have a top loader, check the lid switch. Again, if it is broken, you will need to replace it.
  • Water inlet valve: If your water inlet valve fails, your machine will not fill up with enough water, which causes the machine to stop mid-cycle. You’ll need to check the valve with a multimeter. If it doesn’t have continuity, you’ll need to replace the valve.
  • Clogged hose: Most likely, you have a clogged hose. This activates the pressure switch and shuts off the machine. You will need to disconnect the hose and remove any blockages.
  • Pump and motor: Lastly, the pump and motor may be defective. When these parts fail, the machine can’t effectively pump water out. You should contact the manufacturer for support in this instance.

For instance, in the Whirlpool Duet user manual, the manufacturer recommends checking for proper water supply and electrical supply. They also recommend checking the latch on the door as well as resetting tripped circuit breakers. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer.

Why is My Whirlpool Washer Not Washing Properly?

The primary purpose of a washing machine is to clean clothes. But if your clothes don’t feel clean, there could be a few reasons. Here are some of those, plus effective solutions:

  • Wrong temperature: We recommend using the warmest water possible for your garments. Cold water is eco-friendly and good for removing stains, but warmer water is best for cleaner clothes.
  • Hoses aren’t connected properly: Ensure that the water inlet hoses are connected correctly. If you have hot water connected to cold and vice versa, you will get the wrong water temperatures in your cycle.
  • You live in a hard water area: Make sure that you use a high-efficiency detergent if you live in a hard water area. It’s better for softening water. Plus, the detergent can reduce dye transfer.
  • Your washing machine is dirty: Did you know you should wash your washing machine every month? That’s right — it doesn’t just automatically get clean with the clothes and detergent. You will need to issue a separate cycle using a hot wash and one cup of distilled white vinegar to clean the drum.

If you have a Whirlpool machine with autoload sensing, keep in mind that it’s expected that the clothes aren’t completely submerged in water. Don’t add more water. Let the cycle do its thing and judge the cleanliness after the cycle.

FAQs

Why is My Whirlpool Washer Stuck On Sensing?

Your Whirlpool washer is stuck on sensing because you probably have a faulty drive motor.

How Do I Fix an E1 Error On My Whirlpool Washer?

The best way to fix an E1 error on your whirlpool washer is to disconnect the power, switch it on again to reset it, check the timer, and balance the load.

How Do You Bypass the Lock On a Whirlpool Washing Machine?

The easiest way to bypass the lock on a Whirlpool washing machine is to disconnect the power, turn off the water, and use a flathead screwdriver to access the hidden retention clips on either side of the unit.

Why Won’t My Whirlpool Washer Drain Completely?

There are several reasons why your Whirlpool washer won’t drain completely, including a kink or blockage in the drain hose, a clogged drain pump, excessive soap suds, and you are using the wrong spin setting.

How Do I Manually Drain My Whirlpool Washer?

The best way to manually drain your Whirlpool washer is to disconnect the power, pull it away from the wall, locate the drain horde and remove it. Have a bucket handy to capture the water as it drains.


Get Your Whirlpool Machine Back in Business

Whirlpool is one of the top washing machine brands, so your appliance should last a long time. If you notice any error messages and nothing else seems to fix the issue, it’s time to issue a reset. These methods are particularly handy after a power outage.

Now that we’ve walked you through how to reset a Whirlpool washing machine in seven different ways, you can try them out.

These easy methods will restart your machine and hopefully fix the issues you’re experiencing. If not, contact the manufacturer.

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About the Author

Beth McCallum

Beth McCallum is a freelance writer & book blogger with a degree in creative writing, journalism, and English literature. Beth firmly believes that a tidy house is a tidy mind. She is always looking for new ways to sustainably clean and tidy her house, that's kind on the environment but effective in the house, too!