Whirlpool washing machine malfunctions
Machines from the mid-price category under the Whirlpool brand, like any other, are not immune to breakdowns. They also end up in service centers with specialists who have already compiled a list of the most common malfunctions of these units. For the most part, they are no different from breakdowns of washing machines of other brands, but there are still some peculiarities in the repair, but first things first.
Frequent breakdowns
Most Whirlpool washing machines are equipped with a good self-diagnosis system, as a result of which the machine displays error code. This greatly simplifies troubleshooting, so if a code appears on the machine’s display, be sure to read the instructions. But what to do if the washing machine does not turn on at all? The self-diagnosis system will not help here. Experts note that the most common things that break down in Whirlpool washing machines are:
- a heating element;
- engine or its moving parts;
- drum cuff and pipes;
- control board.
Important! In Whirlpool machines, filters and hoses often become clogged, but this can all be easily resolved on your own if you clean them in a timely manner.
Breakage of heating element
If the machine does not start washing or does not turn on, then one of the reasons may be a breakdown of the heating element. 
Sometimes the machine turns on and can work, but at the same time wash in cold water. In this case, it is necessary to check the heating element and, if necessary, replace it. This is done as follows:
- the back cover of the case is removed;
- the supply wires and the sensor from the heating element are disconnected;
- the nut on the screw, which is located in the center of the base of the heating element, is loosened;
- the screw is pressed inside the heating element, which then needs to be pulled out towards you using loosening movements;
For your information! If the heating element sits very tightly and cannot be moved, try spraying it with WD-40 liquid, wait a little and pry the heating element with a flat screwdriver and pull it out towards you.
- through the hole under the heating element we clean the tank from debris and dirt;
- insert the heating element into the socket and tighten the nut, being careful not to twist it, otherwise this will lead to the heating element being squeezed into the tank during washing;
- connect the wires and temperature sensor;
- we assemble the machine.
Engine malfunctions
Quite often, the motors of Whirlpool washing machines fail. Moreover, the breakdowns are mostly simple; they can be easily fixed with your own hands. Most often, brushes wear out on commutator motors of Whirlpool washing machines. 
For this reason, the engine first loses power and then completely stops turning the drum at an acceptable speed under load. The washing machine turns on and the washing program starts. How to troubleshoot Whirlpool washing machine motor problems? First, let's get to the engine.
- We disconnect the washing machine from communications and drag it to a place convenient for repair.
- We turn the washing machine with the back wall towards us, take a star screwdriver and unscrew the screws holding the back wall, disconnect the plastic latches.
- Having removed the back wall of the Whirlpool washing machine, we find the motor, which is located directly under the tank.
The engine has been found, now we need to make sure that the brushes in it are really worn out. You can unscrew the motor, disconnect the wires, pull it out of the housing, pull it out and inspect the brushes. You will spend 15-20 minutes on everything. And you can determine the wear of the brushes in a couple of minutes. How to do it?
We take a hammer and apply several light blows to the engine housing. You don’t need to hit with all your might, but the blows should be noticeable.We turn on the washing machine and run the test program. If the engine starts to operate normally, it means that the brushes definitely need to be changed. If the motor still does not work, then the problem is not with the brushes.
If the Whirlpool washing machine does not turn on, it means that there are 2 malfunctions, or the control module was initially faulty.
Turn off the Whirlpool machine again, remove the drive belt, and unscrew the bolts holding the engine. We take out the engine, use a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the screws holding the brushes. We take out the old brushes, make sure that they are worn out and replace them with new ones. We put the engine in place, put on the drive belt, install the back wall, connect the Whirlpool machine and check its operation. If the washing machine does not turn on, check that you have connected all the wires to the engine and its sensor.
Cuff wear, body corrosion
Any washing machine in the Whirlpool family has a rather unpleasant “sore”, which, although it does not affect the performance of the equipment, greatly spoils its appearance. The fact is that the quality of the metal from which the body of the Whirlpool machine is partially made leaves much to be desired; it is susceptible to corrosion. In general, this problem does not bypass most modern automatic washing machines, but for some reason corrosion strikes Virpul bodies faster.
In this case, the problem can only be solved radically - by replacing parts of the housing. It is pointless to clean and tint the body with paint; this will not restore the appearance of the washing machine. In addition to corrosion of the body of washing machines Whirlpool has another weak point - the cuff and rubber seals, especially the cuff. What is the weakness?
The fact is that the material from which the Whirlpool washing machine cuff is made deteriorates when exposed to moisture. If the cuff is not wiped of moisture after each wash, after 1.5-2 years of use it will crack and begin to leak water. Let's check the cuff.
The cuffs of washing machines such as the Samsung LG Miele Ariston are not so sensitive, but they can also become unusable if they are wet all the time.
- Let's open the hatch of the washing machine.
- Carefully touch and inspect the cuff for cracks and tears. At the same time, try not to mistake the convexities and concavities of the cuff provided for by the design for holes.
- If damage is found, remove the old cuff and install a new one.
Read the article on how to replace a damaged cuff of a washing machine. The cuff tore in the washing machine - what to do??
Control board
If your Whirlpool washing machine won't turn on, there's a good chance there's a problem with the control board. In this case, it is quite difficult to diagnose the problem yourself; it is better to contact a specialist. In fairness, it should be noted that if the washing machine Whirlpool does not turn on, the problem may arise in the electrical circuit, in the FPS or in the power cable.
A qualified specialist will determine exactly what the problem is, what components will be needed, and how much the repair will cost. Next, you will decide whether it is worth repairing the washing machine or whether it is better to buy a new one.
To summarize, we note that every day about a dozen Whirlpool washing machines break down in the world. As a rule, motors, pumps, and heating elements fail, but problems may arise with the hatch cuff and control board.If the machine does not turn on or another incomprehensible “symptom” arises, it is better to contact a specialist. Happy renovation!
Interesting:
3 reader comments
What happens if the cuff is cracked and there are no visible traces of water under the machine during and after washing?
I bought a second hand Whirlpool 2000. Where is the heating element leaking? It was squeezed out during washing. How to install the heating element correctly? Please tell me.
The same problem - the heating element is squeezing out, I thought I tightened it too weakly when replacing it, but I tightened it more, it squeezed out again. Now I'll try to tighten the nut a little, maybe I was overdoing it? Some kind of not entirely successful fastening design, well, it’s just a disaster. These Wirlpool designers would have their hands cut off to the very tomatoes. There just isn't enough evil. And this heating element is held in the tank only by pressing some kind of elastic band. What a bunch of bunglers!