5 Reasons Why Whirlpool Washer Won’t Start – Let’s Fix It

If your Whirlpool washer machine won’t start, there could be a number of reasons why your appliance is not functioning correctly. In this article, we will go over the steps to troubleshooting a Whirlpool washer that won’t start. The following suggestions may all apply to other washer brands as well.

Whirlpool washers help you create laundry loads of pure goodness with the latest in innovative dryer technology. However, sometimes those great features can lead to problems when they’re not used correctly. If your Whirlpool washer isn’t starting, it could be any one of a number of issues, including power issues and clogs. Get the lowdown on what these potential problems are and how to troubleshoot your issue by reading below.

Whirlpool Washer Won’t Start – Troubleshoot and Diagnosis

Though it may be tempting to hire a professional for your washing machine troubleshooting, some issues are easy to figure out on your own. Before you call for service, take a look at these common fixes.

Incoming Power Problem

When something goes wrong with your Whirlpool washer, it can feel like the world is falling apart! But with the right help, you can get through it. Whirlpool washers can sometimes shut down because of power issues — so the first thing to try (and what we recommend) is resetting the circuit breaker by turning off the correct switch for 5 seconds and turning it back on.

No matter how many gadgets you have plugged in, you should always check outlet voltage with a multimeter. This lets you see if there’s a power problem at your house and not just a problem with a single device. The resistance of the multimeter is connected to a digital display that shows the resistance. You should get readings between 110 and 120V, but there might be slight fluctuations.

The washer is tripping the circuit breaker, which could mean that it is drawing too much power. If the circuit breaker is tripped, reposition it so that it has less distance to travel. If the breaker is properly positioned and is still tripped, it might be broken. Make sure to turn off the breaker and wait 5 seconds before turning it back on.

Washer Needs Hard Reset

Whirlpool washing machines are built to endure the rigors of family life. When it comes time to clean, these appliances do a great job and some of them will even save you time! But when things go wrong, sometimes all you need is a simple reboot. A hard reset on your Whirlpool appliance won’t delete any settings or information on your device and restart the unit.

If your washing machine isn’t doing anything, and the outlet and circuit breaker are functioning properly, you may be able to perform a hard reset to get it working again. Unplug your washer for safety’s sake and hold down the POWER and START buttons together for 5 seconds. Then, hold down PLAY and PAUSE together for 5 seconds. Plug the machine back in and press POWER to turn it on.

Whirlpool Washer Start Button Stuck

There are a few things you can do to fix your Whirlpool washer whenever the start button doesn’t work. First, clean the area around the button with a damp paper towel and see if there’s any foreign material on it that could be interfering with how it works. Then, press or tap the button slightly to see if it makes any improvement.

Whirlpool washer start buttons fail when a buildup of dirt and debris prevent the button from making contact with the start switch. When the button doesn’t touch the switch, the washer can start but will eventually stop mid-cycle or not run at all. To fix this problem: Gently rock the washer back and forth while pressing down firmly on each side of the top-loading door to dislodge any foreign material sticking between the button and the switch.

Control Lock is Turned ON

Does this sound familiar? You use your Whirlpool washer and the next time you try to wash clothes, the Whirlpool Washer is locked, won’t turn on, or displays an error code LC or lOC. This is an important error code that means the Whirlpool washer will not turn on. It’s caused by the Control Lock feature, which locks all washer functions to prevent an accidental start.

Deactivating the Control Lock feature can be challenging, as every brand has a different process. The key requirement is to follow your user manual’s deactivation steps to make sure you deactivate Control Lock. To ensure safe and easy removal of laundry load, make sure that Control Lock is deactivated before starting the washer or removing laundry.

Incorrect Washer Settings

The Whirlpool washer can’t start when the wrong settings are selected. Make sure you haven’t accidentally turned on Delay Start, which defers a wash cycle to a preselected later time. If your Whirlpool washer starts, but then stops mid-wash, check that the liquid detergent is fully mixed with water. There are a few different settings on the display panel, so be sure to select the right one.

All Whirlpool washers have a display panel with an error code list. Refer to your owner’s manual for the list of codes and their meanings. Clearing an error will unblock your washer if it doesn’t start. The START button is used to turn on and off the washer; it may need to be pressed several times.

Blown Thermal Fuse

What happens when the thermal fuse blows? When the Thermal fuse blows, the washer is no longer able to heat. During the washing cycle, if the temperature inside the washer exceeds a safe and normal operating range, the thermal fuse will shut off the power to the heating element and stop the washing machine from operating which helps prevent overheating damage. You can check what temperature your washer is running with and make sure you have enough headroom for your load.

As we mentioned above, the thermal fuse may still be blown after a multimeter test shows continuity. If that’s the case, it’ll need to be replaced to bring the washer back to life, but don’t forget that professional assessment.

Faulty Lid Switch

Many Whirlpool washer models feature an internal lid switch that prevents the machine from spinning when the washer door is open. The Whirlpool lid switch features a magnet that moves between two coils of wire. When the lid closes over the coils and magnet, all three lines of wire form a temporary circuit that triggers the washer to start.

If the washer is not starting then One way to troubleshoot is by checking for obstructions on the rubber seal around the door, which may cause extra resistance when closing the washer door.

Make sure the washer lid switch is working before you begin this repair. Locate the switch on the front of the top of the control panel. It has a small black cap over it. Remove the cap and press in the switch. If you hear a click or feel a short impulse, then your lid switch is working correctly. If you don’t hear a click or feel an impulse, then you need to replace the lid switch.

Defective Control Board

A Whirlpool washer user control board, located behind the control panel, provides an electronic response when you push a button to start a function. If the washer doesn’t respond when you push a start button — or it runs in cycles without starting — the user control board may be defective.

Some machines have board control panels where several functions of the machine are located. If the panel on your machine is defective, you may not be able to access all the functions of your washer. Some functions may work and others won’t, or none at all.

Consult the user guide for help finding your control board behind the display. Wiring can be tightened to restore the board’s function, but if it’s loose or there are burn marks, that suggests it’s defective and needs replacement. Even if it passes continuity testing with a multimeter, you may want to replace the board if you see the damage.

Broken Timer

The timer is an essential component to the Whirlpool washers. It advances the washer through its various cycles and helps us complete the washing process with ease.

Over time, your Whirlpool washer may experience multiple moving pieces that could break and prevent the timer from functioning correctly. The first is the timer’s motor, which controls the advance of cycles, or it may be the parts within its interior that can fail or break. If they do, they can prevent the start up of your Whirlpool washer.

If you’ve noticed that the timer on your washer isn’t working, or that the timer dial is broken, you may need to replace it outright. When replacing this part, be sure to make sure the replacement is compatible with your year and brand of washer.

Faulty Motor

A humming washer motor can be a sign that the motor is starting to fail. A motor grows increasingly loud or with irregular sounds when it starts to fail. For example, the next time your washing machine spin cycle fails, pay attention to the sound of your washer before you start it up again. If it’s louder than usual, you might have a failing motor on your hands.

When it comes to washing machine repair, there are a few different steps involved — and none should be taken lightly. When it comes to fixing your washer, the first step should be contacting a professional. Appliance repair is more complex than it may seem, and you’ll want a trained individual to provide you with the right advice.

Why Is My Whirlpool Washing Machine Not Turning ON

If your washing machine doesn’t turn on, you may have tripped a circuit breaker or unplugged the machine. First, check your outlet for any signs of damage (such as blackened or charred spots) that would indicate there is a more serious problem with the power at your home.

If you suspect a problem with your home’s electrical wiring, call a licensed and insured electrician to inspect your breaker box and wiring.

Whirlpool Front Load Washer Start Button Not Working

Locked washer won’t turn on? The control lock feature may be enabled. When control lock is activated, you’ll see LOc or LC on the console. Draining and resetting the machine should unlock it.

Whirlpool washers are known for their innovative and easy-to-use features. However, a feature that many users don’t know about is the Control Lock, which stops unauthorized people from tampering with your settings.

If you want to deactivate the Control Lock feature, you’ll have to go through the deactivation process. Hold down one key or press a combination of keys. To find out exactly what keys you should press, check your user manual.