Whirlpool washer won’t start a cycle? (RESOLVED!)

Laundry day should be an easy feat, especially with a handy-dandy Whirlpool washer. But with incorrect settings, faulty components, and a dash of bad luck, things can easily go wrong for any of us!

We understand how overwhelming it is when you have a huge pile of laundry and your washer won’t even start. Not to worry, that’s what we’re here for.

Before your laundry pile gets out of control, follow this guide to identify why your Whirlpool washer won’t start. We also provide easy-to-understand instructions to help you troubleshoot the washer with little repair know-how.

Why won’t my Whirlpool washer start a cycle?

A Whirlpool washer won’t start a cycle if it is receiving insufficient power due to a defective power cord or a tripped circuit. If the buttons don’t work, Control Lock is probably activated.

In some cases, a faulty UI panel or main control board can prevent the washer from starting a cycle.

Before making repairs, here are a few quick steps to help you troubleshoot your Whirlpool washer.

• Reset the washer. Unplug the power cord or turn off the power at the circuit breaker for a few minutes to reset the washer and clear any glitches in the system.

• Confirm that the washer is plugged in. If necessary, plug in the power cord properly and securely.

• Push the Start button for three seconds. You may need to press the Start button for a few seconds to engage the cycle.

Keep reading our guide for more detailed instructions for troubleshooting a Whirlpool washer that won’t start a cycle.

Causes and Solutions

Troubleshooting a Whirlpool washer that won’t start can be as simple as plugging in a loose cord, deactivating Control Lock, or removing laundry from a tightly-packed drum.

If component failure is the root cause of the issue, a replacement is necessary to get your washer to operate again.

Here are the most common reasons why a Whirlpool washer won’t start a cycle. Start at the top as they require the easiest fixes, then work your way down until you find the appropriate solution for your problem.

Causes	Solutions
Tripped Circuit Breaker	• Locate the circuit breaker and identify the one that keeps tripping. The switch would be out of place when a breaker trips. • Move the switch on the circuit breaker to the OFF position. • After a few seconds, flip the switch back to the ON position. • Plug in your Whirlpool washer. Confirm that it can turn on and operate properly. • Turn on the lights and plug in the other appliances in the circuit.  • If the circuit trips, the appliance or light you plugged in may have faulty wiring or overloaded the circuit. Contact a licensed electrician who can help you diagnose and resolve the issue.
Engaged Control Lock	Push and hold the Control Lock button for 3 seconds to unlock the controls of your Whirlpool washer.
Overloaded Washer	• Remove several items from your overpacked Whirlpool washer. • Distribute the clothes evenly around the wash plate. • Press Start/Pause to check if that fixes the problem.
Slow to Fill	Restricted Water Flow: • Make sure the water supply valves of your Whirlpool washer are open. • Ensure that the hot and cold water supply hoses are connected to the correct valves.
	Improper Drain Hose Installation: • Insert the drain hose about 4.5” into the standpipe or drain pipe. Never force the excess hose into the drain. • For a floor drain, remove the pre-installed drain hose clamp or form.  • Install a siphon brake for a floor drain and make sure it’s no less than 28” from the floor.
Defective Lid Lock	• Unplug your washer and move it away from the wall. Then, unthread the screws securing the control panel assembly. • Slide a putty knife under the front corners of the control panel housing to release the clips securing it. • Unplug the wire connector of the user interface control, then set the control panel assembly aside. • Unthread the screws securing the washer’s main top. • Unfasten the mounting screws on the access plate. Remove the plate and set it aside. • Open the lid, then carefully pull the main top forward to detach the lid lock bezel. • Push the retaining tab using a flathead screwdriver. Slide the lid lock to the left to release it. • Lift the main top until it aligns with the screw brackets. Use the chain to support the top and keep it open. • Detach the lid lock wire conduit from the retaining clips on the main top. • Release the conduit retainer using needle nose pliers. • Unplug the lid lock’s wire connector on the control board. Then, pull out the old assembly. • Get your new lid lock assembly. Insert the wire connector through the hole in the main top. • Plug the wire connection into the control board and reinstall the retainer. • Insert the lid lock wire conduit behind the retaining tips to secure it. • Insert the left side of the lid lock into its slot on the main top, then insert the right side. • Slide the lock to the right to keep it secure and snap the bezel into place. • Remove the chain and reinstall the main top to its original position. • Rethread the screws securing the main top and the access plate. • Reconnect the user interface control wire connector to the main control board. • Insert the rear clips of the control panel housing into the slots on the main top, then push the front clips until they snap into place. • Rethread the screws to secure the control panel assembly. • Move the washer back into place and restore power. Turn on the washer and check if it can start a cycle.
Defective User Interface Panel	• Unplug your washer and move it away from the wall. Then, unthread the screws securing the control panel assembly. • Remove the screws mounting the control panel assembly. • Slip a putty knife under the front corners of the control panel housing to release the clips securing the housing. • Disconnect the UI control wire connector and set the control panel assembly aside. • Unthread the screws securing the user interface panel to the housing. • Release the wires from the retainer. Then, push the retaining tabs to remove the old UI panel from the housing. • Get your new UI panel. Insert the wire connector through the hole in the housing. • Align the UI panel with the housing. Gently push the housing down until it snaps into place. • Reinstall all the screws securing the UI panel to the housing. • Slip the wire into the retainer. Then, connect the UI wire connector to the main control board. • Insert rear clips on the housing into the rear slots on the main top, then push the front clips down until they snap into place. • Reinstall the screws to secure the control panel assembly. Move the washer back into place and restore power. Check if it can run a cycle.
Damaged Power Cord	• Unplug the power cord and shut off the water supply valves. Move the washer away from the wall. • Unplug the water supply hoses using a wrench. • Use a ¼” nut driver to remove the screws securing the control panel assembly. • Insert a putty knife under the front corners of the control panel housing until the clips securing the housing are released. • Disconnect the user interface control wire connector, then set the control panel assembly aside. • Unfasten the screws mounting the upper rear access panel. Then, lift the panel to remove it. • Disconnect the power cord and the line filter wire connectors from the main control board. • Unfasten the screw to release the grounding wire. • Unthread the screws securing the main top and the access plate. Then, remove the plate and set it aside. • Open the lid and pull the main top forward. Align the lid on the screw brackets. • Support the main top by attaching the chain. • Use needless pliers to depress the releasing tab and remove the damaged power cord. • Remove the chain and reinstall the main top to its original position. • Rethread the screws securing the main top. • Realign the access plate and reinstall the screw to secure it. • Take your new power cord. Insert its retainer into the slot on the main top. • Reconnect the power cord wire connector to the main control board. • Then, reinstall the line filter wire connector to the filter. • Secure the grounding wire by reinstalling its screw. • Mount the upper rear access panel. Then, reinstall the screw to keep it secure. • Reconnect the user interface control wire connector to the main control board. • Align the rear clips of the control panel housing with the rear slots on the main top, then snap the front clips into place. • Reinstall the screws to secure the control panel assembly. • Move the washer back against the wall. • Reconnect the hot and cold water supply hoses to the correct inlet valve ports. • Turn on the water supply. Plug the new power cord. Test if the washer can turn on and start a wash cycle.
Faulty Control Board	• Unplug your washer, then move it away from the wall.  • Use a ¼” nut driver to remove the screws securing the control panel assembly. • Slide a putty knife under the front corners of the control panel housing until the clips securing the housing are released. • Disconnect the user interface control wire connector, then set the control panel assembly aside. • Take a photo of the wires connected to the main control board. Use this as a reference during the reassembly process. • Then, unplug the wires and disconnect the air pressure tube. • Use the ¼” nut driver to unfasten the screws on the control board. • Release the wires from their retainers, then remove the old board. • Get the replacement part. Align the side clips into the slot in the main top, then rethread the screw to secure it in place. • Insert the wires into their retainers. • Reconnect the wires to the correct terminals on the control board. Pull up your reference photo for accuracy. • Attach the air pressure tube to the control board. • Reconnect the user interface control wire connector to the main control board. • Slide the rear clips of the control panel housing into the rear slots on the main top, then push the front clips down until they snap into place. • Rethread the screws to secure the control panel assembly. • Rove the washer back into place, and restore power. • Turn on the washer, and check if it can run a cycle.

Tripped Circuit Breaker

One of the first things that you can assume if your Whirlpool washing machine won’t turn on is that it’s a power issue. If the appliance is plugged in, but not turning on, the most likely cause is a tripped circuit.

Is power out in one area of your household? Inspect other appliances and lights connected to the same circuit and check if they have power.

Solution: Turn off all the lights and unplug the appliances connected to the tripped circuit breaker. Follow these steps to reset the circuit.

• Step 1: Locate the circuit breaker in your household and identify the one that keeps tripping. The switch would be out of place when a breaker trips.
• Step 2: Move the switch on the circuit breaker to the OFF position.
• Step 3: After a few seconds, flip the switch back to the ON position.
• Step 4: Plug in your Whirlpool washer. Confirm that it turns on and operates properly.

If the circuit doesn’t trip, your washer isn’t the problem. It should function well if you plug it into a different circuit.

• Step 5: Turn on the lights and plug in the other appliances in the circuit. 

If the circuit trips, the appliance or light you plugged in may have faulty wiring. Or, it may have overloaded the circuit, causing it to trip.

Contact a licensed electrician who can help you diagnose and resolve the issue.

Like all major household appliances, your washing machine requires a dedicated outlet. It keeps your washer safe from circuit overloads, which can cause the circuit to trip and turn off all connected appliances.

To prevent any power issues, always refer to the user manual and follow all the electrical requirements for your washer.

Engaged Control Lock

Do you see Loc or LC on the washer’s display? If the control lock indicator is on, your control panel will not function and respond to your input.

The Control Lock is a safety feature that prevents little hands or paws from accidentally tampering with your washer’s settings. 

It shouldn’t be confused with a door lock. You can still open your washer’s door if Control Lock is engaged, but you can’t run a cycle or change the settings until the controls are unlocked.

On the bright side, this most likely means that your washer is fine. Once you deactivate, the Control Lock, you should be able to run a new cycle.

Solution: To unlock the controls of your Whirlpool washer, push and hold the Control Lock button for 3 seconds. 

Depending on your unit, the Control Lock function could be activated or deactivated using a button combination. To be sure, check your user manual for specific instructions for your model.

Overloaded Washer

A tightly-packed drum can prevent your Whirlpool washing machine from running—and that’s just the least of your worries. If you overload it, small items like socks and underwear can get forced down the drainage line.

Not to mention, overloading puts excess stress on the internal components of your washing machine, which can cause premature failure. 

Solution: Remove several items from your overpacked Whirlpool washer. Distribute the clothes evenly around the wash plate.

Measure your laundry load to prevent underloading or overloading it. If you don’t want to, you can estimate the load size by looking at the drum.

Load-Size Recommendations
Small Load	A small load should fill up ⅓ of the drum. That’s a pound of laundry per cubic foot of the washing machine’s capacity.
Medium Load	A medium load should fill up half of the drum or two pounds of laundry per cubic foot of the unit’s capacity.
Large Load	An extra large load should occupy ¾ of the drum or three pounds per cubic foot of the washer’s capacity.

Slow to Fill

Do you see an LF, F3, or F8 E1 error code(F3 E1 whirlpool washer) on the display? On a Whirlpool washing machine, these codes indicate that the unit is taking too long to fill.

It’s either a problem with the water supply or the drain hose. 

If there’s not enough water going into the tub, your washer can’t start a cycle. It can also happen when you have an improperly installed drain hose, which can cause your washer to drain while it is filling.

Restricted Water Flow

It’s possible that the water supply valves aren’t fully open. 

Your washer has special sensors that detect the supply of water going into the drum. Both hot and cold supply valves must be on or the control will detect a problem with the water pressure sensor.

When this happens, your washer will automatically lock the lid and go into pump mode for about 8 minutes. The control panel will lock, preventing you from making any inputs.

After 10 minutes, you should be able to perform other functions again.

Solution: To troubleshoot a Whirlpool washer that won’t fill, here are a few helpful tips:

• Make sure the water supply valves of your Whirlpool washer are open.
• Ensure that the hot and cold water supply hoses are connected to the correct valves. Red is for the hot water supply, while blue is for the cold water supply.
• Keep the hot and cold water faucets within 3.5 feet from the fill valves.
• Look for kinks and bent areas on the supply hose, then straighten them out, if necessary.
• Clean the inlet screens to remove dirt build-up that may be restricting water flow into your washer.

Improper Drain Hose Installation

If the drain hose isn’t installed correctly, it can produce a siphoning effect. This causes the washer to drain water out of the tub while it’s still being filled.

There are three different ways to install a drain hose: standpipe, laundry tub, and floor drain. You must follow the correct instructions for your preferred drainage method.

Refer to your user manual for more detailed instructions for your specific washer model.

Standpipe Drain System

Siphoning can happen if the drain hose is installed too low or too deep into the standpipe.

To install the drain hose using a standpipe, you need a standpipe with a minimum diameter of 2”. The top part must be at least 39” high, but it should not go over 72” from the bottom of the washer.

Solution: Follow the steps below to set up a standpipe drain system.

• Step 1: Insert the drain hose about 4.5” into the standpipe. 
• Step 2: Use the supplied drain hose clamp to keep the spout bent.
• Step 3: Secure the drain hose to the standpipe using a cable tie. Don’t seal the drain hose into the standpipe to prevent siphoning.

Laundry Tub Drain System

The highest point of the laundry tub must be at least 39” above the floor, but it should be no higher than 72” from the bottom of your washer. 

Additionally, the laundry tub is required to have a minimum carry-away capacity of 17 gallons per minute for a permanent installation.

Solution: Follow the steps below to set up a laundry tub drain system.

• Step 1: Set up the drain hose on the side of the laundry tub. 
• Step 2: Place 4.5” of the drain hose into the laundry tub. Don’t lay any excess hose on the bottom of the tub.
• Step 3: Secure the drain hose to the laundry tub leg using the supplied cable tie.

Floor Drain System

If the top of the siphon brake in a floor drain system doesn’t reach the minimum height requirement, water will flow out of your washer due to gravity. This leads to a siphoning effect, which causes water to drain continuously.

Solution: Remove the drain hose clamp that is keeping the spout bent and insert the hose about 4.5” into the drain pipe. Confirm that the siphon brake is installed no less than 28” from the floor.

Defective Lid Lock

During operations, your Whirlpool washer can run at high spin speeds to clean your clothes. As a safety precaution, your unit has a lid lock that keeps the washer locked, preventing you from opening it while it’s running.

Depending on your model, it might not start until it detects that the door is closed and latched properly. In such cases, the fix is as simple as pushing the lid down to make sure the lid lock, also known as the lid switch, latches properly.

However, if the lid lock is faulty, it won’t latch properly. You have to replace it to get your washer back up and running.

What you’ll need:

• ¼” nut driver
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Needlenose pliers
• Chain
• Putty knife
• Multimeter
• New lid lock assembly

Solution: First, remove the lid lock from your Whirlpool washer and test it for continuity to confirm that it is faulty. If the component has no continuity, it must be replaced.

• Step 1: Disconnect your washer from its power source. Then, move it away from the wall.
• Step 2: Unthread the screws securing the control panel assembly using a ¼” nut driver.
• Step 3: Slide a putty knife under the front corners of the control panel housing until the clips securing the housing are released.
• Step 4: Unplug the wire connector of the user interface control, then set the control panel assembly aside.
• Step 5: Unthread the screws securing the washer’s main top.
• Step 6: Unfasten the mounting screws on the access plate. Remove the plate and set it aside.
• Step 7: Lift the lid and carefully pull the main top forward to detach the lid lock bezel.
• Step 8: Push the retaining tab using a flathead screwdriver. Slide the lid lock to the left to release it.
• Step 9: Lift the main top until it aligns with the screw brackets. Use the chain to support the top and keep it open.
• Step 10: Detach the lid lock wire conduit from the retaining clips on the main top.
• Step 11: Release the conduit retainer using needlenose pliers.
• Step 12: Unplug the lid lock’s wire connector on the control board. Then, pull out the old assembly.
• Step 13: Get your multimeter and rotate its dial to the lowest setting for ohms of resistance or resistance with tone.
• Step 14: Place the black and red probes on the lid lock’s power input terminals.
• Step 15: Actuate the lid lock.

If your washer’s lid lock shows 0 ohms of resistance, it has proper continuity. A replacement will not be necessary.

However, if there is little to no change when the lid lock is actuated, the component has no continuity and is defective. You must replace it to continue using your washing machine.

To replace a faulty lid lock on a top-load Whirlpool washer, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unplug the washer’s power cord or turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
• Step 2: Move the washer away from the wall.
• Step 3: Use a ¼” nut driver to unthread the screws securing the control panel assembly.
• Step 4: Slide a putty knife under the front corners of the control panel housing until the clips securing the housing are released.
• Step 5: Unplug the wire connector of the user interface control, then set the control panel assembly aside.
• Step 6: Unthread the screws securing the washer’s main top.
• Step 7: Unfasten the mounting screws on the access plate. Remove the plate and set it aside.
• Step 8: Open the lid, then carefully pull the main top forward to detach the lid lock bezel.
• Step 9: Push the retaining tab using a flathead screwdriver. Slide the lid lock to the left to release it.
• Step 10: Lift the main top until it aligns with the screw brackets. Use the chain to support the top and keep it open.
• Step 11: Detach the lid lock wire conduit from the retaining clips on the main top.
• Step 12: Release the conduit retainer using needlenose pliers.
• Step 13: Unplug the lid lock’s wire connector on the control board. Then, pull out the old assembly.
• Step 14: Get your new lid lock assembly. Insert the wire connector through the hole in the main top.
• Step 15: Plug the wire connection into the control board.
• Step 16: Push the retainer into place.
• Step 17: Insert the lid lock wire conduit behind the retaining tips to secure it.
• Step 18: Slip the left side of the lid lock into its slot on the main top, then insert the right side.
• Step 19: Slide the lock to the right to keep it secure.
• Step 20: Snap the bezel into place.
• Step 21: Remove the chain and reinstall the main top to its original position.
• Step 22: Rethread the screws securing the main top.
• Step 23: Mount the access plate and reinstall its screw.
• Step 24: Reconnect the user interface control wire connector to the main control board.
• Step 25: Insert the rear clips of the control panel housing with the rear slots on the main top, then push the front clips down until they snap into place.
• Step 26: Rethread the screws to secure the control panel assembly.
• Step 27: Move the washer back into place, and restore power.
• Step 28: Check if it can start a cycle.

Defective User Interface Panel

If the user interface (UI) panel of your Whirlpool washer is defective, it can cause either partial or complete unresponsiveness of the buttons.

Simply put, if the Power or Start/Pause buttons happen to be damaged, then it will prevent your washing machine from turning on or starting a cycle.

Until the panel is replaced, the appliance will not respond to your touch and carry out the commands inputted.

What you’ll need:

• Putty knife
• ¼” nut driver
• New user interface panel

Solution: To replace a Whirlpool top-load washer’s defective user interface panel, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unplug the washer’s power cord or turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
• Step 2: Move the washer away from the wall. 
• Step 3: Use a ¼” nut driver to unfasten the screws mounting the control panel assembly.
• Step 4: Slide a putty knife under the front corners of the control panel housing to release the clips securing the housing.
• Step 5: Disconnect the UI control wire connector and set the control panel assembly aside.
• Step 6: Use a ¼” nut driver to unthread the screws securing the user interface panel to the housing.
• Step 7: Release the wires from the retainer. Then, push the retaining tabs to remove the old UI panel from the housing.
• Step 8: Get your new UI panel. Insert the wire connector through the hole in the housing.
• Step 9: Align the UI panel with the housing. Gently push the housing down until it snaps into place.
• Step 10: Reinstall all the screws securing the UI panel to the housing.
• Step 11: Slip the wire into the retainer.
• Step 12: Connect the UI wire connector to the main control board.
• Step 13: Insert rear clips on the housing into the rear slots on the main top, then push the front clips down until they snap into place.
• Step 14: Reinstall the screws to secure the control panel assembly.
• Step 15: Move the washer back into place.
• Step 16: Turn on the washer and check if it can run a cycle.

Damaged Power Cord

Do you have pets? If you have a dog that loves to chew on everything, you might want to inspect the power cord for damages, such as tears, broken prongs, and exposed wires.

A damaged power cord will prevent your Whirlpool washer from receiving sufficient power for operation. Not only that, continued use of a bad power cord increases your household’s risk of fire, electrical shock, or electrocution.

Other causes of damage to a power cord include age, heavy use, and pinching.

What you’ll need:

• ¼” nut driver
• Needlenose pliers
• Wrench
• Chain
• Putty knife
• New power cord

Solution: To replace a damaged power cord on a Whirlpool washer, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unplug the power cord and shut off the water supply valves.
• Step 2: Move the washer away from the wall.
• Step 3: Unplug the water supply hoses using a wrench.
• Step 4: Use a ¼” nut driver to remove the screws securing the control panel assembly.
• Step 5: Insert a putty knife under the front corners of the control panel housing until the clips securing the housing are released.
• Step 6: Disconnect the user interface control wire connector, then set the control panel assembly aside.
• Step 7: Unfasten the screws mounting the upper rear access panel. Then, lift the panel to remove it.
• Step 8: Disconnect the power cord wire connector and the line filter wire connector from the main control board.
• Step 9: Unfasten the screw to release the grounding wire.
• Step 10: Unthread the screws securing the main top and the access plate. Then, remove the plate and set it aside.
• Step 11: Open the lid and pull the main top forward. Align the lid on the screw brackets.
• Step 12: Support the main top by attaching the chain.
• Step 13: Use needless pliers to depress the releasing tab and remove the damaged power cord.
• Step 14: Remove the chain and reinstall the main top to its original position.
• Step 15: Rethread the screws securing the main top.
• Step 16: Realign the access plate and reinstall the screw to secure it.
• Step 17: Take your new power cord. Insert its retainer into the slot on the main top.
• Step 18: Reconnect the power cord wire connector to the main control board. Then, reinstall the line filter wire connector to the filter.
• Step 19: Secure the grounding wire by reinstalling its screw.
• Step 20: Mount the upper rear access panel. Then, reinstall the screw to keep it secure.
• Step 21: Reconnect the user interface control wire connector to the main control board.
• Step 22: Align the rear clips of the control panel housing with the rear slots on the main top, then snap the front clips into place.
• Step 23: Reinstall the screws to secure the control panel assembly.
• Step 24: Move the washer back against the wall.
• Step 25: Reconnect the hot and cold water supply hoses to the correct inlet valve ports.
• Step 26: Turn on the water supply.
• Step 27: Plug in the new power cord. Test if the washer can turn on and start a wash cycle.

Faulty Control Board

The main control board is the brain of your Whirlpool washing machine, controlling most, if not all, its functions, such as filling, spinning, and draining. If this component is faulty, it can also prevent your washer from starting.

Once it is defective, you can no longer repair the main control board. However, you can repair it with a new component, and you can do it yourself to cut some costs.

What you’ll need:

• Putty knife
• ¼” nut driver
• New main control board

Solution: To replace the control board on a top-load Whirlpool washer, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unplug the washer’s power cord, or turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
• Step 2: Move the washer away from the wall. 
• Step 3: Use a ¼” nut driver to remove the screws securing the control panel assembly.
• Step 4: Slide a putty knife under the front corners of the control panel housing until the clips securing the housing are released.
• Step 5: Disconnect the user interface control wire connector, then set the control panel assembly aside.
• Step 6: Take a photo of the wires connected to the main control board. Use this as a reference during the reassembly process.
• Step 7: Unplug the wires on the main control board.
• Step 8: Disconnect the air pressure tube.
• Step 9: Use the ¼” nut driver to unfasten the screws on the control board.
• Step 10: Release the wires from their retainers, then remove the old board.
• Step 11: Get the replacement part. Align the side clips into the slot in the main top, then rethread the screw to secure it in place.
• Step 12: Insert the wires into their retainers.
• Step 13: Reconnect the wires to the correct terminals on the control board. Pull up your reference photo for accuracy.
• Step 14: Attach the air pressure tube to the control board.
• Step 15: Reconnect the user interface control wire connector to the main control board.
• Step 16: Align the rear clips of the control panel housing with the rear slots on the main top, then push the front clips down until they snap into place.
• Step 17: Rethread the screws to secure the control panel assembly.
• Step 18: Move the washer back into place.
• Step 19: Restore power to your washer and check if it can run a cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

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