How to Troubleshoot a Whirlpool Washing Machine That Won't Turn Off

Escrito Por: Ben Schlichter
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How to Troubleshoot a Whirlpool Washing Machine That Won't Turn Off

Dificuldade

Moderate

Passos

13

Tempo necessário

No estimate

Introdução

If a Whirlpool washing machine keeps running with an ongoing humming sound, won’t respond to the controls, or starts running again as soon as you plug it in, it may be stuck in flood-control mode. This guide shows how to let the washer exit flood-control mode, check common causes like the drain hose and drain pump, safely drain standing water, and determine when the control board may need service.

    • Unplug the washing machine from the wall outlet.

    • Turn off the water supply valves if you’ll be moving the washer or disconnecting hoses.

    • Keep towels and a shallow pan nearby because water can spill when hoses are removed.

    • Get help when tilting the washer because it’s heavy and can tip unexpectedly.

    • Listen for a continuous running noise even though the washer isn’t supposed to be running.

    • Try changing modes or starting a cycle and confirm the controls don’t respond.

    • Plug the washer in and confirm the noise comes back immediately.

    • The sound is typically the drain pump motor running continuously.

    • Plug the washer in and leave it alone while the drain pump runs.

    • Set a timer or alarm and wait until the pump shuts off on its own.

    • Confirm the washer becomes quiet and the lid unlocks.

    • Confirm the control panel responds again after the pump stops.

    • Don’t start a new wash mode immediately after the pump stops.

    • Flood-control mode is when the washer thinks it’s about to flood and runs the pump to dump water as fast as possible.

    • There may be no water in the drum even though the washer is trying to drain.

    • Find and correct the cause first or the washer may trigger flood-control mode again within 5 to 10 minutes.

    • Inspect the drain hose where it enters the standpipe and make sure it isn’t shoved deep into the pipe.

    • Check the full length of the hose for kinks or visible obstructions.

    • Fix any hose placement issues that could cause backflow or prevent proper draining.

    • Move the drain hose so the end of the hose is level with the floor.

    • Let the tub drain out through the hose into a container as needed.

    • Stop if water is overflowing and empty the container before continuing.

    • Tilt the washer back to at least a 45-degree angle to access the components underneath.

    • Locate the drain pump on the right side underneath the washer.

    • Let the drain pump cool before touching it because it may be extremely hot after running for 15 to 25 minutes.

    • Use slip-joint pliers to release the hose clamp on the drain pump.

    • Twist the hose while pulling to work it off the pump housing.

    • Be prepared for water to drain out as soon as the hose comes off.

    • Disconnect the wires from the drain pump wire harness.

    • Pivot any wire-harness protector off the pump housing if it’s covering the connector.

    • Use a 5/16-inch nut driver to remove the drain pump mounting screws.

    • Watch for water dripping from the tub or hoses as the pump is loosened.

    • Remove the pump, and twist the hose off if it’s still attached.

    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the five Phillips screws holding the pump housing together if you want to inspect the pump internally.

    • Spin the impeller by hand to feel for magnetic resistance in three to four specific spots each rotation.

    • Replace the pump if the resistance feels very weak, sporadic, or the impeller feels loose.

    • Skip opening the housing if the plan is to swap the pump instead of inspecting it.

    • Use a multimeter to measure the drain pump’s resistance if you want an additional test.

    • Expect a reading between 5 and 10 ohms.

    • Don’t rely on this test alone because resistance readings aren’t always accurate for declaring a pump bad.

    • Push the drain hose onto the pump without installing the clamp yet.

    • Secure the pump to the washer tub with the 5/16-inch mounting screws.

    • Reconnect the wire harness and pivot the harness protector back into place.

    • Reinstall the hose clamp to lock the hose onto the pump housing.

    • Plug the washer in and confirm the pump doesn’t run nonstop and the controls respond normally.

    • Stop troubleshooting if the washer keeps running in flood-control mode even after checking the drain hose and replacing the drain pump.

    • A failed pump relay on the control board can keep the drain pump running and may require relay replacement with soldering or a control board replacement.

    • Contact a qualified appliance technician if you’re not comfortable with electrical diagnosis or soldering.

Conclusão

If the washer returns to normal after the pump times out and the drain hose and drain pump check out, flood-control mode was likely triggered by a drain or backflow issue. If the drain pump continues to run uncontrollably after these checks, the control board may need repair or replacement.

Autor(a)

Ben Schlichter

Membro desde: 21/01/25

6447 Reputação

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