If your Whirlpool washing machine won’t start, you’ve come to the right place. This detailed guide gives you easy-to-follow steps on how to fix the issue…
Whirlpool Washing Machine Won’t Start — Solved
If your Whirlpool washing machine won’t start, here are the problems you should look for…
1. Drive Belt Is Worn
The belt is looped around the motor shaft and tub. If this belt breaks or gets damaged, the machine will not be able to start a wash cycle. To check your washer’s belt, do the following…
Front Loaders
Take the following steps to inspect your Whirlpool front loader washing machine’s drive belt…
Step 1. Prevent electrical damage by unplugging the machine from the outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. Use a 1/4 inch socket wrench to take out the bolts holding the rear panel to the cabinet. Pull the panel off the machine and set it aside.
Step 3. Check the belt looped around the motor pulley and drive pulley for any signs of damage. Run your hand on the inner side of the belt and ensure that the grooves are still there.
Step 4. If the grooves on the belt are worn, the belt will not function properly. You’ll need to replace it.
Step 5. If the belt grooves are in good condition, remount the rear panel onto the cabinet, then tighten the bolts with your socket. Plug the appliance back into the outlet.
Top Loaders
To check the drive belt in your Whirlpool top loader washing machine, follow the steps below…
Step 1. Unplug your appliance from the electrical outlet, then turn off the water taps in order to prevent electrocution and water leakage.
Step 2. Go to the back of the machine, then release the spring clamp holding the outlet hose to the port using a pair of pliers. Disconnect the drain hose from the machine.
Step 3. Disconnect the COLD and HOT water hoses from the back of the machine (some water may spill out, so be sure to keep a rag nearby).
Step 4. Place some tape on the lid of your washing machine to help secure it. With someone assisting you, carefully tip the washing machine backwards a bit, then set it on the floor.
Step 5. Take out the screws holding the belt guard to the bottom of the tub using a 5/16 inch socket wrench.
Step 6. If still intact, inspect the inner part of the drive belt and ensure that the grooves are still there. If the belt grooves are worn out, the part will need to be replaced.
Step 7. If the drive belt is in good condition, put the belt guard back on, then tighten the screws using your socket wrench.
Step 8. Carefully lift the appliance and set the washer back onto its feet. Peel the tape off the lid.
Step 9. Reconnect the main outlet hose to the port on the machine, then slide the spring clamp into place.
Step 10. Reattach the HOT and COLD water supply hoses to the ports at the back of the machine (ensure that both hoses are secured properly in order to prevent water leaks).
Step 11. Turn the water taps back on, then plug the power cord into the electrical outlet.
2. Defective Door Switch
If your Whirlpool washing machine won’t start, another cause could be a faulty door switch. To test the door switch in your Whirlpool washing machine, follow the steps below…
Front Loaders
Do the following to test your Whirlpool front loader washing machine’s door switch…
Step 1. In order to prevent electrical damage, make sure to disconnect the appliance from the electrical outlet before starting.
Step 2. Open the door of your washing machine. With a Torx screwdriver, loosen the three screws holding the door switch to the front panel.
Step 3. Insert a flat-blade screwdriver underneath the retaining band around the door gasket, then work it around until the wire pops off (take care not to damage the door gasket).
Step 4. Peel the door seal off the front panel. Reach into the cabinet and pull the door switch out of place. Unplug the wire connector from the door switch.
Step 5. Get a multimeter, then turn the control dial to the ohm setting. Place the probes of the multimeter on the door switch terminals.
Step 6. For a working door switch, you should get a reading between 1600 and 1750 ohms. If the reading is higher or lower, the switch is damaged and needs to be replaced.
Step 7. If the reading comes out right, reconnect the wire connector to the door switch. Reinstall the switch in the cabinet, then use a Torx screwdriver to apply the screws.
Step 8. Fit the door boot seal back around the front panel. Use a pair of needle-nosed pliers or a flat-blade screwdriver to fit the outer retaining band around the gasket. Reconnect the machine to the electrical outlet.
Top Loaders
To inspect the door switch in your top loader Whirlpool washing machine, follow the steps below…
Step 1. Make sure to disconnect the appliance from the electrical outlet in order to prevent electrocution.
Step 2. Turn the water faucets off, then disconnect the hoses from the ports at the back of your machine (some water may spill out, so be sure to keep a rag nearby).
Step 3. Using a 1/4 inch nut-driver, take out the screws holding the upper rear panel to the cabinet. Pry the panel off and set it aside.
Step 4. Disconnect the lid switch wire connector from the control board. Get a multimeter, then turn the dial to the ohms setting.
Step 5. Place the probes of the multimeter in the door switch wire connector ports. For a working switch, expect to see a reading between 1600 and 1750 ohms. If the reading is much higher or lower than these numbers, you’ll need to replace the switch.
Step 6. If the door switch is in good condition, plug the wire connector back into the control board.
Step 7. Snap the upper rear access panel back onto the cabinet, then tighten the screws using a 1/4 inch socket.
Step 8. Reconnect the COLD and HOT water inlet hoses to the ports at the back of the machine. Turn the water faucets off and reconnect the power cord to the outlet.
Check out these other articles…
Whirlpool Washing Machine Filter [Issues & Solutions]
Whirlpool Washing Machine Is Not Working [How To Fix]
Whirlpool Washing Machine Leaking [Proven Solutions]
Whirlpool Washing Machine Water Problems & Proven Solutions
Whirlpool Washing Machine Stuck [Proven Solutions]
Washer/Dryer Combo
To inspect the lid switch in your Whirlpool washer/dryer combo machine, follow the steps below…
Step 1. Disconnect your appliance from the outlet in order to prevent any chances of electrical damage.
Step 2. With a Philips screwdriver, take out the nuts holding the dryer lower access plate to the cabinet. Pry the plate off the appliance, then set it aside.
Step 3. Using a 1/4 inch nut-driver, take out the bolts holding the two rear access panels to the dryer compartment. Slide the panel clips out of the slots.
Step 4. Take the two panels out of the cabinet, then set them aside. With a flat-blade screwdriver, pry out the spring clips holding the top panel to the cabinet.
Step 5. Pull the top panel assembly forwards, then lift it off the cabinet. Set the top panel face-down on the floor.
Step 6. With a 5/16 inch nut-driver, take out the screws holding the lid switch wire connector and grounding wire to the top panel.
Step 7. Pull the connector off the top panel. Get a multimeter, then turn the dial to the ohm setting.
Step 8. Place the multimeter’s probes in the door switch connector terminals. A working switch should give you a reading between 1600 and 1750 ohms. If the reading is much lower or higher than these numbers, the part needs to be replaced.
Step 9. If you have determined that the part is in good condition, reattach the door switch connector and grounding wire to the top panel. Tighten the screws using your 5/16 inch socket.
Step 10. Lift the top panel and place it on the cabinet. Push the top panel forwards. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, push the two spring clips into the slots on top panel.
Step 11. Put the two access panels back in place, then apply the bolts with the 1/4 inch socket. Slide the access panel clips into the slots.
Step 12. Remount the dryer compartment’s main access panel, then use a Philips screwdriver to tighten the screws. Plug your washing machine back into the outlet.
Dryer
Test the door switch assembly in your Whirlpool dryer with the following steps…
Step 1. In order to prevent electrocution, make sure the appliance is disconnected from the power outlet.
Step 2. Go to the back of the machine, then loosen the bolts holding the top cover using a 1/4 inch nut-driver. Slide the panel forwards a few inches, then lift it off the cabinet.
Step 3. With your nut-driver, take out the screws holding the control board bracket to the side of the cabinet. Disconnect the door switch wire harness from the control board (use a flat-blade screwdriver if needed).
Step 4. Disconnect the the wire connectors closest to the control panel. Carefully move the panel out of place and set it on top of the drum.
Step 5. Using a 1/4 inch nut-driver, take out the screws holding the control panel to the front of the cabinet. Open the door of the machine, then pry the panel off.
Step 6. With the socket wrench, loosen the bolts holding the lower front access panel. Pry the plate off the cabinet, then set it aside.
Step 7. Use the 1/4 inch nut-driver to take out the nut on the lower support bracket holding the air duct to the blower housing.
Step 8. Unplug the moisture sensor wire connector at the bottom of the main front panel (if needed, use a small flat-blade screwdriver).
Step 9. With the 1/4 inch socket, remove the two bolts at the bottom of the main front panel.
Step 10. Open the door of the machine, then loosen the two screws on the front panel. Close the door, then take out the bolts at the top of the panel.
Step 11. Carefully pull the front panel and bulkhead assembly upwards, then detach from the cabinet.
Step 12. Set the front panel assembly face-down on the floor. Push the bulkhead forwards, then lift it off the front panel and set it aside.
Step 13. Unplug the wire connectors attached to the door switch on the front panel (ensure that you take note of where each connector goes).
Step 14. Get a multimeter, then turn the dial to the ohm setting. Place the probes of the multimeter in the terminals of the door switch.
Step 15. If you get a reading between 1600 and 1750 ohms, it indicates that the switch is working properly. If the reading is much higher or lower, you’ll need to replace the part.
Step 16. Once you’ve determined that the door switch is in good condition, reconnect the wires to the appropriate terminals.
Step 17. Lift the bulkhead and snap it back onto the front panel. Carefully lift the front panel assembly, then snap it onto the cabinet. Use a 1/4 inch socket to apply the screws at the top of the panel.
Step 18. Reconnect the moisture sensor wire harness at the bottom of the front panel. Open the dryer door, then tighten the screws on the front panel.
Step 19. Put the lower support bracket back on, then use the bolt to secure it. Apply the two screws at the bottom of the main front panel.
Step 20. Remount the lower access plate on the machine, then apply the screws at the bottom.
Step 21. Mount the control panel assembly on the cabinet, then tighten the screws to secure it. Reconnect the door switch wires and control panel wires to the control board.
Step 22. Move the control board assembly back against the cabinet, then apply the screws to secure.
Step 23. Place the top cover on the cabinet, then slide it forwards. With the 1/4 inch nut-driver, apply the screws at the back of the panel. Reconnect the machine to the power outlet.
3. Faulty Stator
If your machine uses a stator instead of a drive motor, you may need to test it if your Whirlpool washing machine won’t start. Here’s how to do this…
Front Loaders
Test the motor stator in your Whirlpool front loader washing machine with the following steps…
Step 1. Ensure that the appliance is unplugged from the outlet before starting this procedure, in order to prevent any chances of electrical damage.
Step 2. Pry the four transit caps out of the slots on the rear panel. Use the nut-driver to remove the screws holding the rear panel to the cabinet. Lift the panel upwards, then detach it from the machine.
Step 3. Use a strap wrench to help secure the rotor. Loosen the bolt holding the rotor to the tub using an 11/16 inch socket wrench. Carefully pry the rotor off the tub and set it aside.
Step 4. Using a T-40 Torx bit, loosen the bolts securing the stator to the back of the tub. Unplug the wire connector attached to the stator assembly.
Step 5. Get a multimeter, then turn the control dial to the lowest ohm setting. Place the probes of the multimeter in each of the stator terminals. For a working stator, you should get a reading between 9 and 9.5 ohms when going between the terminals.
Step 6. If the readings are much lower or higher than these numbers, you’ll need to replace the stator.
Step 7. Once you’ve determined that the stator is in good condition, reconnect the wire harness to the terminal.
Step 8. Mount the stator at the back of the tub, then tighten the screws using your socket wrench. Remount the rotor assembly on the stator, then secure it by applying the bolt with your 11/16 inch socket.
Step 9. Lift the rear panel and mount it on the cabinet. Tighten the bolts with your 1/4 inch socket. Push the transit caps into the slots on the rear panel. Reconnect the appliance to the power outlet.
Top Loaders
Follow the steps below to test the stator assembly in your Whirlpool top loader washing machine…
Step 1. In order to prevent water leaks and electrical damage, turn the water faucets off, then disconnect the power cord from the outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. Spread some towels on the floor underneath the inlet hoses at the back of the machine.
Step 3. Disconnect the water supply hoses from the ports at the back of your machine (if needed, use a pair of pliers).
Step 4. Using your pliers, squeeze the spring clamp holding the main drain hose to the back of the cabinet, then slide it out of place. Pull the hose off the machine.
Step 5. Move the washing machine forwards a bit. With someone assisting you, carefully tip the appliance backwards, then set it on the floor.
Step 6. Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver into one of the inner holes on the rotor assembly.
Step 7. Use a T-30 Torx bit to loosen the bolt holding the rotor to the bottom of the tub. Carefully pry the rotor off and set it aside.
Step 8. Unplug the wire harnesses attached to the stator assembly (ensure that you take note of where each plug goes).
Step 9. Get a multimeter, then turn the dial to the ohm setting. Insert the probes into the terminals on the stator assembly and look for a reading between 9 and 9.5 ohms (this indicates that the part is working).
Step 10. If the readings are much higher or lower than the set numbers, you’ll need to replace the motor stator assembly.
For detailed instructions on how to replace the stator in your Whirlpool washing machine, read this article: Whirlpool Washing Machine Not Spinning.
This guide will also give you easy-to-follow steps on how to fix other issues in your washing machine.
4. Damaged Power Cord
The steps below show you how to test the power cord in your Whirlpool washing machine…
Front Loaders
Do the following to test the power cord in your Whirlpool front loader washing machine…
Step 1. Disconnect the machine’s power cord from the outlet before starting this procedure, in order to prevent any chances of electrical damage.
Step 2. With a 1/4 inch nut-driver, take out the screws holding the top panel to the cabinet. Slide the panel backwards about an inch or so, then lift it off the machine.
Step 3. Reach into the cabinet, then unplug the power cord wire connectors from the line filter (be sure to take note of where each plug goes).
Step 4. With a 5/16 inch nut-driver, take out the bolt holding the power cord grounding wire to the cabinet.
Step 5. Pull the power cord and connectors out of the cabinet. Get a multimeter and turn the dial to the AC volt setting.
Step 6. Place the probes of the multimeter in each of the connector terminals on the power cord. Plug the cord into an electrical outlet. If the reading is below 85, it indicates that the cord is damaged and needs to be replaced.
Step 7. If the reading came out all right, unplug the power cord from the outlet, then pass the connectors through the opening on the cabinet.
Step 8. Plug the wire connectors back into the line filter, then use your 5/16 inch nut-driver to tighten the screw to secure the grounding wire.
Step 9. Slide the top cover back onto the cabinet, then tighten the screws at the back to secure it.
Top Loaders
Here’s how to test the power cord in your top loader Whirlpool washing machine…
Step 1. Prevent electrocution and water leaks by turning the water faucets off and unplugging the power cord from the outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. Unscrew the HOT and COLD water inlet hoses from the ports on the washer (ensure that you keep a rag nearby in case water spills).
Step 3. To get more working space, carefully pull the washing machine forwards a bit. With a 1/4 inch socket, loosen the screws holding the control panel to the rear panel.
Step 4. Insert a putty knife underneath the two front corners of the control panel to release the locking clips. Lift the panel off the cabinet, then disconnect the wire harness from the control board.
Step 5. With your nut-driver, loosen the bolts holding the upper rear access panel. Slide the panel upwards, and detach it from the cabinet.
Step 6. Disconnect the power cord’s wire connectors from the control board and line filter.
Step 7. Get a multimeter and turn the knob to the AC volt setting. Insert the probes of the meter into each of the power cord connector terminals. Plug the cord into the outlet.
If the reading is less than 85, it indicates that the cord needs to be replaced. For detailed steps on how to replace the power cord in your machine, read this article: Whirlpool washing machine is not working.
Step 8. If you’ve determined that the power cord is in good condition, plug the connectors back into the line filter and control board.
Step 9. Slide the upper rear panel back in place, then apply the screws to secure it. Plug the control panel’s wire harness back into the control board.
Step 10. Snap the control panel onto the cabinet. Secure the panel by applying the screws on the upper rear panel using a 1/4 inch nut-driver.
Step 11. Reconnect the water inlet hoses to the ports at the back of the machine. Turn the water taps back on.