This article was co-authored by Egor Shevtsov and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Egor Shevtsov is a Home Improvement Specialist and Managing Partner at Appliance Techie in Orange County, California. With over seven years of experience, he specializes in maintaining and repairing appliances. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management from the International American University and a Master of Business Administration from the Russian University of Cooperation, former Moscow University of Consumer Cooperation.
There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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You may need to reset your Whirlpool washer if it runs into a bug, you run into an error code you can’t clear, or your machine has suddenly developed a mind of its own and won’t work like normal. You can typically reset your washer by unplugging it, waiting 5-10 minutes, and then plugging it back in. However, there are a few more obscure solutions that aren’t easy to find info on elsewhere online. In this article, we’ll break all of it down.
Steps
Cabrios
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Press “pause/cancel,” choose a cycle, then press start. If you have an older Whirlpool washing machine, you’ve probably got one of their Cabrio models. These were their most popular line at the time, and many are still out there today. If your Cabrio isn’t responsive or something seems off, start by pressing “pause/cancel” or “pause.” Then, select a wash cycle on the dial and hit the start button.[5]
- Whirlpool stopped making them around ten years ago, so if your washer feels like it’s on the newer side and you don’t see “Cabrio” on the top panel, it’s probably not a Cabrio.
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Disconnect the power, plug it back in, and wait 10 minutes. Do not pause the cycle. Shut the machine down by pulling the plug out from the wall. If the washer is hardwired into the wall or you can't reach the outlet, flip the circuit on the fuse box. Then, wait at least 10 minutes.[6]
- This interrupts the machine’s natural cycle. It will force reset over the next 5-10 minutes as the electrical charge drains.
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Run an empty load to help the washer recalibrate. After 10 minutes or so, plug the washing machine back into the wall or flip the circuit breaker. Then, run whatever wash cycle the dial is sitting on with nothing in the drum. The washing machine will be all good to go after that load is finished.[7]
- If you can’t get the cycle to run or the machine is still not running properly, it may be time to replace your washer. On average, washing machines only last around ten years, and that’s about how old most Cabrios are at this point.[8]
Reasons the Washer Won’t Start
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Inadequate power Check your outlet to ensure your machine is plugged in. If it is, test the outlet itself by plugging a phone charger in to confirm it works. If the phone charger works but the machine isn’t turning on, it’s likely that the outlet isn’t providing enough voltage for the washing machine. Alternatively, there could be something wrong with your machine’s electrical wiring.[9]
- The Solution: If the outlet does appear to be working, try flipping the fuse on and off. If that doesn’t fix the problem, contact an electrician to have the problem diagnosed by a pro.
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Overheated machine If you’ve been running the machine repeatedly for multiple hours now, it’s possible that your washer’s components are just running too hot. Put your hand on the side of the machine. If it’s really warm, you’re probably close to blowing the washer’s engine out.
- The Solution: Wait a few hours. Give your machine a rest and wait for the heat to dissipate. In the future, try to avoid running more than 2-3 cycles in a row. If your engine still overheats, contact a repair company.
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Wrong cycle configuration If the control lock is activated or you accidentally hit the “delay start” button, your washer won’t activate even when you press the “start” button.[10]
- The Solution: Reset your cycle. If you don’t know how (or why the machine locked in the first place), just unplug it and wait 10 minutes before plugging it back in.
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Damaged door switch If you don’t hear a little click when you close the door all the way or you can easily open the Whirlpool’s lid without any resistance, the door switch is likely broken. Most Whirlpool machines will not start if the door isn’t locked and secured.
- The Solution: Contact an appliance repair company or reach out to Whirlpool if your warranty is still good. The lid likely needs to be replaced.
Expert Q&A
Tips
References
- ↑ https://producthelp.whirlpool.com/Laundry/Washers/Product_Info/Washer_Product_Assistance/How_to_Reset_a_Washer
- ↑ https://producthelp.whirlpool.com/Laundry/Washers/Product_Info/Washer_Product_Assistance/How_to_Reset_a_Washer
- ↑ https://products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-support-search-content?contentId=17391
- ↑ https://simplyswider.com/how-to-reset-whirlpool-washer/
- ↑ https://upgradedhome.com/how-to-reset-a-whirlpool-cabrio-washer/
- ↑ https://upgradedhome.com/how-to-reset-a-whirlpool-cabrio-washer/
- ↑ https://upgradedhome.com/how-to-reset-a-whirlpool-cabrio-washer/
- ↑ https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/signs-your-washer-needs-to-be-replaced/
- ↑ https://www.searshomeservices.com/blog/8-simple-tips-for-fixing-a-washer-that-wont-start