Ever had your Whirlpool washer stuck on sensing when you wanted to start your laundry? It’s a common hiccup. The good news is, you can fix it! We’ve got simple solutions to get it all sorted out again.
The experience of having a Whirlpool washer stuck in the sensing mode can be really frustrating. You might think your washer is working fine, but then it gets stuck and interrupts your laundry plans.
This article is here to help you fix this common issue quickly and easily. We’ll walk you through ten simple and easy-to-understand steps to troubleshoot and resolve the problem, so you can get your Whirlpool washer back to working smoothly.
Why is My Whirlpool Washer Stuck On Sensing?
When your old or brand new Whirlpool washing machine is stuck in the sensing cycle, it’s important to understand that this feature is designed to prevent excessive water usage.
However, if the machine gets stuck during this step and doesn’t proceed to the next stages of the cycle, it indicates a potential mechanical or component issue. This could be a mechanical malfunction or a defective component that requires either a repair or replacement.
How to Fix Whirlpool Washer Stuck on Sensing
Reset
If your Whirlpool washer gets stuck on the sensing cycle, a simple solution is to reset it. Just unplug the washer, wait for 1-2 minutes, and then plug it back in. This short break helps the washer reset its control board. It’s like giving it a little breather to sort out any software hiccups that might be causing the sensing cycle to pause. After this reset, the washer often starts working smoothly again.
Electrical devices can sometimes get glitches in their programs. Similar to rebooting a computer to clear things up, turning these devices off and on provides a quick reset, allowing them to start fresh and function correctly. It’s like a short break to refresh their systems.
Check the Wash Settings
Make sure you check the wash settings you’ve selected on your washer. It’s possible that in a hurry, you might have unintentionally chosen the wrong settings. This mistake could be the reason why your washer seems to be caught in the sensing cycle. It’s important to ensure that the settings align with the type of load you’re washing and the cycle you want to run.
However, if despite this check, the issue persists and your washing machine remains stuck on sensing, it’s time to check other troubleshooting methods listed below.
Check the Level of the Washer
Make sure your Whirlpool washer stands straight and level on the floor. If it’s not, that can cause the sensing cycle to get stuck. When the washer isn’t level, it can’t figure out how heavy your laundry is, and that’s why it might struggle with the sensing part.
To fix this, use a spirit level, like a tiny tool that shows if something is straight, to check if your washer is level. If it’s not, you can adjust the washer’s feet at the bottom until it stands perfectly straight.
Uneven Load Distribution
Uneven load distribution can significantly impact the sensing cycle of your Whirlpool washing machine. The washer needs to accurately assess the weight and distribution of the load to set the appropriate water levels and wash cycle settings.
If the load isn’t spread out evenly within the drum, it can disrupt this assessment and cause the sensing cycle to either pause or go longer.
To avoid this issue, make sure to evenly distribute your laundry inside the drum before starting the wash cycle. Also, you should void overloading the drum with heavy items like towels and blankets, as this can throw off the balance.
Inspect the Water Inlet Valve for Defects
To check if the water inlet valve is causing the trouble, you can use a tool called a multimeter. It helps you see if the valve is working like it should. If it’s not, you might need to get a new one to fix the problem.
Faulty Shift Actuator
If your washer is stuck in one step, like sensing, the problem might be a faulty shift actuator. This part is like a special sensor that tells the washing machine when to switch from one job to another. If it’s not working right, your washer can’t move on to the next thing it’s supposed to do.
Here are a few signs to look for if you suspect the shift actuator is causing the issue:
- Cycle Stuck: The washer keeps doing the same thing and won’t move to the next step, like washing or rinsing.
- Can’t Change Settings: Even if you try to tell the washer to do something else, it doesn’t listen and sticks to the current step.
- Error Codes: Sometimes, the washer might show numbers or letters that point to a problem with this sensor. You can check your manual for what these codes mean.
- Weird Noises or Shaking: When the shift actuator isn’t working, the washer might sound strange or move in a funny way.
- Looks Broken: Take a close look at the shift actuator. If you see any cracks, broken pieces, or wires that aren’t connected properly, that could be the issue.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to get the shift actuator checked or replaced to get your washer working smoothly again.
Clean the Washer
As time goes by, bits of detergents and dirt can build up in your washing machine and mess up the sensing cycle. If the washer is dirty, it can’t accurately figure out how heavy your laundry is, causing it to get stuck during sensing.
To fix this, you can run a special cleaning cycle in your washer using a cleaning product made for washing machines or a mix of white vinegar and baking soda. This will remove all the dirt from your washer and make it work more efficiently.
Inspect the Drain Pump and Hose
Before your washing machine starts washing, it needs to be sure the water can drain properly. If the drain pump or hose is blocked or not working, it can stop the sensing cycle. Observe the drain pump and hose to see if anything is blocking them or if they’re damaged.
If there’s any debris clogging them, clear it out so the water can flow out easily. Sometimes, if the drain pump is broken, you might need to put in a new one to fix the sensing problem and get your washer working again. It’s like making sure the sink doesn’t get clogged so the water flows easily.
Check the Motor Coupling
The motor coupling is like a bridge that helps the washer’s motor and transmission work together to make the machine agitate and spin. If this connection is old or broken, it can cause the washer to have trouble with the sensing cycle.
To check if the motor coupling is causing the problem, first, unplug the washer from the wall. Then, take off the washer’s cabinet and look at the motor coupling closely. If you see any signs that it’s worn out or broken, you might need to replace it.
Drive Motor Issue
The drive motor in a washing machine is made to last a long time, but sometimes it can have problems. If it’s not working right, it’s a big issue and needs a professional to fix it.
If the washer is stuck in the sensing cycle, the motor could be the problem. Check for motor activity – no noise could mean a motor issue. Also, inspect motor connections; loose wires can cause this. Also. the smell of burning indicates a motor problem.
If you’re not sure how to check these things or if you think the drive motor is causing the sensing problem, it’s best to call a professional technician. They know exactly what to do to fix it and make your washer work like it should.
Issue with the Main Control Board
If your Whirlpool washing machine is stuck in the sensing cycle, the main control board might be the issue. This board, located behind the control panel, can send wrong signals or none at all if it’s faulty. To check, follow these steps:
- Unplug the washer from the power source.
- Remove the control panel by unscrewing the screws.
- Take out the control board.
- Set your multimeter to the lowest resistance setting.
- Connect the multimeter’s leads to the control board’s terminals.
- A reading near 0 ohms indicates the board is fine.
- A very high number or infinity symbol means the board is faulty and needs replacement.
Contact Whirlpool Customer Service or Professional Technician
If you’ve tried everything to fix your Whirlpool washer being stuck on the sensing cycle and it’s still not working, you should contact Whirlpool customer service or a professional technician. They’ll be able to figure out exactly what’s going wrong fix the problem and make sure your washer is running smoothly again.
If your Whirlpool washer is under warranty, you should contact customer service. They’ll send a qualified technician who can solve the issue. If it is not under warranty, you can call a local professional technician. Even though getting professional help might cost a bit, it’s worth it because it can make your washer last longer and save you from a lot of frustration.
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The Whirlpool washer stuck on the sensing cycle can be resolved through several troubleshooting steps discussed earlier. However, if the problem persists, a deeper inspection involving potential components like the shift actuator, drive motor, or main control board might be necessary. If all else fails, seeking help from a professional technician can provide a precise diagnosis and the best resolution.
