Repair

The service life of the Whirlpool washing machine is 10 years, but the warranty is only 1 year. If, 365 days after purchase, any component breaks down, you will have to repair the device at your own expense.

However, this process is not as complicated as it might seem. You can deal with some malfunctions on your own, since all modern models of Whirlpool washing machines are equipped with a self-diagnosis function.

Read the article on how to recognize a breakdown, what could cause it, and how to repair a Whirlpool washing machine.

What parts most often fail in a Whirlpool washing machine?

Most often, parts that bear the maximum load fail. They are involved in every washing process, performing the main work. First of all, this concerns the heating element, control board, motor and brushes.

heating element

If the heating element malfunctions, the following code will be displayed on the screen:

• F08,
• F12,
• F22.

The main sign of a breakdown is the lack of heating of water. At the same time, the washing machine itself can work properly, performing washing.

Reasons for failure:

1. Poor wiring or loose contacts.
2. Burnout of the heating filament.
3. Changes in the network.
4. Malfunction of other systems, for example, the temperature controller, due to which the heater worked at the limit of its capabilities.

Repair:

1. Inspect the condition of the wiring and the tightness of the wires.
2. Check the integrity of the temperature sensor.
3. Inspect the heating element, measure the voltage. If it is 20-40 Ohms, you can deal with the problem by cleaning the heater from scale.
4. Reboot the device. Sometimes the cause of malfunctions in a part is a failure of the control board.

If the above actions do not help restore the functioning of the part, the heating element is changed. Details - in this article.

Electronic module

If the control board breaks down, the machine stops working or executes commands that were not specified by the user. In this case, the code F16 or F15 will be displayed on the screen.

Reasons that lead to control board failure:

• power surges;
• violation of the integrity of the wiring, loose contacts;
• water entering the electronic module;
• system failure;
• improper use of the device.

Troubleshooting methods:

• restart the washing machine;
• inspect the wires leading to the board;
• clean it from dust and carbon deposits, if any;
• flash the board;
• resolder burnt tracks, replace faulty capacitors.

If these measures do not help, repair the board.

Water level sensor

A small sensor called a pressure switch is responsible for determining the water level in the tank.If it breaks down, code F01 (FH) or F08 is displayed on the screen, and when the wash starts, water does not enter the tank, or an insufficient amount of it is collected.

Causes of malfunction:

1. Intake filter clogged.
2. Hose rupture.
3. Violation of the integrity of the wires leading to the pressure switch.
4. Pressostat failure.

To fix the problem, you need to take the following measures:

1. Check to see if water is entering the machine. The tap on the water pipe may be turned off.
2. Assess the condition of the inlet filter. If a blockage is found, it is cleared.
3. Inspect the pressure switch, blow out the tube, check the tightness of the contacts.

If the above measures are ineffective, the sensor is replaced.

Cross

The cross is an element of the tank-drum system. If it breaks, the drum does not rotate or rotates very slowly. This process may be accompanied by grinding and knocking noises, and a code will appear on the screen F06, F26 or F28.

Reasons leading to crosspiece failure:

• bearing wear;
• constant overload of the SMA;
• manufacturing defects;
• hard water and avoiding the use of water softeners.

Belt

Lack of drum rotation is the first sign indicating problems with the belt. It may fly off, stretch or tear. This stops washing, but the noise of the motor may be heard. Codes that are displayed on the screen: F06, F26 or F28.

Reasons leading to violation of the integrity of the belt:

1. Weight overload of the SMA.
2. Wear of bearings, shaft, crosspiece. These breakdowns cause the drum to swing violently when rotating and the belt to stretch.
3. Loose motor mount.
4. Drum deformation.

If the belt simply falls off, it is thrown onto the drum. If an element breaks or stretches, replacement is required.

Hatch handle

The plastic hatch handle on Whirlpool washing machines breaks due to the application of force when trying to open a locked door.

The breakdown is easy to recognize, as it is visible to the naked eye. An additional feature can be the FDU, FDL codes.

If the handle is broken, it cannot be repaired; you will have to buy a new part. The replacement is easy to do yourself, since for this you do not have to disassemble the SMA, just remove the door.

Pump (pump)

If the pump breaks down or there are problems in the functioning of the drain system, code F03 (FP) is displayed on the screen. This is one of the most common malfunctions in the Whirlpool washing machine. Its main symptom is the lack of water drainage. Leakage is also possible.

Possible causes of failure include:

• burnout of the motor that starts the pump;
• foreign objects entering the pump - they either block the operation of the impeller or lead to breakage of its blades;
• the filter is clogged, causing the pump to work at its limit.

Troubleshooting methods:

• check the filter for blockages;
• assess the condition of the drain hose;
• check the contact tightness;
• twist the pump, measure the voltage;
• inspect the impeller, remove foreign objects if they are found.

If the pump is enclosed in a non-separable housing, or it is burnt out, it needs to be replaced. Details - in this article.

Engine

For motor failure in the Whirlpool washing machine indicate codes:

• F06,
• F07,
• F10 or F15.

Causes of motor failure:

1. Short circuit of the winding in the starter or rotor.
2. Broken wires.
3. Detachment of lamellas.
4. Voltage fluctuations in the electrical network.
5. Brush wear.
6. Bearing blocking.

You can evaluate the performance of the motor using a multimeter. If it is damaged, you will need to purchase a new part. In rare cases, the situation can be corrected by resoldering the lamellas.

Brushes

Brushes are consumables that wear out over time in all washing machines. They are installed in the engine, so their wear primarily affects its performance.

Signs of failure - sparking and grinding during operation of the device, engine stopping, error codes:

• F06,
• F07,
• F10 or F15.

Reasons for failure:

• natural wear - the average service life of brushes during quiet operation is 5 years;
• voltage drops in the electrical network;
• entry of dust and abrasive substances into the engine, accelerating wear of parts.

The brushes cannot be repaired. Old parts need to be replaced.

Bearings

Bearings are an integral element of the drum. They are responsible for its smooth rotation, so if they break, noise and grinding will be heard, and vibrations will increase. If the bearings are completely destroyed, the drum will simply jam. Codes that may indicate a breakdown: F06, F26.

Causes of malfunction:

1. Systematic weight overload.
2. Installing the device on an uneven surface causes all systems to experience significant vibrations.
3. Moisture getting into the bearings.
4. Wear due to long-term use.

Details - in this article.

Shock absorbers

Shock absorbers are springs that hold the drum suspended inside the housing. If they break down, the error code is not displayed on the screen.

A malfunction will be indicated by knocking and strong vibrations of the drum during the spin cycle. If the shock absorbers stretch too much, the spinning will stop.

Damage to the shock absorbers is caused by constant overloading of the drum, as well as improper installation of the washing machine.

The springs cannot be repaired; they must be replaced. Even if one spring is stretched, both parts will have to be replaced. Read more here.

Cuff

If the integrity of the cuff is damaged, the code does not appear on the electronic display, although sometimes an error FDU (the hatch is not tightly closed) or F02 (the Aqua-stop system is activated) may be displayed. It is not difficult to determine the breakdown; just inspect the seal for damage.

Reasons for integrity violation:

• cuff rupture - this often happens during washing when a sharp object gets into the drum;
• thinning of the seal due to constant stagnation of water;
• gum damage by mold.

Drum

If the drum breaks, One of the following codes will appear on the screen:

• F06,
• F10,
• F26,
• F27,
• F28.

In this case, the machine either stops washing completely or starts leaking.

Causes of malfunction:

1. Metal rotting.
2. Destruction of the bushing seat.
3. Violation of the integrity of the drum.
4. Imbalance.
5. The drum is jammed by a foreign object.

To replace the part, you will need to completely disassemble the washing machine, unscrew the tank into two halves and remove the drum. Before deciding on expensive repairs, you need to evaluate the upcoming costs. Sometimes it makes more sense to purchase a new Whirlpool machine than to repair an old one.

Possible malfunctions of the Whirlpool washing machine

Sometimes malfunctions are not signs of a breakdown. They can arise due to non-compliance with safety rules, due to malfunctions of electronics, due to voltage surges in the network. To find out the reason, it is necessary to correctly interpret the signals that the Whirlpool SMA gives.

Doesn't heat water

If the washing machine does not heat the water, most often the reason comes down to a breakdown of the heating element. In this case, the following code will appear on the screen:

• F08,
• F12,
• F22.

However, malfunctions of the electric heater are not the only reason why the water in the drum remains cold.

The following may cause a malfunction:

1. Selected washing mode. Perhaps it did not initially involve heating.
2. Temperature sensor failure.
3. Control board malfunction.
4. Loose contact contacts.

The castle is on fire

Normally, while the washing machine is operating, the “Lock” icon is always lit on the display. It indicates that the hatch is blocked and will not open during washing. However, if more than 5 minutes have passed after its completion, but the lock icon does not stop highlighting, this can be regarded as a deviation from the normal situation.

Possible reasons:

1. Child lock activated.
2. The electronic controller has malfunctioned.This will be indicated by codes F16 or F
3. The hatch locking device has failed. Error codes FDU, FDL.
4. The plastic handle of the hatch broke.

To remove the child lock, you need to press the button for the selected program and the “Lock” button. After 3-5 seconds the blocking will be removed.

To eliminate a software glitch, the machine needs to be rebooted, leaving it turned off for 15 minutes. If the reason comes down to a breakdown of the UBL or plastic handle, they must be replaced.

Leaking from below

If water accumulates in the pan, the “Aqua-stop” function is activated, and code F02 (FA) is displayed on the screen.

Possible causes of leakage:

• violation of the integrity of the pipes;
• clogged or ruptured drain hose;
• clogged filter or washing powder tray;
• breakthrough of the hatch cuff;
• pump failure.

Doesn't wring out

The lack of spin may be due to the following reasons:

1. The “no spin” program is activated.
2. The drum is overloaded or jammed by a foreign object. Error codes F06, F10, F26, F27, F.
3. A blockage has formed in the drain system.
4. The drum is unbalanced.
5. The motor is faulty or the graphite brushes are worn out. Error codes F06, F07, F10 or F15.
6. The tachometer is faulty. Codes F01, F.
7. Broken bearings. Error codes F06 and F.
8. The pressure switch is broken. Error codes F01 (FH) or F.

Before you begin any major repairs, you need to ensure there are no blockages in the drain system and that you have selected the correct program. After which you can begin disassembling the washing machine and assessing the performance of the listed parts - check one by one:

• pressure switch,
• tachometer,
• brushes and motor,
• pump.

Lastly, the condition of the bearings is assessed. Read more Here.

Freezes

If the Whirlpool washing machine freezes at some stage of the work, reasons may be the following:

1. Damage to the water level sensor.
2. Electric heater failure.
3. Motor failure.
4. Overload by weight.
5. Drum jamming due to foreign object getting inside.
6. Damage to the electronic module.
7. Damage to the drainage system.

If, in addition to the fact that the machine has stopped working, there are no other signs of malfunction, you need to restart the device, leaving it turned off for 15 minutes.

Another reason for washing to stop may be low pressure in the water supply.. You need to press pause and wait until the water supply is restored.

If a blockage is detected, it is cleared. If any part fails, it must be replaced.

Doesn't turn on

Factors that may cause the SMA to not turn on:

• lack of electricity;
• damage to the power cord;
• broken power button;
• failure of the electronic board;
• wiring problems.

Doesn't take up water

Lack of water in the drum after starting the wash may be due to the following reasons:

1. The water supply to the apartment is cut off.
2. The inlet valve is closed.
3. The inlet valve is clogged.
4. Damage to the water level sensor. Error codes F01 (FH) or F.
5. Damage to the electronic module. This is indicated by codes F16 or F.

If there is water in the house and its pressure is normal, it is necessary to inspect the inlet system to make sure there is no blockage. The next step in the diagnosis will be to inspect the pressure switch, which is located under the top cover.

Lastly, the performance of the control board is assessed. Error codes that appear on the display can help identify the problem and fix it.

Noisy

If the SMA Whirlpool makes unusual sounds, this may be due to factors such as:

• the bolts securing the counterweights are loosened;
• the equipment is not installed correctly;
• shock absorbers stretched;
• a foreign object has entered the drum;
• bearings, crosspiece or shaft are worn out;
• The graphite brushes have worn out.

To eliminate the malfunction, you need to tighten the bolts, inspect the engine brushes, and assess the condition of the shock absorbers. The last step is to replace the bearings.

Water is standing in the drum

If the water does not drain from the drum after the wash is completed, it is necessary to evaluate the operation of the pressure switch. Perhaps the sensor transmits incorrect readings to the control board, which is why the drain does not start. Failure codes - F01 (FH) or F08.

Another common reason why the machine does not drain water is a clogged drain system and a pump malfunction. In this case, code F03 (FP) will be displayed on the display. It is easy to remove the blockage yourself.

The door won't open

If after washing you cannot open the hatch of the Whirlpool washing machine, reasons may be as follows:

1. The child lock feature is activated.
2. The lock is out of order. Codes that will be displayed on the screen: FDU, FDL.
3. The hatch handle has broken.
4. The machine froze due to a malfunction of the control module.

To correct the situation, proceed as follows:

• disable the child lock function;
• repair the hatch lock or handle if they are broken;
• Reboot the device by turning it off for 15 minutes.

Strong vibrations and jumping during spin cycles

Strong vibrations during spin cycles may be associated with factors such as:

1. Overload by weight. To fix the problem, stop the program, drain the water, open the hatch and remove excess clothing.
2. Incorrect installation. To prevent the machine from bouncing and vibrating, it must be leveled by adjusting the height of the legs.
3. The counterweight mounts are loose. The bolts need to be tightened.
4. Bearings, crosspieces, and springs are worn out. The parts must be replaced and cannot be repaired.

Strong vibrations cannot be ignored, as they will lead to damage to other parts.

Features of repairing top-loading SMAs

In general, there are no significant differences between the repair of top-loading and front-loading washing machines. However, they still exist:

1. One of the vulnerable points is the drum flaps. If they are not closed tightly, they may open during washing, which will lead to jamming of the device. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the bdd code, which indicates that the doors are not locked tightly.
2. To fix the problem, you need to hold the reset button for 3 seconds, then open the cover and fix the problem.
3. Another problem is difficult access to the drain filter, fill valve, cuff. To get to them, you need to completely disassemble the device, removing the drum.

Read about the main malfunctions in the operation of a top-loading Whirlpool washing machine. Here.

How to disassemble a household appliance with your own hands?

To disassemble the Whirlpool washing machine, perform the following steps:

• remove the top cover - it is fixed with 2 bolts on the back side;
• remove the powder receptacle;
• disconnect the wires from the control board, unscrew the bolts holding it;
• remove the pressure switch;
• remove the upper counterweight and interference filter;
• remove the back wall, take off the belt, unscrew the electric heater and motor;
• open the bottom panel, remove the snail;
• turn the machine on its side, unscrew the pump, remove the drain hose;
• loosen the door latches and remove the rubber seal;
• get the second counterweight;
• remove the tank from the shock absorbers.

The machine is completely disassembled. If repairs to the internal components of the tank are required, it must be opened in two halves, the shaft and crosspiece removed, and the bearings knocked out.

Replacing the drain hose

If a blockage has formed in the drain hose, it needs to be cleared. The tube is disconnected from the device and washed with running water.

Replacement may be required if:

1. The hose is short and not long enough to install the machine in the right place.
2. The hose was torn and leaking.
3. The clog cannot be cleared.

After replacing the hose, it must be firmly inserted into the sewer pipe to ensure a tight seal. All repair work is carried out through the bottom of the washing machine. For convenience, it is laid on its side.

Call a professional or repair it yourself?

Simple repairs can be done on your own, for example, cleaning a hose or replacing a stretched belt.It is better to entrust work on troubleshooting the electronic module or bearings to a specialist.

If the equipment is under warranty

The warranty period for SMA Virpul is 1 year. If during this time a breakdown occurs through no fault of the user, the service center must carry out repairs at its own expense.

In this case, the integrity of the case should not be violated, so as not to break the factory seals. To receive the service, you must provide a receipt confirming the date of purchase.

Pros and cons of home renovation

Advantages home repairs:

• opportunity to save money;
• quick results;
• repairs are carried out in front of the owner;
• choice from many offers.

Flaws home renovation:

• no guarantee for work performed;
• the risk of calling not a specialist, but a fraudster;
• low qualifications of some craftsmen.

Advantages and disadvantages of repairing at a service center

Advantages service repair:

1. Highly qualified craftsmen.
2. Documentary evidence of work performed.
3. Installation of quality spare parts.
4. Possibility of free repairs under warranty.

The disadvantage of repairing at a service center is the need to leave the device in the workshop for several days. In addition, the equipment must be delivered to the organization.

Conclusion

You can start repairing the Whirlpool washing machine only after diagnostics. Error codes and knowledge of other signs that characterize various breakdowns can help with this. Most problems can be fixed on your own. However if knowledge is not enough, it is better to entrust this work to a specialist.