The main malfunctions of top-loading Whirlpool washing machines and how to fix them
Modern washing machines from the Whirlpool company have good performance characteristics and have a fairly large range of modes.
But sometimes failures occur with them, requiring high-quality diagnostics and subsequent repairs.
Whirlpool top-loading devices have their own specifics, and some types of breakdowns are typical for such models.
We will discuss the main malfunctions of top-loading Whirlpool washing machines below.
Content
Top 10 problems with Whirlpool washing machines
Whirlpool top-loading automatic washing machines have the same set of functions and built-in modes as front-loading machines. The dimensions of such devices are compact, suitable even for small apartments. The difference is in the design.
Main difference:
- In the location of the detergent dispenser (it is under the lid).
- In the method of laying laundry (from above).
- In the control location (top).
- In the form of a drum that has doors (opened and closed manually).
The design of the drum of machines with vertical loading allows, after stopping work, to add laundry during the washing process.
Despite all the reliability of the Whirlpool manufacturer’s equipment, theoretically, any part in the device can break, and any component can fail. But the most common are the 10 faults listed below.
Spontaneous opening of the valves
If the Whirlpool drum flaps open spontaneously, you must stop working. Otherwise, the drum may jam. This situation is most often associated with overload or uneven distribution of laundry in the drum.
Damage to the drum curtains
Breakage of Whirlpool drum curtains is usually associated with user errors and careless handling of equipment. In this case, depending on the complexity of the defect, it may be necessary to replace the damaged parts with or without disassembling the tank.
Drain pump
Drain pump - a part that is responsible for draining water from the Whirlpool tank after washing or rinsing. If water removal is difficult, does not occur, or occurs very slowly, diagnostics of the unit is necessary.
This procedure is carried out during partial disassembly of the case. Very often it is the ingress of foreign objects that leads to breakdown.
If there is damage to the Whirlpool impeller, you will hear the pump motor running. If the motor burns out, there will be no sound from its operation. Such a fault situation can be identified by the self-diagnosis of the washing machine as F03. The solution to the problem if the pump breaks down is to replace it; if it is clogged, clean it.
Leaky cuff
Whirlpool top loading washing machines also have a rubber seal.During operation - vibrations and load - this part can tear and let water through. The defect does not always appear, more often during intensive spinning.
How to solve the problem - in the video:
heating element
The problem with the heating element is a situation typical for Whirlpool washing machines with both front and top loading. Breakage occurs during prolonged use.
Over time, the heating element becomes coated with scale from hard water and detergent residues. Additionally, lint from clothes, pellets and small debris settle on it.
The breakdown of the heating element is manifested by the following signs:
- stopping work when trying to heat up;
- knocking out a machine gun (RCD);
- performing a cycle with cold water, without heating it.
When trying to heat water, the heating element begins to work with overloads and burns out. To accurately analyze the problem unit, you need to gain access to the heating element and check it with a multimeter.
Control module
The Whirlpool control module is responsible for coordinating the operation of the entire washing machine.
At its core, it is an electronic board with radioelements. They can burn out due to power surges or water ingress. A breakdown occurs due to incorrect operation of the washing machine.
The problem may affect various nodes. This could be, for example, a lack of drainage, disturbances in drum rotation, interruption of the cycle at an unexpected moment, etc. At the same time, the device itself displays an error code on the display corresponding to the failure of a specific node - from F01 to F26.
In order to diagnose and repair the module, it is removed from the housing. A multimeter and other equipment are used for analysis.Such work requires accuracy and specialized knowledge, so it is better to entrust the repair of the module to a specialist.
The specialist detects the problem and replaces the burnt-out elements. If the problem is more complex, the board is badly damaged and cannot be repaired, it is replaced with a new one.
Drive belt problems
The drive belt in a Whirlpool washing machine serves the same purpose as in front-loading machines - it transmits rotation from the motor to the drum pulley. The belt may come off or stretch and begin to slip.
If the belt has come off for the first time, you can pull it back onto the pulley and continue working.. But when the situation repeats regularly, it is worth replacing the part. The same should be done if the belt does not sit tightly on the pulley.
If, even after replacing the belt, the jumping off the pulley continues, you should pay attention to the drum itself, and especially to the bearing assembly.
Bearing wear
Bearings in a Whirlpool washing machine are involved in the rotation of the drum. These are metal parts.
Problems with them usually begin when the seal loses its tightness and allows water to pass through. With constant dampness and the presence of moisture, the metal begins to suffer from corrosion. As a result, the bearing assembly is destroyed.
This problem manifests itself as noise during the spin phase, and, after a while, during washing. The drum stops moving smoothly and begins to literally “dangle” in the tank. If you rock it even slightly, it will begin to make free movements.
Having gained access to the outside of the tank, you can see smudges on its surface. In addition, during operation the drum jams and “sticks” at the lowest point. Rust can flow not only down the outside of the tank, but also into the drum, dirtying things.
Motor brushes
Motor brushes - parts that are part of the engine. These are elements that physically wear out over time, decreasing in size due to abrasion.
As a result, the brushes cease to perform their functions due to the fact that they have become short. This leads to a decrease in the power of the Whirlpool motor and the inability of the device to reach a full spin. With severe abrasion (up to 10 mm or less), the drum stops rotating even when washing.
Such a faulty situation may be accompanied by sparking of the motor and the issuance of error F15. The problem is solved by replacing the brushes.
No water supply
In cases where the quality of tap water supplied to the Whirlpool washing machine is low, it contains rust particles and small debris, the washing machine inlet filter may become clogged. It is located in the place where the inlet hose is connected.
The solution to the problem is clearing the blockage. If the water in the system is constantly of low quality, it is advisable to install a cleaning filter in the apartment. This will avoid clogging in the washing machine.
Disassembling a household appliance
The interior of a Whirlpool top-loading washing machine can be accessed through disassembly.
A competent analysis begins with the preparation stage:
- Disconnecting the device from electricity (the plug must be removed from the socket).
- Turn off the water to the device.
- Disconnect from the sewer.
- Pull out the device so that you can approach it from all sides.
- Drain the remaining water from the tank.
In addition to these measures, you need to ensure that you have the tools to disassemble the Whirlpool machine and a multimeter to measure the condition of components and rags. The latter will be needed if water remaining in the washing machine spills on the floor. The main point of disassembling equipment is to gain access to the desired node.
How to remove the cover and disassemble the tank?
To get to the Whirlpool tank and drum, you need to remove the top cover. Work is carried out with the removal of clamps. The top cover slides forward until the latches click.
How to remove the top cover can be clearly seen in the video:
You can watch the video on how to disassemble the tank:
Parsing from above
If the pressure switch or control module is a priority, then the analysis starts from the top. The control panel is removed carefully so as not to break the latches that hold it in place.
A narrow, durable object, such as a spatula, can help with this, with which you need to lift the control panel. The part is lifted. Electrical wires come from it, which are fixed with terminals.
How to remove the control panel and gain access, for example, to the fill valve - in the video:
From below
If the goal is to gain access to the drain pump or motor, then the washing machine will have to be literally put down. This must be done in compliance with all precautions, since there is still a risk of residual water getting into the electronic components of the washing machine.
You will also need to remove the left side of the housing to gain easy access to the pump. Before removing the motor, you need to remove the drive belt.
Call the master
If complex breakdowns occur that you cannot fix yourself, you must contact a company that repairs Whirlpool household appliances.
The cost of the work depends on the established price list and the complexity of the work. In the capital, repairing a Whirlpool washing machine will cost approximately the following amounts:
replacement of the drain pump - from 2,000 rubles;- replacement of heating elements - from 1,800 rubles;
- repair of the control module – from 2,500 rubles;
- replacement of the drive belt – from 1,100 rubles;
- replacement of bearings – from 4,100 rubles;
- replacement of drum curtains with tank disassembly – from 4,000 rubles;
- replacement of drum curtains – from 2,500 rubles;
- replacement of motor brushes – from 1,800 rubles, etc.
If parts need to be replaced, their cost will be charged separately.
Conclusion
TM Whirlpool top-loading washing machines have proven themselves to be reliable household appliances. Despite the occasional breakdowns, from which no device is insured, the devices can and should be repaired, thereby extending the service life of the machine.
