Whirlpool Washer Stuck on Sensing – Quick Solutions

Whirlpool washing machine is an extremely beneficial investment that you may purchase as it is best suited in multiple ways to be used at your home. The Whirlpool washer is a high-quality, highly durable, and efficient washer designed to be reliable to customers. However, there are certain errors or issues that you might face, even with Whirlpool washers. We will explain the causes and easy fixes behind this issue in this article below so make sure to sit back and carefully read through our guide.

Additionally, along with your Whirlpool washer, even your Whirlpool Cabrio washer might get stuck on sensing but do not worry, we will give a general, fit-for-all list of solutions that you can use for more than one type of Whirlpool washer. To start using your Whirlpool washer smoothly again, keep reading our guide.

In general, the problem of the Whirlpool washer stuck on sensing occurs due to failure in the sensing cycle to transition into the wash cycle. These occur because of faulty motors, door switches, and control boards or a blocked water valve. To fix this, it is better to get these components replaced or simply power cycle your washer.

Why Is The Whirlpool Washer Stuck On Sensing?

Before we get to the solutions to any problem, it is better to understand and study the root cause of the problem itself so that we know what is the exact issue behind the problem and whether that problem can return. For this reason, we are going to dive into the reason behind the Whirlpool washer stuck on sensing.

Firstly let us remember that your Whirlpool Cabrio washer or your Whirlpool washer has a sensing mode installed in it which means that the washer first tests the lid lock and switch to make sure that the door of the Whirlpool washer is securely locked. This sensing model prevents the washer from blasting open in the middle of a wash cycle and keeps it stuck in the sensing cycle instead.

What happens next, is that the washer enters the sensing cycle where it slowly spins to help determine the load size. Once the load size is determined by spinning, the water is then added.

The next step involves the flooding of water from the water supply in the load inside the washer till enough water is required for the wash cycle.

It is important to study this sensing mode as it tells you the amount of water needed for a wash cycle according to the load size, and any failure in any one of the parts of the process could be the reason behind your Whirlpool washer stuck on sensing.

Also check: Amana Washer Stuck On Sensing Fill?

Now that we have a little background on the reason and mechanism behind the Whirlpool washer, let us move on to the different causes and solutions to this problem.

1. Check The Washer Level

If your Whirlpool washer is not properly level on the floor, it may cause the sensing cycle to be stuck hence why your Whirlpool washer is stuck on sensing. Due to the level being uneven, there might be errors in accurately determining the weight of the load and this imbalance may lead to incomplete wash cycles.

To fix this, use a spirit level to ensure proper alignment of the washer so that it is leveled correctly. In case of any unequal level, use a leveling foot to maintain the washer base.

2. Ensure The Door Switch Is Closed

A defective door switch or lid may be the reason why your Whirlpool Cabrio washer is stuck on sensing. This is because the door switch is a safety component that prevents the washer from starting a wash cycle unless the door and lid are correctly closed. If this switch or lid is defective, then the detecting cycle may not be followed.

To fix this, properly assess the washer and latch all the lids and doors tightly and securely. In case the door switch and lid remain faulty, you might need to get them replaced entirely!

3. Clogged Water Valve

As previously mentioned, in the washer cycle, the last step requires the release of enough water into the Whirlpool washer for proper working. However, if you notice that the water inlet valve itself is clogged, that may be the reason why your Whirlpool washer is stuck on sensing. This clogging usually occurs due to the build-up of debris, grease, and dirt which start blocking the path of water freely.

This is why the sensing cycle will not move into the next wash cycle as not enough water is being supplied to start the washing.

4. Defective Drive Motor

This drive motor is an important component of any washer as it controls the machine so that the washer drum produces power. If there is a problem with your drive motor, the drum will not be able to spin in the sensing phase and the load size can not be calculated. This is what leads to your Whirlpool Cabrio washer stuck on sensing. In case it moves further than the sensing mode, it is still bound to stop working later on in the cycle as it is defective.

To fix this, you might need to replace the drive motor. Buying a new drive motor can be economically challenging so confirm using professional help that the drive motor is faulty. Once you have checked for signs of wear and tear and enough damage you can proceed to get it replaced although we would advise you to invest in a new Whirlpool washer instead of buying a new drive motor.

5. Study The Main Control Board

It is wise to check your main control board if you continue facing the problem of your Whirlpool washer stuck on sensing as this is the main component in charge of controlling the entire washing process. If the main control board is faulty, the sensing cycle may not proceed to the next wash cycle. This is why this issue must be dealt with as soon as possible.

It is better to remove and replace a whole control board together. To replace it, locating it is the first aspect. The main control board is generally located inside its specific housing which should be disconnected from the power supply and removed. Make a note to stay safe as there are a lot of loose wirings and connections.

6. Check Your Shift Actuator

A shift actuator is an essential part of the Whirlpool washer as it is required for making smooth shifts or transitions between two cycles. It does so by triggering the transition between the sensing and wash cycle. If your shift actuator is faulty, it may lead to your Whirlpool washer being stuck on sensing evidently. It also has the added function of repositioning the Splutch Cam Ring in the correct order so that monitoring is easier.

Additionally, inside the actuator, there is an optical sensor used to monitor the speed and position of the transition happening between the two cycles.

Usually the reasons behind a faulty shift actuator range from mechanical to electrical. In case it was a mechanical failure, it is due to a broken or damaged shift actuator, and electrical problems include power surges or electrical faults.

To fix this, use a multimeter to ensure that the shift actuator is defective. If there is no sign of electrical continuity this means that there is an electrical failure and you must get it replaced.

7. Check The Drain Pump And Hose

It is necessary to entirely drain the water for the start of the next wash cycle so this is why a faulty drain pump or hose may cause your Whirlpool washer to be stuck on sensing.

To fix this, examine the drain pump and hose for any blockage of debris or dirt. Sometimes the filter screens are blocked.

To fix this, remove the hose and switch off the water supply. Remove the filter screens and clean them softly with a brush. Reattach the filter screens connect the hose to the water supply and turn it on to examine the water flow for any improvement.

8. Remove Any Error Codes

A Lot of the time it may be hard to figure out exactly why your Whirlpool washer is stuck on sensing so this is why you should use the help of a user manual or Whirlpool website to help you troubleshoot the problem on your own. Check the user manual and try to match the washer’s error code being displayed to the one in the manual which is according to the issues you are facing.

9. Reset Your Whirlpool Washer

If all else fails, it is time to power cycle or reset your Whirlpool washer to move on from being stuck in the sensing phase. Sometimes a lot of these error codes can be easily fixed by literally restarting the washer. Power cycling is the quickest way you can restart your Whirlpool washer.

To do this:

1. Unplug the power cable from the power supply.
2. Disconnect the washer from the power supply.
3. Wait for some time and then reconnect again.
4. Turn it on to see if it can sense now.

By following these comprehensive troubleshooting steps and recommendations, you can effectively diagnose and address a wide range of issues that may arise with your Whirlpool washer, ensuring it continues to operate reliably and efficiently.

If you encounter problems that prove too challenging to fix with the earlier guidance, it’s advisable to reach out to a professional appliance technician or Whirlpool’s customer support for additional assistance and any necessary repairs.

Locate Your Whirlpool Washer Manual: If you have your Whirlpool washer’s model number, visit Whirlpool’s official website and enter it in the search bar. Look for the “User Manual” under the “More Information” section. You might discover model-specific troubleshooting steps in the manual. Additionally, some washers include a physical copy of the manual with the appliance.

Contact Whirlpool Support: If your Whirlpool washer is still experiencing issues after following the troubleshooting steps, it might be best to consider professional repairs. Get in touch with Whirlpool’s support team at 1-866-698-2538. You can also schedule a visit from a certified technician online. In some cases, your warranty may cover the repair costs.

Conclusion:

We hope that our guide has helped you navigate through the issue of your Whirlpool washer getting stuck on sensing. If you follow the steps mentioned in our article, we are positive that at least one of them is the answer to your problem. Keep in mind that some steps require professional external help to properly assist you in technical ways if important. In that case, make sure to contact Whirlpool customer service to explain the issue you are facing. We would like to thank you for reading our article and being willing to understand our solutions.