A whirlpool washer is one of the necessities in the house as you’ll have an easy time washing your clothes any time of the day. However, there are times when it may fail to work as it should inconvenience you in different ways. One such problem is when the whirlpool washer senses light flashing. What can you do to stop such an issue and use your machine like before?
You can fix this by resetting the washer or checking for blockages in the pump, drain hose, or impeller. If any of them have an issue, consider replacing them to have your appliance work effectively.
Read this informative article to learn more about fixing a whirlpool washer with sensing light flashing and what it means when this happens.
What It Means When a Whirlpool Washer Sensing Light Flashing
Most of the time, your whirlpool washer will produce light when you power it on through the water level knob when it’s on auto-sensing settings. It will do this while sensing the contents to know the load size and balance before deciding on the amount of water it will use to wash the clothes. After the washer senses the load, it will get filled with water up to the auto-set water level then the washing phase starts.
When the washer produces sensing light at the beginning of a new washing cycle, it’s a sign that it’s working well. But if the wash cycle doesn’t move to the next phase, it indicates an underlying problem. It could be that the sensor has issues or a problem with the load size.
Ways of Fixing a Whirlpool Washer Sensing Light Flashing?
Before solving any problem with your Whirlpool washer, it’s best to identify the root cause. With this information, you’ll fix it within no time and have it work without challenges. You can solve this problem using the following methods;
Reset The Washer
One of the easiest fixes, when your whirlpool washer sensor light keeps flashing, is to reset the machine. You can do this after following/reading the user manual online. Search for instructions based on the washer model you’ve got, as each has its unique way of resetting.
Before resetting your whirlpool washer, ensure you disconnect it from the main switch, then leave it untouched for around 20 minutes before switching it on again. After that lift and close the washer’s lid six times within 12 seconds. Doing this will help you reset the device and have it work as it should. Then start a new wash cycle and try if the washer is okay.
Unclog The Drain Hose, Impeller or Pump
Your whirlpool washer sensor light could be flashing because of a blockage in the pump or drain hose. The blockage could be from lint build-up or buttons and pins on the pipe or hose. When there’s a blockage in these parts, water won’t drain from the machine, making it keep sensing and flashing.
To avoid such an issue, unclog the drain hose or pump after some time of use. Clearing the unit may not be much of a challenge. But it’s advisable to work with a professional, especially when handling the pump or the impeller. A professional understands how to disassemble, clean, and reassemble the unit without destroying any fragile part.
Identify The Error Code
Sometimes your whirlpool washer may fail because of a coding error. But you need to know the exact error code to fix this within no time. A whirlpool washer will show you various error codes which have different meanings. You can identify the error code of your washer by pressing some buttons.
Use the mode dial to set the washer to normal. Then turn the button to the left with one click. After that, do three clicks to the right. Continue clicking the button from left to right. Each one clicks, and it will display the error code on the datasheet on the console.
Use the error code to identify where the problem is. Then solve it accordingly. If it requires replacement, get the right part that fits the machine and fix it out.
Consider Replacing the Damaged Parts as Shown by The Error Code
Another hack to have your whirlpool washer sensor lights stop flashing is replacing the faulty parts. You can do this by yourself or ask for professional help to have it in the right place. Remember, to only replace these parts if the error code requests so. Also, use compatible parts with your washer model. You can know your whirlpool washer model by looking below its lid, where there are some codes.
Drain The Water and Opt for The Spin Function
You might be unable to identify or solve the problem with your whirlpool washer. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t solve the sensor light that keeps flashing. You can instead drain the water in the washer then use the spin function.
If there’s no water in the machine and it doesn’t spin, that’s an indication that the problem is on the shift actuator. So, you need to replace the actuator to stop the light from continuously flashing. Remember, if you’re unable to drain the water in the washing machine, you’ll not be able to use the spin function. Additionally, it won’t be able to start a new wash cycle.
Whirlpool Washers Drain or Spin function isn’t Working
Whenever your whirlpool washer keeps flashing light on the sensor, it’s an indication of an unidentified problem. Some of these reasons you can easily fix after identifying the affected area. The main reasons why water may not drain from your washing machine include;
- The drain hose is bent or twisted.
- A blockage in the drain.
- If the whirlpool washer’s door is unable to lock. Remember, your washer can only work when its door is closed.
- A spoilt water pump belt.
However, if it’s a problem with the spin function, then it could be;
- The washer’s door latch doesn’t completely close the unit when it’s shut.
- The drive belt is spoilt or loose
- The motor coupling isn’t functional or loose.
- The motor control board doesn’t receive or transfer power to the unit’s motor.
- There’s a problem with the lock switch assembly.
Bottom Line
When your whirlpool washer sensing light keeps flashing its means, there’s a problem you need to solve. It could be that the drain or pump has a blockage or the unit has an error code. You can solve this by resetting the unit or unclogging the pump or hose drain.
You can also diagnose the error code and replace the spoilt parts as per the instructions on the error code. You can solve most of these problems after reading the online guide yourself to save on money. If you can’t do this yourself, consider working with a technician who understands how the unit works.
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