Instead of getting frustrated and overwhelmed when your Whirlpool Cabrio top-loading and high-efficiency washer has a problem, you may be able to troubleshoot the problem and fix it yourself without the costly help of a service technician. Basic power checks and the provided error codes help you narrow down the cause.
Verify Power
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Before you attempt any troubleshooting, check for power to the machine. You can complete a simple check of the outlet for power by unplugging the washer and plugging in a clock or a light and testing for power, or by checking with a non-contact voltage tester. If the outlet is dead, check the circuit breaker by flipping it off and then back on. Sometimes breakers trip without looking as if they have, which is why you need to physically inspect it. For fuse boxes, replace any blown fuses.
Unplugging the washer for up to five minutes can sometimes clear any problems the machine had or clear error codes.
Evaluate Error Code
Cabrio washers use software and electronics to help you troubleshoot and fix simple problems with the machine by providing an error code on the digital display. Some codes indicate issues you can resolve while others indicate the need for professional service:
dU -- this code indicates the machine's lid won't unlock after completing a cycle. A basketful of laundry on top of the washer can cause this problem.
F## -- press Start-Pause on the control panel to clear the code in case it was a fluke, and press it again to restart the cycle. If the code appears again, call for service, as this is a general system error code that requires professional troubleshooting.
HC indicates that you have switched the hot and cold hoses on the back of the machine, installing the hot hose on the cold water inlet. Reverse these to fix this error after turning the water supply valves off.
Ld advises you that the machine is taking too long to drain. Check to verify correct installation of the drain hose into the standpipe. Review the installation instructions for proper drain hose and standpipe height.
LF represents an abbreviation for long fill that means the machine is taking too long to fill with water. This could indicate a kinked water hose, or a turned-off water supply to the home or to the machine. It can also mean a problem with the drain line. Verify it is installed correctly: with the standard installation, the drain hose must extend 4 1/2 inches -- no more or less-- into the vertical drain pipe (standpipe).
lid -- Close the lid to allow the washer to go through its cycle. When you leave the Cabrio's lid open for more than 10 minutes, water drains from the machine, and the washer resets.
oL reports that you have overloaded the machine. Remove some of the items from the machine and restart the load. When the machine reports this error, it drains the water and detergent, requiring you to reset the load.
Sd -- If you used the wrong detergent -- not designed for HE use -- or put too much in, the Sd code indicates there are too many suds inside the machine. The machine will complete a suds reduction step and resume washing once complete. If the dial flashes, you need to restart the washer with a cold-water cycle without using any detergent.
uL indicates an unbalanced load error that the machine may be able to correct. Allow the machine to continue, unless the dial is flashing and the washer has stopped. In this case, you need to manually rebalance the load, then press Start-Pause to resume washing.
Signals and Unusual Noises
When the load is finished, the Cabrio washer continues to beep its completed cycle until you turn the machine off, and remove the load or lift its lid.
A certain amount of humming, motor shifts or gurgling sounds are all normal for a Cabrio washer. Clicking noises usually indicate items were left inside pockets and are now tumbling about inside the machine. When you wash tennis shoes or have an unbalanced load, it can create a thumping noise inside the washer.
An improperly leveled machine will loudly vibrate during spinning or report a uL error on the display.
Diagnostic Self-Test
To enter the self-test mode and clear or reset error codes after fixing a problem, first verify the machine is in Standby Mode by pressing the Start-Pause button and confirming that no lights display on the control panel.
To enter the diagnostic mode, press any button (except Power or Start-Pause, or Pause on some models) and hold it for three seconds, release for three seconds and hold again for three seconds. Next, press and hold the same button until all the lights on the panel come on. The numbers 88 should appear on the digital display.
During the first part of this diagnosis, the error codes that have occurred pop up on the display. Have a piece of paper handy to write them down. When the self-diagnosis is complete, 88 will appear again on the display, and the self-test continues.
Download User Manual
Locate your machine's model number to download the user manual specific to your machine. Whirlpool may update the error codes on newer machines; with the correct user manual for your machine, you can locate the troubleshooting codes specific to it. You can find the appliance tag with the model number on the rear of the tub rim, underneath the lid.