Whirlpool Washer Won’t Start

Whirlpool manufactures some of the best washing machines on the market. But sometimes they can break down and will need to be repaired. In this guide, we are going to cover the top 5 reasons why your Whirlpool washer won’t start and then give you step-by-step instructions on how to fix them.

1. The power supply might be defective

The first reason to investigate is if your Whirlpool washer is getting the correct power supply. Sometimes, the power outlet your washer is plugged into can become defective or the circuit breaker that’s responsible for supplying your washer can turn off.

Checking the power supply is straightforward. Here’s what to do:

1. Start by trying to plug your washer into a different power socket. If it works in a different socket, the original socket is faulty and will need to be replaced.
2. If the washer doesn’t work in a different power socket, go to your household fuse box and make sure the circuit breaker is turned on. If it has switched off, turn it on and check if your washer now works.
3. If your washer still doesn’t work, check the power cord with a multimeter to ensure it has continuity. If it fails the test, the cord will need to be repaired or replaced. If the cord is fine, check out reason number 2.
4. Once the new cord has been installed, check if your Whirlpool washer works. If not, check out reason number 2.

2. The thermal fuse might be defective

Reason number 2 in our guide is the thermal fuse might have become defective. The purpose of the thermal fuse is to turn your washer off when it overheats. If the thermal fuse blows, your Whirlpool washer won’t start.

To check the thermal fuse, follow these steps:

1. Switch the power off to your Whirlpool washer.
2. Locate the thermal fuse (if you don’t know where it is, consult your Whirlpool washer user manual).
3. Once you’ve located the thermal fuse, remove it from the washer or disconnect it.
4. Test the thermal fuse with a multimeter to check if it has continuity.
5. If the fuse doesn’t pass the continuity test, it will have to be replaced. If it passes the test, reinstall it and move on to reason number 3.
6. After the new thermal fuse has been installed into your Whirlpool washer, check if it can now start. If not, move on to reason number 3.

3. The line fuse might be defective

The next reason to check out is if the line fuse has blown. This fuse can blow if the circuits in your Whirlpool washer become overloaded. When this happens, your washing machine won’t start.

To check the line fuse, follow these steps:

1. Switch the power off to your Whirlpool washer.
2. Locate the line fuse (if you don’t know where it is, consult your Whirlpool washer user manual).
3. Once you’ve located the line fuse, remove it from the washer or disconnect it.
4. Test the line fuse with a multimeter to check if it has continuity.
5. If the line fuse is faulty, replace it. If the line fuse passes the test, reinstall it and move on to reason number 4.
6. After the new line fuse has been installed into your Whirlpool washer, check if it can now start. If not, move on to reason number 4.
7. To make sure the line fuse doesn’t blow again, the motor and drain pump should be checked to ensure they are not the cause of the fuse blowing.

4. The door lock might be defective

The door lock makes sure your washer door is securely shut. If it becomes faulty, your washer might not start as it won’t think the washing machine door is closed correctly.

To check the door lock, follow these steps:

1. Switch the power off to your Whirlpool washer.
2. Locate the door lock (it’s in the door compartment).
3. First, make sure the door lock is not physically damaged in any way. If the door lock is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
4. If the door lock isn’t damaged, disconnect it so it can be tested with a multimeter.
5. Test the door lock with a multimeter to check if it has continuity.
6. If the door lock doesn’t pass the continuity test, it will have to be replaced. If it does pass the test, reconnect it and move on to reason number 5.
7. After the new door lock has been installed into your Whirlpool washer, check if it can now start. If not, move on to reason number 5.

5. The timer might be defective

The timer is responsible for monitoring the wash cycle so your Whirlpool washer works correctly. If it becomes faulty, your washer might not be able to start.

To check the timer, follow these steps:

1. Switch the power off to your Whirlpool washer.
2. Locate the timer (if you don’t know where it is, consult your Whirlpool washer user manual).
3. Once you’ve located the timer, remove it from the washer or disconnect it.
4. Test the timer with a multimeter to check if it has continuity.
5. If the timer doesn’t pass the continuity test it will have to be replaced.
6. After the new timer has been installed into your Whirlpool washer, check if it can now start. If not, we recommend you get a qualified technician to inspect your washer to see if they can find the cause of it not starting.