7 Methods To Reset Your Whirlpool Washer

Did you start your washing machine only to discover it isn’t working properly? You may be thinking this is down to a mechanical or electrical component failure, but sometimes a washer’s program can glitch, and be fixed by resetting the appliance. 

There are several methods you can try to reset your Whirlpool washer. Below, I go over each one, giving you step-by-step instructions to help you get your washer back up and running in no time. This guide should work to reset most Whirlpool washers, including the ones I’ve listed at the end of this post.

1. Unplug the Washer

The most common method to reset a washing machine is to simply unplug it from its power source and leave it unplugged for several minutes before plugging it back in. This works by allowing the electrical charge built up in the machine to dissipate. When plugged back in, the machine will reset and work properly again. 

To reset your Whirlpool washer using this method, follow these steps. 

1. Turn the appliance off at the control panel.
2. Unplug the unit from the power.
3. Wait at least three minutes.
4. Plug the unit back in.
5. Wait at least 30 seconds for the machine to reset before turning it on. 

If unplugging the appliance does not fix the issue, try running through the steps again, only this time, wait at least six minutes before plugging it back in again. 

2. Switch Off the Washer At The Circuit Breaker

If you are unable to unplug your washing machine, you can disconnect the power to it by switching off the circuit breaker associated with the appliance. 

1. Turn the washer off at its control panel.
2. Open your home’s electrical panel and locate the switch labeled ‘washer.’
3. Flip the switch to the ‘off’ position. 
4. Wait three minutes. 
5. Flip the switch back to the ‘on’ position.
6. Wait at least 30 seconds before starting your washer to allow it to complete the reset. 

3. Reset Using The Washer Dial 

Some washers have a dial on their control panels. This dial can be used to reset the machine in some cases. Follow the steps below to reset your Whirlpool washer if it has a dial control. 

1. Make sure the unit is turned off at the control panel. 
2. Turn the dial until it points to ‘Normal.’
3. Turn the dial back (counterclockwise) with one click.
4. Turn the dial forward (clockwise) with three clicks.
5. Turn the dial back with one click.
6. Turn the dial forward with one click. 
7. Push the ‘Start’ button. The control panel should light up.
8. Confirm that the ‘Rinse,’ ‘Wash,’ and ‘Stop’ buttons are illuminated. 
9. Turn the machine off again at the control panel.
10. Unplug the machine from the power for twenty seconds.
11. Plug it back in and turn the washer on. 

4. Reset Top Loaders By Opening and Closing the Lid

If your Whirlpool washer is a top-load model, opening and closing the lid may reset it to fix any weird issues that are going on. To reset this type of washer, follow these steps. 

1. Unplug the unit.
2. Wait one minute and plug it back in.
3. Within 12 seconds, open and close the lid six times each. 

If this method works to reset your Whirlpool washing machine, you should hear a beep or see the control panel light up. 

5. Press the Power and Program Buttons

If the methods outlined above do not work to reset your Whirlpool washer, you can try pressing a combination of buttons to do the trick. This combination involves the ‘Power,’ ‘Program,’ and ‘Water Level’ buttons. Conduct the steps below to reset your washing machine. 

1. Keep the washing machine plugged into the power outlet, but make sure it is turned off at the control panel. 
2. Press and hold the ‘Program’ button. At the same time, press the ‘Water Level’ button two times. If done correctly, the control panel will light up. 
3. Push all the buttons on the control panel one at a time. Do not press the ‘Power’ button. 
4. Open the lid. You will hear a beep.
5. Close the lid. The machine should begin the reset cycle. 

6. Perform Recalibration Process

If you have replaced any parts on your Whirlpool washing machine, you need to perform a recalibration process. This process returns the machine to its default settings, which allows it to work at optimum efficiency and functionality. This calibration works on washer models that have a row of oblong LED lights located below the center dial on the control panel. If you have tried the other methods of resetting and nothing has worked, recalibrating your washer using this process may solve the issue. 

1. Turn the center dial counterclockwise until it is in the 12 o’clock/North position. 
2. Unplug the unit from the wall.
3. Wait one minute and then plug it back in again. 
4. You will hear a clicking noise from the control panel as the washer boots up. 
5. Rotate the center dial counterclockwise a full 360 degrees until it is pointing North again. 
6. Turn the center dial right to three clicks.
7. Turn the center dial left with one click.
8. Turn the center dial right one time. 
9. Steps 6, 7, and 8 need to be done within three seconds. If you don’t get it the first time, start over by turning the center dial counterclockwise 360 degrees again and proceed with steps 6, 7, and 8. If you have done it correctly, the row of lights under the center dial will flash on and off indicating the machine is in diagnostic mode.
10. Turn the center dial clockwise for four clicks. This will illuminate the ‘Rinse’ light only. 
11. Press the ‘Start’ button to begin the recalibration process. 
12. The recalibration process takes about three minutes to complete, during which time, the machine will conduct diagnostic testing and calibration on all the unit’s parts. The washer will make a lot of loud noises, which is normal. 
13. When the recalibration process is complete, all the lights will shut off and the machine lid will unlock. It is now ready to use again. 

How to Do a Whirlpool Washer Reset & Recalibration

7. Cabrio Reset Procedure

The Cabrio reset is another method used to reset a Whirlpool washer. If you see an error code on your machine’s display, try pressing any of the buttons on the control panel to clear it. If that does not work, try pressing the Pause/Cancel button. When the error code has disappeared, try running another wash cycle. 

If the error code comes back, unplug the Cabrio from the power. Plug it back in and check for the error code. If it comes back, repeat these steps, waiting five minutes to plug the unit back in. Once plugged back in, start a wash cycle without clothes and see if the error code has gone for good. 

Applicable Whirlpool Models

The reset methods I’ve outlined above work for most Whirlpool washing machines. You can find a list of applicable models this guide pertains to below. If you don’t see your particular model listed here, you can attempt the reset methods above as they work for many brands and models of washers. 

• 2LA5700XMW0
• 2LA5700XMW1
• 2LSR5233BN0
• 2LSR5233BQ1
• 2LSR5233BW0
• 2LSR5233BZ1
• 3CA2000XMW0
• GHW9100LW1
• GHW9100LW2
• GHW9150PW0
• GHW9150PW4
• GHW9200LW0
• LSQ8243HQ0
• LSR7233EQ0
• LSR8233EQ0
• LXR9245EQ1
• WFW72HEDW0
• WFW9150WW00
• WTW4800XQ2
• WTW4800XQ4
• WTW5000DW1

Reference

Whirlpool – Owners Support