When your washing machine starts to malfunction, it will display an error code to inform you what went wrong. The Whirlpool 5d error code is a common problem. The good news is that you will be able to solve it fairly quickly by following the advice in this article. Today, you will learn how to fix the 5d error code in 6 easy steps.
What Does The 5d Error Code Mean
When you encounter the 5d error code, it is critical to understand the meaning of this message. Whirlpool state that a 5d error code indicates too many suds which means that detergent has been used incorrectly. When there’s an abundance of foam in the drained water, your washing machine temporarily halts turning its drum as a safety precaution. There are numerous reasons why this error code can be triggered – read further for more details!
Are 5d or Sd Error Codes The Same
The 5d and Sd error codes are completely the same. You may be surprised to learn that a Whirlpool washer will only display an Sd error code in the event of excess suds. The code is commonly mispronounced because nearly all people read it as 5d.
What Triggers A 5d or Sd Error Code?
1. Incorrect Type Of Detergent
If you’re receiving the 5d error code on your Whirlpool washer, chances are it’s due to an excessive amount of detergent. This problem is typically encountered when people change from one type of detergent to another. To avoid this, make sure that you carefully read the instructions printed on each package for accurate dosage information; otherwise, too many suds will accumulate in your machine and cause it to cease functioning temporarily.
2. Too Much Detergent
To avoid the 5d error code, it is imperative to use top-quality detergents. High Efficiency (HE) detergents are especially suggested due to their low sud properties that enable them to perform optimally when washing clothes. Choosing a high-efficiency product will drastically reduce the chances of getting this error code. You can find HE Compatible Detergents at here at Amazon and other retails.
3. Blockage in the Drain Line
Detergent residue can end up in different components of your Whirlpool washer. This happens as your washing machine is trying to drain the water filled with foam. That’s why you should check whether there is a blockage in the drain line to ensure it’s not blocked by detergent residue.
4. Clogged Drain Pump
The drain pump can get clogged from an excess of detergent residue. The drain pump assembly is located at the bottom of the front panel. You can use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the bottom of the panel. Once you do that, you’ll instantly see the drain pump assembly.
5. Faulty Water Pressure Sensor
If you accurately used the prescribed amount of HE detergent for this cycle and yet are still presented with a 5d error code, something else is most likely to blame – namely, your foam sensor. When it begins crashing or otherwise functioning improperly, the machine may not be able to correctly detect how much soap was actually dispensed leading it to show an erroneous 5d code.
Fixing A Whirlpool 5d Error Code in 6 Steps
1. Remove Any Residual Detergent
If your Whirlpool washing machine is displaying the 5d error code, you can easily fix it. To start, take out any clothes that may still be in the washer and conduct a long cycle at high temperature — this should get rid of most detergent residue. However, if there’s still buildup after running this cycle, try using a specialized cleaning product to help clear away stubborn debris from the interior of your appliance. It’s an easy process requiring minimal effort – but one that could save you from hefty repair costs down the line!
2. Check the Drain Hose is Clear
Inspect the drain hose and check whether it is twister or kinked in a certain spot. Straighten the hose if necessary to allow your washer to drain. In case the drain hose is clogged due to detergent residue or debris buildup, use a drain snake to clean it.
3. Inspect the Drain Pump & Pump Filter for Blockages
The drain pump assembly may be blocked or damaged, which is why you should investigate this component. In case you see that it’s damaged in any way, you should replace it. You can find replacement drain pump assemblies here at Appliance Pro Parts. If it’s just blocked, remove the residue that’s causing it to malfunction. You can use a cloth to wipe the drain pump assembly.
4. Inspect the Foam Level Sensor
The 5d error code could be due to a faulty foam level sensor. To check this, try turning on the machine before initiating a wash cycle and if you still see the 5d error code present, it’s likely time for an upgrade. The component is located behind the control panel so break out that screwdriver! After removing some screws holding down said panel, you should have access to replace or repair this important piece of equipment.
After extracting the control panel, try a multimeter to test the foam level sensor for electrical continuity. This is an ideal way of assessing if it’s working or not. Connect your multimeter leads on either side of the foam level sensor terminals and observe your reading – should you see 0 ohms (or something close to that number), then all is in perfect order! But any other readings indicate a faulty component requiring immediate replacement!
5. Inspect the Water Pressure Sensor
The water level sensor, situated in the rear of the control panel and easily discernible by its attached rubber tube, can experience malfunctioning or block due to electrical issues or a clogged pressure hose. Therefore, you should disconnect this tube promptly to inspect if it contains any clogs.
Once you’ve cleared any potential blockages, your next step should be testing the sensor for continuity with a multimeter set to its lowest resistance setting. Connecting the leads of the multimeter to each of these components’ three terminals, you should receive an almost 0 ohms value if it’s in good condition. By doing so, you can make sure that nothing is obstructing your progress moving forward. If the reading is showing a faulty unit, you will need to replace it with a new pressure sensor. You can buy a replacement pressure sensor here.
Here’s a great video on how to test a water pressure sensor for electrical continuity.
6. Check the Main Control Board
If all else fails and the Whirlpool 5d error code persists, it’s likely that your control board is to blame. The control board can send out incorrect alerts when faulty and consequently display arbitrary error codes on the front panel of your washing machine. To verify if this is indeed the case, you should use a multimeter for testing purposes; here’s how:
- Unplug your washer and grab a screwdriver.
- Remove all of the screws that hold the control panel. Once you remove the control panel, you’ll see the board behind it.
- Take your multimeter and set it to the lowest ohm setting.
- You will need to connect the leads of your multimeter to the control board’s terminals to perform the test.
- If you get a reading of a high number or infinity, the control board on your Whirlpool washer is faulty and should be replaced as soon as possible.
The main control board can be an expensive repair, however, Appliance Parts Pros stock a range of high quality aftermarket parts that you can check out here. Watch the video below for more information on how to test a washer control board.
How To Reset A Whirlpool Washer
Resetting your Whirlpool washing machine is a quick and easy process! Firstly, turn off the washer at its control panel, unplug it for around two minutes, then plug it back in. When you switch it on again after one minute has passed, this method should reset the appliance.
Alternatively, you can also try switching off the washer via its control panel before rotating its mode dial to Normal – repeat this action in an alternating sequence until you have achieved desired results.
- One-click counterclockwise.
- Three clicks clockwise.
- One-click counterclockwise.
- One-click clockwise.
Once you finish this sequence, you should press the start button and your washer will be reset.
Finally, you can press the Pause/Cancel button twice. After that, press the power button. You will now either see the display panel flash or hear a beep. This means that the machine has been reset.
Here’s a short guide on how to reset a Whirlpool washer.
Why not take 5 minutes to read Whirlpool Washer Stuck on Sensing | Simple Fix
Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Models
The 5d error code is displayed on a number of Whirlpool washer models to notify the user of excess suds. The following washing machine models will display this code.
- LSC8244EQ0
- LSC8244EQ1
- LSC8244EZ0
- LSC8244EZ1
- LSR6132EQ0
- LSR6132EZ0
- LSR7233EQ0
- LSR7233EW0
- LSR7233EZ0
- LSR8233EQ0
- LSR8233EZ0
- LSR8244EQ0
- LSR8244EQ1
- LSR8244EZ0
- LSR8244EZ1
Verdict: Whirlpool 5d or Sd Error Code
Don’t be alarmed if you receive a Whirlpool 5d error code while using your washing machine. Something is amiss, but it can easily be resolved by cleansing any residual soap or examining certain parts. Believe it or not, the issue might just be simply addressed with a simple cleaning of one part like the drain hose or pump filter – no replacement required! However, if that doesn’t do the trick then you may need to replace these components altogether.
Andy has over 8 years of experience working on residential household appliances, performing diagnostics, and repairs across most major brands. He graduated from the Denver Institute of Technology, is NASTeC certified, and has worked for Mr. Appliance. Andy has contributed to features on major publications including Better Home & Gardens, Family Handyman, and Yahoo.com.
