Washing machines have revolutionized everyday life. Unfortunately, It’s not until the washing machine stops working correctly that we realize how much we depend on it. What can you do when your washer is stuck on sensing?
Typically, your washer will be stuck on sensing if the washer is not able to transition to the next cycle. This will happen if the water inlet valves are closed, if there was a recent power outage or power surge, or if the control board or timer is defective.
Washing machines are one of life’s greatest inventions. Thanks to modern inventors, we can easily do laundry in our home, at any time of day, and choose from a variety of cycles and settings to clean our clothes. One such amazing feature is the sense mode.
The sensing mode on a washing machine is probably the most underappreciated cycle on the washing machine. More is involved in the sense cycle than simply detecting items inside the washing machine drum.
When you press the Start button to begin a wash cycle, the first step of the sense mode’s job is to test the lock on the washer door. You will often hear the washer door click as it unlocks.
After the door is unlocked, the drum will rotate and then the door will lock again. Once the door is securely locked again, the washer drum will rotate a few more times. The washing machine is using this technique to estimate the size of the load inside the drum.
Once the weight of the load is estimated, the washing machine will begin to fill the drum with enough water to soak the laundry. After a few minutes, more water is added to the laundry before the estimated amount of water is reached.
When a washing machine is stuck in sensing mode it is because something is malfunctioning. The problem can arise from a variety of reasons ranging from something as simple as a clogged inlet valve to something more complicated and serious such as an electrical failure.
How To Fix Whirlpool Washer Stuck On Sensing
Whirlpool washers are known for being reliable machines. If your Whirlpool washer is stuck on sensing, here are two reasons why.
1. Replace Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve is an essential component of the washing machine and should not be compromised. Locate the inlet valve inside the washing machine and replace it. Be sure to connect all corresponding hoses and wires to the new valve.
2. Restart The Washer
The simplest and quickest way to restart your Whirlpool washing machine is to unplug it. Let the washing machine remain unplugged for a few minutes. Plug the washer back in and test to see if the washer is still stuck in sense mode.
8 Reasons Why Your Whirlpool Washer Is Stuck On Sensing
There are a variety of reasons why your washing machine is stuck in sensing mode. The issue can range from something as simple as an imbalanced load to something more serious as an electrical issue. This article will discuss 8 reasons why your washing is stuck in sensing mode.
1. Faulty Shift Actuator
The shift actuator on a washing machine is what allows the different wash cycles to transition from one to another. It contains a sensor that is responsible for monitoring and determining the speed of the wash and spin cycles.
If the shift actuator is defective, the washing machine will remain in sense mode. A recent power outage or power surge can cause the shift actuator to become frozen.
Resetting the washing machine will often resolve the issue. However, if the issue is a mechanical one, the shift actuator will need to be replaced.
2. Faulty Drive Motor
When the washing machine is first sensing the weight of its load, the drum rotates. After the weight is determined and the wash cycle begins, the drum will continue to rotate throughout the entire process.
The rotation process ensures the items inside the drum are evenly distributed and cleaned. The rotation also ensures all excess water is removed from the drum and the laundry during the spin and drain cycles.
A faulty drive motor will prevent the washer drum from rotating. If the drum is not able to rotate, the washing machine cannot sense the weight of the load, therefore it will remain in sense mode.
3. Defective Timer
All cycles on a washing machine rely on the timer. Without a properly working timer, the cycles would run endlessly or be extremely short. This would not only result in a terrible waste of energy and money but it would also affect your laundry. You would either have laundry that never gets clean or laundry that is ruined from constantly being submerged in water.
Accessing the timer will involve removing the face of the control board. You will need to consult your model-specific User’s Manual to ensure you correctly and safely remove the panel. Use a multimeter tool to test the timer for continuity.
4. Electrical Failure
All of our appliances depend on a steady supply of electricity. Without electricity, the washing machine would simply not work. However, an interruption in the supply of electricity will also affect the washing machine.
A power outage or power surge will greatly affect your washing machine’s ability to work correctly. The sudden loss in power as well as the sudden surge in electricity can cause the washing machine to become stuck on the last command.
The surge in electricity can also damage the control board. Use a multimeter tool to measure the amount of voltage that is in the control board. Your User’s Manual will have the specific voltage amount needed for the washing machine to work as well as the amount to not exceed.
5. Closed Water Valve
Water is probably the most important element of a washing machine, next to electricity, of course. Without water, the washing machine is useless.
If either the hot or cold water valve is closed, the washing machine’s sensor will be unable to detect when it is time to move into a new cycle. The washing machine will remain stuck in sensing mode until water is detected.
6. Clogged Inlet Water Valve
A clogged water valve is more than an irritating nuisance. It is a problem that can become quite serious if not remedied immediately.
If the water valve is clogged, the washing machine will not fill with water. The washing machine will remain in sense mode until a sufficient amount of water is sensed inside the washing machine drum.
One common reason for a clogged water valve is hard water buildup. You’re probably thinking, “Water is water, right?” No. Interestingly, not all water is the same.
There are actually two different types of water. Hard water and soft water. Both are very different from each other. The difference depends on the amount of minerals present in the water. The higher the amount, the higher the water ranks on the hardness scale.
Water contains natural minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Hard water is the result of a high amount of these minerals. An indicator of hard water is water spots and film on your dishes. The not-so-pleasant name we know these spots as is ‘soap scum’.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on 2023-01-27.
Hard water is not dangerous to consume but it is very dangerous for your pipes and appliances. As the water continually passes through the pipes, the minerals in the water will continue to build up along the inside of the pipe.
Much like a clogged artery in a human heart, the buildup will eventually restrict the flow of water. Because the water inlet valve has a smaller opening, the valve will become clogged before the pipes do.
Use a multimeter tool to test the water valve. If there is no continuity this means the valve is clogged and needs to be replaced.
7. Load Imbalance
We’ve all done it. We try to cram as many items as possible into the washing machine drum. Who wants to wait around and run another load for a few items of laundry?
Unfortunately, this causes problems with our washing machine. Here are two specific problems that arise from overstuffing the washing machine.
First, while washing machines are designed to handle larger loads, the items inside the washing machine need to have enough room to rotate throughout the drum. This is true whether you have a top-loading or front-loading washing machine.
When the drum is overloaded, the items inside will block the sensors inside the drum. The washing machine will not be able to correctly sense the size of the load and it will remain stuck in the sensing mode.
The second issue that arises is that the correct weight of the load will not be determined. When the machine is in sensing mode, the washer drum will rotate a few times. This rotation of the items inside is how the washing machine is able to determine the size of the load and how much water to use.
If the laundry inside the drum becomes stuck on one side of the drum, the sensor cannot accurately detect the weight of the laundry. The washing machine will remain stuck in the sensing mode until the load is evenly distributed.
8. Defective Control Board
The control board is the brain of the washing machine. The control board is responsible for sending out signals and commands to all the various working components of the washing machine.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on 2023-01-27.
You can use a multimeter tool to test the control board for continuity. If there is no continuity detected, the control board is not receiving any electrical signals and needs to be replaced.
3 Things You Can Try To Fix Your Whirlpool Washer Stuck On Sensing
When your washing machine is stuck in sensing mode, here are 3 things you can try to fix the problem.
1. Reset The Washing Machine
If your washing machine recently experienced a power outage power surge, the last command entered may have become stuck. You will need to reset the washing machine in order to clear out the stuck command.
Turn off the power supply to the washing machine by either unplugging the washing machine or turning off the breaker supplying the washer. Let the washing machine reset without power for at least 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, return power to the washing machine and being the wash cycle.
2. Open Both Water Valves
Was your washing machine recently installed or moved? It is possible the water inlet valves are still closed. When either the hot or cold water valves are closed, the washing machine will remain in sense mode because it is not sensing any water in the drum.
ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on 2023-01-27.
3. Replace The Control Board
The control board houses the selection of cycles we choose from. When the control board is defective, the signals are not sent out to the various components of the washing machine. The sense mode may have started, but because there is no signal communicating to transition to the next cycle, the washer will remain in sense mode.
FAQs
How do I reset my Whirlpool washer sensor? ›
Rotate your dial until you have the following three lights illuminated: RINSE, WASH, and STOP. Then turn off your washer and unplug it for ten seconds. When you turn it back on it should be reset. You can run a test load without any clothing to ensure that the reset worked.
Why does my Whirlpool washer stay on sensing? ›If the water level seems too low, or if the washer does not fill completely, auto-sensing helps stabilize the amount of water used. The washer senses the size of the load and adds the correct amount of water for the load size. You may notice during a cycle that the wash load is not completely submerged in water.
How long should a washer be in sensing mode? ›These sensing spins may take 2 to 3 minutes before water is added to the load. The washer will then move the load briefly, pause to allow water to soak into the load, and resume adding water. This process may repeat until the correct amount of water has been added to the load.
How do you bypass a washing machine sensing? ›- Let us say you have 2 lbs of clothes.
- Add the 2 lbs of clothes in the washtub.
- Before commencing the wash cycle, pour 4 lbs of water over the clothes and let water to soak into the fabric.
- Start the wash cycle. ...
- You have successfully bypassed water level sensor.
If you see no change, you can try a Master Reset. This will reset all of the onboard componentry and is often successfully used by appliance technicians. Open and close the door of the washing machine 6 times within 12 seconds. Then, run the rinse/spin cycle without clothing to see if your problems are resolved.
Why is my machine stuck on sensing fill? ›There are several possible reasons why your washing machine may be stuck on sensing fill. The most common reasons include overloading of the drum, a clogged inlet screen, a faulty inlet valve, or a failure of the main control board.
Why is my Whirlpool washer not advancing cycles? ›If your washer does not advance through the cycle or stalls at a wash or rinse fill portion, then the water inlet valve may be at fault. You should first verify that the inlet hoses do not have any kinks or restrictions and that the inlet screens are clean.
Why the sensor is on in washing machine? ›Water Level Sensing
A critical function of any washing machine is to know when water needs to be pumped into the drum and when water needs to be pumped out. The various wash cycles may depend on differing water levels in the drum, so it is important to be able to sense the water level within the drum.
Set the Water Level knob to the Auto Sensing setting and the washer will fill to a level that ensures the load engages the agitator. From this point, the electronic control will sense the load and determine if additional water is needed.
Why sensor of washing machine is not working? ›Inspect the tube for kinks and/or holes. Correct any problems by straightening or replacing the tube. Clean and clear the tube if you find gunk in it. A good cleaning may be all that's needed to correct a malfunctioning switch, but continue troubleshooting with the next step.
Does unplugging a washing machine unlock it? ›
These locks are powered by electricity and if you unplug your washing machine, once the residual power drained from the machine the lock should release.
What buttons do you press to reset a Whirlpool dishwasher? ›Some models require you to shut off the power to the dishwasher either by unplugging it or shutting off the circuit breaker. Others are reset by pressing and holding the Start/Reset button on the control panel, then waiting a few moments before attempting to start a wash cycle.
How do you override a Whirlpool washer? ›On mine I press DEEP FILL and FABRIC SOFTENER together for 3 or 4 seconds. After that it allows me to run a laundry cycle. Be aware that for the next laundry you are facing the same situation, So press DELAY START Before you load the tub and go ahead and let it run the Tub Clean.
What are the most common problems on a Whirlpool washing machine? ›- Washer Making Unusual Noises. ...
- Washer Won't Start. ...
- Washer Lid Won't Lock. ...
- LD Error Code Appears. ...
- Washer Leaves Deposits on Dark Clothes. ...
- Washer Has a Burned Plastic Odor. ...
- Rust Spots Appear on Washer Lid.
Follow these steps to reset a Whirlpool washing machine: Make sure the power to the washer is turned on at the wall, but keep the Power button on the control off. Hold the Program button down while simultaneously pressing the Water Level button two times. When done correctly, the control panel lights should illuminate.
How do you reset a washing machine without unplugging it? ›In certain models, turn the knob to reset with the power button "Off." Select the desired program. Press the power button to restart the washer. In other cases, if the machine has a "Cancel" button, push it to clear the error and then push the "Pause" or "Stop" button to reset it.
How do I reset my top load washer? ›- Unplug the washer for 1 minute from the electrical outlet.
- Plug the washer back in and lift and lower the lid 6 times within a 12 second period. You have 30 seconds to start lifting and lowering the lid. ...
- The motor has now been reset and is ready for you to start a cycle.
If your washer continues to fill during a cycle, the water inlet valve could be at fault. To verify that the valve is at fault, unplug the washer when the symptom occurs. If the washer continues to fill, then the water inlet valve is defective.
Why is my washer saying sense? ›One meaning of sensing in a washer is the feature on newer machines where the washer, before the washing process starts, senses the weight and density of the items being washed so it uses an appropriate amount of water to properly clean the items.
Why is my washing machine stuck on a cycle? ›If your washer in the washing machine is stuck on one continuous cycle and will not progress and move forward to the other wash cycle, then most likely the timer is faulty and needs replacement. The timer on your washing machine controls all aspects of the wash, spin and others.
How do I get my Whirlpool washer to just spin? ›
Try this method " select the RINSE/DRAIN & SPIN cycle and deselect the EXTRA RINSE option. In this case it cancels ALL rinsing for the cycle. This is how you get a spin-only cycle."
Why is my washing machine cycle taking longer than it should? ›A washer that continuously takes too long to wash may have a malfunctioning load sense system, or greater problems with its control panel. There may also be issues with your water inlet valve, which pulls water into the appliance for each cycle.
What is the cost of washing machine sensor? ›₹449.00 FREE Delivery.
How do I know if my sensor is clean? ›Make sure that your focus is way off (completely out of focus) – that way only dust particles will be visible. Zoom in on the image (rear camera LCD), scroll from left to right and top to bottom all over the image and see if you can find any dark spots. If you cannot see any, your sensor is clean.
What does auto sensing mean? ›Auto-Sensing saves you water and automates the whole washing process. It ensures that the best amount of water to fully clean your clothes is used.
Why is the sensing fill light flashing? ›See the following troubleshooting link: http://products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-support-search-content?contentId=16539 If the fill light flashes, check your house water supply. As soon as the light starts to flash, the washer will initiate a 4 minute lock-out period.
How do you bypass the lock sensor on a Whirlpool washer? ›Access the lid lock switch by unplugging your washer from the wall and turning off the water. Press a magnet against the lid lock mechanism for a quick, easy way to bypass the lid lock.
How do you diagnose washer control and program problems? ›- What You Will Need: ...
- Switch Off Your Appliance. ...
- Check 1 - Turning The Machine On. ...
- Check 2 - Recognise That It Is Filled With Water. ...
- Check 3 - Heating The Water & Proceed With Wash Cycle. ...
- Check 4 - Drain The Water & Proceed With Rinse Cycle.
WHIRLPOOL Round Washing Machine Water Level Sensor, Regular at Rs 300/piece in Pune.
How do you know if your washing machine is unbalanced? ›If a top load washer's tub begins to bang against the sides of the washer when the spin cycle begins (before reaching top speed), this indicates a likely unbalanced load. Just pause the cycle and arrange the clothes in the basket and try again.
How do you manually unlock a Whirlpool front load washer? ›
At the bottom of the door latch, there should be a teardrop-shaped tab – once you find this tab, you need to pull it until you hear a click. The door should now be able to be opened.
Why won't my Whirlpool washing machine start just clicks? ›If your washing machine won't start and just clicks, there may be debris in the washer drain. Check the drain to see if there's any debris (particularly large items, like coins) that may be stuck inside.
Why is my washing machine stuck on sensing fill? ›There are several possible reasons why your washing machine may be stuck on sensing fill. The most common reasons include overloading of the drum, a clogged inlet screen, a faulty inlet valve, or a failure of the main control board.
What is a washing machine doing when sensing? ›The Initial sensing
Your washing machine automatically adjusts the amount of water needed and the cycle time necessary based on the weight of the laundry in the drum before starting the washing cycle.
WHIRLPOOL Round Washing Machine Water Level Sensor, Regular at Rs 300/piece in Pune.