You expect your Whirlpool washer to stay in sensing mode for 2-3 minutes. But once it goes past 5 minutes, you have to worry about your machine. So, is your Whirlpool washer stuck on sensing and cannot explain or fix it?
Your Whirlpool washer won’t go past sensing due to a clogged drain, faulty cable or timer, electric failure, shut valve, load imbalance, or failing inlet valve. Other reasons include wrong setting or washer temperature, a defective sensor, shift actuator or drive motor, or a dying control board.
Interestingly, some issues lean more towards the Whirlpool Duet while others are common on the Whirlpool Cabrio. On that note, I’ll categorize them to help you identify the cause depending on the kind of Whirlpool washer you have.
More importantly, we’ll discuss what you should do to unstuck the washer and how you can run a diagnostic in case you cannot find fault with your Whirlpool washer.
Tip
You don’t have to try fixing your Whirlpool washer if it’s brand new and under warranty. Just call Whirlpool and explain your issue, and they’ll pick it from there.
But if your machine is old and out of warranty, you can try fixes in this guide.
Let’s get started.

In a rush? See a summary of the 13 possible reasons your Whirlpool washing machine won’t go past sensing mode.
Quick Troubleshooting Guide for A Whirlpool Washer Stuck On Sensing
Possible Reason | Fix | |
1. | Clogged drain | Clean your washer’s drain pump and supply line |
2. | Faulty (burnt/broken) cable | Replace the faulty cable |
3. | Faulty timer | Replace the timer if faulty |
4. | Electric failure | Test the control board for over-voltage and replace it if defective |
5. | Shut valve | Open both the cold and hot water valves properly |
6. | Load imbalance | Spread the laundry load evenly but don’t overload |
7. | Faulty inlet valve | Test the inlet valve for continuity and replace it if faulty |
8. | Wrong setting | Reset and restart your washer |
9. | Wrong washer temperature | Try a different temperature before restarting the washer |
10. | Faulty sensor | Reset the sensor but if that doesn’t work, replace it |
11. | Failed shift actuator | Replace the shift actuator if it’s faulty |
12. | Failed drive motor | Get a new drive motor if the old one cannot spin the washer |
13. | Dying control board | Replace the dying control board |
So, Why Is My Whirlpool Washer Stuck On Sensing?
Your Whirlpool washer is stuck in sensing mode because something is malfunctioning. The drain, cable, valves, timer, sensor, shift actuator, drive motor, and control board are parts to look at.
You also cannot overlook issues like an electric failure, load imbalance, and wrong setting.
Let’s explore all these reasons further, depending on the type of Whirlpool washing machine that you have.
Here we go!
Whirlpool Duet Washer Stuck On Sensing
1.Clogged Drain
Your Whirlpool washer may fail to go past the sensing mode if the drain is clogged. You must check the drain pump and supply line for blocking and unclog them.
Fix
You should clean your drain pump if dirt-clogged and try unblocking the water supply line if it has the same challenge. If the drain pump is faulty, replace it.
2.Faulty Cable
A burnt or broken cable could be why your whirlpool washing machine cannot go past sensing. The washer cable should pass signals properly for the washer to move from one cycle to another. That’s not possible if the cable is faulty.
Fix
Test the cable for fault using a multimeter and replace it if faulty. Also, replace it if burnt or broken.
3.Faulty Timer
If your timer cannot detect any signal because it’s faulty, your washer won’t move to the next cycle. So, test it using a multimeter to see if it’s defective.

Fix
Replace the timer if it’s faulty.
4.Electric Failure
Your Whirlpool washer may remain on sensing mode if there’s an electrical fault. Ordinarily, the washer will display an electric fault error, but you can run a diagnostic to view it if it doesn’t.
Overall, if the voltage on the control board is over 120v, the washer may stay on sensing mode.
Fix
Use a multimeter to measure the amount of voltage passing through the control board. If it’s above 120v on p1-3-p1-5, replace the control board.
Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Stuck On Sensing
In addition to the clogged drain (discussed earlier), your Whirlpool Cabrio washer won’t go past sensing mode for any of these reasons.
5.Shut Water Valve
If either the cold or hot water valve is shut, the washer sensor may fail to detect the changes when moving to a new cycle. In turn, the washer may stay in sensing mode until you properly open the affected washer valve.
Fix
Ensure you open both the cold and the hot water valves not to confuse the sensors. While at it, ensure you’ve enough water.
6. Load Imbalance
Your whirlpool washer may refuse to move beyond the sensing cycle if the load is not well balanced or too much. So, you should look at your laundry load to see if it spins. If it doesn’t, then that’s the problem.
Fix
Double-check your laundry load to ensure it’s even and the correct size (not overfilled). If the laundry overloads the washer, reduce it and spread it evenly.
7.Faulty Inlet Valve
You want your washer inlet valve to open fully to control water flow into your Whirlpool washer properly. If it is clogged, which is likely to happen over time, your washer won’t fill up with water, and the water sensor won’t have anything to sense.
So, your Whirlpool washer will stay in sensing mode.
Fix
Use a multimeter to test your water inlet valve for continuity. If it doesn’t show continuity or looks clogged, replace the inlet valve.

8.Wrong Setting (Washer Confusion)
Your Whirlpool washer quickly gets confused when you pick the wrong setting or do not select anything. If that happens, the washer may remain on the sensing mode until you choose the right setting.
Sometimes, you need to reset the washer to get it into the right gear and clear the error code.
Fix
Reset the washer if the problem is due to an incorrect setting, and here are your options:
Option 1 – Power Cut Off
Unplug your Whirlpool washer from the power for 3-5 minutes. Plug it back and power the machine on. If that doesn’t work, try unplugging it for 15-20 minutes and then re-plug and restart it.
Option 2 – Cabrio Reset
If you have a Whirlpool Cabrio, consider resetting it using these steps:
- Press’ pause/cancel’ on the display pad to clear any error codes
- Pick the cycle you want to run and press the ‘start’ switch
- If the washer doesn’t reset, unplug it for 5 minutes
- Then power it back, pick a cycle, and select ‘start.’
Option 3 – Recalibration Technique
This washer reset technique requires you to:
- Power your washing machine off
- Choose the ‘normal’ setting using the selector dial
- Turn the selector counter-clockwise (once), clockwise (thrice), counter-clockwise (once), and clockwise (once) in the same order
- Choose ‘start’ for the calibration to initiate
- Once all the indicator lights come on, press start-stop simultaneously
- Turn the selector to light up the wash, rinse, and stop LEDs
- Unplug the washer for 10 seconds and then switch it on
9. Wrong Washer Temperature
Sometimes, confusion in the wash temperature confuses the washer causing it to stay on the sensing cycle. But unlike most issues, changing the temperature is all it takes to troubleshoot the problem.
Fix
Try switching to a different temperature and rerunning the washer depending on your current wash temperature.
Other Reasons Your Whirlpool Washer Is Stuck On Sensing
10.Faulty Sensor
You cannot overlook the washer sensor, as its role is paramount in moving between cycles. A faulty sensor means the washer cannot move to the next cycle as the control board won’t detect any signal changes.
Fix
You can run a diagnosis (see the steps below) to see if the sensor has a fault. If it’s not, consider resetting the sensor using any of the three options shared earlier. However, replace the sensor if it’s faulty and doesn’t work after the Whirlpool washer sensor reset.

11.Faulty Shift Actuator
The shift actuator comes in handy for your Whirlpool washer when it comes to switching between spin mode and wash mode.
If it’s faulty, your washer will likely stay in one cycle. It won’t be able to move to the next cycle and may remain in the sensing mode.
Fix
Before you can rule out that the shift actuator is faulty, run a diagnostic on your washer. If the error code indicates that the shift actuator is defective, replace it.
12.Malfunctioning Drive Motor
Your washing machine’s drive motor employs electricity to spin the drum. If faulty, the washer won’t spin and may not move to the next cycle. That may happen due to wear or electrical damage.
Fix
Check the drive motor to see if it’s moving. If not, it’s likely to be faulty, and the only fix for it is a replacement.
13.Failed Control Board
Lastly, you should consider that your control board is failing if none of the other components is faulty. But before jumping to a conclusion, run a diagnostic (using the steps below) to see if the error code relates to a failing control board.
Fix
Replace it once you confirm that your washer’s control board is faulty.
Can’t Find the Fault? Try Entering Your Whirlpool washer into Diagnostic Mode
So, you cannot find the fault in your whirlpool washer? If so, try entering it into the diagnostic mode to see the error code.
Here’s how to run a diagnostic on a Whirlpool washer:
- Locate the big dial and turn it 360 degree
- Rotate it anticlockwise (once), clockwise (thrice), anticlockwise (once), and clockwise (once) in the same order – ½ second between the clicks
- Wait for the dials to flash and then rotate the knob to get to the ‘SPIN’ cycle
- Now press ‘START’ to enter your washer into diagnostic (or self-test)
- Wait for 3-5 minutes for the self-test to complete to see the error code
- You can then turn to your washer service manual to see what the error code means and the suggested solutions.
Closing Remarks On Whirlpool Washer Stuck On Sensing!
Generally, it’s worth checking your washer setting, drains, valve, and components like the sensor, timer, drive motor, and control board for faults when your Whirlpool washer won’t go past sensing.
Other culprits are load imbalance, electric failure, wrong washer temperature, and burnt cable.
Also Read:
- Why Maytag Centennial Washer is Stuck on Sensing
- Why Maytag Bravos Washer is Stuck on Sensing
- Reasons Your Amana Washer is Stuck on Sensing Fill
- Why Whirlpool Washer Will Not Spin Clothes Dry
- Why Whirlpool Washer Fills with Water Then Stops
FAQs
Why does my Whirlpool washer keep saying 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 do I reset my Whirlpool auto sensing washing machine? ›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.
Why is my Whirlpool washer sensing but not filling with water? ›One common reason for a Whirlpool washer not filling with water is that the water inlet valve is not open or is clogged. The water inlet valve supplies water to the washer, and if it's not open or does not supply enough water, your Whirlpool washer will not fill up.
How long should washer stay on sensing? ›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.
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.
Drain hose kinks or blockages are often responsible for a Whirlpool washer not draining. If the hose is jostled or pushed too closely against the wall a kink can form and restrict the flow of water. Sometimes, the hose can be gently straightened to remove the kink.
Why won't my Whirlpool washer go into rinse cycle? ›Your washer uses a switch or a control board to change wash functions. A malfunctioning switch or control board can make your washer not rinse at all. A bad switch or control board can also stop your washer right before the rinse cycle begins. Check the function switch with a meter to see if it is causing the issue.
What is the price of Whirlpool washing machine water sensor? ›WHIRLPOOL Round Washing Machine Water Level Sensor, Regular at Rs 300/piece in Pune.
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.
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 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.
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 does sensor wash mean? ›The Sensor Cycle automatically selects the right dishwasher wash and dry settings for your load, depending on temperature, soil level and load size, using only the amount of water and energy needed. It's a good option for loads with mixed items, varying levels of soil or just about any combination.
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.
Can you manually unlock a washing machine? ›Turning off the machine at the mains should allow the door lock to cool down, and after a few minutes, you'll be able to open the washing machine door. The interlocks can take some time to release at the end of the cycle, so be patient. The most common cause is water left in the machine. Try running a spin/drain cycle.
What are the Whirlpool error codes? ›Error Code | Error |
---|---|
Sud or Sd | There are too many suds in the washing machine. |
F5 E2 | The door is not locking properly. |
F7 E1 | Indicates a motor speed sensing error, |
F8 E1 or LO FL | The washer is sensing a low flow of water. |
Some of the most common faults that will make your washer stop mid cycle include thermostat failure, problems filling up with water for the rinse cycle, or even pump problems that prevent your washer from draining. One thing that you can check yourself is the lid switch.
Why is my washing machine not going into wash cycle? ›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.
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 I put my Whirlpool in diagnostic mode? ›- Washer lid should lock ="done" + "lock"
- Washer cold valve should open ="spin" + "lock"
- Washer hot valve should open ="spin" + "done" + "lock"
- Pause 5 seconds ="rinse" + "lock"
- Pause 5 seconds ="rinse" + "done" + "lock"
- Pause 5 seconds ="rinse" + "spin"+ "lock"
The average life of a washing machine ranges from 10 to 13 years, although some brands can manufacture washing machines with an even longer lifespan than the average appliance.
Which Whirlpool machines are being recalled? ›The company said models WMAQC641PUK, WMAQG741PUK and WMFG741GUK will be added to the recall list, and that it would contact all owners of the machines it is aware of. The model numbers can be found in the recess inside the door or on the back of the appliance.
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 fix a washing machine that won't drain or spin? ›- Perform a Master Reset. Unplug your washer for about one minute. ...
- Test the Lid Switch Assembly. ...
- See if the Drain Hose is Kinked. ...
- Check the Drain Hose or Pump for Clogs. ...
- Clean out the Coin Trap. ...
- Check the Water Level Control. ...
- Schedule Washing Machine Repair.
The most probable cause is a clogged pump filter. The pump filter should be cleaned every three months or when it's clogged. This filter is installed to catch foreign items like buttons or coins and to prevent these items from entering the drain hose. It's located at the bottom right-hand corner of your machine.
How do I force my Whirlpool washer to drain? ›Find the “Pause/Cancel” button on the control panel. Press this button twice to drain the washer. Press the “Power” button and rotate the cycle selection knob to “Drain and Spin” to remove the remaining water from the load. Check the washer's discharge hose if the water fails to drain from the washtub.
How do I manually drain my Whirlpool automatic washing machine? ›You may want to turn off the water supply to the hot and cold hoses as an extra precaution. Then, disconnect the drain hose from the pipe and hold it above the washing machine, so water doesn't spill out. Grab your bucket and carefully lower the drain hose into it and let gravity do the work.
Why won't my Whirlpool washer start the wash cycle? ›The following power issues can prevent a washer from starting: Washer is unplugged: Make sure the power cord is plugged in to a functioning outlet. Tripped circuit breaker: Check for tripped breakers in your home's circuit breaker box, resetting any as needed.
Does Whirlpool washer have reset? ›
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 to reset washing machine? ›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.
How do you reset a deep fill washer? ›To reset the electronic controls on your washer, shut off the circuit breaker or fuse to the washer or unplug the washer for 2 minutes. For models that have a timer control knob, turn the knob around and back to any position other than final spin for the interrupted cycle. Then, restore power.
How do you drain a Whirlpool washer? ›Find the “Pause/Cancel” button on the control panel. Press this button twice to drain the washer. Press the “Power” button and rotate the cycle selection knob to “Drain and Spin” to remove the remaining water from the load. Check the washer's discharge hose if the water fails to drain from the washtub.
What is the cost of washing machine sensor? ›Washing Machine Pressure Sensor at Rs 150/piece | Washing Machine Spare Parts in Pune | ID: 18757492655.
What is the price of sensor in Whirlpool automatic washing machine? ›WHIRLPOOL Round Washing Machine Water Level Sensor, Regular at Rs 300/piece in Pune.
Will unplugging a washing machine reset it? ›Reset your washing machine
What you can do instead is power cycle it: Unplug it (or turn off power at the circuit breaker), wait some time for the electrical charge to clear out of the washer (usually 1 to 5 minutes at most), and then power it up again. This is the closest you can get to a "reset" of the washer.
Make sure the machine is tightly plugged in. Next, check for a tripped circuit breaker. Reset the breaker and try to start the washer. If neither is at fault, you may have a damaged power cord.
What is the lifespan of a Whirlpool washer? ›The average life of a washing machine ranges from 10 to 13 years, although some brands can manufacture washing machines with an even longer lifespan than the average appliance.
How do I run Whirlpool diagnostic mode? ›- Washer lid should lock ="done" + "lock"
- Washer cold valve should open ="spin" + "lock"
- Washer hot valve should open ="spin" + "done" + "lock"
- Pause 5 seconds ="rinse" + "lock"
- Pause 5 seconds ="rinse" + "done" + "lock"
- Pause 5 seconds ="rinse" + "spin"+ "lock"