12 Common Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Problems- Easy Fixes

Although a renowned brand, Whirlpool Cabrio washer problems occur just as with any other reliable brand. However, most of these issues can be diagnosed and fixed easily with proper knowledge. Knowing how to troubleshoot your washing machine serves you the benefit of saving extra labor costs and sometimes even the repair cost. Whether the problem is mechanical or electrical, this guide brings you all the possible causes and how to identify them systematically. Always disconnect your washing machine from power before you conduct any inspection of components or troubleshooting. Ensure your safety and take necessary precautions to avoid personal harm or injury.

Washer Won’t Start

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If your washer doesn’t start, then it might be due to a faulty start button. You can find the exact cause for this by troubleshooting as follows.

Check and confirm whether the outlet is getting power. If not, check the main circuit breaker or fuses for any possible defects.

A faulty timer would not transmit the start signal to the control board, leading to this problem. Test the timer for its continuity with a multimeter and circuit diagram indicated in the user manual. If the timer is defective, you would need to replace it.
Check the user control and display board by press the buttons of the control board. If some of the buttons don’t work, then you must change the control and display board. If the display is not working, check the power between them. If both components get power but not working, then you should replace them.
The Whirlpool Cabrio washer won’t turn on if the fuse has blown out. You can test its continuity with a multimeter. If the fuse has blown off, it is necessary to replace it.

If the door is not closed and latched correctly, your washer won’t start as a safety precaution. So if there are any problems with the door lock and switch, replace them and check whether the problem is solved.
The final potential cause that your washer may not start is if the main control board is defective. As this is a rare occurrence, check all other possible defective parts before replacing them.

Washer Won’t Spin

The spin cycle is the most crucial function in a washing machine. If your washer has a defective spin cycle or won’t spin at all, then check these possible occurrences.

If the lid is open or fails the lid switch assembly, it would also result in spinning problems. You can find this out by testing the lid switch for continuity. If the lid switch is found to be defective, you need to replace it.
Your washer will not spin if the drive belt is broken or loose on the pulleys. If so, then you should replace it with a new drive belt.
You should also check the drive nut pulley that holds the drive pulley in place. This can become loose over time which would cause the Whirlpool Cabrio washer spin cycle problems. Locating the drive pullet and tightening the nut would solve this issue.

If the door is not latched properly, it would also prevent the washer from working. So, check whether your door lock functions properly.
The washer will not spin if there is a problem with the motor control board. Check whether the motor control board provides power to the motor. If not, the control board is defective, and you should replace it.
As washers have many moving parts, the components that handle motion are highly vulnerable to malfunctions. The display of error codes F7 or E1 indicates a failure in the motor circuit’s main control and the malfunction of the shift actuator.

Shift Actuator Replacement

Unplug the washer from power and turn off all water lines.
Disconnect the water hoses from the machine and mark them as hot and cold. This would help you to avoid confusion when reconnecting.
Remove the drain line from the wall to avoid it from pulling tight.

Lay down the washer on its front on a thick towel for cushioning.
Unscrew the top and bottom screws and remove the shield.
The shift actuator can be found on the left, just below the shield.

Two screws hold the actuator in place, and you can remove the broken component by unclipping the wire harness.
Install the new part and reconnect the wire harness. Assemble all the parts by reversing the disassemble steps. Test your washer to check whether the issue is fixed.

Washer Won’t Agitate

Sometimes your washer would not agitate due to certain reasons. You can solve this as follows.

The agitator kit contains the components that are likely to wear out. So if any component is damaged, the agitator kit should be replaced.
Although the transmission shaft may move back and forth, the agitator would only move slightly or would not move at all if the drive block or bell is worn out. Replacing the drive block or bell would solve this agitator issue.
Your Whirlpool Cabrio washer will not agitate if the motor coupling is not connected between the motor and transmission. This would happen due to overload, and the motor coupling may also wear out with usage, which is rare. So, inspect the motor coupling and replace it if there is any defect.

Washer Won’t Drain

If your Whirlpool washer has draining problems, then it might be due to clogging or a faulty component. Troubleshoot it using the steps indicated here.

Remove the drain hose and pump to check and remove any obstacles that prevent water from draining. If the drain pump but is not working despite removing all blockages, you would have to replace the pump with a new one.
If the lid switch is defective, your whirlpool washer won’t drain. Check the continuity of the lid switch and replace it if needed.

Washer Vibrating or Shaking

If your washer vibrates or shakes, it is necessary to know how to prevent your washing machine from shaking. This can be overcome by troubleshooting it as indicated here.

If one or more shock absorbers in your washer are broken, it will cause a vibration when spinning. So, inspect the shock absorbers and replace all if at least one is damaged.
Suspension rods are used to dampen the movement of the washer tub. One or more broken suspension rods will make your washer vibrate or shake. So, check for damaged suspension rods and replace them accordingly.

The movement of the washer tub is absorbed by the suspension springs. Broken springs result in shaking, and you need to check for broken counterbalance or suspension springs and replace them.
Unleveled or damp laundry room floor will also cause your washing machine to shake during operation. Adjusting washing machine legs can stop washer vibration.

Washer Filling Problems

This is another common issue among Whirlpool Cabrio washer problems. If you have faced this situation, you can check it out as follows.

Your Whirlpool washer needs a minimum pressure of 20 psi to function properly. If the pressure of your house water supply is low, the washer would fill slowly or will not fill at all. Check this issue before you troubleshoot the washing machine.

Clogged Inlet Valve

If the water inlet valve is defective, it would let the washer fill slowly or not fill at all. Start troubleshooting by turning off the water supply to the washer.

Remove the hoses from both ends of the faucet and washer.

Clean the screens inside the water inlet valve and the hose connection ports.
If they are damaged, replace them as necessary.
If the problem continues, replace the water inlet valve.

Burnt Walter Inlet Valve Coils

Burnt coils can also cause a malfunction in water inlet valves. These coils also have a limited lifespan, just like many other electrical components. They would burn out over time, and the relevant electrical signals would not be transmitted to the washer. Thus, the gates of the inlet valve would not be opened correctly at the required time. This can be tested for continuity using a multimeter, and if there is no continuity, then the coil is defective, and you would have to replace it with a new coil as it cannot be repaired.

Washer Leaking and Overflowing Water

Is your Whirlpool Cabrio washer problems are related to leaking or overflowing, then it might be due to the following causes. Find how you can overcome this issue.

If the drain pump is damaged, cracked, or its bearing is worn out, then it would leak water. If it is damaged, the drain pump should be replaced as it is not repairable.

The same problem occurs when the drain hose is damaged due to rubbing against something or even itself. So, inspect the drain hose and replace it if there are leakages.
A damaged out worn-out door seal results in water leaking. If the boot seal is torn, you would have to replace it with a newer one.
A defective water inlet valve would cause your Whirlpool washer to overflow. You can check this by shutting down the power while it is filling water. If it continues to fill water filling despite having no power, it shows the water inlet valve is defective. You should replace the water inlet valve and check for any other leakages.

Whirlpool Cabrio washer sensor problems can also cause water to overflow and leak out of your washing machine. The pressure switch should shut off the power after sensing that the water limit has reached a certain level. If the pressure switch or sensor fails, then the water would continue to fill and result in overflowing. But before you replace this, check that the air tube is clear and has no issues of water leaking.
The water inlet valve needs at least 20 psi pressure to shut off properly. So if the water supply does not have the required pressure, it may not close fully even after the power is shut off. So ensure proper home water pressure to avoid overflowing.

Washer Making Loud Noise

The troubleshooting of this depends on the nature of sound.

A loud thumping sound indicates that the washer has an unbalanced load, and this can be fixed by pausing the cycle and redistributing the load or reducing the load.
A clanging noise might occur due to an unleveled floor. Try fixing this by changing the location of the washer and leveling the floor.
If it produces a high-pitched sound, then this might be due to a more detailed issue. You can locate and inspect the nuts of the pulley by referring to your user manual. If there are loose nuts, you should tighten them.

A cracked and worn-out drive belt can also cause a loud noise during the operation of your washing machine. Inspect this and change it if necessary.
The motor coupling creates a bridge between the motor and washer transmission. If the washer is overloaded, this creates a loud sound. This can be overcome by inspecting the motor coupling and replacing it.
However, if all these do not solve the problem, then it might be a symptom of Whirlpool Cabrio washer-bearing problems. You might have to replace your washer’s bearings.

Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Stops Mid Cycle

If your washer stops mid-cycle, then you can troubleshoot it by starting with the door lock.

A defective door lock that fails either electrically or mechanically may stop the washer in the mid-cycle. So, inspect the door lock for any latching defects and replace it if necessary.
Whirlpool Cabrio washer lid lock problems would also prevent the washer from spinning mid-cycle. So test the lid switch assembly using a multimeter and replace it if it is defective either electrically or mechanically.

The failure of the water inlet valve to fill water or continuing to fill water can cause the washer to stop mid-cycle. Check the valve using a multimeter; if there is no continuity, replace it.
If the washer main control board is defective, your washer may stop in the mid-cycle. As this is a rare occurrence, check all other commonly defective parts before replacing them.

Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Bearing Problems

You can find that there is an issue with the washer bearings if the washing machine is loud when running and leaks water from the bottom. Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Bearing Problems occur mostly due to a leaking bearing seal.

The most general cause for this is a torn tub seal that would leak water from the seal into the tub bearings.
This should be fixed as soon as possible, or it will lead to failure in bearings.
When this happens, it is better to replace both the tub seal and tub bearings.

This repair requires a lot of disassembling in most of the machines.

Washer Leaves Deposits on Dark Clothes

Changing of detergent and incomplete dissolving of detergent powder in cold seasons would cause this issue. You can get rid of it by switching the water temperature to warm washer cycles.

If the intensity of these deposits increases and they occur more frequently, you would need to clean your washing machine. High-efficiency washing machines would not have large amounts of water flushing out detergent. This is a disadvantage when compared to a standard washer. So high-end washers would have soil residue remaining in the washing machine. Therefore, the accumulated residue should be cleaned off the washer to avoid them re-depositing on the washed clothes.

Rust Patches on the Lid of Washing Machine

If you find rust patches in the inner parts of your Cabrio washer lid, you should get rid of them immediately. If left unattended, they would grow and even stain your clothes. Remove rust as much as possible using a thick paste made with enough distilled white vinegar and a quarter-cup of baking soda. You can also use lemon juice instead of white vinegar for this.

Apply this paste over the rusted lid area and remove the loose rust particles from the lid using a soft cloth. Rinse the area using clean water after each rub and repeat this process several times. After removing all loose rust particles, fix the area with appliance paint as indicated in the product directions.

Washing Machine Produces a Burning Plastic Odor

If your washer produces a smell of burning plastic or rubber, you should take immediate action for it. Turn off the washing machine, unplug it from the power, then open its outer housing and look for any discoloration. The smell might occur due to the friction caused by slipping, breaking, or stretching of the drive belt. If you smell rubber, then this belt should be replaced.

If there are no visible issues with the belt, then there might be another electrical issue related to the power transmission, control panel, or motor. Since this might be complex troubleshooting, you need to get advice from an appliance repair specialist. Avoid using the washing machine until the problem is diagnosed and the damaged parts are replaced.

Lid Lock Problems

Whirlpool Cabrio washer lid lock problems occur when the lid locks but unlocks again. This prevents the continuation of the process or the start of a new cycle. This would occur if the lid switch is dirty and avoids proper contact. Clean the lid with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl rubbing alcohol. If it doesn’t solve the problem, try unplugging the washer from power and resetting the control panel.

If your washing machine makes the sound as if engaging but does not engage, you would need to conduct a full diagnosis as there might be a bigger issue. The test can be done as indicated in the procedure below.

Put your washing machine on standby mode by plugging it into the power socket and turning off all its indicators. But the indicators “clothes done” or “clean” can be left on.
Choose any button except Start, Power, or Stop and follow the steps listed below with the selected button.

Press and hold the button down for three seconds

Release the button for three seconds
Press the button again for three seconds
Release the button again for three seconds

Press it one last time for three seconds
Release it for the last time

You would notice that all the indicators on the console will light up for at least five seconds. The two-digit display would indicate that the washer’s diagnostic mode has been entered successfully.

If this is not displayed by the washer’s indicator, then the press and release process might not have been performed correctly with the required time durations. You need to repeat this procedure with another button to make sure that there is no fault in the button.
When the diagnostic test is complete, you can check the displayed fault code to identify the exact cause and repairs needed to be done on your washing machine.

Common Error Codes

Here are some standard error codes displayed on the indicator and what they mean.

LF error code (F30) – Long Fill

When the water level of your washer does not change over a specific period, this is displayed on the indicator. For example, sometimes the water might fill in, but the control panel would not identify it due to failed signal transmission.

OL error code (F70) – Overloaded

This error code is displayed when the washing machine’s motor control detects a heavier load than expected. Removing some of the excess cloth from your laundry load can fix this error. If it does not solve the issue, it might be due to a bad bearing or loose direct-drive motor nut. Follow the steps indicated below to check whether the nut on the direct drive motor has become loose.

Disconnect the power from the outlet, turn off the water supply, and remove the water inlet hoses from the washing machine. Pull the washer away from the wall to have more room to work.

Remove the access panel by unthreading the screws on it.
Locate the drive motor and belt, and remove the motor’s mounting nut. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen it by turning it counterclockwise.
Then turn the wrench clockwise to fix the motor in place firmly.

Place a finger on the belt, and it would only be depressed about a half-inch you have tightened to the right amount of tension. You would need the help of another person for this.
Fix the access panel and reassemble the washer. Restore the power supply, reconnect hoses and test whether the error code has disappeared.

LD error code – Long Drain

If the washer stopped running and this error code displays on the screen during a spin cycle; It indicates trouble in the water draining system due to a clogged drain line or obstruction in the washer pump.

Error Code F1 or E2

If your washer indicates error code F1 or E2, it might be due to a failure in the primary control of the motor control circuit. Follow the indications below to troubleshoot this.

First, unplug the washing machine for about 5 minutes and plug it back in to check if the control board has been reset.
If the error code is still displayed, then you should unplug the washer from power. Then remove the back panel and check the wiring.

Ensure connections and check whether they are tight and no damaged wires.
Check whether the wiring harness on the stator is connected correctly with no visible damages.
If the wiring is fine, then the motor control circuit board would have to be replaced.

Conduct a multimeter test with some diagnostic steps to verify whether the circuit board is faulty. You would also need to refer to the washer’s wiring diagram for this.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does F mean on Whirlpool Cabrio platinum washer?

The error with the letter F without additional letters indicates the failure of the control board. One of the main Whirlpool Cabrio platinum washer problems is messages not being delivered to other units and systems. This is due to voltage drops, severe voltage surges, and short circuits.

What is the life expectancy of Whirlpool Cabrio washer?

The average lifespan of a $1,200 Whirlpool Cabrio top-load washer is eleven years.

How do I reset my Whirlpool washer?

Press the Start button once and rotate the dial until Rinse, Wash, and Stoplights illuminate. Then turn off the washing machine, unplug it and wait for 10 seconds. Finally, turn on the washer, and your washer would be reset.

Conclusion

These are the most common problems that would occur in Whirlpool Cabrio washing machines. You have learned the necessary methods to easily diagnose and fix these issues by referring to your user manual.

You can troubleshoot your washing machine before calling your technician to fix these Whirlpool Cabrio washer problems. But if you are not familiar with working on your appliance, you can contact your appliance repair technician to troubleshoot and fix your washer. Always make sure to take necessary safety measures when working with electrical appliances.

If you have major issues with your washing machine and need to replace it with a new one, make sure to avoid these Worst Washing Machines in the market. In addition, knowing these Defective Dishwashers and Faulty Refrigerators would also help you find the best models when purchasing household appliances.