Whirlpool Auto Load Sensing Washer Won T Fill

Introduction

Is your Whirlpool auto load sensing washer refusing to fill with water? This frustrating issue can halt your laundry routine and leave you with a pile of dirty clothes. It’s especially concerning when the washer seems to be running, making noises, but no water is entering the drum. Addressing this promptly is important to prevent potential damage to the washer’s internal components and avoid further inconvenience.

Common Causes of Whirlpool Auto Load Sensing Washer Won’t Fill

Here are some common reasons why your Whirlpool washer might not be filling:

Closed Water Supply Valves: The hot and cold water supply valves behind the washer might be accidentally closed.
Kinked or Blocked Water Hoses: The hoses connecting the water supply to the washer could be kinked, restricting water flow. Alternatively, sediment build-up can clog the hoses.
Faulty Inlet Valve: The inlet valve controls the water flow into the washer. If it’s malfunctioning, it won’t open to allow water in.
Low Water Pressure: Insufficient water pressure in your home can prevent the washer from filling properly.
Clogged Water Inlet Screens: Small screens located at the inlet valve connections can become clogged with sediment, blocking water flow.
Lid Switch Issues: The lid switch ensures the washer only operates when the lid is closed. A faulty switch can prevent filling.
Problem with the Pressure Switch/Sensor: The pressure switch/sensor detects the water level and tells the machine when to stop filling. A faulty sensor can prevent the washer from filling at all.
Faulty Control Board: Though less common, a malfunctioning control board can prevent the washer from activating the water inlet valve.

Symptoms Checklist

Confirm if your washer is experiencing the following:

Washer starts, but no water enters the drum.
Washer makes humming or buzzing sounds but doesn’t fill.
Error code displayed on the washer’s control panel related to water supply or filling.
Washer fills very slowly.
Washer only fills partially.

How to Fix Whirlpool Auto Load Sensing Washer Won’t Fill Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue:

Check Water Supply Valves: Ensure both the hot and cold water supply valves behind the washer are fully open.
Inspect Water Hoses: Check for kinks or bends in the water hoses. Straighten any kinks and ensure the hoses are not crushed.
Check Water Pressure: Turn on other faucets in your home to check for adequate water pressure. If the pressure is low, contact your water company.
Clean Water Inlet Screens: Turn off the water supply valves. Disconnect the water hoses from the back of the washer. Locate the small screens inside the inlet valve connections. Use pliers to gently remove the screens and clean them with a brush under running water. Reinstall the screens and reconnect the hoses.
Check the Lid Switch: Open and close the washer lid firmly. Sometimes, a simple adjustment can resolve a lid switch issue. Try manually pressing the lid switch down to see if this allows the water to fill, (ensure your unplugged the machine for safety)
Run a Test Cycle: Select a small load cycle (like a rinse or quick wash) and start the washer. Observe if any water enters the drum.
Check Drain Hose Height: Ensure the drain hose is not inserted too far into the drainpipe or too low to the floor. If the drain hose is siphoning water, it can prevent the washer from filling.
Check the Washer’s Filter(if applicable): Consult your owner’s manual to locate the filter (if your model has one). Remove and clean the filter according to the manual’s instructions.
Restart/Reset the Washer: Unplug the washer from the power outlet for 1-2 minutes, then plug it back in. This can reset the washer’s control system.
Inspect the pressure hose: There is a small hose that connects the tub to the pressure switch, which monitors the water level in the tub. This hose needs to be clear to allow the sensor to work correctly. Locate this hose, disconnect it and blow through it to check for blockage, if you are unsure, please consult with a professional.

Fix the Issue Without Buying Parts

Many filling problems can be resolved without purchasing replacement parts:

Resetting the Washer: Unplugging the washer for a few minutes can sometimes clear minor software glitches.
Cleaning Hoses and Screens: Regularly cleaning the inlet screens and inspecting the hoses prevents blockages.
Check hose positions Verify all hoses and drain pipes are correctly installed and positioned.

When Replacement Might Be Necessary

If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, a replacement part might be needed. The most common parts to fail are the water inlet valve (estimated cost: $30-$75 USD) and the lid switch (estimated cost: $20-$50 USD). The pressure switch can also fail (estimated cost: $30-$60 USD). If the control board is faulty, replacement costs can range from $100-$300 USD.

Safety Warning

Always unplug the washer from the power outlet before performing any troubleshooting or repairs.
Turn off the water supply valves to prevent flooding.
Be cautious when handling water, as wet floors can be slippery.
If you are uncomfortable performing any of these steps, contact a qualified appliance repair technician.

Tools You May Need

Pliers
Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
Bucket or towels
Small brush

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Whirlpool washers that won’t fill:

Q: Why is my washer humming but not filling? A: The water inlet valve might be receiving power but is blocked or faulty. Check the inlet screens and consider replacing the valve.
Q: What does the error code “LF” mean on my Whirlpool washer? A: “LF” typically indicates a long fill time, meaning the washer is taking too long to fill with water. This could be due to low water pressure, blocked hoses, or a faulty inlet valve.
Q: How do I know if my lid switch is broken? A: If the washer doesn’t start or fill when the lid is closed, the lid switch might be faulty. You can test the switch with a multimeter or try manually pressing the switch down (when unplugged) to see if the washer fills.
Q: Can I use a wrench to disconnect the water hoses? A: While a wrench can be used, be careful not to over-tighten or damage the connections. Pliers are often sufficient for loosening and tightening the hoses.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting a Whirlpool washer that won’t fill can seem daunting, but by following these steps, you can often identify and resolve the issue yourself. Start with the easy checks, like the water supply and hoses, before moving on to more complex components. If you’ve exhausted these troubleshooting steps and the washer still refuses to fill, it might be time to consult a qualified appliance repair technician. Many common problems can be fixed, and there is no need to call a technician before going through all the troubleshooting steps first.