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How to reset your whirlpool dishwasher: a step-by-step guide to banish errors

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er,...

What To Know

  • If your Whirlpool dishwasher is misbehaving, a simple reset might be all it needs to get back on track.
  • This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps on how to reset a Whirlpool dishwasher, whether it’s an older model with a manual reset button or a newer model with an electronic control panel.
  • How to Reset a Whirlpool Dishwasher with a Manual Reset Button.

If your Whirlpool dishwasher is misbehaving, a simple reset might be all it needs to get back on track. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps on how to reset a Whirlpool dishwasher, whether it’s an older model with a manual reset button or a newer model with an electronic control panel.

How to Reset a Whirlpool Dishwasher with a Manual Reset Button

Materials:

  • Phillips head screwdriver

Steps:

1. Locate the reset button: It’s usually found on the inside of the dishwasher door, near the bottom.
2. Remove the access panel: Use the screwdriver to remove the screws holding the panel in place.
3. Press the reset button: You’ll feel a slight click when it’s pressed.
4. Replace the access panel: Secure the panel back in place with the screws.

How to Reset a Whirlpool Dishwasher with an Electronic Control Panel

Steps:

1. Power off the dishwasher: Unplug it from the electrical outlet.
2. Wait 30 seconds: This allows the dishwasher’s memory to clear.
3. Power on the dishwasher: Plug it back in and turn it on.
4. Select the “Reset” option: On some models, there may be a dedicated “Reset” button. If not, enter the following key combination:

  • Press and hold the “Cancel” button for 3 seconds.
  • Release the “Cancel” button and press it again 3 more times.
  • Press and hold the “Start” button for 3 seconds.

5. Run a diagnostic cycle: This will help ensure the dishwasher is functioning properly. To start the cycle, press the “Start” button and hold it for 3 seconds.

How to Soft Reset a Whirlpool Dishwasher

A soft reset will clear the dishwasher’s memory without affecting any settings.

Steps:

1. Power off the dishwasher: Unplug it from the electrical outlet.
2. Wait 5 minutes: This gives the dishwasher time to fully power down.
3. Power on the dishwasher: Plug it back in and turn it on.

How to Reset a Whirlpool Dishwasher After a Power Outage

Power outages can sometimes cause dishwashers to malfunction.

Steps:

1. Reset the dishwasher: Follow the steps for a manual or electronic reset, depending on your model.
2. Check the water supply: Make sure the water supply to the dishwasher is turned on.
3. Run a test cycle: Start a short wash cycle to ensure the dishwasher is working properly.

How to Reset a Whirlpool Dishwasher After a Leak

If your dishwasher has leaked, it’s important to reset it to prevent further damage.

Steps:

1. Turn off the water supply: Locate the water supply valve under the sink and turn it off.
2. Unplug the dishwasher: Disconnect it from the electrical outlet.
3. Reset the dishwasher: Follow the steps for a manual or electronic reset.
4. Fix the leak: Identify the source of the leak and repair it.
5. Reconnect the dishwasher: Plug it back in and turn on the water supply.

How to Reset a Whirlpool Dishwasher After a Failed Cycle

A failed cycle can sometimes be fixed by resetting the dishwasher.

Steps:

1. Reset the dishwasher: Follow the steps for a manual or electronic reset.
2. Check the dishes: Remove any dishes that may have been damaged during the failed cycle.
3. Restart the dishwasher: Start a new wash cycle.

Troubleshooting Resetting a Whirlpool Dishwasher

If you’re having trouble resetting your Whirlpool dishwasher, try the following:

  • Check the power: Make sure the dishwasher is plugged into a working electrical outlet.
  • Test the reset button: If your dishwasher has a manual reset button, press it several times to make sure it’s working.
  • Contact Whirlpool support: If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your dishwasher still won’t reset, contact Whirlpool customer support for assistance.

Takeaways: Resetting Your Whirlpool Dishwasher for Optimal Performance

Resetting your Whirlpool dishwasher is a simple but effective way to resolve a variety of issues. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can restore your dishwasher to its optimal performance and keep your dishes sparkling clean.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: How often should I reset my Whirlpool dishwasher?
A: It’s not necessary to reset your dishwasher regularly. However, if you’re experiencing problems, a reset may be helpful.

Q: Will resetting my dishwasher erase my settings?
A: A manual reset will not erase your settings. An electronic reset may erase some settings, so it’s a good idea to take a note of them before resetting.

Q: What should I do if my dishwasher won‘t reset?
A: If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your dishwasher still won’t reset, contact Whirlpool customer support for assistance.

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Rob Sanders

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er, Rob takes pride in testing out the latest tools and gadgets to see how they can make home projects easier. When it comes to heating systems, he's evaluated over 50 different furnace and boiler models over the years. Rob founded Nurturing Homeaid with his business partner Jim in 2020 to provide homeowners with genuine product recommendations they can trust. In his free time, Rob enjoys remodeling old homes with his family and traveling to visit architectural landmarks across the country. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Syracuse University.
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