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Exposed! the hidden reason why your whirlpool washer is clicking non-stop

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

  • A malfunctioning door lock can prevent the washer from starting the spin cycle, as it signals to the machine that the door is not securely closed.
  • To test the motor, disconnect the power to the washer and use a multimeter to measure the resistance across the motor terminals.
  • Troubleshooting a Whirlpool washer that is just clicking can be frustrating, but understanding the common causes and following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide can help you identify and resolve the issue.

If your Whirlpool washer has suddenly gone silent, leaving you with a pile of unwashed clothes and a sense of frustration, you’re not alone. Many homeowners have encountered this puzzling issue, where their washer seems to be doing everything right except spinning the clothes dry.

But don’t panic just yet! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various reasons why your Whirlpool washer may just be clicking and provide step-by-step troubleshooting tips to get your laundry back on track.

Common Causes of Clicking Whirlpool Washers

1. Faulty Door Lock: A malfunctioning door lock can prevent the washer from starting the spin cycle, as it signals to the machine that the door is not securely closed.

2. Broken Drive Belt: The drive belt connects the motor to the transmission, allowing the drum to rotate. If the belt snaps or becomes loose, the washer will not be able to spin.

3. Failed Capacitor: The capacitor stores electrical energy and releases it to the motor during the spin cycle. A faulty capacitor can disrupt this process, causing the washer to click but not spin.

4. Defective Lid Switch: The lid switch detects whether the lid is open or closed. If the switch fails, it may prevent the washer from starting the spin cycle as a safety measure.

5. Malfunctioning Motor: The motor is the heart of the washer, responsible for driving the drum. A faulty motor can cause the washer to click but not spin.

6. Clogged Drain Pump: A clogged drain pump can prevent the washer from draining properly, which can interfere with the spin cycle.

7. Electronic Control Board Issues: The electronic control board is the brain of the washer, controlling all its functions. A malfunctioning board can disrupt the spin cycle, causing the washer to click but not spin.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check the Door Lock: Open and close the washer door several times to ensure it latches properly. If the door does not close securely, the washer will not start the spin cycle.

2. Inspect the Drive Belt: Remove the back panel of the washer and visually inspect the drive belt. Look for any signs of wear, tear, or breakage. If the belt is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

3. Test the Capacitor: Using a multimeter, test the capacitor for continuity. If the capacitor is faulty, it will need to be replaced.

4. Check the Lid Switch: Open and close the washer lid several times while listening for a clicking sound. If you do not hear a click, the lid switch may be faulty and will need to be replaced.

5. Diagnose the Motor: If all other troubleshooting steps have failed, the motor may be faulty. To test the motor, disconnect the power to the washer and use a multimeter to measure the resistance across the motor terminals. If the resistance is infinite, the motor is faulty and will need to be replaced.

6. Clean the Drain Pump: Remove the drain pump filter and check for any clogs. If the filter is clogged, clean it thoroughly and reinstall it.

7. Reset the Washer: Unplug the washer from the power outlet and wait for a few minutes. Plug the washer back in and start a new cycle. Resetting the washer may resolve any temporary glitches that are causing the clicking issue.

When to Call a Professional

If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps outlined above and your Whirlpool washer is still just clicking, it is recommended to contact a qualified appliance repair technician. They have the expertise and tools to diagnose and repair more complex issues, such as faulty electronic control boards or motor problems.

Wrapping Up: Solving the Whirlpool Washer Clicking Conundrum

Troubleshooting a Whirlpool washer that is just clicking can be frustrating, but understanding the common causes and following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide can help you identify and resolve the issue. By addressing the problem promptly, you can get your laundry back on track and avoid further damage to your appliance.

Remember, if the troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, do not hesitate to seek professional assistance from a qualified appliance repair technician. They can provide expert diagnosis and repair services to restore your Whirlpool washer to its optimal performance.

Questions You May Have

Q: Why does my Whirlpool washer click but not spin?
A: There are several reasons why your Whirlpool washer may click but not spin, including a faulty door lock, broken drive belt, failed capacitor, defective lid switch, malfunctioning motor, clogged drain pump, or electronic control board issues.

Q: How do I fix a Whirlpool washer that is just clicking?
A: Start by checking the door lock, drive belt, capacitor, lid switch, and drain pump. If these components are not the cause of the problem, you may need to reset the washer or contact a qualified appliance repair technician.

Q: Is it safe to use a Whirlpool washer that is clicking?
A: It is not advisable to use a Whirlpool washer that is clicking, as it may indicate an underlying issue that could worsen over time and pose a safety hazard.

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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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