Whirlpool washers are famous technological appliances for their reliability, durability, and efficiency. They are great appliances everybody wishes to have at home to help do their laundry.
However, their admiration ends when they run into problems, and like every other appliance, it’s inevitable. When they run into problems and stop functioning probably, it can be frustrating.
Rather than seeking the problem source manually, It’s always a great idea to subject the washer to an automatic overall checkup to determine the problem source and how to fix them. Luckily, Whirlpool washers have a diagnostic mode feature that aids troubleshooting.
This article will discuss the Whirlpool washer troubleshooting mode, what it means, how it works and how you can use it.
Let’s get started.
Whirlpool Washer Diagnostic Mode: What Does It Mean?
The Whirlpool washer Diagnostic Mode is a feature that assists users in troubleshooting appliance problems. It’s programmed in most Whirlpool appliances as an intelligent feature to help navigate and fix issues.
The diagnostic mode is a sophisticated state that modifies the different system components to check performance status, inspect test operations, identify problems and tackle them or prompt the users in case of complications.
It’s always a best practice to invoke diagnostic mode when troubleshooting a problem with your washer, especially if the source is unknown. For instance, if you can’t turn on your washer, it’s not working, or some cycles fail, you can turn to the diagnostic mode to retrieve the error and fix the issues.
In summary, The Whirlpool washer diagnostic mode inspects every part responsible for different system functions and checks their working condition to ensure they are working efficiently.
Whirlpool Washer Diagnostic Mode: How Does It Work?
The diagnostic mode works by running a series of tests on the different parts of the washer to ensure they are working optimally. It views logged washer errors, performs an automatic diagnostic cycle, and checks different components to scrutinize their working conditions.
Specifically, the diagnostic mode checks different parts, including the water valve, drain pump, motor sensor, and heater, to test if they have any problems. When you run the diagnostic mode, it can fix minor anomalies and return different error codes to indicate a major problem.
The error codes will point the users to the source of the problem. Some models of the Whirlpool washer have a digital screen to display the error code, while some will use the status lights on the console to beep a sequence which will then be interpreted into a code.
Whirlpool Washer Diagnostic Mode: How To Activate
The diagnostic mode enables you to test or inspect all inputs to your washing machine’s main control board. If you want to activate this mode, there are several methods you can go about it. The methods are the same across various models of Whirlpool washers, with only minor variation in some cases.
You can enter the diagnostic mode by combining different keys/buttons on the control panel. Before you start, you should ensure you put your machine in standby mode. The standby mode means your washer will be plugged-in, but all the indicators will be off.
Below is the universal method of activating diagnostic mode on a Whirlpool washing machine:
- Ensure your washer is in a standby-mode
- Note any three different buttons/keys from the control panel
- You’ll have to press these key combinations in three sequences, so you must remember the order/sequence you press them. I.e., press three different buttons three different times while maintaining the order in which you press them throughout the process
- This process must be completed within 8 seconds. (Press the three keys of three different types within 8 seconds)
- The process will put the machine into self-test diagnostic mode successfully. To confirm the process, all the indicators on the machine console will light up for five seconds with a tone sound.
- The display screen will also display the “888” pin in a 3-digit display.
If there are no saved error codes on your washing machine, all the indicators on the console will vanish temporarily. Afterward, the seven-segment display will prompt and show “888”.
It’s imperative to note that immediately after you put your washing machine in the self-diagnostic mode, all the options and cycles will reset to the factory setting.
If the test detects a significant problem, it will return an error code to notify you of the problem. You must familiarize yourself with the interpretation of each error code to be able to tackle the situation accordingly.
The diagnostic mode will time out after some portion of inactivity. Typically, it takes about 10-15 minutes of inactivity before it times out.
How To Exit The Diagnostic Mode
You can exit the diagnostic mode at any time during the process. There are also many different ways of leaving the diagnostic method. The most common is removing the AC power from the washing machine. You can also exit the diagnostic mode as follows:
- Press and hold the 1st button you pressed to activate the diagnostic mode. Hold the button for about 10 seconds and release
- Press the power button on the control panel once/twice based on the diagnostic process.
