Whirlpool Duet Washers are truly great appliances that will perform their job well and stay with you for a long time when properly maintained and taken care of.
Throughout their lives, these washers tend to throw out an error code here and there to bring your attention to a problem that’s going on with the washer. If you don’t dally and deal with this problem as fast as you can, you’ll end up saving yourself the trouble of hiring a professional and paying the expensive service fee.
In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of error codes, focusing specifically on the sud/sd code. You’ll find out all its possible causes and how to fix it so that your machine can run properly once again.
What’s the Use of Washing Machine Code Errors?
Errors were designed to help users and servicemen identify and locate the issues with washers. If properly understood, these codes can save time and effort because you don’t have to take apart every appliance component to find out why it’s not working as it should.
Therefore, each whirlpool washer displays an error code when it detects a user error or a defective part of the washer. However, each model has its own set of codes, so it’s important you know your model number to understand the true meaning of your washer’s error codes.
With Whirlpool Duet washers, most models tend to use one of two systems; the F# code system or the alternating F# and E# system. Each system has its own way of pointing you in the direction of the component/part responsible for the problem with your appliance. All you need to do is search for it.
Related: 5D Error Detergent Issue Troubleshooting Guide
What Does the Sud/SD Error Code Mean?
A sud/sd code simply means that your washing machine has way too many suds. The pressure sensor in the appliance has noted that the suds level has been steadily rising until your washing machine has become overloaded.
Now, you may be thinking, so what if there are too many suds in the washer? It should still work well enough, right? Unfortunately, the answer is no. With excessive amounts, your front load washer won’t be able to spin out the water, and no spinning means no cleaning.
So, your washing machine will either stop in the middle of its wash cycle or extend the length of the cycle to try and remove the excess suds. Essentially, it adds a rinse cycle so that the new water can rinse and drain them away until the suds error is gone.
Tip: The sud fault code can also be displayed as Sd or F0E2 on some washers; however, they all translate into an over-suds fault.
Possible Causes of the Sud Error
There are many reasons the sud code could be displayed. It could be due to a mistake on the user’s part or something wrong with the machine that makes it unable to get rid of the excess suds or read the suds level correctly. So, let’s take a look at all the possible reasons this code will pop up on your display.
Too Much Detergent
This one’s pretty self-explanatory. When you use excessive detergent, an outrageous amount of suds will form, and you’ll probably be able to see them with or without the fault code.
When your front-load washer detects an overflow of suds, it’ll try its best to resolve this problem actively. The washer’s central control unit will pause the main spin cycle and add a rinse cycle in the hopes of getting rid of the excessive suds.
Sometimes, when the suds are too much, more than one rinse cycle is needed. However, the problem can occasionally be beyond the capabilities of your washer, and it’ll end up needing your intervention.
Since machines nowadays are built to save energy and water, they don’t need a whole cupful of detergent to wash the clothes well. Accordingly, any extra residual detergent creates suds that can’t be washed away and may cause your appliance to run slowly, malfunction, or even completely shut off.
Consequently, a spoonful of detergent is all you need, especially with the newer models. Also, make sure to always check your manual first and see the manufacturer’s recommended dosage to be on the safe side – but excess detergent isn’t recommended.
Unsuitable Detergent Type
Since most Whirlpool Duet washers are high-efficiency, you must use high-efficiency (HE) detergents with them. That’s because HE detergents have been designed to work well with minimal amounts of water and to produce the slightest of suds/foam.
So, never use regular detergents and only use HE detergents. That isn’t to say that HE detergents won’t cause excessive suds if you use more than the recommended amount, so always follow the instructions to avoid the suds/sd code.
Also, keep in mind that you may need to cut down on your HE detergent if you see words like “concentrated” or “extra strength”. The same goes if your water is very soft with extremely low mineral levels.
Moreover, know that easy pour/no splash liquid bleach is another cleaning product you must never use with your Duet washer. It also creates a lot of suds and foam and may cause a suds fault code. Therefore, take care only to use regular bleach to prevent this problem from occurring from here on out.
Draining Issue
Remember when we said that your washer tries to automatically drain away the excess suds? Well, sometimes, your washer can’t drain at all. Many things can cause a drainage problem, but it’s mostly due to an issue with the drain pump, drain line, or drain hose.
Clogged Drain Pump Filter
When the filter of the drain pump or drain line becomes clogged with small objects and debris, the water can’t sufficiently pass through the bad pump and into the drain hose. Thankfully, once you clear the filter, your washer should drain the water properly once again and be back to full power.
Problem with Drain Hose or Drainpipe
Another possible cause for poor water drainage is an obstructed or leaking drain hose. If your hose is kinked, clogged, or leaking air, the water won’t be drained, and the suds will keep on accumulating.
The same problem will occur if your drainpipe isn’t placed at a height between 30-96 inches. Any more or any less, your pump won’t be able to remove the suds, and the water will overflow back into your washer.
Pressure Sensor Issue
If you use the correct type and amount of detergent and you’ve checked your drainage system and found it running smoothly, then the pressure sensor or pressure switch is the one to blame for the suds/sd error.
A Whirlpool washer usually has an analog sensor that detects the pressure in the washer. If this sensor malfunctions, it can detect abnormal amounts of suds and show the sud error code, even if the level is well within the normal limits.
In this case, you have to replace the defective sensor with a new one so that your appliance will stop showing this error.
How to Fix This Error
As previously mentioned, your washer automatically extends the rinse time of your normal cycle to eliminate the excessive suds, so you shouldn’t worry too much if you see an error once or twice.
However, if the issue persists, this means that your washer could use a little help in eradicating the extra suds to reduce the extra heavy load it’s pressuring it with.
The first thing you should do is to run your washer on a “Clean Washer” spin cycle with no detergent whatsoever so that the detergent buildup can be washed away and sort of reset the machine and free it if it’s clogged.
You may need to repeat this cycle a few times until the inside of your machine stops feeling slimy and slippery. Also, know that a dash of vinegar can significantly help shorten the process. You can find out how to run this cycle in the troubleshooting section of your washer’s manual.
Also, make sure your drain pump filter is clean and your drain hose is in good condition and well plugged in. Your last resort should be to get a new pressure sensor if everything else checks out.
Other Whirlpool Duet Washer Error Codes
In Conclusion
All in all, a sud code describes the presence of an excessive amount of foam and suds. There are several reasons for this over-suds fault, but thankfully most are easy to fix and repair on your own.
So, remember that more detergent doesn’t mean cleaner clothes when your washer becomes unable to spin due to the extra suds. Nevertheless, if you don’t know what to do to fix this error code, make sure to call an appliance repair company so that your washing machine stays useful and functional for a long time to come.
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