Does your Whirlpool washing machine have a 5d, sud, excessive suds, or sd error code? You’re not alone. This is one of the most common error codes that many Whirlpool customers face at one point or another.
The 5d or excess suds error code usually indicates that there’s a problem with the detergent you’re using. And while it may not stop your washing machine from working, you still have to eliminate it to get the most out of your appliance.
If you want to learn more about this error code and how to fix it, continue reading!
Causes of 5d or sd Error Code in a Whirlpool Washing Machine
When there’s a 5d error, your washer automatically extends the rinsing time to get rid of the extra foam cap.
Sometimes, the error could happen every once in a while due to improper use from your end. In other cases, it could signal that something inside the appliance isn’t working as it should.
Here’s what you can do the first time your washer displays this error message:
Give the washer some time to eliminate the foaming (10-20 minutes).
Locate the control panel and press the power button, then drain the water and take the laundry out of the drum. After that, get a cleaning tablet, put it in the drum, and shut the door. Press and hold the pause button for about three seconds, and let the appliance get into automatic cleaning mode.
Reset the code by pressing twice on the pause button or once on the power button.
Stop the washer and take out any bulky clothes or other items that place an extra heavy load on the drum, then continue washing.
If none of these hotfixes worked, here are some of the possible reasons why your Whirlpool washing machine is displaying the 5d error code:
Too Much Detergent
Using an excessive amount of detergent is the most likely cause of the 5d error code. Check the owner’s manual to know the right amount of regular detergent needed for your laundry to avoid residual detergent.
It is also important to note the the type of detergent used can cause the 5D error. I always recommend high efficiency detergents like this one to prevent this issue.
You can measure detergent before using it, just to make sure that you haven’t exceeded the recommended amount.
Excess detergent isn’t the only detergent-related problem that causes the 5d error code. A low-quality detergent may also make your washing machine indicate that you’re doing something wrong, even if you don’t use excessive detergent.
In that case, you might want to try out another higher-quality detergent to see if it fixes the problem.
Clogged Drain Pump
A clogged drain system means that your washing machine is incapable of removing water at a fast enough rate. The drain system consists of a filter, sewer entrance, drain hose, and pipe. A blockage in any of these elements could result in an error. Here’s how to fix this:
Unplug the power connector to turn off the appliance.
Check every component of the drain system for deposits one at a time.
Rinse and blow the blocked elements thoroughly.
If you’re unable to clean any of these components, your best bet would be to replace them with new ones. A hose will cost you anywhere from $5 to $40, while a filter could cost $6-$35, depending on the model. We recommend that you opt for high-end components to avoid future problems.
Faulty Foam Sensor
If there’s insufficient foam in the drum during the normal cycle, it could mean that the foam sensor is malfunctioning. You can confirm that the sensor has gone bad with a multimeter.
Replacing the foam detector with a new one would be the best solution here. You can check if the new sensor is mounted correctly by running a test spin cycle.
Water Pressure Controller Failure
A bad water pressure switch will make the machine stop spinning and display the 5d code. You can identify whether there’s a problem with the controller or not by inspecting it with a multimeter.
Before deciding to replace the pressure controller, try resetting it by removing the clothes and unplugging the power cord. If that didn’t work, then getting a new pressure controller would be your only option.
It’s quite unlikely for a 5d code to appear because of a faulty control board, but it’s not entirely excluded either.
You can access the central unit by removing the back cover. Check for any signs of wear, like dark spots or faulty connectors, and replace the defective elements with new ones.
By now, you should’ve already figured out how to get rid of the error displayed on your Whirlpool machine’s screen. To recap, all you have to do is use a suitable amount of high-quality detergent for every wash cycle, check the drain system for blockage, and inspect the main control board.
Your last resort is to call a professional to diagnose the machine and recommend the best solution.
