A Whirlpool washer is an essential appliance in any home. It comes in handy when you need to do laundry but don’t have the time or energy to go to the laundromat. However, like all appliances, they sometimes experience problems, with one major one being when your Whirlpool washer turns on and then off immediately.
Your Whirlpool washer turns on then off immediately, due to a power supply problem. Usually, the solution is to check the power source for issues. However, the problem could also be due to a short-circuited unit, blocked water supply, a bad door switch, or a damaged motor.
Read on for a rundown of what may cause your Whirlpool washer to turn on and off immediately and how you can fix the problem.
Causes of Whirlpool Washer Turning On Then Off Immediately
As I mentioned in the introduction, several factors can immediately cause your Whirlpool washer to turn on and off. Like other common appliance problems, the first step in fixing the issue is identifying the cause.
In that regard, here are some of the most common causes of a Whirlpool washer turning on and then off immediately:
Poor Power Supply
Dirty power is one of the most common causes of a Whirlpool washer turning on and off. That usually happens when there’s a power surge or voltage fluctuation in your home’s electrical system.
Besides, if you live in an area with severe weather conditions, such as thunderstorms, that can also lead to dirty power and cause your Whirlpool washer to turn on then off.
Here’s a roundup of the common causes of dirty power:
A power surge caused by severe weather conditions
Voltage fluctuation in your home’s electrical system
An overloaded circuit
A faulty electrical outlet
Short-Circuited Units
Another common cause of a Whirlpool washer turning on then off is a short-circuited unit. That usually happens when the washer’s wires are damaged or frayed. It could also happen if the washer’s electrical components are damaged. When that happens, your washer may not work correctly, and could go off when you turn it on.
Blocked Water Supply
If the water supply to your Whirlpool washer is blocked, that can also cause your unit to turn on then off immediately. That usually happens when the washer’s inlet hose is clogged.
It could also happen if the water valve that supplies water to your washer is turned off.
Here are a few things that can block the water supply to your washer:
Dirt and debris in the inlet hose
A kinked inlet hose
The water valve is turned off
An air lock in the plumbing
Here’s a video that describes how an air lock can restrict the flow of water in a plumbing system:
Faulty Door Switch
Another common cause of a Whirlpool washer turning on then off immediately is a bad door switch. The door switch is a safety feature that prevents the washer from operating when the door is open.
If the door switch is damaged or faulty, your washer may go off immediately after you turn it on.
Damaged Motor
The motor is a crucial component of your washer that helps spin the washer tub. If the motor is damaged, it can cause your washer to turn on and then off.
What To Do if Your Washer Turns On Then Off Immediately
Now that you know some of the most common causes of a Whirlpool washer turning off immediately after you turn it on, the next step is to take action and fix the problem. Fortunately, most issues that can cause your washer to turn on and off are easy to fix, and you can do it yourself.
Here are a few things you can do if your Whirlpool washer turns on then off immediately:
Check the Power Source
One of the first things you should do if your Whirlpool washer turns on and then off is to check the power source. That usually means:
Check the circuit breaker or fuse box to see if the power is still on.
Check the electrical outlet to see if it’s working properly.
If the power is off, turn it back on and see if that fixes the problem. If the power is on, and the washer still turns off immediately after you turn it on, try plugging the washer into a different electrical outlet.
Unplug the Unit, Then Plug it Back In
If your Whirlpool washer turns on and then off, one of the simplest things you can do is unplug the unit, wait a few minutes, then plug it back in. That often resets the washer, and it may fix the problem.
If unplugging and replugging in the washer doesn’t work, try resetting the breaker or replacing the fuse.
Fix Damaged Fuses and Wires
If your Whirlpool washer turns on then off because of damaged fuses or wires, you’ll need to replace them. However, you must know how to work with electricity before you attempt to do that safely.
If you’re uncomfortable working with electricity, it’s best to call an electrician to fix the damaged fuses or wires.
Clean the Inlet Hose Screen
If the inlet hose is clogged, it’s time to clean it. You’ll need a pair of needle-nose pliers and a small screwdriver to do this.
Once you have those tools, follow these steps:
Start by disconnecting the inlet hose from the back of the washer.
Then, use the needle-nose pliers to remove the screen from the inlet hose. This BOOSDEN 8-inch (20 cm) Needle Nose Pliers with Side Cutters may come in handy. They feature an excellent design that makes them perfect for accessing tight spaces.
Next, use the small screwdriver to clear away any debris clogging the screen.
After that, put the screen back in place and reattach the inlet hose.
Pro Tip: In addition to the inlet hose screen, check and rid the pump filter of debris. A clogged pump filter can also cause your Whirlpool washer to turn on and then off immediately.
If your Whirlpool washer turns on then off because of a bad door switch, you’ll need to replace it. You can find the door switch on the washer’s control panel.
To replace the door switch, you’ll need a screwdriver. Once you have one, follow these steps:
Unscrew the screws that hold the door switch in place.
Remove the wires from the door switch.
Take the new door switch and install it in the same position as the old one.
Reattach the wires to the new door switch.
Screw the new door switch in place.
Replace the Faulty Motor
If your Whirlpool washer turns on and then off because of a damaged motor, you’ll need to replace it. Replacing the motor is a pretty big job, and it’s one you should leave to a professional.
However, ensure the replacement is compatible with your model of Whirlpool washer.
Otherwise, you’ll end up having to replace the motor again soon.
Call a Technician if You’re Unsure
If you’ve tried fixing your Whirlpool washer, but it still turns on and then off, it’s time to call a technician. Something else may be wrong with the washer, and only a professional will be able to diagnose and fix the problem.
When you call a technician, inform them of everything you’ve already tried. That way, they can start troubleshooting from where you left off or tell you where you may have gone wrong.
Summary
If your Whirlpool washer turns on and then off, don’t give up hope. You can try several things to fix the problem, including unplugging and replugging the washer, resetting the breaker or replacing the fuse, and cleaning the inlet hose screen.
If those things don’t work, you may need to replace the door switch or the motor. Call a technician if you’ve tried everything you can and your washer is still broken. They’ll diagnose and fix the problem in a breeze.
