The Whirlpool washer is a handy washing machine, thanks to its decent features, such as the diamond drum and the soak cycle. However, one common problem Whirlpool washer users face is the start button blinking.
If your Whirlpool washer start button is blinking, it means the door is not shut properly, the lock is damaged, or the control board is faulty. Quick fixes for a Whirlpool washer start button blinking are to ensure the door is shut properly, replace the damaged lock, or call a professional.
This post will go over some of the most common problems that can cause the blinking light and how to fix them. Keep reading for more information!
Causes of Whirlpool Washer Start Button Blinking
Before you start calling maintenance specialists and cursing your washer, take a deep breath and relax. In most cases, the blinking start button is caused by something simple that you can fix yourself. So please don’t throw your machine out the window quite yet!
Here are a few possible causes of the problem and how to diagnose them.
The Door Is Not Shut Properly
The first thing you should check is whether or not the door is shut properly. For the washer to start, the door must be completely closed and locked. If it’s not, then the start button will blink as a warning sign.
Besides the start button blinking, here are the signs that the door is not shut properly:
The washer doesn’t fill with water.
The washer makes a loud buzzing noise.
The washer doesn’t agitate or spin.
The Door Lock Is Damaged
If the door is shut properly but the start button is still blinking, then the next thing you should check is the door lock. Over time, the door lock can become damaged and no longer work correctly. When this happens, it can cause the start button to blink.
Here are a few signs that the door lock is damaged:
The door won’t lock.
The door won’t unlock.
There is a broken or damaged latch.
The door lock is loose.
The Main Control Board Is Defective
The main control board is the “brain” of the washing machine. It controls all the functions of the machine, including the door lock. So if the main control board is defective, it can cause the door lock to malfunction and the start button to blink.
Here are a few signs that the main control board is defective:
The washing machine doesn’t power on.
There is no response from the control panel.
The washer fills with water but doesn’t agitate or spin.
If you need a handy guide for diagnosing different Whirlpool washing machine problems, check out this video:
Fixes for a Whirlpool Washer Start Button Blinking
Now that you know some of the most common causes of the blinking start button, it’s time to learn how to fix the problem. After all, a washing machine is a big investment and you want to get as much use out of it as possible!
Here are a few solutions that might just do the trick:
Ensure the Door Is Shut Properly
If the washing machine’s door is not shut properly, lock it correctly. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Turn off the washing machine.
Open the door and ensure no clothes or other items are blocking it.
Close the door and push it until you hear it click.
Turn on the washing machine and check to see if the start button is still blinking.
Pro Tip: When cleaning, ensure you don’t overload the washer. That way, you can prevent potential problems, such as the door not shutting properly. Be sure to read this article I wrote explaining how to find your washing machine’s capacity.
Replace the Door Lock if It’s Damaged
If the door lock is damaged, it needs to be replaced.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
Turn off the washing machine and unplug it from the power outlet.
Remove the screws that hold the door lock in place.
Pull out the old door lock and insert the new one.
Reattach the screws and plug the washing machine back in.
Turn on the machine and check to see if the start button is still blinking.
Note: If you need help finding a replacement door lock, contact the manufacturer. In addition, hire a professional to install the new door lock if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.
Inspect the Main Control Board
If the main control board is defective, it needs to be replaced. That’s a difficult repair that should be done by a professional.
However, ensure the new main control board is compatible with your washing machine. Just check the machine’s model number to find the right replacement board.
Check the Rubber Door Seal for Any Holes or Tears
If there are any holes or tears in the rubber door seal, they need to be fixed.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
Turn off the washing machine and unplug it from the power outlet.
Remove the screws that hold the door seal in place.
Pull out the old door seal and insert the new one.
Reattach the screws and plug the washing machine back in.
Turn on the machine and check to see if the start button is still blinking.
Ensure the Wiring and Connections Are Secure
If the wiring or connections are loose, they need to be tightened. Unless you’re experienced with this, this repair should be done by a professional.
That way you can avoid any further damage to the washing machine. Besides, a professional will have the right tools to do the job quickly and efficiently.
Call a Professional if the Problem Persists
If you’re unsure of how to fix the problem or if the start button continues to blink after you’ve tried the solutions above, call a professional. They’ll be able to diagnose and fix the problem quickly.
In addition, they might offer a warranty on their work. That way you can have peace of mind knowing that the repair will be done right the first time.
The Bottom Line
Whirlpool washing machines are known for their quality and durability. However, like any appliance, they can have their fair share of problems.
One of the most common problems is the start button blinking. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.
So, if your Whirlpool washer’s start button is blinking, don’t panic! Just follow the solutions above and you’ll have your washing machine up and running in no time.
