Washing machines are a good example of what I like to call “cornerstone appliances.” We use them day in, day out to make our lives easier, and we count on them to work at all times.
Unfortunately, when they start malfunctioning, it can quickly turn into a nightmare. Clothes pile up, frustration grows, and the thought of having to replace such an expensive appliance can fill you with dread.
But don’t worry — this guide will cover everything you’ll need to fix your problem and get back to doing your laundry as quickly as possible. I’ll go through some common issues you may be encountering, how to reset your Whirlpool Duet Washer, and finally what you should do if nothing seems to be working.
What You’ll Need
Fortunately, resetting a Whirlpool Washer Duet is a fairly simple task that should only take a couple of minutes. There are no tools required, but you may need access to the back of the washer or your home’s circuit breaker.
How to Reset A Whirlpool Washer Duet
1. Look for any error indicators on your Whirlpool washer.
Check the display on your Whirlpool washer to see if it is indicating any errors. The most common issue is that the Control Lock has been turned on. This is a safety feature intended to prevent children from accidentally turning on the washer or changing its settings.
The Control Lock may automatically be turned on if you recently experienced a power outage. If this is the case, you may see a small key symbol and/or the letters “LOC” or “LC” on the washer’s display, and none of the controls will respond.
2. Press the “End of Cycle Signal” button and hold it for 3 seconds.
This will reset the Control Lock and allow the washer to operate normally again.
If this doesn’t help and you’re still experiencing problems, read on.
3. Unplug the washer or turn off the power at the circuit breaker and wait 30-45 minutes.
If resetting the Control Lock didn’t help, a full power reset is the next step. The first way to do this is to simply unplug the washer from the wall outlet and wait. You can also turn the power to the washer off using the circuit breaker that controls your laundry room outlets.
It’s important to wait for the full thirty minutes to ensure that the washer is reset. Set a timer and come back to this guide when it’s done.
4. Plug your Whirlpool Duet washer back in or turn the power back on at the circuit breaker.
After 30 minutes has passed, you can turn power back on to your washer by plugging it in or turning the circuit breaker back on.
At this point your washer should be fully reset, and most problems will be resolved.
FAQs
Why won’t any buttons work after resetting my washer?
Resetting your washer by turning power off to it may cause the Control Lock to automatically engage. This is a safety feature to prevent any accidental changes to your settings.
To fix this, all you need to do is press the “End of Cycle Signal” button and hold it for three seconds. Your washer should respond to input again.
Where can I find the Whirlpool Duet Washer owner’s manual?
The easiest way to locate the owner’s manual is to go to Whirlpool’s website and search for your model number. You can find your model number by opening the washer and looking on the inside rim — it should be a series of letters and numbers such as “C236B”.
Repair or Replace
If none of these tips were able to help, it may be time to consider repairing your washer. Most Whirlpool washers, such as the Duet, will come with a one-year limited warranty that covers parts and labor.
The warranty will also cover a replacement if a repair technician decides that is the best option.
To start the process, you’ll need to gather the following details:
- The name of the retailer you bought the washer from
- The retailer’s address
- Your washer’s model number and serial number
- A description of the problem you’re encountering
Armed with those details, you can either schedule service online or call the Whirlpool Customer Experience Center. If you’re located in the US, the number is 1-800-253-1301. If you’re located in Canada, the number is 1-800-807-6777.
According to the website Fixr.com, the average cost to repair a washing machine is anywhere from $150 to $400. If you’re out of warranty, that could be a sizeable chunk.
Depending on the issue you’re experiencing and the age of the machine, it may make sense to simply replace the malfunctioning washer.
Patrick Ward