Whirlpool Washing Machine: not completing cycle

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Whirlpool washing machine not completing its cycle? If it stops during washing, rinsing, or spinning, leaving clothes wet, you're likely facing an issue with load balance or a faulty component. This guide will help you identify the problem and offer solutions to get your washer back on track.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Whirlpool Models

  • Whirlpool support specifically s out-of-balance loads triggering self-correction and stopping cycles if imbalance persists.
  • Repair guides list lid switch and water inlet valve failures as common Whirlpool mid-cycle stop causes.

Possible Causes

Unbalanced or overloaded load causing cycle interruption

How to Identify: Washer stops during spin, loud vibration, excessive shaking, clothes remain wet at cycle end; odd load distribution visible.

Part: Drum/Load Sensing System

Faulty control board or timer interfering with cycle progression

How to Identify: Stops at the same point every cycle, erratic behavior, error codes on display.

Part: Control Board / Timer

Failed water-level pressure switch misreporting water level

How to Identify: Inability to detect correct water level, washer may stop before finishing stages.

Part: Pressure Switch

DIY Solutions

Redistribute or Reduce Load and Restart Cycle

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Stop washer and open lid/door
  2. Redistribute clothes evenly in the drum
  3. Remove excess items if overloaded
  4. Restart the cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure machine is stopped before opening door

Inspect and Clean Drain Pump Filter and Hose

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Bucket, Screwdriver, Gloves
  1. Unplug washer
  2. Place bucket under drain pump access panel
  3. Remove drain pump filter and clear debris
  4. Check drain hose for clogs and straighten any kinks
  5. Reassemble and test
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug appliance before access

Test Lid Switch/Latch for Operation

Moderate 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: Multimeter, Screwdriver
  1. Unplug the washer
  2. Locate lid switch/door lock assembly
  3. Use multimeter to check for continuity when lid/door closed
  4. Replace switch if no continuity
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before electrical testing

Professional Repairs

Replace Water Inlet Valve

Estimated Cost: $30 - $120

Control Board or Timer Replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Pressure Switch Replacement

Estimated Cost: $40 - $150

When to Call a Professional

Cycle stops at same point repeatedly with error codes
Water remains in drum after clearing drain issues
Electrical testing indicates control board faults

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly level washer and balance loads: Unbalanced load issues causing mid-cycle stops
    Frequency: every use
  • Clean drain pump filter and hoses: Drainage blockages that can interrupt cycles
    Frequency: every 1–3 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Whirlpool Washing Machine not completing cycle?
Common causes include unbalanced loads, faulty control board, or a failed water-level pressure switch.
How do I fix Whirlpool Washing Machine not completing cycle myself?
Redistribute the load, clean the drain pump filter, or test the lid switch for continuity.
How much does it cost to fix not completing cycle?
Professional repairs range from $30 for a valve replacement to $400 for control board replacement.
When should I call a technician for not completing cycle?
If DIY solutions don't work or if the issue involves complex parts like the control board.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

100%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Timer malfunction (1 mentions)
  • Motor or gearcase issues (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace the timer due to worn contacts.

    Success rate: 50.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Whirlpool Top Loader Washing Machine fills, agitates fine fo...
  2. Whirlpool Washer CAM2742TQ3 stops after filling

Community Discussions

fills, agitates fine for a minute, then stops; timer keeps ticking; clunk during spin

Replace the timer due to worn contacts.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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