Whirlpool Washing Machine: not starting cycle and not draining

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Whirlpool washing machine not starting its cycle and not draining water? This common issue may be due to a clogged drain hose or pump, a faulty lid switch, or even an electronic control board malfunction. If your drum remains still and water is trapped inside, it's crucial to troubleshoot the problem to restore your machine's functionality.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Whirlpool Models

  • Official Whirlpool troubleshooting advises holding Start button to engage cycle and resetting control power may clear some Start/Drain issues

Possible Causes

Clogged drain hose or drain pump or filter

How to Identify: Water remains in tub after attempted start; visible kinks or debris in hose; water drains when manually removing clog

Part: Drain hose / Drain pump / Pump filter

Faulty lid/door switch preventing start and drain

How to Identify: Washer won’t start cycle or register door closed, even with door closed; sometimes no lights or start signal

Part: Lid switch / Door lock assembly

Faulty electronic control board or user interface

How to Identify: No response when pressing Start; panel unresponsive; reset does not help

Part: Electronic control board / User interface controls

Drain pump motor failure

How to Identify: No audible pump activity; pump does not run; resistance or burn smell

Part: Drain pump motor

Door lock jam or fault

How to Identify: Door won’t latch or lock indicator does not show; start cycle fails

Part: Door lock assembly

DIY Solutions

Check and clear clogs in drain hose and filters

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, bucket, gloves
  1. Unplug washer and locate drain hose at back
  2. Disconnect and inspect hose for kinks/debris; flush with water to clear clogs
  3. Find pump filter (if accessible) and remove trapped debris
  4. Reattach hose and test run
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before working on appliance

Reset washer control panel

Easy 10 minutes
  1. Unplug washer from power for at least 5 minutes to reset control board
  2. Plug back in and press Start button for 3 seconds
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure hands are dry before plugging in

Professional Repairs

Replace lid/door switch or door lock assembly

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150 (parts) plus labor

Replace drain pump or control board

Estimated Cost: $100 - $350 (parts) plus labor

When to Call a Professional

Water remains after clearing accessible clogs and machine still won’t start
Panel is unresponsive or electronics appear damaged
Drain pump or control board suspected to be faulty

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean drain hose and pump filter: Clogs that cause draining and start issues
    Frequency: annually
  • Check door/lid switch function: Start cycle failures due to safety switch faults
    Frequency: periodically

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Whirlpool Washing Machine not starting cycle and not draining?
Common causes include a clogged drain hose, faulty lid switch, or issues with the control board.
How do I fix Whirlpool Washing Machine not starting cycle and not draining myself?
Check for clogs in the drain hose and filters, or reset the control panel by unplugging it.
How much does it cost to fix not starting cycle and not draining?
Professional repairs can cost between $50 to $350 for parts plus labor.
When should I call a technician for not starting cycle and not draining?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue, or if you notice complex electrical problems, it's time to call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

70%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty lid switch
  • Clogged drain hose or pump
  • Defective control board

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and replace the lid switch. Open the lid and press the switch manually to see if the cycle starts. If not, replace the switch.

  2. Inspect the drain hose for clogs or kinks. Disconnect the hose and flush it with water to remove any blockages.

  3. Examine the control board for any visible damage or burnt components. If damaged, replace the control board.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Whirlpool washer fills with water but cycle won’t start.

Community Discussions

fills with water but cycle won’t start and the washer won’t drain

The lid switch was the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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