The Whirlpool Cabrio is one of the innovative washing machines you’ll find on the market. It comes with a range of features that makes doing your laundry a breeze.
The Whirlpool washer’s build quality shows that the machine was built to last. But the thing is no washing machine is resistant to failure. Even the most expensive washers still develop fault at some point.
That said, if you’re experiencing a Whirlpool Cabrio washer stuck on sensing mode problem, you are in the right place to find a solution to what’s causing the problem.
Keep reading to learn more!
Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Stuck On Sensing: What Could be the Reasons?
Your Whirlpool Cabrio washer is stuck on sensing mode because of an issue with one of several aspects of the machine. It could be a faulty power supply, shift actuator, water inlet valve, control panel, drive motor, or faulty sensor. Most of the time it is related to the wall outlet being defective.
The Whirlpool washer is supposed to remain in sensing mode for 2 to 3 minutes or more, where it would decide the amount of water the machine requires. If it remains in this mode for too long, certain components might be faulty.
Here’s how to fix the problem. But first, let’s summarize the possible fault that can disrupt a Whirpool Cabrio’s washing cycle.
- Power supply issue
- Settings issue
- Shift actuator
- Water inlet valve
- Faulty control panel
- Faulty drive motor
- Faulty sensor
1: Issue with power supply
Your Whirlpool washer needs power supply to work. If your washing machine is stuck in the sensing mode, chances are the power supply might be the cause.
It is possible that the power cord plugged into the wall socket is faulty somewhere or isn’t in a proper position.
Additionally, your wall socket could be faulty and not supplying electric current to the machine.
How to Fix:
You can fix this problem by checking the wall outlet. Check if it’s supplying electric current or not. If the wall outlet is defective, replace it, and your washer will start working fine again. If the wall outlet is intact but not supplying electric current, get an electrician to fix the problem.
2: Check the machine’s Settings
The Whirlpool Cabrio and other similar high-end washers have settings. And such machines won’t work correctly with the wrong settings. So, whether your washer is brand new or not, always use it according to the instructional manual. Ensure the settings you’re using is the correct one.
How to Fix:
If your Whirlpool Cabrio gets stuck in sensing mode, you can try fixing the problem via a simple reset. You can find Whirlpool’s manual online or use the one that came with the machine. Follow the detailed instructions given in the manual to set up your washing machine.
A Handy Tip: You can perform a Whirlpool Cabrio reset by turning the machine’s dial to normal. Turn the machine’s dial to the left-hand side until you hear a click.
3: Check the Shift Actuator
A faulty shift actuator can cause a Whirlpool washer to get stuck in sensing mode. The actuator, as the name implies, boasts several functions. It enables the machine to move to the washing cycle’s next phase.
In plain terms, the shift actuator physically moves the machine’s splutch cam ring when needed. It also keeps an eye on the splutch to ensure it always remains in the correct position.
How to Fix:
If your Whirlpool Cabrio refuses to advance past sensing mode, there is a big chance that the shift actuator is no longer functioning (has been damaged). The damage can be due to electrical or mechanical failure. But in either case, you have to replace the shift actuator for the machine to start working well again. Here is how you can fix shift actuator in the Whirlpool Cabrio.
4: Water Inlet Valve issue
A faulty water inlet valve can cause your washer to be stuck in sensing mode. The water inlet valve helps the machine control the inflow of clean water for washing. It ensures your washing machine doesn’t get flooded up while in use.
This water inlet valve opens up to allow water to flow into the drum. But as soon as the drum gets filled to the required level, the inlet valve is signaled to shut its valve, preventing water from coming in.
How to Fix:
A faulty water inlet valve is not something you can repair. You have to install a new water inlet valve. Loosen the damaged one from the back of the washer and install the new one. However, make sure you disconnect the washing machine from the power supply before you start to loosen the screws.
A Handy Tip: The water inlet valve may suffer electrical or mechanical failure—the electrical fault results when the valve no longer receives enough electricity to function as it should.
On the other hand, mechanical failure results when dirt blocks the valve and prevents it from working as it should. Corrosion can also cause this issue.
5: The main control panel issue
The control panel, also known as the main control board, can be another reason your Whirlpool washer doesn’t move past the sensing mode. The control board is crucial as it houses tiny but essential components of the washer. These components work together to make the machine function as it should.
In most cases, the faulty control panel doesn’t mean the washing machine will stop working. Certain aspects of the washer will work despite the defective control panel.
For instance, the machine can come on, but it won’t work as it should.
How to Fix:
You cannot fix a washer’s faulty control panel if you don’t have the technical skills. If you try repairing it without technical knowledge, you may damage the entire board or make the fault extend to other components on the panel. But if you can’t find an expert that you can trust to repair the faulty control panel, get a new one for the machine.
6: Faulty drive motor
A faulty drive motor can make your washer stuck in the sensing stage. The drive motor is a crucial component in the washer. It is responsible for the drum’s rotation in both directions.
In other words, when you turn on the washer, the drive motor will generate enough power to cause the washer drum to rotate. The drive motor also determines if the washer can move out from the sensing stage.
So, the drum’s rotation caused by the drive motor is essential for the washer to gauge the amount of water needed to wash the clothes in the machine while in the sensing phase.
How to Fix:
Unfortunately, you cannot repair the drive motor whether it suffered electrical damage or experienced wear. So, if your drive motor is faulty, get a new one in there. But please, scrutinize the old one before splashing the cash on a new one. Why? Drive motors are expensive.
If you cannot change the drive motor by yourself or check if it’s still in good shape, feel free to hire an expert to help you.
7: Machine’s sensor could be faulty
Another component in the Whirlpool washer that can cause the machine to remain stuck in sensing mode is the sensor. If the sensor has faulty, it won’t function, as it should.
The sensor is a crucial component in the washer. It is the reason the machine can move from one cycle to another.
How to Fix:
To fix the sensor problem, try to diagnose the machine first. That way, you’ll know if the sensor has a fault or not. If the sensor hasn’t been damaged, go ahead and do a reset. Resetting the sensor could help to get it to start functioning correctly. But if you reset it and it doesn’t work correctly, you should consider changing the sensor.
Warranty and Support
If none of the above tests has worked for you, it is time to contact Whirlpool support service.
You can contact Whirlpool at the below number:
US: 1-866-698-2538
Canada: 1-800-807-6777
Hour of Operation:
Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST
Before calling Whirlpool support, check whether your product is under warranty. If not, please ask them about the service charges that you might have to pay if an engineer visits your home.
If you are unaware of your washer serial number, please visit this page to help you find it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are questions on how to fix Whirlpool washer issues and their corresponding responses.
How can I reset the Whirlpool washer?
Use the steps below to reset your Whirlpool.
1. Turn off the washing machine.
2. Turn the machine’s mode dial to normal.
3. Turn the mode dial in the two directions. That is counter-clockwise (1 click) and clockwise (3 clicks), Then, finally, counter-clockwise (1 click) and (clockwise 1 click).
You can also reset your Whirlpool washer using power cycling. You should turn off the machine, detach the washer’s power cord from the wall outlet, and wait 15 minutes or less before plugging it back.
How long does the Whirlpool Cabrio washing machine stay in sensing mode?
The Whirlpool spends about 2 to 3 minutes on the sensing stage, but don’t panic if it stays longer. Sometimes, this washing machine can remain in sensing mode for more than 2 or 3 minutes.
However, if the machine wouldn’t get past its sensing stage, it picks up a fault. You can also reset the machine to see if it will start working correctly.
Conclusion
Is your Whirlpool Cabrio washer stuck on sensing mode? If yes, several factors could be responsible for this. These include:
- Power supply issue
- Settings issue
- Shift actuator
- Water inlet valve
- Faulty control panel
- Faulty drive motor
- Faulty sensor
So, any of the issues above may have stopped your Whirlpool washer from advancing from the sensing phase. You can try fixing them and see if your machine will start working correctly.
However, if you feel you have tried all you could, but your machine still can’t get past the sensing phase, you should get a new Whirlpool Cabrio washer.