Whirlpool Cabrio UL Code -What is it & How To Fix?
If you own a Whirlpool Cabrio washer, you may often notice the UL code on your washer’s control board panel. When the code appears, you can get a continuous sound signal or excessive noise from the drum.
But this is just an error code that stands for “Unbalanced Load.” So, it doesn’t mean there are any mechanical malfunctions in the machine, and you just need to balance the weight properly to fix the error.
However, there are several reasons behind this Whirlpool Cabrio UL code, and sometimes the fixes may vary. So, keep reading this article to get a clear idea of such things.
What Does the UL Code Mean on a Whirlpool Cabrio?
The UL code on a Whirlpool Cabrio washer is a diagnostic error code that means an unbalanced load on the washer. Simply put, the code indicates that the washer’s sensors have detected an imbalanced load distribution during the spin cycle.
To properly understand the “UL” code, we must know about the washer’s balancing mechanism. The balancing mechanism on a washer helps to balance the weight of the load throughout the drum.
It reduces vibrations during the spin cycle and prevents the washer from being unbalanced. But if the sensors of the balancing mechanism detect an unbalanced load, it will concern the machine, and it will try to fix it.
Unfortunately, if it fails to do so, the electronic control board will come up with the “UL” error code. At the same time, it may stop or slow down the running operation to prevent further damage.
What Causes the UL Code on a Whirlpool Cabrio?
An uneven distribution of load or unbalanced load is the main reason for the code UL on a Whirlpool Cabrio washer. There are also some other reasons why the UL code may appear:
- The washer is overloaded.
- Heavy or bulky items in the drum.
- Obstructions such as foreign objects or small clothing articles are stuck between the tub and the impeller.
- The washer is poorly leveled.
- Damaged suspension rods or bearings.
- The control board is malfunctioning.
Troubleshooting and Fixing Whirlpool Cabrio UL Code
Troubleshooting and fixing Whirlpool Cabrio UL code is fairly easy and simple, as, in most cases, the problem is not mechanical.
You can easily suspect the issues and fix them with some easy steps, as follows:
1. Check the loading: Ensure proper loading and distribution
Start by checking the loading and distribution of the clothes inside the drum. If it is overloaded, underloaded, or unevenly distributed, then it might be the main culprit for the error.
Overloading or underloading can cause your Whirlpool Cabrio washer to become unbalanced during the spin cycle and result in an UL code on the board.
So, redistribute the clothes to balance the load evenly in the drum. If you have loaded more, then remove some clothes to balance the load and fix the UL code.
Also, add more clothes to counterbalance the washer if it has become underloaded. Therefore, check the water level inside the drum to ensure there’s no more water than it requires.
After that, check the board to see if the error code is still flashing. If it is, then try out the next solution.
2. Look for obstructions: Remove the obstructions
Check for any obstructions caught between the tub and the impeller. It will cause the washer to become unbalanced and trigger the error UL on the board.
So, clear any obstructions if found. Then, restart the spin cycle and check the control board on your Whirlpool Cabrio to see if the code has been fixed.
3. Level the washer
If the error code is still there, check the washer to see if it is properly leveled on the floor. Otherwise, it can also cause the error UL code on your Whirlpool Cabrio washer.
In this case, you can better use a carpenter’s level (if available) on the top of your washer to see if it is leveled evenly. If it is not, then adjust the leveling to ensure the proper balance of the washer and to solve the error.
4. Examine the suspension rods: Replace them if needed
The suspension rods help to maintain the balance of the drum during the spin cycle. Over time, these rods can be damaged or corroded and fail to support the drum, causing the UL error code on a Whirlpool Cabrio washer.
So, examine the suspension rods to see if they are broken or worn out. If you see any signs of damage, repair or replace them as required.
5. Calibrate the washer
In most Whirlpool Cabrio washer models, there’s a calibration mode that allows the sensors to read the correct weight of the clothes. It helps to maintain the balance of the load of clothes and water inside the drum.
If it detects any overloads, it causes the control board to trigger the UL code on the machine to protect the washer from being damaged.
So, if there’s no imbalance load on your washer as with our previous methods, then the calibration mode may malfunction and result in the error UL.
In this case, recalibrating the sensors and settings on your Whirlpool Cabrio washer will help you fix the error. But the process may vary depending on the model of your washer.
6. Reset the control board
If you have tried all the previous methods but the error UL on your washer is not resolved yet, the last thing you can try is resetting the control board. It will fix the control board if it has any temporary malfunctions.
There are multiple ways to reset a Whirlpool Cabrio washer. But the simplest way will be:
- Unplug the washer from the power source
- Wait for a few minutes
- Plug the washer back in in the outlet
This will reset the control board system and remove any temporary issues with it that may cause the error code.
FAQs
There are still some little details to know about when discussing the Whirlpool Cabrio washer UL code. Let’s answer some common questions people often ask regarding the topic:
Can I ignore the UL code on a Whirlpool Cabrio washer?
No, it is not good to ignore the UL code on your Whirlpool Cabrio washer. If you do so, it may cause severe damage to your washer’s components and lead to further issues that can sometimes be irreparable.
Can low spin speeds avoid the UL code?
Low spin speeds can reduce the chances of the code UL on a Whirlpool Cabrio washer, but it cannot completely avoid the code. Because a proper distribution of the load is the most important thing to prevent this error code on a washer.
How often should I recalibrate my Whirlpool Cabrio washer?
Recalibrating your Whirlpool Cabrio washer is not something that you should perform regularly. Sometimes it can be helpful when the washer encounters any issues with the system and the basic solutions fail to fix any problem with the washer.
How Serious is the Error Code UL on a Whirlpool Cabrio washer?
The error UL code on a Whirlpool Cabrio washer itself is not a serious issue. It’s just an indicator for an off-balance issue on the washer. But it should be addressed and resolved as soon as possible, since it can cause excessive vibration and create strains on other components.
Conclusion
Whirlpool Cabrio UL code is one of the easiest washing machine’s error codes to fix. Hopefully, our previous discussions will also make it easier to understand.
But if you fail to perform these methods or the UL code still persists, there might be an underlying issue with the washer’s suspension. In this case, contact a professional appliance repair technician for further assistance.