Whirlpool Washer Buttons Not Working! Causes And Fixes

A Whirlpool washer is known for its durability, reliability, and energy efficiency. But like any electronic equipment, it shows several issues. Among them, “Buttons stop working” is the most frustrating.

Usually, the Whirlpool Washer Buttons Not Working issue arises because of faulty control panel, insufficient power, defective switch, electrical issues, etc. In this situation, are you thinking of taking it to a technician? Hold on!

As this issue often occurs due to minor reasons, you can easily solve them. So continue reading to learn more.

Troubleshooting And Fixes Of Whirlpool Washer Buttons Not Working Issue

The buttons on a washing machine typically work by sending electrical signals to the control board. The control board then interprets this signal and activates the specific functions of the washer.

But, when any of these parts becomes damaged, it disrupts this process. As a result, washer buttons may stop working.

So to help you we have discussed below the main causes of this problem and ways to solve them.

1. Lid isn’t locked

The most common reason why your Whirlpool washer buttons are not working is because the lid is not locked. This is a safety feature to prevent the washer from starting if the lid is open.

To solve this, make sure the lid is perfectly closed and the lid locked indicator light is on. There may be an object blocking the lid from closing completely. So also be careful about it.

Additionally, even after closing the lid, if your washer doesn’t display any indication that the lid is closed, then the lid switch may be malfunctioning. In this situation, you have to replace this switch which will cost around $50 to $80.

2. Control lock is on

If the lid is locked, but the buttons aren’t working, then the Control Lock may be ON. On the control panel, you might see LoC or LC when the Control Lock is on.

Basically, it is a safety feature on a Whirlpool washer that disables the buttons to prevent accidentally starting or changing the settings on the washer.

In this situation turning OFF this Control Lock feature often solves this issue. To unlock the control lock, press and hold the control lock button for 3 seconds.

3. Electrical issue

Electrical issue is another major reason behind the Whirlpool Washer Buttons Not Working issue. This issue can arise because of faulty power supply, low voltage, loose connections, damaged wires, faulty power cords, etc.

To troubleshoot and solve this issue, first open the washer and check the connections between the control panel and buttons. If the connection is loose, tighten it.

Next, check that your washer line is properly connected to your home’s AC line and is getting enough power. Also, inspect the power cable and ensure it’s fine and there is no damage inside it.

Besides, make sure that the circuit breaker associated with the washer’s electrical outlet is not tripped or blown. If needed, try resetting the circuit breaker to see if the washer works.

4. Jammed buttons

If all of the above-mentioned solutions fail, then there’s a huge possibility that the washer’s buttons are somehow stuck or jammed.

This can happen if any foreign is stuck between the buttons and underneath the contact pad, such as dirt, debris, lint, or fabric.

Also after using it for a long time and due to continually pressing, the button becomes unresponsive.

Besides, dirt or grime could be stuck in the button holes, which prevents the buttons from being pressed fully.

So, if you notice any dirt around the buttons, then clean it using a soft brush. But, if it doesn’t work, then clean the buttons from inside.

To do it, unplug the washer and open the front control panel. Now carefully look around for anything that might be stuck between the buttons. If you find anything, remove it carefully with a brush or air blower.

Now before setting up the control panel to the washer, check the buttons to see if they are working or not. If they still don’t work, then don’t attach the panel.

**Since moisture in the control panel can also cause this issue, it is important to leave it open for the next step.

5. Moisture in the panel

Basically, moisture causes shorts or other damage to the sensitive electronics in the control panel.

So inspect the control panel you opened before and try to identify any kind of water or moisture on it. If any such marks are found, remove them with an air blower or keep them under the sun to dry them completely.

Here maybe your problem will be fixed. But if it doesn’t then jump into the next one.

6. Blown fuse (thermal or line fuse)

• Thermal fuse

A thermal fuse is a safety device that is designed to prevent the washer from overheating. If the washer overheats, the thermal fuse blows and cuts off power to the washer. As a result, the buttons stop working.

To solve it, find the thermal fuse and check it with a multimeter. Most often, it is found near the heating element or blower housing. If it is found blown, replace it with a new one.

• Line fuse

A line fuse protects the washer from power surges and other electrical problems. If the line fuse blows, it will prevent power from reaching the washer’s components, including the buttons.

Basically, this line-fuse is located at the head of the main power cable. So first check if it is OK or not.

But if you can’t find this on the power cable, check the area around where the power cable connects to your washing machine.

Maybe you’ll find a line fuse there. Now test it with a multimeter and if found faulty, replace it.

7. Faulty button/switch

After using it for a long time, the washer buttons become damaged and can’t work properly. Though this is not very common, if your buttons are still not working you should check the buttons.

If you find that the switch/button is faulty then you have to change it. A new switch/button may cost around a few bucks.

8. Faulty control panel

If all the above-mentioned procedures fail to solve that issue, then maybe your washing machine’s main control panel is faulty.

Basically, the control panel is the main part of the washer that houses the buttons and other controls. So if there is a problem with this, then none of the buttons on your washer will work.

Sometimes, resetting the washer solves this issue. So, to reset it, unplug the washer from the power socket and after 3 minutes plug it again. Now wait around 30 seconds and after that turn on the machine.

But if it doesn’t work, then take it to a qualified mechanic. Depending on the cause, this may cost you around $50 to $200.

Tips To Prevent Buttons Not Working on Whirlpool Washer

There’s an old saying: “Prevention is better than cure”. And this applies to everything you use.

Basically like any other electronic home appliance, to operate a Whirlpool washing machine you should follow some prevention tips.

These are not only easy to follow but will also help you avoid almost all types of problems.

• Clean the buttons regularly
• Don’t hit or slam the buttons
• Keep the washer in a clean and dry environment
• Don’t spill liquids on the control panel
• Press the buttons gently and avoid using excessive force
• Ensure your hands are dry when operating the washer’s control panel

FAQs

Even after reading the entire article thoroughly, you may have some questions in your mind that you still haven’t got the answers to. Hopefully, you’ll get those answers in this FAQ section.

Final Words

Finally, remember that washing machines are made of several delicate electronic parts that are closely interconnected. That’s why, if a problem occurs in one part, it automatically stops the other.

So, to get maximum results, always take good care of it and resolve any issues immediately. Because a minor problem can turn into a major one that costs a lot of money to fix.