FIXED Whirlpool Cabrio WTW5500XW3 won't fill/start - drain pump? - video and description included

[potato]

Model Number

WTW5500XW3

Brand

Whirlpool

Age

More than 10 years

hello,

my whirlpool cabrio washer, model WTW5500XW3, recently stopped working.

it refused to fill, and would just sit there and impotently grind and do nothing. it gave off a code saying the drain pump was the problem. here is what that looked like: https://photos.app.goo.gl/WB7E1cHuqoy696L8A (you can't see it giving the code in this video, but it was displaying it before turning it off and back on again)

so i replaced the drain pump with what was allegedly an OEM replacement. now it is still not working, but it is making a different sound. instead of impotently grinding and rumbling, it just hums, and then gradually begins to emit a piercing, high-pitched whine.

here is what is happening now: https://photos.app.goo.gl/PiGdHtU38k2eusoE8

i checked the voltage going to the pump and it's a good 120v.

did i install it incorrectly? did i get a bad pump? do i need to 'prime' it somehow? is there something else wrong with this machine?

 

[Jake]

Here's the parts diagram for your model:

WTW5500XW3 / Whirlpool Washer Parts & Free Repair Help - AppliancePartsPros

Original, high quality parts for Whirlpool WTW5500XW3 / Washer in stock and ready to ship today. 365 days to return any part.

click.linksynergy.com

Are you absolutely sure that's the drain pump running? If you put you hand on it you can feel it vibrating?

I'm attaching your tech data sheet below. Get into the ACTIVATING THE SERVICE DIAGNOSTIC TEST MODES and see what other fault codes you get, if any.

On Page 2 of your tech. data sheet do: ACTIVATING THE SERVICE DIAGNOSTIC TEST MODES

Then do FAULT CODE DISPLAY MODE on Page 3--->Then you can see what fault code/codes you are getting on Page 6 and Page 7: FAULT/ERROR CODES

Then do MANUAL TEST MODE on Page 9 and see if all the other components come on and activate and run.

Let us know what you find.

Jake

 

[potato]

jake,

thank you for your prompt reply.

i really appreciate the service you provide here. you've helped a lot of people.

i did as you suggested. here is a video of the fault code display mode: https://photos.app.goo.gl/uXcc3qFzJsbVDejj8

the fault it displays is indicated by the LEDs reading on-on-off-off-on, which i interpret as the "long drain" code indicated at the bottom of page 7 on that guide you provided. from what i understand, this indicates a problem with the drain pump, which i replaced.

i did not take a video of it, but i did the manual test, and filling, draining, agitating, and spinning, seem to work fine when triggered manually.

here is a video of the behavior it is displaying now: https://photos.app.goo.gl/dHeaQMreRiunejyS6

in this video, after being plugged in, without having the power button pushed, the machine turns itself on (possibly a feature to restart the cycle where it's left off in case of a power outage?) and grinds and whines but does not do anything else.

 

[Jake]

It looks like your control board has gone bad.

Its currently out-of-stock everywhere:
Electronic Control Board W10480101


You machine was made in 2011, the average life of washers is only 8-12 years. It would be more wise to save the repair money and buy a new washer.

By the way--->That drain pump sounds very bad, Where did you buy it at? I'd get your money back put that money into the new washer.

Jake

 

[potato]

jake,

thank you for your help in diagnosing the issue.

i decided to disregard your advice to get a new washer, and instead bought a used control board off ebay.

i installed it without too much trouble, and the washer seems to work all right so far.

time will tell if this was a good idea or if you were right after all and i should have junked the thing.

 

[Jake]

Excellent, glad to hear that.

Thanks for the update!

Jake