Whirlpool Duet Long Cycle Times and Wet Clothes

[swinters]

Model Number

WFW9640XW00

Brand

Whirlpool

Age

1-5 years

My Whirlpool Duet (Steam) front loading washer stopped running part way through a normal cycle and exhibited an error code. My wife tried to get the machine to run again and the code disappeared when she pushed the buttons so I manually released the door lock, removed the clothes, then ran a diagnostic cycle, which produced an F28 error code. I removed the motor control unit and checked the back of the board and there were several burn spots on components, though no damage to the board itself or otherwise serious damage so I sent the board in for repair. When I installed the repaired board I ran another diagnostic cycle and it completed with no errors and all pumping, drum rotations, and spins worked great. We put the first load in and ran a cycle with the dial set to normal. The time readout indicated 50 minutes. I went out to work on another project and when I came back in about two hours later the machine was still running. It finished shortly after, unlocked the door and shut down normally. When I opened the door the clothes were wet and heavy and seemed to still have soap in them so I closed the door and set the dial to rinse and spin and verified the light was lit indicating that it was set to run a high speed spin. The machine filled and ran the rinse part of the cycle but never did spin, so the clothes were wet when it finished. The rinse and spin also took way longer than the 11 minutes indicated on the readout. The pump is working (I had to replace that not too long ago when it failed) and the drain path, coin tray, etc. are all clean and clear. So, what do I do next? The diagnostic cycle doesn't find anything wrong but there is obviously a problem. Could the control board be defective and not show up during the diagnostic cycle? Any recommendations will certainly be appreciated!

 

[rickgburton]

... so I sent the board in for repair.

Usually when there's a serial communication problem it turns out to be the CCU more often than the MCU. Where did you have the MCU board rebuilt? I haven't had a board rebuilt for that machine so I don't know how diagnose that problem other than to check the wire connections.

 

[swinters]

I sent it to Circuit Board Medics in South Carolina. I generally get better service out of repaired boards since they tend to upgrade the weak components but my background is commercial kitchen appliances, so washing machines aren't my strong point. I checked all of my wires and made sure the plugs and all were clean. There was a bit of black grease looking stuff on the card edge contacts of the repaired board. Looked like a fingerprint mark. I cleaned that off with some QD cleaner on a cotton swab and cleaned the plug but didn't see any difference. The motor seems to be doing what it's told now and the F28 is gone but with the timer and all being in the CCU it's certainly suspect but I hate doing diagnostics by sticking a part in and seeing whether that makes it work. All too often that fixes a symptom and the problem down line causes the part to fail again. Not really sure just what to do at this point.

 

[rickgburton]

I hate doing diagnostics by sticking a part in and seeing whether that makes it work.

We all do! However I believe you have a little more to go on than just sticking a new CCU in. If you start with the original error code, F28 serial communication can't be sent between the MCU and the CCU, then add the rebuilt MCU along with checking the wires and connectors, plus it's been my experience serial communication errors are caused by the CCU more often than the MCU, the CCU is pretty much all that's left. If you purchase a part through a link on this site and it doesn't solve the problem you can return it for a full refund less shipping.
Whirlpool W10411662 Electronic Control Board

 

[swinters]

Thanks Rick. I really appreciate the feedback and part info. I didn't realize that I could return an installed part and that's pretty cool. I'll get one on the way and see what happens. I'll post the outcome one way or the other so the info is available for anyone else who comes across a similar issue.

 

[rickgburton]

Sounds good. Keep us posted.

 

[swinters]

Got the CCU and installed it. The tech data sheet says the new CCU is supposed to pair with the User Interface when it powers up so tried that and got an F99 code. Talked to the folks at Appliance Parts Pros and confirmed everything and they said you sometimes need to run a Service Cycle (tech sheet says the same thing) but no one can tell me how to do that. The tech. at Appliance Parts Pros says it should be part of doing the Error History/Software Versions/Diagnostic Test so I ran that and it goes right through and runs everything and completes with no errors. Pretty much what I had before the new CCU except now I also have an F99 when I turn on the machine (F99 occurs within a couple of seconds of pressing the start button). Their next "guess" is the user interface so I called Whirlpool and they say it can't be if it's passing the self test. Starting to look like it's time to quit pouring time and money into this thing.

 

[rickgburton]

Starting Diagnostic Test Only. Execute this procedure with an empty drum. All of the steps below must be done in sequence in order to reach the Diagnostic test. This executes the automatic test only. Close the door.

Push power.

Select the “Drain and Spin” program.

Deselect the rinse option (for Kenmore only).

Select “No spin”.

Push PREWASH or STEAM TREAT or DEEP CLEAN button (depending on your model) four times within five seconds”.

The automated test program is started (not possible to skip steps).

To cancel the test program press the “Stop” button.