How to test & replace the drain pump on a front-loading Whirlpool washer

The drain pump in your Whirlpool front load washer is responsible for getting rid of the water during the wash and spin cycles. If your washer isn’t draining like it should, the pump might be clogged or not working, leaving water sitting in the tub. We’ll show you how to test the drain pump to see if it’s causing the issue, and if needed, walk you through how to replace it so your washer can drain and run smoothly again.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your appliance, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The error code information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. The disassembly information is based on models starting with WFW95HEXW. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Tools and materials

• 1/4 Inch nut driver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Channel-lock pliers
• T25 torx driver
• Multimeter 

Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

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Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.

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Testing and replacement steps

Step 1: Test the main control board

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the appliance needs to be plugged in and powered on. Please be very careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

1. Unplug the washer to cut off power.
2. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screws holding the top panel at the back of the washer.
3. Slide the top panel back, lift it off, and set it aside.
4. Locate the main control and squeeze the tabs to rotate the top cover upward.
5. Plug the washer back in and set your multimeter to Volts AC (look for a “V” with a squiggly line).
6. Test the two black wires at connection DP2 while the washer is set to drain and spin. You should see 120 Volts AC within a minute after the door locks.
7. If voltage is present, cancel the cycle and proceed with further testing.

Step 2: Test the drain pump

1. Unplug the washer again before testing the pump.
2. Disconnect the wires from connection DP2.
3. Set your multimeter to measure resistance (Ohms, symbolized by an upside-down horseshoe).
4. Test the black wires at the DP2 connection for resistance. A reading around 16 Ohms means the drain pump motor is functioning.

If the reading is significantly off, the drain pump has failed and needs to be replaced.

Step 3: Drain the tub and access the drain pump

1. Drain any water in the tub using a drain hose and a container to catch the water.
2. Remove the detergent drawer and use a T25 Torx driver to remove the screws behind it.
3. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screws at the top corners of the user interface panel.
4. Gently lift the locking tabs on the panel with a flathead screwdriver, disconnect the wires, and set the panel aside.
5. Open the washer door and use a flathead screwdriver to remove the door boot spring.
6. Remove the T25 screws holding the door lock in place.
7. Remove the screws at the bottom of the front panel with a 1/4-inch nut driver, then lift the front panel off.
8. Drain any remaining water from the pump using the drain hose, and remove the coin catch filter to check for debris. 

Step 4: Replace the drain pump

1. Use channel lock pliers to remove the retaining ring holding the tub-to-pump hose.
2. Disconnect the red grommet from the front of the drain pump housing.
3. Pull the pump housing forward and lift it up to remove the pump.
4. Insert the new red grommet into the washer, securing the pump housing to the rear grommets in the base.
5. Secure the front of the drain pump housing with the red grommet.

Step 5: Reassemble the washer

1. Use channel lock pliers to secure the tub-to-pump hose and drain hose with the retaining rings.
2. Set the front panel onto the mounting hooks at the top of the washer frame and secure it with the 1/4-inch screws at the bottom.
3. Reattach the door lock using the T25 screws.
4. Press the door gasket back onto the front panel lip, then reinstall the door seal ring. If needed, gently use a flathead screwdriver to help position the ring, taking care not to damage the gasket.
5. Reconnect the interface wire to the user interface control panel and lock the panel in place. Secure it with the 1/4-inch screws and T25 screws.
6. Slide the top panel back into position behind the user panel and reattach it with the 1/4-inch screws at the back.
7. Reinsert the detergent drawer.
8. Plug the washer back in or turn the breaker back on to restore power.

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Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your washer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos. 

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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