Whirlpool Top-Load Washer Water Valve Testing and Replacement

Is your Whirlpool top-load washer refusing to fill or taking forever to do so? The water inlet valve may need replacing, and we’re here to guide you through testing and replacing it to save you a service call.

If you need any replacement parts for your top-load Whirlpool washer, 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.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What you need

• ¼ inch nut driver
• Multimeter
• Putty knife
• Channel locks

Safety tips

Your safety should always be the top priority when performing any appliance repair.

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it. 
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• 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.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.

How to test and replace a top-load Whirlpool washer water valve

Follow these steps to diagnose issues with the water valve, test its functionality, and replace it if necessary.

Step 1. Prepare for testing

1. Turn on the water supply to the washer and check if it starts filling.
2. If the washer does not fill, turn off the water supply and disconnect the hoses from the water valve.
3. Check the screens inside the valve openings for clogs. If the screens are clean, reconnect the hoses and turn the water supply back on.
4. If water is reaching the washer without clogs and it still does not fill, proceed to test the water valve.

Step 2. Access the water valve

1. Use a ¼-inch nut driver to remove the screws securing the rear panel over the console.
2. Slide a putty knife into the front corners of the console to release the spring clips.
3. Lift and remove the console to access the water valve.

Step 3. Enter service diagnostic mode

1. Confirm the washer is powering on and the door is locking.
2. Select any three buttons (excluding power) and press them sequentially within eight seconds to enter diagnostic mode.
3. Press and release the first button, then the second, then the third, repeating this sequence two more times.
4. Confirm the diagnostic mode is active when all indicators illuminate briefly, and a tone sounds.
5. Press the second button selected during the diagnostic entry to enter service test mode.
6. Use the soil level button to increment function numbers and the temperature button to decrement them.
7. Press the start button to toggle functions on and off.

Step 4. Test the water valve

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the washer 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. Select function 001 to test the cold water valve. Press start and use a multimeter set to VAC to check for 120 volts between the blue and white wires.
2. Press start to cycle the cold valve off.
3. Select function 002 to test the hot water valve. Press start and test for 120 volts between the red and white wires.
4. Press start to shut the hot valve off.
5. Select function 005 to test the fabric softener valve. Press start and test for 120 volts between the orange and white wires.
6. Press start to shut the fabric softener valve off.
7. Select function 006 or 007 to test the oxi/bleach valve if applicable. Press start and test for 120 volts between the violet and white wires.
8. Press start to shut the valve off.
9. If there is power but no water flow at a tested connection point, determine that the water valve is faulty.

Step 5. Replace the water valve

1. Unplug the washer and turn off the water supply.
2. Disconnect the water hoses and wiring connected to the faulty water valve.
3. Remove the screws securing the valve and lift it off.
4. Position the new water valve in place and secure it with screws.
5. Reconnect the wiring to the new valve.

Step 6. Reassemble the washer

1. Reattach the console and lock it into place.
2. Secure the rear panel with screws.
3. Plug the washer back in and reconnect the hoses.
4. Turn the water supply back on to complete the process.

Find more DIY resources

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you test and replace the water valve in your Whirlpool washer. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We have over two million parts in stock and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram to see our latest repair guides!