DIY Troubleshooting a Top-Load Whirlpool Washer That Won’t Fill

Struggling with a Whirlpool top-load washer that refuses to fill? We’ve got pro tips to help you troubleshoot and get your appliance back in action.

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.

Materials you need

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

Safety tips

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 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 troubleshoot a top-load Whirlpool washer that won’t fill

Here are the steps to identify and resolve issues preventing your washer from filling.

Step 1: Check the water supply

1. Verify that the water supply to the washer is turned on.
2. If the water supply is off, turn it on and see if the washer begins filling.

Step 2: Inspect the water valve screens

1. If the washer still doesn’t fill, turn off the water and power supply.
2. Disconnect the hoses from the water valve.
3. Check the screens inside the valve opening for clogs.
4. If the screens are clean, reconnect the hoses and turn the water supply back on.

Step 3: Access the control board

1. If water flows to the washer but it still won’t fill, proceed to inspect the control board and water valve.
2. Use a ¼” nut driver to remove the screws holding the rear panel over the console.
3. Slide a putty knife into the front corners of the console to release the spring clips.
4. Lift and remove the console to access the main control board and water valve.

Step 4: Enter service diagnostic mode

1. Confirm that the washer powers on and the door locks.
2. Select three buttons (other than power) and press them in sequence within eight seconds. Repeat the sequence two more times.
3. Diagnostic mode activates when all indicators illuminate for five seconds and “888” appears on the display.
4. Press the second button to enter service test mode, where all LEDs except the power button turn off, and the start button indicator flashes.

Step 5: Perform function tests

1. Navigate through functions using the soil level button to increment and the temperature button to decrement function numbers.
2. Use the start button to toggle functions and focus on 001, 002, 005, 006, and 007 to test the respective water valves.
3. For function 001 (cold water valve), set a multimeter to Vac and test voltage between pin 10 (blue wire) and pin 4 (white wire) on the J2 connector.

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. For function 002 (hot water valve), test voltage between pin 9 (red wire) and pin 4 (white wire).
2. For function 005 (fabric softener valve), test voltage between pin 7 (orange wire) and pin 4 (white wire).
3. For functions 006 and 007 (oxi/bleach valve), test voltage between pin 8 (violet wire) and pin 4 (white wire).
4. If no voltage is detected during any of the tests, replace the main control board.

Step 7: Test the water valve solenoids

1. Repeat the service test mode procedures to test the water valve solenoids.
2. For function 001, test the voltage between the blue and white wires.
3. For function 002, test the voltage between the red and white wires.
4. For function 005, test the voltage between the orange and white wires.
5. For functions 006 and 007 (oxi/bleach valve), test voltage between the violet and white wires.
6. If no voltage is detected at the solenoids but was present at the control board, replace the wire harness.
7. If voltage is present at all solenoids, replace the water valve.

You made it!

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Whirlpool 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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