How To Replace a Whirlpool Washer Capacitor (W11395618)

Is your washer refusing to start or spin, leaving you with a pile of laundry woes? It could be a simple capacitor issue that’s easier to fix than you might think. Dive into our step-by-step guide and watch our how-to video below to get your Whirlpool, KitchenAid, or Maytag washer back in action in no time!

Is your Whirlpool, KitchenAid, or Maytag washer not starting or spinning properly? The washer capacitor could be faulty and in need of replacement. Replacing this part is a straightforward DIY repair that you can knock out in under an hour with some basic tools and safety precautions.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk through the entire process of replacing a Whirlpool washer capacitor. We’ll cover what you need, safety tips, how to remove the old capacitor, installing the new one, and testing to make sure it fixes the issue.

Watch: How to replace washer capacitor

What is a Washer Capacitor and What Does it Do?

The capacitor is an electrical component that works with the washer motor. It stores energy and releases it to the motor when the washer needs to start spinning or switch directions during cycles.

When you press “Start”, the capacitor delivers an extra jolt of power to get the motor spinning. It also works during the agitation and spin portions of the cycle, helping the motor reverse direction smoothly.

Over time, the capacitor can wear out and fail to provide enough power to start the motor. Symptoms of a bad capacitor include:

• Washer won’t start or spin
• Motor humming but not turning
• Washer only agitates but doesn’t spin
• Washer stops mid-cycle

Replacing the capacitor is often an easy and inexpensive fix for these problems.

Materials and Tools Needed

Gather the following tools and supplies before starting:

• 5/16 and 1/4 inch nut drivers – to remove cover panel screws
• Flat blade screwdriver – to pry off clips and harnesses
• Gloves – for protection while handling parts
• Bucket – to catch water when draining hoses
• Towels – for cleaning up water
• New compatible Whirlpool washer capacitor, part #W11395618 (Locater your model number to find the correct part for your model)

Read more: Why It’s Best to Choose OEM Over Aftermarket Parts for Appliance Repairs

Safety Tips

When servicing any appliance, safety should always come first. Follow these tips for safe capacitor replacement:

• Unplug the washer! Disconnect power to avoid electric shock.
• Turn off the water supply. Shut off valves to prevent leaks.
• Drain the water hoses into a bucket to avoid spills.
• Work carefully. Washers are heavy – don’t tip unless you have help and use caution.

Protecting yourself and your home are paramount when DIYing any appliance repair. Now let’s get to work!

Removing the Old Capacitor

1. Unplug the washer and turn off the water supply lines.
2. Drain any residual water from the inlet hoses and drain pump hose into a bucket. Use towels to catch drips.
3. Tip the washer gently on its back. Place it on a rug or flat surface to avoid damage. Have someone assist if it’s too heavy.
4. Remove the rear access panel. Take out the two 5/16-inch screws using a nut driver. Set them aside safely.
5. Disconnect the wiring harness. Press the tab to release the harness plug from the capacitor.
6. Remove the harness clip. Use a flat screwdriver to pry up the plastic clip from the capacitor mount.
7. Unscrew the capacitor. There may be a plastic crossbar or single screw mounting it – use your screwdriver to detach it.
8. Take out the old capacitor. Note the position and mount style for the new one.

Now the bad capacitor is removed. Next we’ll put in the replacement part.

Read more: My part is no longer available! What do I do now?

Installing the New Whirlpool Washer Capacitor

1. Inspect the new capacitor. Verify it matches the mounting style of the old one. The capacitance microfarad (MFD) rating should also match.
2. Attach the new capacitor. Thread in the plastic crossbar or screw to mount it in the same way as the old capacitor.
3. Reconnect the harness plug. Make sure it snaps securely into place.
4. Replace the harness clip. Press it back into the mount hole to hold the wiring.
5. Replace the access panel. Line up the screws holes and screw in the two 5/16 inch screws.

The new capacitor is now installed! We just need to finish up and test our repair.

Completing the Washer Capacitor Replacement

1. Return the washer to upright position. Lift it carefully and slide it back into place.
2. Reconnect the hoses. Thread on the hot and cold water inlet hoses tightly.
3. Hook up the drain tube. Make sure it’s routed properly to avoid leaks.
4. Restore electrical power. Plug the washer back in.
5. Turn on the water. Slowly open the supply valves and check for leaks.
6. Test run the washer. Select a cycle and press start to verify the capacitor fixed the issue!

Read more: How to Deep Clean a Washing Machine

Troubleshooting Tips

If the washer still won’t start or spin after replacing the capacitor:

• Confirm the capacitor wiring is connected properly.
• Verify the capacitor specifications match the original.
• Inspect the water inlet valves, drain pump, and other components.
• Check for error codes – they can point to other failed parts.

Replacing the capacitor may get your washer running, but other problems could still exist.

Watch more washer troubleshooting videos

More information

Replacing a failed or weak capacitor is an economical fix that often gets a Whirlpool, KitchenAid, or Maytag washer spinning like normal again. With some simple tools and safety precautions, this repair can be DIYed in under an hour.

Thank you for reading! We hope you found this information useful to get your washer working again.

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