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Customer Questions and Answers for Shift Actuator by Whirlpool

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Manufacturer Part

Shift Actuator

4.89 (64)

By: Whirlpool

Part Number: OEM18044142

Manufacturer Part Number: WPW10006355

The Shift Actuator is an OEM replacement part for Whirlpool washing machines. It is an electronic component located inside the transmission that controls the shifting between wash cycles. The shift actuator receives signals from the washer control board to change modes, initiating proper movements to advance the cycle.

Symptoms of a bad shift actuator include:

The washer fails to advance through cycles properly
Gets stuck in one phase of the wash cycle
Makes abnormal noises during operation
Does not agitate or spin as expected

Over time, environmental factors and normal wear and tear can cause the shift actuator to malfunction.

This OEM part is also compatible with Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, and Kenmore models.

NOTE: This new version of the part features a redesigned black plastic housing with an adapter wire harness. It replaces the older version that came in red plastic. The new part is guaranteed to fit and function like the original.

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Questions & Answers

For Whirlpool Shift Actuator (Part Number: OEM18044142)

Dale May 28, 2018 for Model Number wtw5500bwo

I just replaced the shift actuator on my Whirlpool model WTW5500BW0. Everything is working correctly except it's has a very loud spin cycle now, kind of a roaring sound. It wasn't this loud before the actuator was replaced & I've double checked my work it all seems to be ok. Would the actuator itself cause a noise like that?

1 Answer

Hello Dale, This sound is not caused by the shift actuator but by a bad spin bearing in the gearcase W11454372.

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Brian May 22, 2018 for Model Number WTW4800XQ4

My Whirlpool washer is not doing the final spin. It drains the water but doesn't spin. I can put it on drain / spin and it will spin. It even spins at the end of the wash cycle. Just not at the very end of the cycle. Ran a diagnostics and came up with Basket Speed Sensor Fault. Is this the shift actuator? Why would it spin at the end of the wash part of the cycle and on drain / spin?

1 Answer

Brian, Yes, the speed sensor/optical sensor is a component of the WPW10006355 Shift Actuator. Basically the sensor tells the control board the RPMs of the drive system. If there is a loose connection, a weak circuit, etc. the control will stop the operation of the machine and display an error code. You'll want to check the wiring connections at the shift actuator and the control board and replace the actuator if all's OK.

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Bernardo May 14, 2018

I have a whirpool wtw5000dw0 and we all ready change all 4 suspensions springs but still shaking too much when spinning.

1 Answer

Hello Bernardo. Make sure the unit is level and there is nothing between the inner and outer baskets. Also make sure the bearings are good on the unit. Thank you.

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David May 04, 2018 for Model Number WTW4950XW0

Replaced shift acuator on washer. Still not spinning or agitating and still getting F7E5 error code. What else could cause this problem?

1 Answer

Hello David, This can be caused by a harness WPW10297443 issue or a failed control board W10393489.

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Francesco April 27, 2018 for Model Number Kenmore washer 110.28012011

I'm going to be replacing the washplate as it is completely stripped. The machine is seven years old, but I beleive it has been stripped already a couple of years. However I have another issue that happens once and awhile, but ends up usually fixing itself. The issue is that sometimes, when trying to start a load, it will be stuck on "Sensing". The lid locks and everything, but never gets past sensing. Usually I will unplug the machine and it will start eventually. Then it works ok (other than the issse that washplate is stripped and clothes not amazingly clean). Could the completely stripped washplate cause this issue as well with the sensing being stuck? Or could this issue be pointing to what stripped the washplate? I was reading about the actuator and was wondering if a faulty actuator could explain the "sensing" issue and what caused the washplate to become stripped. Any ideas or theories would be appreciated. Thanks, Francesco

1 Answer

Hello Francesco. Yes, a stripped out washplate can cause that. Also a bad board or actuator can cause it as well. If you replace the washplate and it continues, then you will need to check the other things out. Thank you.

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Randy April 23, 2018 for Model Number wtw4800bq0

Hi, my washer began making this odd clicking sound that happens every 2 seconds or so when it goes into an agitate or spin mode. Clicking continues for a few minutes, then the motor will spin maybe a quarter turn, then it starts clicking again. Ran diagnostics on the unit and got 2 codes, f7e5 and f736. I ran the unit through a manual test or the spin and actuator which did the same clicking, minor spin less that 1/4 rotation of the motor, then clicking then rotation, and so on till the test timed out and shut the system off. I'm getting 12vdc on shifter rather than stated 13vdc.took shifter out everything looks good and all leads are making good contact. Would my issue be with my shifter or could it be something else? Is there a test I can do to check if it is indeed my shifter? The system started clunking loudly when it began to agitate or spin a few months ago, but this clicking and not spinning just started happening yesterday, leaving me with a late night trip to the 24hr laundromat to wash my kids clothes for school this morning. Thanks in advance for your help. It is greatly appreciated.

1 Answer

Randy, This issue will most likely be caused by a faulty shift actuator on the unit. The part number for the shift actuator will be part number WPW10006355.

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Ken March 30, 2018 for Model Number Kenmore 11026002010

I moved a Kenmore washer to my address that worked the previous day. After hooking it up, the unit would not start filling up on either cold or hot settings. I have good water pressure to the machine & no obstructions at the water inlet valves. I ran temp AC power to each of the inlet valves & water began to fill. I was told that I either have a bad control board or shift actuator. Can you advise me if there is a way to isolate the problem so I can order the correct part? Thanks.

1 Answer

Hello Ken. Make sure the lid is closed and the unit locks. If not, it will not fill with water. If that is good, then you will need to replace the control board on the unit if the wiring harness is good.

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Karon March 23, 2018

My washer fills, locks, washes and stops does not drain, rinse or spins? I replaced the capacitor but no change.

1 Answer

Karon, If the unit is not draining then it will not go into spin cycle. You will want to check to make sure that there is 120 vac to the drain pump and if there is not power then the control board will be the issue. If there is power then the drain pump would be faulty.

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Jane March 17, 2018 for Model Number WTW5800BW0

My washer won't spin. It goes through the cycles up until when it goes to drain the water out. The lid locked light flashes after the water drains but doesn't go through to spin it. The washer just stops and doesn't continue until we manually switch it to "drain and spin". We can't figure out how to fix it.

1 Answer

Jane, It would be recommended to get the tech sheet from the unit and put the unit into diagnostics and see if there are any stored error codes. If there are then follow the steps for the error on the unit. Sounds like it could be a speed sensor error and may need the shift actuator.

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Tr February 24, 2018 for Model Number WTW5500XW0

I press start on my cabrio it will start to sense then the lid lock light starts to flash, if it continues beyond that cycle it will stop. I had to switch it to drain and spin. It just started draining with the lid open. Is this an cycle actuator issue? Before all this happened it seem to be off balance during spin cycle.

1 Answer

TR, It would be recommended to check to see if there are any stored error codes by putting the unit into diagnostic to retrieve them. With what is being described you may have 2 issues, one would be possible shift actuator and the other being an issue with the lid lock as the unit should not drain with the lid open.

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