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Customer Questions and Answers for Water Inlet Valve Assembly by Whirlpool

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Manufacturer Part
4.89 (64)
By: Whirlpool
Part Number: OEM18027165
Manufacturer Part Number: WP3979346

The Water Inlet Valve Assembly is an OEM part for Whirlpool washing machines.  This part controls the flow of water into the appliance during the fill cycle. This assembly consists of a valve that opens and closes to allow water from the household supply to enter the washing machine at the right times and in the correct amounts, depending on the selected wash cycle and water temperature settings.  

Causes of a bad water inlet valve can include sediment buildup, which restricts water flow, wear and tear that impairs the valve's operation, or electrical issues that prevent the valve from opening or closing properly.

Symptoms of a bad Water Inlet Valve Assembly include:

  • The washing machine not filling with water
  • Water filling too slowly or overflowing
  • Unusual noises during the fill cycle
  • Water not reaching the desired temperature

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

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Questions & Answers

For Whirlpool Water Inlet Valve Assembly (Part Number: OEM18027165)

1 Answer

Larry, You will want to test the valve to see if it is getting power to it. If there is no power then starting at the timer, check to see if there is power at the timer contact for the fill. If there is not power then the timer would be faulty. If there is power then test the temp switch to make sure that there is power in and power out of the switch and then check the pressure switch for power out.

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1 Answer

Shirley, You will want to use a putty knife to get under the front corner of the control panel and push the spring clip to release the control panel. Once you get the control panel loose then you will want to remove the clips holding the back panel to the main cabinet. Disconnect the wire harness to the lid switch and remove the cabinet of the unit.

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1 Answer

Hello Rick. Based on the information you provided, it sounds like the water valve WP3979346 is bad and will need to be replaced on the unit.

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1 Answer

Hello Ken. This is normal because the unit uses a thermistor to mix the hot and cold on the unit. You can replace the temp switch, but it will still add just cold water during a warm wash cycle.

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Amber C. for Model Number Maytag MTW5740TQ0

Our Maytag Performa worked fine for several years, then suddenly stopped drawing cold water, and would only wash on hot. We replaced the hoses and the water inlet valve assembly. This didn't solve the problem, and it still didn't draw cold water. I removed the hot inlet hose completely, and attached the cold hose in its place (cold water going in where the hot should be). This worked great for about two weeks. A few days ago, the washer started pausing a very long time on the "rinse" portion of the Normal cycle. Today, it will not draw any water on any cycle and makes a loud buzzing. I can also hear dripping inside the machine somewhere, but no water is coming from underneath, yet. Any advice would be appreciated.

1 Answer

Amber, The newer "energy efficient" washing machines operate on a slightly different theory and you have to have both hot and cold water supplied to the washer, or at least cold water to both fill valve inlet connections. Depending on the temperature selected the water temp. switch cycles power to both solenoids and they cycle off and on to maintain the selected water temp. Since you have a new valve, and hoses and plenty of water supplied to the washer you'll want to check or replace the water temperature switch WP8578335. The switch has an internal PCB that can fail or weaken and make the water temperatures erratic.

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1 Answer

Hello Ken, This water valve has a temperature sensor on it so it is normal to cycle back and forth from cold to hot to achieve the warm wash. The top can be raised easiest with a paint scraper/putty knife.

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1 Answer

Hello Rich. The water valve WP3979346 has a thermistor made onto it that mixes the hot and cold water. You can never get a cold wash cycle out of the unit with this type of set up. The soap has to have hot water to dissolve and clean the clothes.

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1 Answer

Hello Jim. Blow through the pressure hose and make sure it is not clogged. If not, then you need to replace the pressure switch W10335056 on the unit.

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1 Answer

Hello Brian, Sometimes, when there are screens present, the screens can be cleaned, but the valve is not serviceable.

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