washer agitates while filling (whirlpool)

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washer agitates while filling (whirlpool)

by john s
(toronto on canada)

as soon as the washer is commanded to start, it begins to fill as normal,but the agitator action starts immediately

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Answer

Hi John,

This seems like a water level control problem to me but if you give me your model number I will see if I can find a wiring diagram. If I could find a wiring diagram, I could tell if there were anymore possibilities.

Thank you,
Shawn/administrator

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washer agitates while filling (whirlpool)

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Same issue with Whirlpool
by: William

My 10 year old Whirlpool is starting to exhibit the same behavior as described above. It doesn't always occur, however. But it is happening more often - the agitator fires up immediately.
This model number is SM 8280867
Has there been any resolution as to the cause/fix for this? Thanks, Bill

Hi William
by: Shawn/admin

This problem is going to be in the water level control or the tube that connects to the control may be partially clogged. I know it is not completely clogged because the washer will overflow but if it is partially clogged the tube can retain pressure essentially fooling the water level control into thinking the tub is full, metaphorically speaking.

hard water could be contributing?
by: William

Is it possible that hard water is contributing to the problem? My water softener bit the dust a year ago and replacing it is still on my "to do" list. Could hard water have left a deposit in the tube? I'm trying a could of "loads" using white vinegar to see what happens. Thanks, Bill

PS. thanks for removing my email address also

One More Question
by: Shawn/admin

I supposed it could but typically I see hair or grease in the tube. The best thing to do is to take the washer apart and check the tube to see if it is clogged and if not replace the water level control.

One more question when it starts to agitate is the water still entering the tub or is the water not running and it is just agitating without water?

If it is agitating without water then the answer I gave before still stands but if it is running water and agitating at the same time I am not sure. I would need the model number (the one you gave didn?t seem to be correct or at least I couldn?t find info on it). Note that I still believe it is in the water level control but this is not a typical problem so I would like to look at the wiring diagram for you just to be sure so please recheck the model number.

In case you need it this page may help Whirlpool Washer Disassembly

Same Problem
by: Marianne

Washer worked great up until this morning. Put some laundry in and started the cycle and the washer immediately started to agitate....but it is also filling as it should be....just with the agitator running. Model # is WTW57ESVW0....and the washer is only about 17 months old.

RE
by: Shawn

I took a look at your wiring diagrams and my best guess is there is a timer contact stuck but this will be hard to confirm.

Vinegar did the trick for clothes washer
by: Anonymous

I did two empty loads with perhaps 2 cups of vinegar, let it fill, let it sit for a couple of hours, and problem vanished. Apparently it was a hard water issue. I noticed white film in the dish washer also - also removed by placing a bowl of distilled white vinegar in the dish washer.

Same problem with one more twist
by: mcsquid86

My wahser is agitating before the water fill also. But another problem we have is that at the end of the last spin cycle it fills back up with about 2 inches of water then turns off.

Kenmore Agitator starts will filling - shredding cloths
by: MikeC

Hi to all.
I have the same issue as others in this post. Kenmore 110.29822800. Beginning of every cycle starts with agitator running while filling. Few minutes before spin cyle ends, it begins filling again leveing two inchs of water.
Replaced W10187167 Timer and w10104800 Electronic Control. No luck.

The schematic stuffed in the back of the control panel implies the "Load Sense" component processes input from the flow meter and has a timer motor relay. Where and what is the Load Sense component>

The washer has automatic water level control based on load. The entire family hates it. We would love to have our previous 25year old trust analog kenmore back....

Appreciate any assistance.

PS Have a apparently good W10187167 Timer and w10104800 Electronic Control parts if someone needs spares...

Whirpool washer agitates while filling
by: 1luv4niya@sprint.blackberry.net

I have a Whirlpool, Model WTW58ESVW, it has the auto load sensor, which I am starting to hate. When I start a load, it will start to fill and agitate at the same time. I am wondering if you can tell what the problem might be for this. I have only had this machine 1 year, I guess I should have gone back with a regular top load washer, this auto sensing bit might not be worth it. Please help.

Auto-sensing
by: Shawn

I work for a GE dealer so I don?t get updates on the new Whirlpool products but on new GE washers with auto load sensing they start to move the agitator before and when it is filling. So all of this may be normal. See if it says anything about this in your owners manual.

WASHER STARTS B4 FILLING H2O
by: MOODY

NORMALLY VOLTAGE TO THE TIMER IS SUPPLIED BY THE WATER PRESSURE SWITCH.PROBLEM MUST BE HERE.IT IS LETTING THE CURRENT PASS THROUGH TOO EARLY.
GOOD LUCK

1ST APPLIANCE SALES & REPAIRS

Magic Reset of Stuck Load Sense Switch - Saga Continues - Kenmore 800 Agitator starts whilel filling - shredding cloths
by: MikeC

Just an update - Working fine now... I ordered a new load sense switch, oddly called the fabric softener control on the panel.

But while we waited for part to arrive, my college son started a load of cloths on NORMAL cycle and repeatedly raised the lid until the water level was to the maximum. Subsequent loads now works without aigitation while filling and no water refill on final spin cycle.

I might add that prior to my protical son's magical fix, I did verify there was no debries in pressure tube from the value to the load sense switch..... So for now I assume the high water level pressure cleared the switch...case close for now...

same prob here too
by: Anonymous

My Whirlpool washer does the same thing. When I start a load on regular, it starts to fill up and immediately starts to agitate while it is still filling. And then at the end of the cycle, it sprays with water and your clothes are wet!This has never happened before, just recently in the last week, one day it did it. I have only had this washer not even a year. However, today I just discovered that on the super wash cycle, it does not do it. I usually only use that for towels, so I didn't notice it until today.

Agitates too soon
by: Anonymous

I have the same model #11029822800 as MikeC and exact same.problem. Did you ever find a solution?

Just had mine fixed
by: Joe

I have a Whirlpool washer model WTW57ESVW0, which is probably the same washer as some of the Kenmore models since Whirlpool also makes the Kenmore models for Sears. Out of nowhere, my washer started to agitate as soon as the washer is started regardless of which wash cycle was used. This washer is the auto-load sensing model and it normally starts to fill first, agitate slightly in-between filling before it starts the continuous agitation. Only when the handwash wash option (2nd knob from right)(not wash cycle) is used did it not agitate while filling. Another problem it had was it was filling at the end of the spin cycle leaving the washed clothes wet at the end of the wash. This latter problem existed only on the normal wash cycles, which is on the top half of the wash cycle knob, and not on any of the other three wash cycles; Quick Wash, Soak, Pre Wash. After doing some research on the internet I narrowed down the problem to two parts, auto-sensing switch or timer control. I called Whirlpool (800-253-1301) and ordered them, auto-sensing switch (part# W10292584 which is replacement of W10177795 which is discontinued) and timer control (part# W10177827) for $26.30 total at 75% off, plus $8.99 Fedex shipping and $2.12 PA sales tax for a grand total of $37.41. The original part costs were $65.62 and $39.60 respectively. I took the control panel off following the video from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QELKlLEZeI and first tried the replacement timer and it made no difference, i.e. it still agitated immediately while filling and it filled at the end of spin cycle but only on the normal wash cycle which is on the top half. The agitation problem exists on all wash cycles except for the handwash option, but the filling problem at the end of spin cycle existed only for the normal wash cycle and not on any of the other 3 wash cycles. Then, I put the old timer back on and tried the replacement auto-sensing switch and that fixed the problem.

Whirlpool WE57ES
by: Anonymous

My washer is doing the same thing as everyone else, aggitating while filling in the beginning and also right before it is due to stop spinning, it fills with water and then shuts off. What a joke!! Sure wish I would have known this washer was a piece of junk. I'm going to try the vinegar thing and see if it's the hard water.Just bought this thing from Lowes' last year!!!

Found a fix, sorta
by: Anonymous

I posted above with the same problem, but being cheap I tried the opening and closing lid thing on a few loads followed by a handwash load and it started working fine. Then started doing it again but only after I lifted the lid and added clothes while filling. Did the whole silly thing over and its working fine again. I never open the lid after I turn the thing on now. Sounds crazy but it works for me.

Cannot open lid with auto-sensing
by: Joe

As I understand it, if you open the lid on the washers with auto-load sensor, it automatically fills the tub to maximum water, so you're wasting money. That's how it is on the Whirlpool washer at least.

It's the auto-load sensor that's causing the problem and easy enough to replace it, so don't be cheap fixing the problem.

You can download the parts documentation from Whirlpool from the link below which shows where the auto-sensing part is located.

http://shared.whirlpoolcorp.com/assets/pdfs/literature/Repair%20Part%20List%20-%20W10222396.pdf

It's the whole piece behind the Fabric Softener dial which is the third dial from the left and it's held in place by a small platic tab without any screws. The auto-sensing part is not covered and it's visible once you have the control panel loose so you can look behind it. My old switch's plastic tab broke off when I was taking it off, but luckily it didn't matter since it was defective. You should be careful when putting the new part back on so the tab doesn't break off like it did on my old part.

I had to do something else before I put the washer back together. I had to tighten the screws (part #18) shown on pages 1 and 2 in the pdf documentation above, because one of them was almost all the way out and one already fell off. Either they came loose because of vibrations or my washer already had a service done prior to us purchasing the home this past June. If it's the latter, then whoever did the service did a crappy job since the control panel wasn't even locked in properly on the right side, i.e. one of the wiggly metal pieces wasn't in place to hold the control panel to the top.

Same problem; fixed it myself
by: Bubbs

Thanks to all for your descriptions of the same problem. I have the Whirlpool WTW57ESVWO with the agitation at start and filling at end of spin. I watched the U-Tube video to access the control panel and check the pressure switch tube for clogs. The tube was clean, and oddly enough after reconnecting the three electical leads I had disconnected to remove the outer shell, my synchronization problem corrected itself (i.e. washer quit agitating at start, and quit filling at end of spin), but I now had a problem with my tub always filling to the max during subsequent washes (i.e. it no longer agitated after partially filling to sense load at the beginning of a wash cycle). I went ahead and ordered the new replacement 'auto load sensing switch' (part #W10292584 that replaces part #10177795) from Whirlpool customer service at 1-866-698-2538. I could only talk them down to giving me a 25% discount on the $65.62 part, so it cost a total of $62.16 ($49.22 + $12.94) with shipping. I just installed it and everything (i.e. auto load sensing works again) works fine now. Note Joe's comment on the mounting tab for the switch. To remove the switch from the back of the control panel, pull back on the tab on the right side of the switch to allow rotation of the switch to the left (or right) by 45 degrees, then pull switch away from panel. Once free from the control panel, remove the switch's rubber sensor tube and two electrical connectors. Reattach the tube and two electrical connectors to the new switch, and insert the new switch into the control panel with the tab 45 degrees off-center. Finally, rotate the switch 45 degrees to align and insert tab to lock in place. Once you have reattached the washer body to the frame, reconnected the three electrical connectors and the control panel per the U-Tube video, your washer should be operating like before. Again, thanks for your threads (especially to Joe) in this blog, you all saved me a service call that would have exceeded the cost of the part I replace on my own. Will keep you updated if there are any changes. v/r, Bubbs

fixed, (maybe)
by: Gerry

It's great not to have to re-invent the wheel! This page took me to the right part at least!

Thought whirlpool would be a good brand as last one lasted some 26 years till the bearings went on motor, of course it went through two motor couplings and a lid switch. But hey for 26 or so years that wasn't bad.

OK, it's running a test load now and I opened the lid open so it filled to max, but that should change with the rinse cycle.

What I did was to either break the darn part or fix it, we'll see. I had it out and apart, bent the wiper springs a bit to better contact the contacts on internal circuit board. I also blew air into the port for the water level sensor tube, lung power, maybe it ruptured the innards maybe not, but at least there is no agitation when filling. Tube down to tub was OK, blew through that as well.

And, no partial fill after final spin!

Next "dry" load will tell for sure.

fixed, (maybe) Follow-Up
by: Gerry

OK, with "dry" load, the beast worked fine.

As the "device" had a bunch of electronics in it Lord knows how it does what it does. But I suspect that some of the electronics senses the pressure of the air in the tube displaced by the water as it rises in the tube. Then at a preset "time" it cycles the agitator, if more water is absorbed into the load, the water level will go down and the pressure sensor will see a drop, so the agitation stops and filling continues to the next try. When no pressure differential is seen or the max pressure is met because of max fill, the "device" allows the timer to proceed with the cycles.

Now that is just my humble opinion. Since we don't use the softener cycle, I have no speculation or theory on how that fits into the scheme of things.

But the bottom line is; with my luck, removing the device, applying slight pressure and vacuum to the device's sample port ( maybe a 2-3 lbs/sq in) and adjustment of the wiper fingers for stronger contact, seemed to have "fixed" it.

Again, thank you for this forum area to share thoughts and solutions.

Gerry

(retired tactical satellite field service technician)

Whirlpool Ultimate Care II Washer
by: Shana

Hi... I am having some really weird issues with my washer. Recently, when I would start a load on Normal, it would start agitating and no water would be coming in, then sometimes I would start a load and it would fill with water, but not stop filling. I would have to turn the timer to make it start agitating. I bought a brand new water fill switch ($94.91) to be exact, and it is still doing the same thing! Today however, I started a load...the water filled like it was suppose to, agitated, and spun, but once it got to the rinse cycle, it started agitating with no water. I bought another timer for it also, but it was a used one.I had the inlet valves tested and they were fine. Can someone please tell me what is wrong with my washer please? Thank you.

Re
by: Shawn/admin

There should be a pressure tube that connects to the water level control. Make sure that tube isn’t clogged, cut or broken. It could cause the type of problems you are having.

Problem Fixed - Cost Nothing
by: Steve in TN

First let me thank everyone who has posted here. This type of blog is PRICELESS! My problem was exactly the same as everyone's... I had a whirlpool that would start agitating immediately while it was filling. Then when it got to the end of it's cycle it would squirt just enough water on the clothes to leave them almost completely saturated. Here's what I did that fixed the problem:

I removed the control panel on top of the machine. It's EASY! Watch a 2 minute video of how to do that here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QELKlLEZeI.

That enabled me to tilt the control panel up so that I could see the rear of all the switches. I then pulled the 1/2" rubber hose off the back of the auto sensing switch (it's really just the back of the knob that controls the fabric softner selection). I then blew hard through that hose (heard a little gurgling) .

I then removed the switch that the 1/2" hose connected to. I did that by first unplugging the two electrical wires connected to the switch. Then twist the switch 45 degrees (either direction). It will come out easily. I took the switch out in the garage and took my air compressor and blew into the port that the rubber hose connects to (gave it three or four quick bursts of air). Then for good measure, I sprayed electrical contact spray all over the contacts where the two electrical plugs connect.

I then re-installed switch in control panel by doing the "45 degree twist "thing, re-connected rubber hose, and re-connected both electrical plugs. Then clicked control panel back into place on top of the washing machine. The machine worked great!

Once again....THANK YOU TO EVERYONE that posted all the valuable info in the posts above. I know I just saved myself at $125 service call.

Fixed it with a 5 Cent part
by: Pat from FL

Wow I was really worried about having to buy a new pressure switch or timer control,but luckly I have a B.A in electrical engineering and took it upon myself to look at the in side of the auto-sensing switch and you know what, after a year of owning this thing, the switch was still in perfect working order. Tried running it again and it was then I realized that the stupid water level tube really had nothing holding it on there so I stopped the washer and found a small hose clamp. I put the hose clamp on the pressure switch tube and tried running the washer again, worked perfectly. I think that is the root of everyone's problem here, whirlpool saved 3 cents on a part and everyone is out there buying 60 dollar sensors because of it. The tube goes to a PRESSURE sensor, air can't leak out of it at the top or it serves no purpose. That is why some people on here just blow into it and it may or may not fix it, and some people buy a 60 dollar part and it still may or may not work, just make sure the hose is connected and sealed and problem will resolve it's self.

(nuclear electrical maintenance journeyman)

Stupid Whirlpool Appliances
by: Anonymous

My Whirlpool Auto Load Sensor machine started acting up last year right after the warranty was up. It began agitating at the start of a wash cycle, then spraying the clothes sopping wet at the end of the spin cycle. At first, I thought it was a "soapy" build-up, so I started running the extra rinse cycle and after several loads the problem cleared so I returned to one rinse (my water bill was sky-high the month I tried double-rinse). Recently, the problem recurred. I read where someone used vinegar to clear the potential clogs, so I intend to try this. Meanwhile, doesn't Whirlpool's team of engineers have anything to say for themselves?? Maybe the products should be recalled or one free service call should be offered to customers to touble-shoot. I have a Whirlpool wall oven with an interior light that flashes for no reason. I called when the oven was still under warranty (10-years ago) and the repairman couldn't find a reason. I conclude that I will not buy any more Whirlpool appliances.

auto load sensor
by: Pete

I just wanted to add that I had my own problem with the Whirlpool WTW57ESVW0 washer as it began agitating before/while filling, and throwing water in at the end of the spin cycle. Like others on here, I simply order a new auto load sensor (W10292584) from Whirlpool (the little part in the control panel that corresponds to the fabric softener dial). I simply removed the control panel and replaced the part as others have suggested on this forum. The washer works like new. Thanks to all for the info.

Kenmore 80, agitiates while filling
by: Bill

Thanks for all the helpful comments. Had the same problem on our 2 year old Kenmore 80 washer. Washer began agitating during initial fill and sprayed clothes briefly at end of spin cycle.

Incorporated all of the fixes mentioned above by flipping the control panel up and removing the Load Sensor Switch; gently wiped off the circuit board, blew into the switch vacume port, blew down through the tube itself, bent the two prongs out a little more on the rotary knob which placed more tension on the circuit board, and since I didn't have a clamp to use for the vacume tube I cut a 1/4" off the top of it (at switch) and reinserted the tube back onto the vacume port of the Load Sensor Switch which made for a much tighter connection. Reinstalled the Load Sensor Switch and flipped the control panel back down. Turned washer on and everything worked great!

We've ran a couple of loads today with no problems. Thanks for everyones help! We saved lots of $$ and time by not having to call a tech out nor buy a replacement switch for $65. I'm not sure which part of the process fixed it but the whole repair only took 15 minutes and didn't cost us anything! PTL!!!

The fixes listed worked!
by: Lisa

Thank you to everyone who posted their fixes for this problem. I tried all that were suggested and I'm happy to say that my washing machine is fixed. No longer agitates at the beginning of cycle and no more water added at the end of spin. Here is what I did:

1)-removed hose from switch, blew in hose and blew air into switch
2)-spread the metal prongs where wires plugged in to switch.

Not sure what caused the problem initially, but both my husband and I are guilty of opening washer after it had started. Plan to stop doing this which I hope will prevent issue in the future.

Had a repairman scheduled for next week at a cost of $129 for service call, plus parts. I know I saved at least $129, probably more!

Fixed! agitates while filling
by: MasterOfNone

Thanks to all for the advice!
I also followed all the tips.
I unhooked the pressure tubing from the pressure switch, blew out the tube with an air hose and cut off about 1/4" off of the tube. This fixed the washer. (Kenmore 800)

I plan to buy a clamp for the tube in the next few days.

Kenmore 800 series
by: Anonymous

washer agitated while starting to fill and there was no clog in line. Sears replaced a timer that was worn out (after three years?) or defective for 80 bucks. The timer was overheating. Just popped off the top and slipped it in. Wish I had an education in appliances! Never had a repair before on a Kenmore, until this year. Harumph.

it worked
by: Anonymous

blew through the clear hose, took switch off and reconnected...started working...

So I'm under warranty, and Lowes has a repairman coming
by: Anonymous

Bought my Whirlpool with autosensing 10 months ago. So the repairman comes Tuesday. Be interesting to see what he says. I may suggest the autosensing part and the hose, or print out this whole long post; bet he'll know about it.

Thanks - Fixed My Problem, Too
by: Anonymous

Thanks to everyone for their tips. My 2 year old Whirlpool Washer was agitating without water and spraying water at the end just like everyone elses. I took off the switch, blew in the tube as well as the switch, wiped the contacts inside the switch with a Q-tip and reassembled it. Seems to be working correctly again. I am not a big fan of the auto-sensing either, but hopefully it will be many years before I have to purchase another one!

Vinegar did the trick- Thank You!
by: Anonymous

I followed one of the suggestions to use vinegar for this problem. I used about 1-2 quarts and ran the washer with hot water. After a couple more washings (w/out vinegar) it started to run correctly. We almost had a service person come out which would have cost $129 just for the diagnosis. THANK YOU for all the suggestions and especially for the Vinegar Tip!

Thanks Joe!
by: Hou

Joe's solution saved us an $88 repair man bill - we paid $54 for it and found the part on amazon.com

Vinegar works for the dishwasher also
by: Vinegar guy

I'm glad someone was helped by my vinegar suggestion. I've now used it in my dishwasher (just fill a small bowl with vinegar and place it at the bottom of the dishwasher and run the dishwasher). It really cleaned out the inside - everything slides in and out much more smoothly and the dishes and glasses are much cleaner.

We had endless problems with our water softener, and disconnected it, so it appears as if a bit of vinegar treatment once in a while works great.

Thank You!
by: TXSAM

Thanks to all who posted. The fix from Steve in TN, worked!!!( Kenmore 800 pc.of.poo.)

Great Post Guys
by: Anonymous

I had the exact same problem with my 30 month old Whirlpool WTW57ESVW from Lowes. I watched the Youtube video on how to access the controls, then followed the great directions on how to remove the load sensing switch (pull back on tab and rotate 45 deg.). I blew into the tube, then shot some air into the back of the switch where the tube connects and the problem dissapeared. I think I might replace the switch just to be on the safe side. Thanks!

Made in China
by: Chuck

Tried all these things, replaced timer to no avail. Blew in hose and port on switch. Popped switch apart and bent up the 2 stationary contacs of the internal switch of atc/ls and works like a charm. Just part of the throw away culture we live in. Just my 2 cents and a few hours wasted. Last Maytag machine no better, balance ring was junk and machine wanted to walk out of the room all the time.

Same problem...Thanks for the fix!
by: Anonymous

I had the same problem as everyone else...agitation started while filling, and the tub re-filling at the end...
I took the control panel apart, blew in hose, and pulled out the switches and simple blew them out as well. I put it all back together, and for some reason, it works like a charm! Thanks everyone for saving me time and money! I love forums like these!!!

Fixed mine, thanks guys
by: Anonymous

Fixed mine, took the fabric dial off, and the sensor out, blew out the hose, and poured some vinegar down it. Cut off the hose a quarter inch, sprayed some silicone spray in the sensor and then blew it out, put it back together and it works perfect.
Thanks all for posting this fix, it took longer to find this page than it took to fix the washer.
:-) I am a happy camper, my wife thinks I am brilliant.

Agitates while water is filling... NEW
by: Anonymous

I fixed mine by snugging a zip tie around hose(where it mounts onto fitting) to make the connection air tight. That fixed it instantly.

I think that is the main problem most of you are experiencing. You need a hose clamp or zip tie to make an air-tight seal around the connection.

Please, try that before purchasing a replacement part.

Hope it helps you with the dread washing machine snafu.

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washer agitates while filling (whirlpool)

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washer agitates while filling (whirlpool)