5 Most Common Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Problems and Troubleshooting

Whirlpool is a big name in appliances. One of the most popular models of their washing machines is the Cabrio.

While this model has fewer problems than most, there are still some common fixes they require sometimes.

Today we’ll take a look at all the common problems with Cabrio washers and the related fixes. 

If Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Won’t Spin

The spin cycle is arguably one of the most important cycles in a wash. Is your Cabrio not spinning? Check these common issues:

Drive Pulley Nut

The nut that holds the drive pulley in place can become loose over time.

When this occurs it can cause your Whirlpool Cabrio washer to stop spinning.

You’ll have to locate the drive pulley and tighten the nut.

Shift Actuator Malfunction

Washers have many moving parts and endure a great deal of weight.

This means that the parts which handle motion are susceptible to cracks and malfunctions.

If your Cabrio won’t spin and is displaying error codes such as F7 or E1 you may have a shift actuator malfunction.

When this occurs, you’ll need to replace the part by following these steps:

1. Unplug the machine and turn off all water lines.
2. Disconnect the water hoses on the rear of the machine. Be sure to mark the hot and cold, so you don’t get them confused during reconnection.
3. Remove the drain line from the wall to prevent it from pulling tight.
4. Lay the washer down on its front. Be sure to rest it on a thick towel for cushioning.
5. The part you need to access is located under the machine.
6. Remove the shield by unscrewing the top and bottom screws. Set the shield aside.
7. The shift actuator can be found on the left, slightly below the shield.
8. Remove the broken part. There are two screws that hold the actuator in place. Unclip the wire harness and set the old part to the side.
9. Install the new part. Reconnect the wire harness, and begin following the steps backward to reassemble the machine.

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Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Not Filling

It can be extremely frustrating when your washer will not fill with water.

If you are dealing with this issue, check the following two items:

Clogged Inlet Valve

You should begin by checking the water inlet hoses and screens to see if they are clogged.

The inlet hoses connect your machine to the main water supply.

There are metal screens attached in both ends of the hoses to protect your inlet valve from debris and sediment.

To check this issue, turn off the water supply to your washer.

Next, detach the hoses from the faucet and the washer.

Clear the screens of any debris that’s present. If you find they’re damaged, replace them.

Also, check the inlet valve itself to see if any debris has bypassed the screens and is present inside the valve.

If so, clean out the two ports on the valve.

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Burnt Water Inlet Valve Coils

The water inlet valve can sometimes malfunction due to burnt coils.

If you’ve previously checked your home’s water pressure and the inlet hoses, the water inlet valve is most likely faulty.

Just like most electrical components, the coils in the valve have a limited lifespan.

Over time, they can become overworked and burn out.

When this occurs, the electrical signals being sent to your washer are unable to trigger the gates of the valve to open.

To test if this is the issue you should use a multimeter to test for continuity.

If there is none, replace the part, as water inlet valves are not made to be repaired.

Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Bearing Problems

If your Whirlpool Cabrio washer is loud during the spin cycle and leaking water from the bottom, you’ve most likely got a bearing problem.

Leaking Bearing Seal

The most general cause for this is a torn tub seal.

This will cause water to leak from the seal and work its way into the tub bearings.

You’ll want to fix this as soon as possible, as it will cause your bearings to fail.

It’s a good idea to replace both the tub seal and tub bearings when this occurs.

Just keep in mind this repair is not for the faint at heart, it requires you to disassemble most of the machine.

Whirlpool Cabrio Washer OL Error Code

One of the most common codes that appears on a Whirlpool Cabrio washer is the OL error code.

The code is basically an overload error. So, sometimes it will be as simple as an overloaded machine.

If this code is present on your machine and you can’t clear it, you’ll need to check these two parts:

Bad Bearing

If the bearing goes bad it will not allow your tub to spin freely. You will generally know this is the issue if your machine roars loudly during the spin cycle.

To fix this, you will have to replace the bearing. During the repair you’ll need the tub seal bearing kit and the bearing driver tool.

Direct Drive Motor Nut Loose

If the nut on the direct drive motor becomes loose the OL error code can appear. To check this part, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the power cord from the wall.
2. Turn off the water supply and disconnect water inlet hoses from the rear of the machine.
3. Pull the washer away from the wall to allow you room to work.
4. Loosen the screws on the access panel so you can remove it.
5. Locate the drive motor and belt.
6. Use an adjustable wrench to secure the motor’s mounting nut. Begin by turning it counterclockwise to loosen the nut.
7. Hold the motor in place firmly and tighten the motor nut by turning your wrench clockwise.
8. Keep one finger on the belt, when the belt can only be depressed about a half inch you have the right amount of tension. This may require 2 people.
9. Reassemble the machine, restore the power, and reconnect hoses.

Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Won’t Lock

If your Cabrio washer won’t lock, it’s generally the lid lock. Here’s how to troubleshoot this part:

Lid Lock

This is one of the most common problems with direct drive washing machines.

If your Whirlpool Cabrio washer will fill with water but won’t spin, the lid lock switch is probably bad.

To diagnose this problem you’ll want to put the washer in a spin mode. Next, open the lid and insert a screwdriver into the lid switch actuator hole.

If the washer runs while you do this, but won’t run with the lid closed – the switch is bad. When you do this test and don’t get a result it may be necessary to check for continuity using a multimeter.

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Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Won’t Drain

The drain pump is the most common problem when a Whirlpool Cabrio washer won’t drain.

Drain Pump Stuck or Faulty

Here are the steps on how to troubleshoot this problem:

1. To begin, check if the drain pump is getting voltage from the main board. You can do so by listening to see if the pump motor runs.
2. If it doesn’t run, check the plug and wiring connections at the pump. Be sure the connections are good and the wiring harness has no damage.
3. If there is voltage going to the pump and you can hear it the pump is probably clogged.
4. Remove the hose that runs from the tub to the pump. Check it for blockages.
5. Remove the pump motor and check it for debris. If it is stopped up, the machine will not drain.
6. Check the impeller inside the pump to make sure it doesn’t wobble.
7. If your washer still doesn’t drain, remove the hose that runs from the pump to the drain.
8. Make sure this hose is free from debris and blockages.
9. If your pump is getting power, and no clogs are found it’s best to replace the drain pump motor.
10. You can also use a multimeter to check for continuity inside the drain pump. If you find none, then the drain pump is faulty.

Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Stops Mid Cycle

Does your washer stop mid cycle? Is it displaying error codes such as F1 or E2? If so, look at these items:

Error Code F1 or E2

These error codes indicates a failure in the main control of the motor control circuit. Here’s what you should do:

The first step you should take is unplug the washing machine for at least 5 minutes. Plug it back in and see if the board was reset.

If the error code is still present you’ll need to unplug the machine again and remove the back panel.

Check all wiring to ensure connections are tight and there are no damaged wires.

Also check the wiring harness on the stator to make sure it’s connected properly with no damages to wires.

If all the wiring is fine, then your motor control circuit board will need to be replaced.

To be sure this is the problem there are some diagnostic steps that will help verify the board is faulty.

This is done using a multimeter and your washer’s wiring diagram.

In conclusion, those are the most common issues with Whirlpool Cabrio washers.

Have you dealt with other issues? What were they and what did you have to do to fix it?

Comment below and let us know. We’d love to hear from you!