5 Most Common Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Problems and Troubleshooting

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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.

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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!

Reader Comments (282)

  1. My Maytag cabrio’s inner agitator isn’t moving. The whole drum spins fit a rinse cycle, but the inner agitator won’t. It sounds like the inner parts are moving, but are not connected with the agitator. What could be the cause of this?

    • F5 E3 it is a door lock issue. POssibly something got stuck in there or door lock has malfunctioned.

  3. I have a whirlpool cabrio WTW7340XW2. For awhile it sounded like a jet taking off during spin cycle. Then a cpl months ago it started leaking like a seive out of the bottom. I replaced the bearings, shaft, and the seal. It no longer leaks and is super quiet during the spin cycle. The issue now is that it throws a UL code on every load, and usually throws the code numerous times during each load. What can be causing this after I made the above repairs, and is there a way of bypassing the sensor? thanks

    • There is no way to bypass the position sensor.
      Possible issues:
      1. Position sensor misaligned (see pic. #20)
      2. Motor doesn’t spin freely
      3. Foreign object stuck between rotor and stator
      4. Motor bolt loose (see pic. #22)
      Whirlpool Washer WTW7340XW2

  5. We have a Whirpoll Cabrio platinum washer is is about 5 years old. It leaks water onto the floor during washing. It seem to be be coming from the top left side. looking up from under the unit the suspension line and spring on the side is water and has some rust looking up at the top on the left side it has some rust also. Is there a seal on the top to stop the water that could have gone bad?

  6. We have a cabrio washer and had it about 3 years , suddenly now we are having problems, it won’t spin and its making a loud buzzing noise, water still in the bottom of the drum!

  7. I have a Cabrio washer that I have to start the cycle, then set the timer on my phone for 5 minute when it goes off I hit the pause button twice it starts to fill. I then start my phone timer for 10 minutes when it goes off I push the pause button twice and it starts washing, I set my phone timer for 35 minutes when it goes off I push the pause button twice and it finishes the cycle. Each time I push the pause timer twice the lid lock activates and the washer does what it supposed to do.

  8. Allo
    Since. I bought the washing machine, a few years ago, I am unhappy with the results. The stain remains on all cloths. The white cloths seems grey as if not washed. The water does fill in, the cycle seems to complete and spin and all but it is as if I had washed with no soap and spin. At the beginning I had white stains on the dark clothes. I was told that maybe I had too much soap. So now I put less. I bought it at Sears Canada which closed. I was hoping to be eco responsible but now I am starting to look for something else. The old machine cleaned better.

  9. Our Cabrio Whirlpool washer is showing an LF code but only on certain cleaning functions. It seems to be working fine if you start it under a mixed normal function. But if you try to do another cleaning cycle, it will read the LF code and shut off. Also tried the clean washer cycle and that also read the LF code as well. The vents are clean and the hoses aren’t clogged and have full water flow out of them. I’m guessing it’s the water inlet valve having issues, but I don’t know how to take that out and replace it. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

  11. I have a cabrio top load washer, during the wash cycle it starts leaking water at the left ( as you’re facing it) bottom corner. Doesn’t happen all the time.

  12. My WTW7300dw0 Cabrio stopped agitating. I pulled off the washplate and noticed the cam is stripped out. I was able to slide of couple orings over the cam and lightly snug the washplate back on. Its basically a band aid for now as because the wear to the cam was uneven. Is their a way to replace that cam assembly without purchasing the bottom transmission plate ? Does the male come apart from the bottom ?? Any suggestions on the best way to replace that cam assembly would be very helpful. Thank you !!!

  13. Hello, I’m beginning to have drain error codes. It has happened several times. Code “dr” I had to unplug the machine for several hours to reset. I’m sure it will happen again. What is the most common issue or things to check?
    Thanks, Mike

  15. My Cabrio has a leak – I’m told it is the tub seal. When quoted for repair, I was told I need to replace the transmission at the same time. It is just how it is. Really? So the fix is the price of a new washer basically. Does this sound correct? Is changing the transmission really the big job?

  16. I have a model wtw8500DCO. There is no respoce when I try to start it. No lights at all. I checked the outlet and it does have power. Any tips?

  17. My washer is giving me a “dL” code in the est time remaining window, what do I do to get my washer to work?

  18. My model number is WTW7000DWO my machine grinds and make loud noise when spinning. It also stopped working a week ago after macking a loud clanking sigh. Will not run at all now when starting up. Is this a motor proble if so where can I find a replacement motor on line??

    • If you are not comfortable troubleshooting your washer, call appliance tech to take a look at it. There is no exact answer to your question. Maybe it is bearings or transmission, i dont know

  20. I’m replacing the clutch and the slider kit on my Cabrio washer. how do I get the metal ring off of the drive shaft to change the slider out? thanks

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