Whirlpool is a popular home appliance brand worldwide, known for making high-quality and reliable devices. A Whirlpool Washer is no exception – these machines are sturdy and durable.
However, as with any appliance, you might run into problems from time to time, such as draining problems and the washer not spinning. Your washer can sometimes show you error codes when something isn’t working right in the machine.
One of these error codes is the 5D code. If you’ve seen this error on your appliance and don’t know what to do about it, this article will break down everything you need to know.
What Causes the Whirlpool Washer 5D Code?
First of all, you need to understand what might cause the 5D code to show on the display of your appliance. The 5D code may also appear as SD on your display and typically alerts users to an issue with too much liquid or moisture in your Whirlpool washer. Here’s what might be causing it:
Excessive Suds
The error code could indicate that the soap has created excessive suds in the washer, in which case it is running a suds reduction routine.
In this case, you must allow the appliance to complete this cycle until the excess suds have drained away.
Too Much Detergent
Excessive liquid or water in your machine might be caused by too much liquid cloth washing detergent added to the cycle.
Over-pouring your detergent into the container could cause too much of a liquid build-up and even contribute to the previous issue of excessive soapsuds in the machine.
Excessive Laundry Load
The issue might be caused by the fact that you have overfilled your washing machine with clothes.
Overloading the machine can cause issues with this error code, as well as other Whirlpool washing machine faults, such as a misaligned washer drum and excessive vibrations. If repeatedly overloaded, your washing machine might become permanently damaged.
Damaged Water Pressure Controller
This error code might also indicate that you have an issue with your water pressure switch. You will be able to tell if this is the problem if the machine stops immediately after starting any of the program modes.
Clogged Drain Pump or Drain Line
Finally, some appliance technicians have noticed that a clogged drain pump can also result in a 5D error code on your control panel.
This might require the assistance of a plumber, but you might be able to solve the problem yourself too.
How to Fix the Whirlpool Washer 5D Code?
Once you have identified what might be causing the 5D or SD code on your Whirlpool washer, you can start taking steps to fix the problem.
Here are some steps you need to take, depending on what you suspect is causing the issue.
Allow Excessive Suds to Drain
If you’ve noticed excessive suds in the drum during your wash cycle, and the 5D code shows on your control panel, your machine is already handling the problem.
Your washing machine will automatically stop rotating the drum and lengthen the rinsing time to remove the excess soap. The error code will be displayed until the problem has been resolved. If the code doesn’t turn off, you might have a different problem.
Use Less or a Different Detergent
If you regularly get the 5D error code, there might be an issue with the type or amount of detergent you are using in your appliance.
First, ensure you’re not using excessive amounts of liquid detergent. Make sure you follow the instructions of the detergent manufacturer and avoid using excess detergent in a single load.
If you’re certain you’re using the right amounts of detergent, you might need to check the type of detergent you use. Low-quality detergents can easily cause an over-soaping issue and, further, cause damage to your skin and clothes.
The Whirlpool Cabrio washer is a high-efficiency washer requiring a high-efficiency detergent (HE). These detergents have low Suding properties and do a better job removing stains and cleaning your clothes.
You can identify a high-efficiency detergent in your local store by an ‘HE’ label on the packaging.
Try a Smaller Load
You might simply be overloading your washing machine. Try a new load with a smaller amount of clothing, ensure that you use the correct amount of detergent, and assess whether the problem persists.
If you don’t get a 5D error, you probably solved the issue using a smaller load. Make sure to follow the recommendations for the load size of each cycle in your user manual.
Check the Pressure Switch
If your appliance shows the 5D code and refuses to work immediately after starting a cycle, you need to check out your pressure switch.
You might need to interrupt the wash cycle, remove the laundry and unplug the equipment. Once you have taken these steps, locate the pressure switch at the back of the appliance, and reset it.
If you don’t feel confident working with the technical aspects of your appliance, wait for an appliance technician to come and help you through it.
Check the Drain Hose
If your drain hose is bent or blocked in any way, it can cause a 5D error because water is being prevented from moving freely through the hose to exit the washer. If this is the case, the 5D error is due to the washer not draining.
If it appears to be blocked, clogged, or bent, detach it and rinse it out before securing it back in place and ensuring that water can flow through it freely.
Check the Drain Pump and Filter
Keep in mind that a clean drain pump filter is essential for water to pass freely through the machine as well. The drain pump and filter might become clogged due to small items like coins and hair bands getting caught inside them.
You can access the pump and filter at the back of the machine. Depending on your model, you should be able to unscrew the pump filter and wash it out with warm, soapy water before reattaching it.
Check the Main Control Board
In some rare cases, a faulty main control board or a glitch that falsely triggers the error code could cause the 5D code. You could reset the washing machine by disconnecting it from the main power outlet for a few minutes to see whether this resolves the problem or not.
However, if you suspect a fault in the control board, then it’s recommended that you contact a professional appliance technician to handle the problem safely.
Preventing the Whirlpool Washer 5D Code
To prevent the 5D or SD error on your Whirlpool washer, there are a few things you can do.
First of all, make sure not to overload your machine. Always follow the recommendations for the load size based on which cycle you select.
Next, you should make sure to use a high-efficiency detergent and always in the correct quantity to avoid creating excessive suds in the cycle.
Finally, try to ensure that your drain hose and pump stay unblocked and clear for water to flow through them freely, and empty the pockets of your clothing before putting them in the washing machine. Keeping your washer clean is an essential consideration if you want it to last for years and do a thorough job of washing your clothes.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
