Isn’t it annoying when your Whirlpool washer stops mid-cycle?
You feel stuck with unclean clothes that are also soapy and soaking wet.
Whirlpool washing machines are among the best-performing washers in the world.
Their top-notch performance makes users take them for granted.
This frustrating situation affects you on many levels.
For instance, you might be forced to spend quite some time doing the laundry manually.
Instead of going through such agony, you should start looking for the reasons behind this malfunction.
Unfortunately, there are different reasons behind this issue.
However, the majority of them can be easily fixed.
So, keep reading this blog post for proper insight into troubleshooting your Whirlpool washing machine that stops in the middle of a wash cycle.
Why Does Your Whirlpool Washer Stop Mid-Cycle?
Various causes can lead to stopping a whirlpool washer to stop during a cycle.
These causes can vary in their difficulty.
For instance, this problem might be associated with a loose plug or a power cord.
Also, a tripped circuit breaker may cause a washer to stop mid-cycle.
However, more complex issues lead to this annoying problem, like a malfunctioning control board or a bad door switch.
So, now let’s take an in-depth look at the leading causes for this issues:
1. Poor Water Supply
Your washer will need powerful and continuous water pressure to work efficiently.
Any issue affecting the cold water pressure and stability may make the washer stop suddenly.
This issue is usually associated with a plugged water inlet valve.
This component determines how much water reaches the washer during each cycle.
In older models, there were two valves, one for hot water and the other for cold water.
However, modern models are only equipped with one valve cold water supply.
When clogged, there would be no sufficient cold water reaching the appliance.
2. Faulty Door Switch
In a front-loading washer, a door switch maintains a locked door as long as the appliance runs.
A functional switch locks the door for a couple more minutes after the cycle ends.
Generally, faulty switches will not allow the machine to start in the first place.
Also, it can stop the machine’s operation after starting.
3. Faulty Lid Switch
A lid lock is the same thing as a door switch.
However, it is more common in top-load washers.
This safety mechanism protects the hands of users and children from getting injured during the washer’s cycles.
This switch is designed to stop the drum from spinning if the lid is not locked.
So, a malfunctioning switch will force the machine to stop at any time, even in the middle of a spin cycle.
So, it is better to check the condition of the lid switch assembly if your washer has this recurrent issue.
4. Closed Drain Hose
During a spin cycle, a drain hose should remove the excess water from the tub.
The water reaches this hose through a functional washing machine drain pump.
You can identify this issue by noticing different signs, such as error codes or a permanently locked door.
Also, drain water will fill the drum while it should find its way into the drain pipe.
When the whirlpool washer stops mid-cycle, it is a defense mechanism against more severe damages.
5. Check the Control Board
A Whirlpool washer’s control or circuit board is the brain of the washer.
This component controls all of the washer’s electrical features and operations.
A short circuit in this board may lead to overflowing the washer.
This results in stopping the washer during a cycle to avoid complicated catastrophes.
Unfortunately, a defective control board can result from multiple components.
It might be a result of rusty or frayed parts.
Regardless of the causes, such issues will result in a board being unable to process your orders.
6. Broken Drive Belt
A functional Whirlpool drive belt is responsible for moving the washer tub.
When this belt is damaged, the washer will malfunction and stop at any time.
It may not even start at all.
Additionally, without a functional belt, the drum won’t be supported correctly, and the water won’t get distributed as it should.
7. Inspect the Suspension Rod
In Whirlpool front loaders, this rod stabilizes the tub while rotating.
The machine will no longer spin if this rod breaks, even during a wash cycle.
Generally, each washer has a set of 4 rods.
How to Fix a Whirlpool Washer That Stops Mid-cycle?
Fixing a Whirlpool washer that stops in the middle of a cycle is more complex than it sounds.
Addressing most causes is an easy DIY task if you know how to use a 1/4 screwdriver and a pair of pillars.
Now let’s discuss the practical remedies for this annoying issue.
1. Unclog the Valve
This is a common issue in Whirlpool washers and other washing machine brands.
Minerals that supply water accumulate over time to partially clog this valve.
This makes the machine unable to keep running with a low supply.
You can diagnose this issue whenever the washer stops during a rinse cycle.
During rinsing, the appliance needs an increased water supply.
You can easily unclog this valve by cleaning its filter screens.
However, the problem lies in carefully removing and reinstalling these screens to avoid damaging them.
2. Replace a Faulty Door Switch
In most cases, you will need a new door latch or switch.
Make sure to opt for a similar latch to the one already installed in your Whirlpool washer.
After installing the new switch correctly, you should reboot the washer.
3. Get a New Lid Assembly
A lid switch is an electric component that can become frayed over time.
Sometimes, tough slamming of the door results in damaging the lid assembly.
You can test this component via a multimeter to ensure the problem results from a malfunctioning lid assembly.
If it shows no continuity, you should get a new assembly.
4. Unclog the Drain Hose
You should remove the hose and drain pump to do this task successfully.
You can use a pair of pillars to remove any stuck buildup inside the hose.
However, this tool can reach a specific limit. If the stuck buildup lies beyond this limit, you may try to blow some air inside the hose.
While you are at it, it is worth checking out the condition of the drain pump filter.
If these solutions fail, you should get a replacement hose.
5. Replace a Busted Control Board
A washer that suddenly stops mid-cycle significantly indicates a malfunctioning board.
Usually, different components go busted at the same time.
You can inspect the board for physical signs of damage.
However, in some cases, there are no visual signs. In this case, you can check it with a multimeter for continuity.
In most cases, replacing the whole control board is the most suitable solution.
While you are at it, you should ensure whether there is a faulty machine timer.
This component may profoundly affect the sudden stop fault on washing machines.
6. Replace the Belt
Unfortunately, a malfunctioning belt can’t be fixed.
The best action in this situation is to get a new one.
You can get a reference from the user manual about the right drive belt type for your Whirlpool washer.
7. Replace a Bad Rod
Over time, a washer’s suspension rods become prone to wear and tear.
You can identify a malfunctioning rod when the washer bangs excessively.
Also, when the machine suddenly stops, it is worth checking all the suspension rods.
These rods are generally meant to last about 3 to 4 years.
However, frequent use may lead to their wear and tear much sooner.
If you find just one rod with obvious damage signs, it is better to replace the whole set.
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.
