
If you have an issue with your washing machine (it might be displaying an error code), resetting the washer will often fix the issue and resolve the error code. However, if the washer has a defective part or a blockage, you will still need to address the issue so that you do not have further problems with the washer.
While most Whirlpool washers can be reset by disconnecting the power, some models may have different instructions. You may be able to find the specific reset instructions for your model either in the manual or by locating the washer’s tech sheet, which is usually located under the control panel.
Follow the methods below to find out how to reset your Whirlpool washing machine.
This guide applies to most Whirlpool models, including the following:
2LA5700XMW0
2LA5700XMW1
2LSR5233BN0
2LSR5233BQ1
2LSR5233BW0
2LSR5233BZ1
3CA2000XMW0
GHW9100LW1
GHW9100LW2
GHW9150PW0
GHW9150PW4
GHW9200LW0
LSQ8243HQ0
LSR7233EQ0
LSR8233EQ0
LXR9245EQ1
WFW72HEDW0
WFW9150WW00
WTW4800XQ2
WTW4800XQ4
WTW5000DW1
Method 1: Unplug the Washing Machine
The most common way to reset a Whirlpool washing machine is to disconnect the power to the washing machine. The reset works by allowing the electrical charge to dissipate from the washing machine, which allows it to reset. If the reset fails, try again, but double the amount of time that you need to wait. For safety and to not damage the washer, make sure the washing machine is turned off on the control panel before unplugging it.
Follow these steps to reset your Whirlpool washer:
- Turn the washing machine off using the control panel.
- Unplug the washing machine.
- Wait three minutes.
- Plug the washer back in, and wait thirty seconds before turning the washer on.
In most cases, this procedure will reset the washing machine.
Method 2: Reset the Circuit Breaker
If you cannot unplug the washing machine, the power can also be disconnected by resetting the circuit breaker in your home’s electrical panel.
Follow these steps to reset your Whirlpool washer:
- Turn the washing machine off using the control panel.
- Access the washing machine’s circuit breaker in your home’s electrical panel.
- Lift the circuit breaker to disconnect the power to the washer.
- Wait three minutes.
- Reset the circuit breaker to restore power to the washer.
- Wait thirty seconds before turning the washer on at the control panel.
Method 3: Press a Combination of Buttons
Some Whirlpool models require a combination of buttons to be pressed or held to reset the washer. Finding the washing machine’s manual is the best way to find out which buttons need to be pressed to reset it. If you cannot find the manual, pressing a combination of the Pause/Cancel and Power buttons may work for your Whirlpool model.
Follow these steps to reset your Whirlpool washing machine:
- Press the Pause/Cancel button two times.
- Press the Power button once.
If the reset has worked, you may be able to hear it beep or see the display panel flash.
Method 3: Turn the Dial
If the washing machine has a dial on the control panel, you may be able to reset the machine by following the instructions below.
- Turn off the washing machine using the control panel.
- Turn the dial to Normal.
- Turn the dial counterclockwise one click.
- Turn the dial clockwise three clicks.
- Turn the dial counterclockwise one click.
- Turn the dial clockwise one click.
- Press the Start button. You should see an illuminated control panel.
- Make sure the Rinse, Wash, and Stop buttons are illuminated. Turning the dial or pressing these buttons should illuminate them.
- Turn off the washer on the control panel.
- Unplug the washer for twenty seconds.
- Turn on the washer. If the process has worked, your washer will now be reset.
Method 4: Open and Close the Lid
If you have a top-loader Whirlpool washing machine, you may need to open and close the lid to reset the washing machine.
Follow these steps to reset a top-loader Whirlpool washer:
- Unplug the washing machine.
- Wait one minute before plugging the washing machine in again.
- Open and close the lid six times within twelve seconds.
Depending on the washer, you will likely hear it beep or see the control panel light up if the reset has worked.
Method 5: Press the Power and Program Buttons
If the above reset methods have failed to work for you, you may be able to reset your model by pressing the following buttons: Power, Program, and Water Level. After pressing these buttons, the washing machine’s lid needs to be opened and closed.
Follow these steps to reset a Whirlpool washing machine:
- Make sure the power to the washer is turned on at the wall, but keep the Power button on the control off.
- Hold the Program button down while simultaneously pressing the Water Level button two times. When done correctly, the control panel lights should illuminate.
- Press all the buttons on the control panel one by one, except the Power button.
- Open the lid of the washing machine; you should hear it beep.
- When you close the lid of the washing machine, it should begin a reset cycle.
If none of the above methods reset your Whirlpool washer, there may be an issue with the control board. If this is the case, it may be time to consider contacting a trained technician to troubleshoot the washing machine and fix the problem.

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