Whirlpool Washer Start Button Not Working? Try These Fixes

Is your Whirlpool washer Start button not working? Don't worry. In most cases, the controls are locked, the door is not closed properly, or you need to hold down the Start button.

Here we will cover each fix one by one, so you can get your washer working again.

What to Do When a Whirlpool Washer Start Button Does Not Work

First, turn off Control Lock or Child Lock. Next, close the door or lid properly and hold down the Start button for the time shown on the panel. If this does not help, cancel Delay Start, clean the buttons, and reset the washer.

If the control panel has no lights at all, the Start button may not be the problem. Check why your Whirlpool washer is not turning on.

Don't worry. I will explain each solution in detail. However, contact Whirlpool first if your washer is under warranty. Opening the control panel may affect the warranty.

Turn Off Control Lock or Child Lock

Control Lock stops the washer buttons from working. If this lock is on, the washer will not start a wash cycle.

Look at the display for a padlock or key symbol. You may also see Control Lock or Child Lock beside one of the buttons.

Press and hold the button marked Control Lock or Child Lock until the lock light turns off.

Press the Start Button Correctly

Press the Start button. If the panel says Hold to Start, keep holding the button until the cycle begins.

Do not press Start again and again. Pressing it very hard will not make it work and may damage the button.

Close the Door or Lid Properly

Your Whirlpool washer will not start if the door or lid is open. Sometimes it may look closed, but a piece of clothing can stop it from locking.

Open the door or lid and move all clothes away from the edge. Clean any detergent around the latch, then close it gently. Do not try to bypass the lock.

If the washer starts but does not move past sensing, see why your Whirlpool washer is stuck on sensing.

Turn Off Delay Start

If Delay Start is on, your washer will wait and start later. The Start button may be working, but the wash cycle will not begin right away.

Check the display for a delay time. Cancel Delay Start, select your wash cycle again, and then press Start.

Clean and Dry the Buttons

If water or detergent is on the touch controls, the Start button may not work. First, unplug the washer from the power socket.

Wipe the control panel with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Then dry it with a clean cloth before turning the washer back on. Do not spray water or cleaner directly on the buttons.

Check the Power and Reset the Washer

If the lights are dim or flashing, check the power source. Make sure the washer plug is firmly connected to the wall socket. Do not use an extension cord.

Also, check if the washer breaker has tripped. If the socket is hot, the plug is damaged, or the breaker keeps tripping, unplug the washer and contact an electrician.

If the power source is working, reset the washer. Sometimes a small problem in the washer controls can stop the Start button from working.

Here is how to reset your Whirlpool washer:

1. Cancel the current wash cycle
2. Unplug the washer from the wall socket
3. Wait for five minutes
4. Plug the washer back in
5. Select a cycle and press Start

If this does not help, check the outside of the control panel for moisture or detergent.

Check the Start Button and Control Board

If all the other buttons work but Start does not, the Start button may be damaged. A faulty door switch or control board can also stop the washer from starting.

Testing these parts requires opening the washer. Disconnect it from power and ask a qualified appliance technician to check it. If your washer is under warranty, contact Whirlpool support instead.

Conclusion

When your Whirlpool washer Start button is not working, try the following solutions:

• Turn off Control Lock or Child Lock
• Hold down the Start button if shown on the panel
• Close the door or lid properly
• Turn off Delay Start
• Clean and dry the buttons
• Check the power source and reset the washer
• Ask a technician to check the Start button and control board