Manual for WTW5000DW - Troubleshooting and error codes + PDF Download

Manual for WTW5000DW - Troubleshooting and error codes + PDF Download

Brand: Whirlpool logo Whirlpool

Category: Washers

Manual Type:

Language:

Uploaded: April 8, 2025, 1:44 p.m.

Manual Publish Date: 2014-05-14

Warranty Summary

The Whirlpool WTW5000DW washer has a one-year limited warranty covering parts and labor for defects in materials or workmanship.
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Operating Your Washer in 10 Steps:

  1. Sort and Prepare Laundry: Empty pockets, sort items by color, fabric, and soil level.
  2. Add Laundry Products: Place HE detergent or single-dose packet in the basket. Add boosters or fabric softener crystals if needed.
  3. Load Laundry into Washer: Load items loosely and evenly around the washplate.
  4. Add Liquid Chlorine Bleach (if desired): Pour measured bleach into the dispenser.
  5. Add Fabric Softener (if desired): Use Downy Ball or manually add during the final rinse.
  6. Select Cycle: Turn the cycle knob to choose the appropriate wash cycle.
  7. Select Soil Level: Adjust the soil level knob to match the load's dirtiness.
  8. Select Wash Temp: Choose the wash temperature based on fabric care labels.
  9. Select Cycle Options (if desired): Choose rinse options or presoak as needed.
  10. Press Start/Pause to Begin Cycle: Press the button to start the wash cycle.

Troubleshooting and error codes

If you experience Possible Causes Solution
Vibration or Off-Balance Feet may not be in contact with the floor and locked. Front and rear feet must be in firm contact with floor, and washer must be level to operate properly.
Washer may not be level. Check floor for flexing or sagging. If flooring is uneven, a 3/4" (19 mm) piece of plywood under your washer will reduce sound. See "Level the Washer" in Installation Instructions.
Load could be unbalanced. Load items in loose heaps evenly around the washplate. Adding wet items to washer or adding more water to basket could unbalance washer. Do not tightly pack. Avoid washing single items. Use Bulky Items/Sheets cycle for oversized, non-absorbent items such as jackets and small comforters. See "Cycle Guide". See "Cycle Guide" and "Using Your Washer" in this Use and Care Guide.
Noises - Clicking or metallic noises Objects could get caught in washer drain system. Empty pockets before washing. Loose items such as coins could fall between basket and tub or may block pump. It may be necessary to call for service to remove items.
Noises - Gurgling or humming Washer may be draining water. It is normal to hear the pump making a continuous humming sound with periodic gurgling or surging as final amounts of water are removed during the spin/drain cycles.
Noises - Humming Load sensing may be occurring. You may hear the hum of the sensing spins after you have started the washer, This is normal.
Noises - Whirring Basket deceleration may be occurring. You may hear the whirring sound of the basket decelerating. This is normal.
Water Leaks Washer not level. Water may splash off basket if washer is not level. Check that load is not unbalanced or tightly packed.
Fill hoses not attached tightly. Tighten fill-hose connection.
Fill hose washers. Make sure all four fill hose flat washers are properly seated.
Drain hose connection. Pull drain hose from washer cabinet and properly secure it to drainpipe or laundry tub. Do not place tape over drain opening.
Check household plumbing for leaks or clogged sink or drain. Water can back up out of a clogged sink or drainpipe. Check all household plumbing for leaks (laundry tubs, drain pipe, water pipes, and faucets.)
Washer not loaded as recommended. Unbalanced loading can cause basket to be out of alignment and cause water to splash off tub. See "Using Your Washer" for loading instructions.
Washer not performing as expected - Not enough water in washer Load not completely covered in water. This is normal operation for an HE low-water washer. The load will not be completely under water. The washer senses load sizes and adds correct amount of water for optimal cleaning. See "What's New under the Lid." IMPORTANT: Do not add more water to washer. Adding water lifts the items off the washplate, resulting in less effective cleaning.
Washer not performing as expected (cont.) - Washer won't run or fill, washer stops working or wash light remains on (indicating that the washer was unable to fill appropriately) Check for proper water supply. Both hoses must be attached and have water flowing to inlet valve. Both hot and cold water faucets must be turned on. Check that inlet valve screens have not become clogged. Check for any kinks in inlet hoses, which can restrict water flow.
Check proper electrical supply. Plug power cord into a grounded 3 prong outlet. Do not use an extension cord. Ensure there is power to outlet. Reset a tripped circuit breaker. Replace any blown fuses. NOTE: If problems continue, contact an electrician.
Normal washer operation. Lid must be closed for washer to run. Washer will pause during certain phases of cycle. Do not interrupt cycle. Washer may be stopped to reduce suds.
Washer may be tightly packed. Remove several items, rearrange load evenly around the washplate. Close lid and press START/Pause. Add only 1 or 2 additional items after washer has started. Do not add more water to the washer,
Not using HE detergent or using too much HE detergent. Only use HE detergent. Suds from regular detergents can slow or stop the washer. Always measure detergent and follow detergent directions based on your load requirements. To remove suds, cancel cycle. Select RINSE & SPIN. Press START/Pause. Do not add more detergent.
Washer not performing as expected - Washer not draining/ spinning, loads are still wet, or spin light remains on (indicating that the washer was unable to pump out water within 10 minutes) Empty pockets and use garment bags for small items. Small items may have been caught in pump or between basket and tub, which can slow draining.
Using a cycle with a low spin speed. Cycles with lower spin speeds remove less water than cycles with high spin speeds. Use the recommended cycle/spin speed for your item. To remove extra water in the load, select DRAIN & SPIN. Load may need to be rearranged to allow even distribution of the load in the basket.
The washer may be tightly packed or unbalanced. Tightly packed or unbalanced loads may not allow the washer to spin correctly, leaving the load wetter than normal. Evenly arrange the wet load for balanced spinning. Select the Drain & Spin cycle to remove excess water. See "Using Your Washer" for loading recommendations.
Check plumbing for correct drain hose installation. Drain hose extends into standpipe farther than 4.5" (114 mm). Check drain hose for proper installation. Use drain hose form and securely attach to drainpipe or tub. Do not tape over drain opening. Lower drain hose if the end is higher than 96" (2.4 m) above the floor. Remove any clogs from drain hose.
Too much detergent causing suds to slow or stop draining and spinning. Use only HE detergent. Always measure and follow detergent directions for your load. To remove extra suds, select RINSE & SPIN. Do not add detergent.
Washer not performing as expected - Dry spots on load after cycle High speed spins extract more moisture than traditional top-load washers. The high spin speeds combined with air flow during the final spin can cause items near the top of the load to develop dry spots during the final spin. This is normal.
Washer not performing as expected - Incorrect or wrong wash or rinse temperatures Check for proper water supply. Make sure hot and cold inlet hoses are not reversed. Both hoses must be attached to both washer and faucet, and have both hot and cold water flowing to inlet valve. Check that inlet valve screens are not clogged. Remove any kinks in hoses.
Washer not performing as expected - Load not rinsed Check for proper water supply. Make sure hot and cold inlet hoses are not reversed. Both hoses must be attached and have water flowing to the inlet valve. Both hot and cold water faucets must be on. Inlet valve screens on washer may be clogged. Remove any kinks in the inlet hose.
Not using HE detergent or using too much HE detergent. The suds from regular detergent can keep washer from operating correctly. Use only HE detergent. Be sure to measure correctly. Always measure detergent and follow detergent directions based on load size and soil level.
Washer may be tightly packed. The washer is less efficient at rinsing when tightly packed. Load items in loose heaps evenly around the washplate. Use cycle designed for the fabrics being washed. Add only 1 or 2 additional items after washer has started.
Washer not performing as expected - Sand, pet hair, lint, etc. on load after washing Heavy sand, pet hair, lint, and detergent or bleach residues may require additional rinsing. Add 2 Rinses to the selected cycle.
Washer not performing as expected - Load is tangling Washer not loaded as recommended. See "Using Your Washer" section. Select a cycle with a slower wash action and spin speed; however, items will be wetter than those using a higher speed spin. See the "Cycle Guide" to match your load with the best cycle. Load items in loose heaps evenly around the washplate. Reduce tangling by mixing types of load items. Use the recommended cycle for the type of items being washed.
Washer not performing as expected - Not cleaning or removing stains Added more water to washer. Washer senses load size and adds correct amount of water. This is normal and necessary for clothes to move. It is normal for the wash load to be not completely covered in water. Added water lifts the laundry off the washplate, resulting in less effective cleaning.
Washer not loaded as recommended. Washer is less efficient at cleaning when tightly packed. Load items in loose heaps evenly around the washplate. Add only 1 or 2 additional items after washer has started.
Adding detergent on top of load. Add detergent, oxi products and color-safe bleach to the bottom of the basket before adding the items.
Not washing like colors together. Wash like colors together and remove promptly after the cycle is complete to avoid dye transfer.
Not using HE detergent or using too much HE detergent. The suds from regular detergent can keep washer from operating correctly. Use only HE detergent. Be sure to measure correctly. Always measure detergent and follow manufacturer's directions based on load size and soil level.
Not using correct cycle for fabric type. Use a higher soil level cycle option and warmer wash temperature to improve cleaning. If using Quick Wash cycle, wash only a few items. Use Heavy Duty cycle for tough cleaning. See the "Cycle Guide" to match your load with the best cycle and fabric type.
Not using dispenser. Use dispenser to avoid chlorine bleach. Load dispenser before starting a cycle. Do not add products directly onto load.
Not using dispenser or Downy Ball®. Use dispenser for chlorine bleach and Downy Ball® dispenser for fabric softener to avoid staining. Load dispenser before starting a cycle. Do not add products directly onto load.
Not selecting 1 Rinse with Softener or 2 Rinses with Softener. Always select 1 Rinse with Softener or 2 Rinses with Softener when using fabric softener. Cycles that use spray rinsing will add additional water for proper fabric softener dispensing when selected.
Washer not performing as expected - Incorrect dispenser operation Clogged dispenser. Use only liquid chlorine bleach in the bleach dispenser.
Washer not performing as expected - Fabric Damage Sharp items were in pockets during wash cycle. Empty pockets, zip zippers, and snap or hook fasteners before washing to avoid snags and tears.
Strings and straps could have tangled. Tie all strings and straps before starting wash load.
Items may have been damaged before washing. Mend rips and broken threads in seams before washing.
Fabric damage can occur if washer is tightly packed. Load items in loose heaps evenly around the washplate. Use cycle designed for the fabrics being washed. Add only 1 or 2 additional items after washer has started.
Liquid chlorine bleach may have been added incorrectly. Do not pour liquid chlorine bleach directly onto load. Wipe up bleach spills. Undiluted bleach will damage fabrics. Do not use more than recommended by manufacturer. Do not place load Items on top of bleach dispenser when loading and unloading washer.
Garment care instructions may not have been followed. Always read and follow item manufacturer's care label instructions. See the "Cycle Guide" to match your load with the best cycle.
Washer not performing as expected - Odors Monthly maintenance not done as recommended. Run the Clean Washer with affresh cycle after every 30 washes. See "Washer Care" section. Unload washer as soon as cycle is complete.
Using wrong or too much detergent. Use only HE detergent. Be sure to measure correctly. Always follow the manufacturer's directions. See "Washer Care" section.
Washer not performing as expected - Lid Locked light is flashing The lid is not closed. Close the lid. The washer will not start or fill with the lid open.
A cycle was stopped or paused using the START/Pause button. The washer may still be spinning. The lid will not unlock until the basket has stopped spinning. This may take several minutes if washing large loads or heavy fabrics.
Washer not performing as expected - Single-dose laundry packet not dissolving Adding laundry packet incorrectly. Be sure laundry packet is added to washer basket before adding clothes. Do not add packet to dispensers. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damage to your items.

Troubleshooting and error codes

If you experience Possible Causes Solution
Vibration or Off-Balance Feet may not be in contact with the floor and locked. Front and rear feet must be in firm contact with floor, and washer must be level to operate properly.
Washer may not be level. Check floor for flexing or sagging. If flooring is uneven, a 3/4" (19 mm) piece of plywood under your washer will reduce sound. See "Level the Washer" in Installation Instructions.
Load could be unbalanced. Load items in loose heaps evenly around the washplate. Adding wet items to washer or adding more water to basket could unbalance washer. Do not tightly pack. Avoid washing single items. Use Bulky Items/Sheets cycle for oversized, non-absorbent items such as jackets and small comforters. See "Cycle Guide". See "Cycle Guide" and "Using Your Washer" in this Use and Care Guide.
Noises - Clicking or metallic noises Objects could get caught in washer drain system. Empty pockets before washing. Loose items such as coins could fall between basket and tub or may block pump. It may be necessary to call for service to remove items.
Noises - Gurgling or humming Washer may be draining water. It is normal to hear the pump making a continuous humming sound with periodic gurgling or surging as final amounts of water are removed during the spin/drain cycles.
Noises - Humming Load sensing may be occurring. You may hear the hum of the sensing spins after you have started the washer, This is normal.
Noises - Whirring Basket deceleration may be occurring. You may hear the whirring sound of the basket decelerating. This is normal.
Water Leaks Washer not level. Water may splash off basket if washer is not level. Check that load is not unbalanced or tightly packed.
Fill hoses not attached tightly. Tighten fill-hose connection.
Fill hose washers. Make sure all four fill hose flat washers are properly seated.
Drain hose connection. Pull drain hose from washer cabinet and properly secure it to drainpipe or laundry tub. Do not place tape over drain opening.
Check household plumbing for leaks or clogged sink or drain. Water can back up out of a clogged sink or drainpipe. Check all household plumbing for leaks (laundry tubs, drain pipe, water pipes, and faucets.)
Washer not loaded as recommended. Unbalanced loading can cause basket to be out of alignment and cause water to splash off tub. See "Using Your Washer" for loading instructions.
Washer not performing as expected - Not enough water in washer Load not completely covered in water. This is normal operation for an HE low-water washer. The load will not be completely under water. The washer senses load sizes and adds correct amount of water for optimal cleaning. See "What's New under the Lid." IMPORTANT: Do not add more water to washer. Adding water lifts the items off the washplate, resulting in less effective cleaning.
Washer not performing as expected (cont.) - Washer won't run or fill, washer stops working or wash light remains on (indicating that the washer was unable to fill appropriately) Check for proper water supply. Both hoses must be attached and have water flowing to inlet valve. Both hot and cold water faucets must be turned on. Check that inlet valve screens have not become clogged. Check for any kinks in inlet hoses, which can restrict water flow.
Check proper electrical supply. Plug power cord into a grounded 3 prong outlet. Do not use an extension cord. Ensure there is power to outlet. Reset a tripped circuit breaker. Replace any blown fuses. NOTE: If problems continue, contact an electrician.
Normal washer operation. Lid must be closed for washer to run. Washer will pause during certain phases of cycle. Do not interrupt cycle. Washer may be stopped to reduce suds.
Washer may be tightly packed. Remove several items, rearrange load evenly around the washplate. Close lid and press START/Pause. Add only 1 or 2 additional items after washer has started. Do not add more water to the washer,
Not using HE detergent or using too much HE detergent. Only use HE detergent. Suds from regular detergents can slow or stop the washer. Always measure detergent and follow detergent directions based on your load requirements. To remove suds, cancel cycle. Select RINSE & SPIN. Press START/Pause. Do not add more detergent.
Washer not performing as expected - Washer not draining/ spinning, loads are still wet, or spin light remains on (indicating that the washer was unable to pump out water within 10 minutes) Empty pockets and use garment bags for small items. Small items may have been caught in pump or between basket and tub, which can slow draining.
Using a cycle with a low spin speed. Cycles with lower spin speeds remove less water than cycles with high spin speeds. Use the recommended cycle/spin speed for your item. To remove extra water in the load, select DRAIN & SPIN. Load may need to be rearranged to allow even distribution of the load in the basket.
The washer may be tightly packed or unbalanced. Tightly packed or unbalanced loads may not allow the washer to spin correctly, leaving the load wetter than normal. Evenly arrange the wet load for balanced spinning. Select the Drain & Spin cycle to remove excess water. See "Using Your Washer" for loading recommendations.
Check plumbing for correct drain hose installation. Drain hose extends into standpipe farther than 4.5" (114 mm). Check drain hose for proper installation. Use drain hose form and securely attach to drainpipe or tub. Do not tape over drain opening. Lower drain hose if the end is higher than 96" (2.4 m) above the floor. Remove any clogs from drain hose.
Too much detergent causing suds to slow or stop draining and spinning. Use only HE detergent. Always measure and follow detergent directions for your load. To remove extra suds, select RINSE & SPIN. Do not add detergent.
Washer not performing as expected - Dry spots on load after cycle High speed spins extract more moisture than traditional top-load washers. The high spin speeds combined with air flow during the final spin can cause items near the top of the load to develop dry spots during the final spin. This is normal.
Washer not performing as expected - Incorrect or wrong wash or rinse temperatures Check for proper water supply. Make sure hot and cold inlet hoses are not reversed. Both hoses must be attached to both washer and faucet, and have both hot and cold water flowing to inlet valve. Check that inlet valve screens are not clogged. Remove any kinks in hoses.
Washer not performing as expected - Load not rinsed Check for proper water supply. Make sure hot and cold inlet hoses are not reversed. Both hoses must be attached and have water flowing to the inlet valve. Both hot and cold water faucets must be on. Inlet valve screens on washer may be clogged. Remove any kinks in the inlet hose.
Not using HE detergent or using too much HE detergent. The suds from regular detergent can keep washer from operating correctly. Use only HE detergent. Be sure to measure correctly. Always measure detergent and follow detergent directions based on load size and soil level.
Washer may be tightly packed. The washer is less efficient at rinsing when tightly packed. Load items in loose heaps evenly around the washplate. Use cycle designed for the fabrics being washed. Add only 1 or 2 additional items after washer has started.
Washer not performing as expected - Sand, pet hair, lint, etc. on load after washing Heavy sand, pet hair, lint, and detergent or bleach residues may require additional rinsing. Add 2 Rinses to the selected cycle.
Washer not performing as expected - Load is tangling Washer not loaded as recommended. See "Using Your Washer" section. Select a cycle with a slower wash action and spin speed; however, items will be wetter than those using a higher speed spin. See the "Cycle Guide" to match your load with the best cycle. Load items in loose heaps evenly around the washplate. Reduce tangling by mixing types of load items. Use the recommended cycle for the type of items being washed.
Washer not performing as expected - Not cleaning or removing stains Added more water to washer. Washer senses load size and adds correct amount of water. This is normal and necessary for clothes to move. It is normal for the wash load to be not completely covered in water. Added water lifts the laundry off the washplate, resulting in less effective cleaning.
Washer not loaded as recommended. Washer is less efficient at cleaning when tightly packed. Load items in loose heaps evenly around the washplate. Add only 1 or 2 additional items after washer has started.
Adding detergent on top of load. Add detergent, oxi products and color-safe bleach to the bottom of the basket before adding the items.
Not washing like colors together. Wash like colors together and remove promptly after the cycle is complete to avoid dye transfer.
Not using HE detergent or using too much HE detergent. The suds from regular detergent can keep washer from operating correctly. Use only HE detergent. Be sure to measure correctly. Always measure detergent and follow manufacturer's directions based on load size and soil level.
Not using correct cycle for fabric type. Use a higher soil level cycle option and warmer wash temperature to improve cleaning. If using Quick Wash cycle, wash only a few items. Use Heavy Duty cycle for tough cleaning. See the "Cycle Guide" to match your load with the best cycle and fabric type.
Not using dispenser. Use dispenser to avoid chlorine bleach. Load dispenser before starting a cycle. Do not add products directly onto load.
Not using dispenser or Downy Ball®. Use dispenser for chlorine bleach and Downy Ball® dispenser for fabric softener to avoid staining. Load dispenser before starting a cycle. Do not add products directly onto load.
Not selecting 1 Rinse with Softener or 2 Rinses with Softener. Always select 1 Rinse with Softener or 2 Rinses with Softener when using fabric softener. Cycles that use spray rinsing will add additional water for proper fabric softener dispensing when selected.
Washer not performing as expected - Incorrect dispenser operation Clogged dispenser. Use only liquid chlorine bleach in the bleach dispenser.
Washer not performing as expected - Fabric Damage Sharp items were in pockets during wash cycle. Empty pockets, zip zippers, and snap or hook fasteners before washing to avoid snags and tears.
Strings and straps could have tangled. Tie all strings and straps before starting wash load.
Items may have been damaged before washing. Mend rips and broken threads in seams before washing.
Fabric damage can occur if washer is tightly packed. Load items in loose heaps evenly around the washplate. Use cycle designed for the fabrics being washed. Add only 1 or 2 additional items after washer has started.
Liquid chlorine bleach may have been added incorrectly. Do not pour liquid chlorine bleach directly onto load. Wipe up bleach spills. Undiluted bleach will damage fabrics. Do not use more than recommended by manufacturer. Do not place load Items on top of bleach dispenser when loading and unloading washer.
Garment care instructions may not have been followed. Always read and follow item manufacturer's care label instructions. See the "Cycle Guide" to match your load with the best cycle.
Washer not performing as expected - Odors Monthly maintenance not done as recommended. Run the Clean Washer with affresh cycle after every 30 washes. See "Washer Care" section. Unload washer as soon as cycle is complete.
Using wrong or too much detergent. Use only HE detergent. Be sure to measure correctly. Always follow the manufacturer's directions. See "Washer Care" section.
Washer not performing as expected - Lid Locked light is flashing The lid is not closed. Close the lid. The washer will not start or fill with the lid open.
A cycle was stopped or paused using the START/Pause button. The washer may still be spinning. The lid will not unlock until the basket has stopped spinning. This may take several minutes if washing large loads or heavy fabrics.
Washer not performing as expected - Single-dose laundry packet not dissolving Adding laundry packet incorrectly. Be sure laundry packet is added to washer basket before adding clothes. Do not add packet to dispensers. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damage to your items.