You might have had that moment when your Whirlpool dishwasher stops working right. Maybe it won’t start, or it gets stuck mid-cycle. You feel stuck and unsure what to do next. You want to fix it fast without waiting for a repair person or buying a new machine. Good news is, resetting your Whirlpool dishwasher often solves many common problems. This article will walk you through simple, easy steps to reset your dishwasher and get it running like new again. Let’s get started!
How to Reset Whirlpool Dishwasher Using the Control Panel
If your Whirlpool dishwasher is acting strange, the first and easiest thing to try is a reset using the control panel. This can clear any error codes and refresh the system. Here’s how to do it in a detailed and easy way.
Step 1: Stop the Dishwasher Cycle
If your dishwasher is running but not working properly, press the “Cancel” or “Cancel/Drain” button on the control panel. This will stop the current cycle and drain the water inside. You might hear the dishwasher drain for a minute or two. Wait until it fully stops before moving to the next step. This clears the current task and allows a fresh start.
Step 2: Turn Off the Dishwasher Power
Next, turn off the dishwasher. You can do this by pressing the “Power” button on the control panel, or if your model doesn’t have one, open the door and wait for the dishwasher to pause. For some Whirlpool models, it helps to turn off the dishwasher’s power switch completely. This switch is often found near the dishwasher or under the kitchen sink. If you can’t find it, you can also switch off the circuit breaker that controls the dishwasher.
Step 3: Wait for 5 to 10 Minutes
Patience is key. Leave the dishwasher off for at least 5 to 10 minutes. This gives the dishwasher’s internal computer time to reset itself. The dishwasher uses a control board to run its cycles. Turning off power makes this board restart fresh, often clearing any glitches or errors that stopped it from working properly.
Step 4: Turn the Dishwasher Power Back On
After waiting, turn the dishwasher power back on. Use the power button or switch it back on from the circuit breaker. The control panel lights should come back on, showing the dishwasher is ready.
Step 5: Start a New Cycle
Now, try to run a new cycle. Select your preferred washing cycle and press “Start.” Watch the dishwasher closely to see if it runs properly. If it works fine, congratulations! The reset fixed the issue. If it still shows error codes or won’t start, you may need to try a different reset method or check for other problems.
Extra Tips for Control Panel Reset
- Make sure the dishwasher door is closed properly before starting a new cycle. Many Whirlpool dishwashers won’t run if the door isn’t latched.
- Sometimes, pressing and holding the “Start” button for 3 to 5 seconds also triggers a reset on some models.
- If you see a specific error code, look it up in your dishwasher manual. Some errors need a reset plus another fix like cleaning a filter or checking the water supply.
How to Reset Whirlpool Dishwasher by Power Cycling
If the control panel reset didn’t work, you can try a power cycle reset. This method is like giving your dishwasher a full restart by cutting all power and letting it refresh. Here is a step-by-step guide with full details.
Step 1: Turn Off Dishwasher and Unplug It
First, turn off the dishwasher. Then, unplug the dishwasher from the electrical outlet. This completely cuts power to the machine. If your dishwasher is hardwired and doesn’t have a plug, you need to turn off the circuit breaker that supplies power to it.
Step 2: Wait for 15 to 30 Minutes
Leave the dishwasher unplugged or with no power for at least 15 to 30 minutes. This longer wait helps ensure all electricity drains from the dishwasher’s circuits. It allows the internal control board to fully reset, which can solve more serious problems than a simple control panel reset.
Step 3: Press the Dishwasher Door Button (If Any)
Some Whirlpool dishwashers have a button inside the door to test or reset. While the dishwasher is still unplugged, press this button a few times to help discharge any stored electricity inside the machine.
Step 4: Plug the Dishwasher Back In or Turn On Circuit Breaker
After waiting, plug the dishwasher back into the power outlet or switch the circuit breaker back on. You should see the control panel light up. This means the dishwasher has power again.
Step 5: Try Running a New Cycle
Close the dishwasher door securely and try running a cycle. Choose a quick wash or normal cycle to test it out. If the dishwasher runs smoothly, the power cycle reset worked!
Extra Power Cycle Tips
- Make sure your dishwasher is dry, especially the control panel, before plugging it back in. Moisture can cause electrical issues.
- If your dishwasher still won’t work, check the water supply and drainage. Sometimes the problem isn’t electrical, but mechanical.
- Power cycling helps if your dishwasher froze or stopped mid-cycle due to power surges or errors.
How to Reset Whirlpool Dishwasher Using the Manual Reset or Factory Reset
If both control panel and power cycling don’t fix your dishwasher, you might need a manual reset or factory reset. This resets the dishwasher back to original settings and clears all saved programs or errors. It’s a bit more involved but can solve tricky problems.
Step 1: Find Your Dishwasher Model Number
Before starting, find your Whirlpool dishwasher’s model number. It’s usually on a sticker inside the door or along the side of the dishwasher door frame. Knowing your model number helps you find the exact reset instructions or error code explanations in your user manual or online.
Step 2: Check Your User Manual for Reset Instructions
Look in your dishwasher’s user manual for a manual reset or factory reset procedure. Whirlpool dishwashers can have different reset methods depending on the model. Many manuals show how to press specific buttons or button combinations to reset.
Step 3: Common Factory Reset Method
A common method for Whirlpool dishwashers is:
- Press the “Heated Dry” button and the “Normal” button at the same time.
- Hold them down for 3 to 5 seconds.
- Release both buttons.
- Press the “Start” button to confirm the reset.
This resets the control board and clears errors.
Step 4: Try Another Button Combination If Needed
If the above method doesn’t work, try this:
- Press the “Cancel” button three times in a row.
- Wait for the dishwasher to beep or show the lights blink.
- Close the door and press “Start.”
Different models may need different combinations, so check your manual or Whirlpool’s website for your exact model instructions.
Step 5: Run a Test Cycle
After the manual reset, run a test cycle to check if the dishwasher works properly. Listen for normal sounds like the water filling or spray arms moving. If it runs well, you fixed the problem!
When to Use Factory Reset
- When your dishwasher keeps showing error codes that don’t go away with normal resets.
- If the dishwasher won’t start even though power and water are fine.
- After a power surge or storm that might have affected the dishwasher’s control board.
Extra Manual Reset Advice
- Make sure the dishwasher door is closed tightly before pressing buttons for reset.
- If your dishwasher has a digital display, watch for any messages or error codes during reset.
- If you can’t find your manual, Whirlpool’s website offers free downloads of user manuals by model number.
Final Thoughts
Resetting your Whirlpool dishwasher is often the easiest way to fix small glitches and errors. Whether you use the control panel reset, power cycling, or a manual factory reset, these steps can save you time and money on repairs. Remember to be patient and careful when working with your dishwasher’s power supply. If problems keep happening after resets, it might be time to call a professional. But most of the time, a simple reset gets your dishwasher back to cleaning dishes perfectly in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to reset my Whirlpool dishwasher by unplugging it?
Yes, unplugging your Whirlpool dishwasher to reset it is safe as long as you do it carefully. Always make sure your hands are dry and the area around the plug is dry too. Unplugging cuts the power completely, which helps the dishwasher’s control board reset itself. This process can fix many common problems without causing damage. However, if your dishwasher is hardwired and doesn’t have a plug, turn off the circuit breaker instead. Avoid pulling the dishwasher out to unplug it if you don’t feel comfortable with it. If you’re unsure, asking a professional electrician for help is a good idea.
Can resetting the dishwasher fix error codes?
Yes, resetting the dishwasher can clear many error codes. When your dishwasher shows an error code, it means something is wrong. Resetting refreshes the system and often removes these codes if the problem was a minor glitch. However, if the error comes from a real problem like a clogged filter or faulty part, the code might come back. Always check what the error code means in your user manual. After resetting, run a cycle and watch if the error returns. If it does, further cleaning or repair might be needed.
Do I need to reset the dishwasher after a power outage?
Yes, after a power outage, it’s a good idea to reset your Whirlpool dishwasher. Power outages can cause the dishwasher to freeze or stop mid-cycle. Resetting helps clear any stuck programs and restarts the control board. You can reset by turning off the dishwasher, waiting a few minutes, then turning it back on. If the dishwasher still doesn’t work after the outage, try unplugging it or power cycling as a deeper reset. This ensures your dishwasher is ready to work properly again.
Is it necessary to hold buttons during the reset process?
For many Whirlpool dishwasher models, holding certain buttons for a few seconds is necessary to trigger the reset. Simply pressing a button once might not work. Holding buttons like “Heated Dry” and “Normal” together for 3 to 5 seconds sends a clear command to the control board to reset. Check your dishwasher manual for exact button combinations. If you don’t hold the buttons long enough, the reset won’t happen. So take your time and follow the instructions carefully.
Can resetting my dishwasher cause data loss?
Dishwashers don’t store personal data like phones or computers, so resetting doesn’t cause data loss. However, if your dishwasher has custom cycle settings saved, a factory reset might erase those and return the dishwasher to its original factory settings. This means you might need to set your preferred cycles again. Normal resets using the control panel or power cycling won’t erase these settings. Factory resets are usually the last step when you want to solve deep issues.
Do I need to reset the dishwasher after cleaning the filters?
It’s not always necessary to reset the dishwasher after cleaning filters, but it can help. Sometimes, the dishwasher might still show error codes related to filters even after cleaning. A reset clears these messages and tells the dishwasher the filters are clean. After you clean and replace the filters, try running a cycle first. If errors persist, do a reset using the control panel or power cycle. This ensures the dishwasher recognizes the filters are no longer blocked.
Is it possible to reset the dishwasher without the manual?
Yes, it’s possible to reset your Whirlpool dishwasher even if you don’t have the manual. Most Whirlpool dishwashers share common reset methods like pressing “Cancel” or holding the “Heated Dry” and “Normal” buttons. You can try these common steps: stop the cycle, turn off the dishwasher, wait 10 minutes, then turn it back on. Many resets also use button combinations that are easy to test. If you want exact instructions, you can find your manual online by searching your dishwasher model number.
Can resetting the dishwasher fix a door latch issue?
Resetting the dishwasher usually doesn’t fix a door latch problem directly because the latch is a physical part. However, if the dishwasher control board thinks the door is open due to a software glitch, a reset can help. If your dishwasher won’t start because it thinks the door is open, try resetting first to clear any errors. If the door still won’t lock or latch properly, you might need to clean or replace the door latch. Always check the door seal and latch for dirt or damage before calling a repair person.
