Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Repair Guide
Troubleshooting/ Testing Tips:
1. Don't become a circuit (Click Here For More Safety Information!)
2. All resistance tests should be preformed with your Cabrio washing machine unplugged from the wall outlet and any wiring to the component disconnected.
(How to Use a Voltmeter) (Electricity 101)
3. The most common cause of any Cabrio washer control failure is corrosion on the connectors. Always check for a good electrical connection first! Also look for broken or looses wires, bad terminals, or wires not pressed onto connectors far enough before replacing any Cabrio washing machine parts.
(Note: Click on a Cabrio part image for pricing information. Because of minor differences from one washer model to another, you will need to use your washing machine's full model number when searching tor repair parts.)
Whirlpool Cabrio Washing Machine Components
User Interface
Like most electronically controlled appliances, Whirlpool Cabrio washing machines use a part called the user interface which is a thin panel of switches placed directly behind the skin of the washer's control console and also a switch called the encoder that identifies the position of the rotary cycle selection knob.
These switches receive your every laundering wish and carry them to a control board inside the washer's console for further processing. The most common problem that can occur with this part of the washing machine is a switch sticking in the open or closed position, not allowing you to enter cycle selections and options, or the encoder not correctly registering the cycle knob's position.
The relationship between the Cabrio washer's user interface, encoder, and the control board are so close it can sometimes be difficult to determine which parts is responsible for programming problems, fortunately diagnostic tests built into this style of washer can be used to help identify the troublesome washer part for it's quick removal and replacement.
Control Board
Cabrio washing machines use a control board to process commands entered into the user interface and send the proper amount of electricity to a particular washer component at the correct time to perform some function, such as opening a particular water valve solenoid, operating the motor, energizing the recirculation pump, drain pump or lid lock. If the washing machine were a body the control board is the brain behind all of the washer's operations.
The Cabrio control board is also used to interpret information being sent from various sensors in the washing machine, like the inlet/ dispenser valve thermostat or the motor's Rotary Positioning Sensor (RPS). Most problems that occur with the Whirlpool Cabrio washing machines are control board related. However, you never want to replace the control board without first checking all other possibilities through the diagnostic testing process.
Note: Return policies rarely cover expensive misdiagnosed control boards, so before you click the "Buy Now" button you need to be pretty sure.
Water Level Sensor (pressure transducer)
The water level sensor is actually a part of the washing machine's control board but because it has a very important purpose I will treat it like a separate part in this troubleshooting guide. The pressure sensor monitors water levels through a small clear tube that is attached to the bottom of the washer's outer washtub.
As the water level rises, air pressure inside the Cabrio's pressure switch tube increases because of the water's weight. When the desired water level is reached, the pressure switch inside the Cabrio washer's control board cuts electricity to the water valves and turns on the recirculation pump, for the wash portion of the cycle. Any pinching or holes in this pressure tube and the pressure sensor will not be able to detect the Cabrio's water level. This will cause the washer to stop and display an error code such as LF, which means "Long Fill" or other error codes. You can also calibrate the water level sensor through the manual diagnostic mode.
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