What the “sensing” stage is
Many Whirlpool Cabrio top-load washers begin a cycle by checking the load before adding water. The display may show a message or animation while the washer does this. A short sensing period at the start is normal. For how this fits into the full cycle, see our guide to washing machine cycles before the spin.
A problem is more likely when the washer stays in sensing for a long time, never fills, or stops and does not start the wash.
This guide is general. Cabrio models differ, so use your model’s owner’s manual or Whirlpool’s product help for specifics.
Common reasons a Cabrio stays in sensing or will not start
Possible causes include:
- Lid not fully closed, or a worn or faulty lid switch or lock.
- Overloaded or very unbalanced load, which can make load detection difficult.
- Water supply issues, such as closed or partly closed faucets, kinked hoses, or clogged inlet screens.
- Drain problems, such as a kinked or blocked drain hose or a clogged pump.
- Power issues, such as a loose plug, tripped breaker or outlet problem.
- Control or electronic faults, which usually need a technician.
Not every symptom means a failed “sensor.” Many of these have simple causes.
Basic checks first
- Open and firmly close the lid. Check that nothing is caught in it and that the lid latches.
- Reduce the load. Remove some items and redistribute the rest, then restart.
- Check the water. Confirm both hot and cold faucets are fully open and that the hoses are not kinked.
- Check the drain hose for kinks and make sure it is seated correctly in the standpipe.
- Check power. Make sure the plug is firmly seated and that other devices work on the same outlet. Do not reset a breaker repeatedly if it keeps tripping; that points to an electrical fault.
How to reset a Whirlpool washer
A common first reset is a power reset:
- Cancel the cycle if you can.
- Unplug the washer from the outlet. Pull the plug itself, not the cord.
- Leave it unplugged for a few minutes. Follow the reset instructions in your Cabrio’s manual for how long to leave it unplugged.
- Plug it back in and try a short cycle.
Some models also have a button sequence to clear the control, such as holding a button. Those sequences vary by model, so look up yours in the manual rather than guessing.
Is there a sensor you can reset?
Usually there is no separate sensor reset button for a user to press. A power reset or the manual’s reset steps is the approach for most owners. If a reset does not help, the cause is likely something physical (lid, drain, water supply) or a failed part.
How to run diagnostic mode
Many Whirlpool washers include a diagnostic or service mode that can run self-tests or display fault codes. The way to enter it differs by model and sometimes by control panel type, and it often involves a timed button sequence. Look for the tech sheet, often attached inside the control console or behind a panel, or check the manual or Whirlpool’s product help for your model number. Do not remove panels to look for it unless the washer is unplugged, and if you are not comfortable opening it, ask a technician.
When to call a technician
Stop and call a qualified appliance technician if:
- The washer still won’t start after the basic checks and a reset.
- You see burn marks, smell burning, or notice melted plastic.
- Breakers trip, or you see sparks or smoke. Unplug the washer only if it is safe to reach the plug; otherwise turn off power at the breaker.
- The lid switch, lid lock, wiring, motor or control board seems to be at fault.
- Water is leaking near electrical parts.
Always unplug the washer before touching internal parts, and turn off the water supply before disconnecting hoses. Replacing electronic parts is best left to a professional.