If the Whirlpool WTW5000DW sensing light is flashing, the washer may be having trouble starting the wash cycle, filling with water, sensing the load, or completing the next step of the cycle. In some cases, the flashing Sensing light is normal for a short time, but if it continues flashing and the washer does not progress, troubleshooting is needed.
Quick Tips
- Wait briefly: Sensing may flash normally at first.
- Reset: Unplug the washer for about 5 minutes.
- Check the lid: Make sure it closes and locks properly.
- Check water: Open both valves and inspect the hoses.
- Balance the load: Redistribute clothes if needed.
- Check the drain: Look for kinks or blockages.
- Check error codes: They can help identify the problem.
- Don’t replace parts yet: Check simple causes first.
What Does the Sensing Light Mean on a Whirlpool WTW5000DW?
The Sensing light on the Whirlpool WTW5000DW indicates that the washer is detecting the load size and determining how much water and agitation are needed. The washer may also briefly spin the basket during this process.
If the Sensing light keeps flashing, the washer may be stuck in the sensing stage.
Common Causes of a Flashing Sensing Light
Several problems can cause the Whirlpool WTW5000DW Sensing light to flash:
- The washer needs to be reset.
- The lid is not closing or locking correctly.
- The washer is not receiving enough water.
- The water inlet valve may be defective.
- The load may be unbalanced or too large.
- The drain system may be restricted.
- The washer control may have detected a component problem.
- A wiring connection or control board may have a problem.
How to Reset a Whirlpool WTW5000DW
A simple reset can sometimes clear a temporary control problem.
- Unplug the washer from the electrical outlet.
- Wait about 5 minutes.
- Plug the washer back in.
- Open and close the lid.
- Select a normal wash cycle.
- Press Start.
- Watch the Sensing light to see whether the washer continues into the wash cycle.
If the Sensing light starts flashing again, continue with the checks below.
Check the Washer Lid
The Whirlpool WTW5000DW must detect that the lid is properly closed before the washer can continue through the cycle.
Check that:
- The lid closes completely.
- Nothing is preventing the lid from closing.
- The lid strike is not damaged.
- The lid lock area is clean.
- The washer does not start and stop repeatedly.
A problem with the lid lock or lid switch system can prevent the washer from moving beyond the sensing stage.
Check the Water Supply
If the washer cannot fill properly, it may remain in the sensing stage.
Make sure:
- Both water supply valves are fully open.
- The inlet hoses are not kinked.
- The household water supply is working.
- The inlet screens are not clogged.
- Hot and cold hoses are connected correctly.
A restricted water inlet or defective water inlet valve can cause the washer to wait for the correct water level.
Check the Load
The WTW5000DW uses sensing technology to determine the appropriate water level and wash action.
Avoid washing a single heavy item by itself. Also avoid tightly packing the washer.
Try redistributing the clothes evenly around the basket and running the cycle again.
Check for Drain Problems
A drain problem can also interfere with the washer’s normal cycle operation.
Inspect the drain hose for:
- Kinks
- Blockages
- Improper installation
- Excessive insertion into the drainpipe
If the washer fills but does not drain correctly, the problem may involve the drain system or drain pump.
When the Control Board May Be the Problem
If the washer has good water pressure, the lid closes properly, the load is balanced, and resetting the machine does not solve the problem, the washer may have an electrical or control problem.
Before replacing an expensive part, check for stored error codes and inspect the wiring connections. A professional technician can test the individual components and determine which part has failed.
Whirlpool WTW5000DW Sensing Light Flashing but Washer Not Starting
If the Whirlpool WTW5000DW Sensing light is flashing and the washer won’t start, start with these checks:
- Reset the washer.
- Make sure the lid is fully closed.
- Check the water supply valves.
- Inspect the inlet hoses.
- Redistribute the laundry.
- Check the drain hose.
- Look for an error code.
- Inspect the lid lock, water inlet valve, wiring, and control components if the problem continues.
Watch This Helpful Troubleshooting Video
Is your Whirlpool washer Sensing light flashing and the cycle won’t start or move forward? Watch this helpful troubleshooting video by ididthat2 for practical steps to identify the problem and get your washer working again.
This video can help you understand what to check before replacing parts and may save you time and unnecessary repair costs.
Buy Whirlpool WTW5000DW Parts on eBay
Need replacement parts for your Whirlpool WTW5000DW washer? You can find a wide range of new, used, OEM, and aftermarket parts on eBay, including washer control boards, drain pumps, drive belts, suspension rods, shift actuators, washplates, and other replacement components.
Find the Right WTW5000DW Part
Before buying a replacement part, check the complete model number on your washer. Whirlpool lists several versions, including WTW5000DW0, WTW5000DW1, WTW5000DW2, and WTW5000DW3, and parts can vary between model revisions.
Search eBay using both the washer model number and the part number whenever possible. For example:
- Whirlpool WTW5000DW control board
- Whirlpool WTW5000DW drain pump
- Whirlpool WTW5000DW drive belt
- Whirlpool WTW5000DW shift actuator
- Whirlpool WTW5000DW suspension rods
- Whirlpool WTW5000DW washplate
- Whirlpool WTW5000DW lid lock
- Whirlpool WTW5000DW water inlet valve
For example, Whirlpool’s parts catalog identifies W10721967 as a drive clutch/splutch kit and WPW10006384 as a main drive belt for WTW5000DW0.
Check the Part Number Before Ordering
Don’t choose a part based only on appearance. Compare the OEM part number, complete washer model number, connector configuration, and listing compatibility information before purchasing.
If your Whirlpool WTW5000DW has a flashing Sensing light, diagnose the problem first rather than automatically replacing the control board. The fault can involve several different components.
Save money on your repair: Search eBay for the exact Whirlpool part number to compare new, used, OEM, and aftermarket options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Whirlpool WTW5000DW stuck on Sensing?
The washer may be having difficulty detecting the load, filling with water, confirming the lid position, or communicating with one of its components. Start by resetting the washer and checking the lid and water supply.
Is a flashing Sensing light normal?
A Sensing light can operate during the beginning of a normal cycle. However, if it continues flashing for an unusually long time and the washer does not proceed with the cycle, there may be a problem.
How do I reset my Whirlpool WTW5000DW?
Unplug the washer for about five minutes, reconnect it, close the lid, and start a new cycle.
What part causes a Whirlpool washer to stay on Sensing?
There is no single part that always causes this symptom. Possible causes include the lid lock system, water inlet valve, drain system, wiring, or electronic control.
A flashing Sensing light on the Whirlpool WTW5000DW does not automatically mean that the control board has failed. Start with the easiest checks: reset the washer, check the lid, verify the water supply, and redistribute the load. If the washer remains stuck on Sensing, further diagnosis may be necessary to identify the failed component.
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Related Useful Articles:
- Whirlpool WTW5000DW Not Filling With Water: Causes and How to Fix It
- Whirlpool WTW5000DW Not Agitating: Causes and How to Fix It
- Whirlpool WTW5000DW Won’t Drain: Causes, Troubleshooting & Fixes
Affiliate Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links to eBay. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend checking parts carefully for compatibility with your Whirlpool WTW5000DW washer before ordering.