Whirlpool Cabrio washers are not immune to malfunction. For that reason, it’s worth mastering the Whirlpool Cabrio washer diagnostic test so that you can run it when the washer malfunctions, and it’s generally easy to do.
Start by putting your washer on standby mode. Press any button (excluding Power, Start, or Stop) for 3 seconds, then release it before repeating the sequence twice.
While this is the primary way of putting your Whirlpool Cabrio washer into the diagnostic test, you can also use alternative methods like the Console Diagnostic, which may work with your Whirlpool Cabrio washer model.
This guide shall expound on the two main methods of putting your Whirlpool Cabrio washer in diagnostic mode. Moreover, we’ll look at errors you’ll likely get when you run diagnostics on your washer and their meaning, how to exit diagnostic, and how to reset your washer.
Here we go!
Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Diagnostic Test Techniques
As highlighted in our introduction, two main methods or techniques exist for putting your Whirlpool Cabrio washer into a diagnostic test. They include:
- Automatic Diagnostic Test
- Console Diagnostic Test
Let me explain each step below:
1. Automatic Diagnostic Method
Before you can troubleshoot your washer, it’s a good idea to put your washer into a diagnostic test. Here are the simple steps on how to put your Whirlpool Cabrio washer on diagnostic test:
- Put your washer on standby mode (plugged in and with all indicators off)
- Once in standby mode, select any button at the control panel except the Start, Stop, or Power Button
- Hold down your preferred button for 3 seconds
- Then release the button and wait for 3 seconds
- Press the button again for 3 seconds
- Rerelease it for 3 seconds
- Press and hold it one last time for 3 seconds, and then release it
- Your washer will enter into diagnostic mode
But how do you know you have put your Whirlpool Cabrio washer into diagnostic mode? Well, below are the signs:
- All indicators will illuminate for at least 5 seconds
- Number 88 will display
If this is not the case, your washer didn’t get into the diagnostic. You can repeat the press–hold and release sequences within 8 seconds.
2. Console Diagnostic Test
The Console method is another diagnostic test method on the Whirlpool Cabrio washer that involves using different controls on the washer’s control panel.
Below is how to do diagnostic test on Whirlpool Cabrio washer:
- Plug your washer to power
- Then enter standby mode
- Press and release the following button sequence (soil level – Wash/Rinse Temp – Soil Level – Wash/Rinse Temp (put in mind that it should only take 5 seconds)
- Once successful, it will show up on a two-digit display
- Press start within 5 seconds of displaying
- All indicators will illuminate, and number 88 will display
- Press the start button one more time, and the two-digit display plus status indicators will go off
- Press start again for the two-digit display and status indicator to turn back on
- Rotate the wash cycle selector knob back and forth (here, the status indicators will toggle off and on)
- Lastly, press any button of your liking, depending on the function you want to verify
- Check the error and troubleshoot it effectively
What If Your Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Won’t Enter Diagnostic?
There are instances when you try to put your Whirlpool Cabrio washer into a diagnostic without success. If you have tried and failed, it could be due to the following five issues:
- An existing error
Your Whirlpool Cabrio washer won’t enter diagnostic if there’s a current error. So, as we will see later, you need to reset your washer for the error to clear before performing a diagnostic test.
- Unresponsive buttons
If the buttons at the control panel are unresponsive, it may hinder your washer from entering diagnostic.
You must release the stuck buttons at the control panel to put your washer into the diagnostic. If so, you can use a toothbrush to unstuck any sticky and unresponsive buttons before running diagnostics.
- Defective lid switch
You need your washer lid/door to latch before you can run a diagnostic. To be precise, one thing that hinders the door/lid from latching is a defective door/lid switch.
So, if your door/lid doesn’t latch, use a multimeter to test the switch continuity and replace it if it shows no continuity.
- Drainage issues
Another primary reason your Whirlpool Cabrio washer fails to enter diagnostic mode is an issue in the drainage system. This could be due to a clogged filter, hose, or pump or physical damage in the latter.
So, before running diagnostics on your washer, it would be best to check your drainage system and ensure there’s no blockage or damage.
- Dead control board
Since the control board works as your washer’s brain, controlling nearly all functions, including diagnostic, the washer won’t enter diagnostic if it is defective or dead. It would be best to replace it.
Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Diagnostic Codes
After putting your Whirlpool Cabrio washer into diagnostic mode, you may find fault codes, which comprise a series of letters and numbers that explain what’s amiss with your washer.
After getting the codes, you can turn to your Whirlpool Cabrio washer manual for interpretation and troubleshooting. However, if you can’t find your manual, you can use the table below to know the meaning of the error code and fix it appropriately.
| Fault Code | Interpretation |
| Ld (F32) | The washer is taking too long to drain |
| LF (F30) | Washer taking too long to fill with water |
| oL (F70) | Washer overload |
| uL | Unbalanced load |
| Sd (F71) | Suds detected |
| HC | Hot, cold water valves reversed |
| dL (F80,82,84,85) | Door lock fault |
| dET | Undetected detergent cartridge |
Let’s discuss them briefly:
a) Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Error Code ld (F32)
The ld or F32 code pops up when your washer drains too long. The parts in question include the drain filter, hose, and pump. It could be that these parts are heavily clogged with lint and debris, thus causing wastewater not to flow seamlessly.
If it’s not an issue with clogging, you can check the hose height. If the height is above 8 feet long (96 inches), it will cause backflows to the washer drum, which could be why your washer is taking too long to drain.
Quick Fix
Unclog the filter, hose, and pump if clogged. If there’s an issue with the hose height, use a sump pump to drain the excessive water and call an expert to help install the hose height correctly.
b) Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Error Code LF (F30)
The fault code LF (F30) shows that your washer takes too long to fill with water. It usually pops up when the water level remains stagnant for a while.
This could also happen if the control panel fails to detect water level change. But why won’t your washer fill with water? This could be due to low water pressure, closed inlet valves, or clogging.
Quick Fix
Straighten the inlet valve if kinked, turn them on if shut, unclog them if clogged, and raise the home water pressure to 20 psi.
c) Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Error Code OL (F70)
The error code OL or F70 pops up when there’s a washer overload. When you fill the washer, the motor control detects the load size, and if it exceeds the manufacturer-specified capacity (which in most cases is ¾ full), the error OL pops up.
Quick Fix
Open the washer, remove some clothes, and follow your manufacturer’s instructions on capacity.
d) Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Error Code uL
The error code uL appears on the display panel when the washer detects an unbalanced load. A load that is out of balance makes it hard for the washer to spin the clothes and could also bend some internal washer components as more weight leans on one side.
Quick Fix
Stop the washer, open the lid/door, and redistribute the laundry evenly.
e) Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Error Code SD (F71)
Error code SD or F71 displays when the washer detects excessive suds. This could result from excessive detergent usage or still use of the wrong detergent (non-HE).
Quick Fix
Use the suitable detergent (high Efficiency) and in the proper proportions.
f) Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Error Code HC
When the cold and hot water inlet valves are reserved, error code HC will display on the control panel. This could be a mistake you made unknowingly during installation.
Quick Fix
Connect both the hot and cold hoses correctly.
g) Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Error Code dL
The dL or F80,82,84,85 error appears when the door or lid won’t lock due to interference. It could be due to lint or detergent build-up on the lid/door or dangling clothing hindering the door/lid from latching completely.
Quick Fix
Remove any destruction from the door/lid.
h) Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Error Code dET
When the error fault code dET appears on the display, it simply means that your washer cannot detect the detergent cartridge. If it can’t detect it, soap, essential for loosening and cleaning dirt, won’t dispense. If so, you will have dirty clothes at the end of the cycle.
Quick Fix
Ensure that the dispenser cartridge is installed correctly.
How to Cancel Diagnostic Mode On Whirlpool Cabrio Washer
After viewing the error, you would now like to leave diagnostic mode. You can exit it by pressing Stop or the Power button. It doesn’t matter which of the above diagnostic methods you use. The exit is similar.
How to Reset Whirlpool Cabrio Washer?
Resetting your Whirlpool Cabrio washer solves a myriad of issues. It could also clear some errors. Below are the steps to follow to reset your Whirlpool Cabrio washer:
- Turn your washer off at the control panel
- Disconnect its power cord from the power
- Wait for at least 3 minutes
- Connect the washer back to power and briefly wait before powering it on
Concluding Thought On the Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Diagnostic Test
As seen above, there are ideally two ways of putting your Whirlpool Cabrio washer into a diagnostic test. You can use the automatic or console method.
Whichever method you use; you may find fault codes you can troubleshoot. Lastly, don’t forget to reset your washer, which may clear some errors.