April 19, 2023

Washer: Why won't my washing machine fill?

If your washer doesn't fill with water, first check that the house water supply to the washer is on. If it is, and the washer won't fill at all, the inlet valves might have failed. If the washer fills partially, the problem is likely with the temperature selector switch or water-level pressure switch. If the washer agitates without filling, then the pressure switch is likely broken because it's detecting the full tub of water when the tub is empty. For detailed troubleshooting on common top-load washers, watch our direct-drive top-load washer won't fill video.

Other components that control your washer filling with water include the main electronic control board, the door lock assembly, the washer lid switch and the electronic temperature control board.

A front-load washing machine won't fill with water if the control detects that the door isn't shut and locked. Make sure the washer door is fully closed when your front load washing machine won't fill.

Electronically-controlled washers often display an error code when the washer doesn't fill. If your washer displays a code, look it up on our washer error code charts and follow the troubleshooting advice for that code to fix your washer.

washer

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR WASHER PROBLEM

JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-water-inlet-valve-assembly

Replace the washer water inlet valve assembly

The water inlet valve assembly is a set of water valves that control the flow of water into the washer. Replace the water valve assembly if the washer won't fill and start because a valve doesn't open, or if the washer overfills because the valve doesn't close.

Washer water inlet valve assembly

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-WASH-Replace-Vertical-Modular-Top-Load-Water-Inlet-Valve-Intro-Image
January 01, 2016

How to replace a water inlet valve on a vertical modular top-load washer

When a top-load washer won't fill, or it fills with water even when unplugged, chances are the water inlet valve is to blame. This repair guide and video show how to replace the water inlet valve in 30 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less

RG-WASH-Replace-Direct-Drive-Top-Load-Washer-Water-Inlet-Valve-Intro-Image
July 01, 2013

How to replace the water inlet valve on a direct-drive top-load washer

Is your top-load washer not filling with water, or is it filling even when it's unplugged? Suspect the water inlet valve. This DIY repair guide and video explain how to replace the water inlet valve in less than 30 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

RG-WASH-Replace-Front-Load-Washer-Water-Inlet-Valve-Intro-Image
January 01, 2016

How to replace a water inlet valve on a front-load washer

If your front-load washer won't fill with water, or if the washer fills with water even when it's unplugged, the problem could be the water inlet valve. This repair guide and video explain how to replace the washer water inlet valve in 30 minutes or less.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-temperature-selector-switch

Replace the washer temperature selector switch

The temperature selector switch lets you set the temperature of the water going into the washer. The temperature selector switch switch is usually a rotary switch mounted in the control panel. If the switch fails, the washer won't fill properly or might not fill at all. If one of the water inlet fill valves isn't actuated because of defective contacts in the switch, the actual water temperature differs from the set temperature.

Washer temperature selector switch

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-WASH-Replace-Direct-Drive-Top-Load-Washer-Water-Temperature-Switch-Intro-Image
January 01, 2016

How to replace the water temperature switch on a direct-drive top-load washer

Is your top-load washer filling with water that's the wrong temperature? It could be a faulty water temperature switch. This DIY repair guide and video show how to easily replace the water temperature switch in less that 30 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-water-level-pressure-switch

Replace the washer water-level pressure switch

The water-level pressure switch detects the water level in the wash tub. If the water-level pressure switch is defective, the washer won't fill properly. It could not fill at all or it could overfill even to the point of overflowing. If the pressure switch doesn't accurately detect and control the water level in the washer, replace it.

Washer water-level pressure switch

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-WASH-Replace-Direct-Drive-Top-Load-Washer-Water-Level-Pressure-Switch-Intro-Image
January 01, 2016

How to replace the water level pressure switch on a direct-drive top-load washer

When a top-load washer overfills with water, or when it won't fill at all, the water level pressure switch might have given out. This repair guide and video show how to replace the water level switch in 30 minutes or less.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-main-electronic-control-board

Replace the washer main control board

The main electronic control board, also called the mother board, governs the timing and execution of the washer component functions. It controls the fill valves, the drive motor and the drain pump.

Washer main control board

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-WASH-Replace-Top-Load-Washer-Electronic-Control-Board-Intro-Image
July 01, 2013

How to replace the electronic control board on a top-load washer

A failed top-load washer electronic control board can cause multiple problems, from no display lights to the washer not filling, spinning or draining. If you or a service technician determine that the electronic control is faulty, this repair guide and video show how to replace it.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less

RG-WASH-Replace-Front-Load-Washer-Machine-Control-Board-Intro-Image
July 01, 2013

How to replace the machine control board in a front-load washer

A failed front-load washing machine control board has several symptoms, including the washer not starting, filling, spinning or draining. If you or a service technician determine that the machine control board has failed, this repair guide shows how to replace it.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-door-lock-assembly

Replace the washer door lock assembly

The door lock assembly on a front-load washer includes a safety switch that detects whether the washer door is closed, a latch and a locking mechanism. If any of these components fails when the door is open, the door won't lock; if a component fails with the door is closed, the door won't open. Replace the entire assembly if any component fails.

Washer door lock assembly

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-WASH-Replace-Front-Load-Washer-Door-Lock-Assembly-Intro-Image
January 01, 2016

How to replace the door lock assembly on a front-load washer

Does the door on your front-load washer door refuse to lock? The problem could be the door lock. This repair guide and video show how to replace the door lock assembly on a front-load washing machine in 6 steps.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-lid-switch

Replace the washer lid switch

The lid switch on a top-load washer is a safety switch that detects whether the washer lid is closed. The lid must be closed when the basket spins; if the washer incorrectly senses that the lid is open, it won’t spin and drain after the wash cycle.

Some top-load models require that the washer lid be closed before the washer drive motor runs. An open lid prevents some top-load washers from filling.

If the lid switch isn't detecting whether the lid is closed, replace the switch.

Washer lid switch

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-WASH-Replace-Top-Load-Washer-Lid-Switch-Lock-Assembly-Intro-Image
July 01, 2013

How to replace the lid switch/lock assembly on a top-load washer

When a top-load washer won't start or won't spin, it could mean a broken lid switch/lock assembly. This DIY repair guide and video show how to easily replace the lid switch/lock assembly on a top-load washer.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less

RG-WASH-Replace-Direct-Drive-Top-Load-Washer-Lid-Switch-Intro-Image
July 01, 2013

How to replace the lid switch in a direct-drive top-load washer

If your top-load washer won't spin, the lid switch might be broken. This repair guide and video explain how to replace the lid switch in less than 30 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-electronic-temperature-control-board

Replace the washer electronic temperature control board

The electronic temperature control board has a thermistor (a temperature sensor) that detects the temperature of the water entering the tub. The electronic temperature control board opens and shuts the electrically operated water inlet valves to accurately fill the washer tub with the correct temperature of fill water. If the electronic temperature control isn't controlling the fill water temperature properly, replace it.

Washer electronic temperature control board

Find the required part specific to your product.

Most common symptoms to help you fix your washers

Choose a symptom to see related washer repairs.

Main causes: unbalanced load, loose spanner nut, worn drive block, broken shock absorber or suspension spring, debris in…

Main causes: bad lid switch or door lock, bad timer or electronic control board, wiring failure, bad water inlet valve a…

Main causes: clogged drain hose, house drain clogged, bad drain pump, water-level pressure switch failure, bad control b…

Main causes: leaky water inlet valve, faulty water-level pressure switch, bad electronic control board…

Main causes: water heater failure, bad water temperature switch, faulty control board, bad water valve, faulty water tem…

Main causes: lack of electrical power, wiring failure, bad power cord, electronic control board failure, bad user interf…

Main causes: no water supply, bad water valves, water-level pressure switch failure, control system failure, bad door lo…

Main causes: worn agitator dogs, bad clutch, broken motor coupler, shifter assembly failure, broken door lock, suspensio…

Main causes: broken lid switch or lid lock, bad pressure switch, broken shifter assembly, faulty control system…

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