Fabric softener not dispensing whirlpool top loader

I've been troubleshooting this Whirlpool washer for a day and a half. The fabric softener would not dispense and the bleach compartment of the dispenser tray would be full of water after a normal wash cycle. I bench tested the dispenser actuator motor and it works fine. I cleaned the dispenser drawer and the distributor holes above the dispenser drawer. With the top removed I can see the dispenser motor working and the actuator arm going to all four positions during cycles. At this time it seems that the some of the fabric softener is now dispensing, but not all of it. There was still some softener liquid left in the tray. Additionally there is still some water being left in the bleach section of the dispenser drawer. It seems that there is little to no water going through the fabric softener section of the dispenser drawer. I could use some help please?

Hi,

Yes, you'll have to take the dispenser out and check the nozzle for clogs, the nozzle is #13 here: Dispenser parts for Whirlpool WFW9400SW01

Watch this video on how to access it:

[video=youtube;ehwsMILlaTY]

Jake

Hi Jake,

Thank you for your input.

Everything in the dispenser area is clean and operational including the nozzle assembly.

It appears that there is not enough water pressure reaching the nozzle. When I remove the dispenser drawer and watch the water being distributed to the different sections in the overhead distributer header, I see the water going in the correct areas, but the volume is low.

I really suspect the water valve seats may be swollen and restricting the water from the original specs. Of course they are non serviceable like commercial water valves, so I think I should replace the water valve assembly. What is your opinion?

Thanks

Yes, I agree 100% with you on that. Did you locate the tech. data sheet and run it through the diagnostics cycle yet? The tech sheet should be in the bottom of the washer behind the lower access panel. The diagnostics cycle will test both sides of the fill valve and the flowmeter.

Usually when you have long fill times an error code will display, like FH or error code F20.

Also Has the fill hoses recently been replaced? If so, are they are those "flood prevention" type hoses? They will not work with front load washers as they cause low water pressure into the machine.

Here's the water inlet valve for your model you can order:
Water Inlet Valve WP8182862

Here's the flowmeter for your model:
Flowmeter WPW10110225

Jake

Jake,Thanks for your reply confirming the water valve theory.

I actually replaced the valve prior to your reply, and that cured the problem. As soon as I ran a test load of laundry I could tell that the water flow and volume were greatly increased. I partially opened the dispenser tray to observe the water flowing from the overhead distribution holes and the water was literally gushing out. All areas of the dispenser drawer are now flushing like new. And another positive benefit is that the fill times are much shorter. The unit never did throw a long fill time error code though. The fill times must have been just under the error parameters.

Thanks for your time, and input...Problem solved.

Excellent, good job, If you need a career change I think you just found it!

Are you a Appliance Tech. already? Lots of Techs come here to confirm what they find.

Jake

Thanks for the compliment Jake. I am recently retired commercial A/C - Refrigeration Foreman. I am s

Thanks for the compliment Jake.

Not an appliance man... I am recently retired commercial A/C - Refrigeration Foreman. I am sure that you would agree that troubleshooting is a universal language

Yup, that is 100% absolutely correct!

Jake

Jake,Thanks for your reply confirming the water valve theory.

I actually replaced the valve prior to your reply, and that cured the problem. As soon as I ran a test load of laundry I could tell that the water flow and volume were greatly increased. I partially opened the dispenser tray to observe the water flowing from the overhead distribution holes and the water was literally gushing out. All areas of the dispenser drawer are now flushing like new. And another positive benefit is that the fill times are much shorter. The unit never did throw a long fill time error code though. The fill times must have been just under the error parameters.

Thanks for your time, and input...Problem solved.

I know this thread was a while ago - but my Washer is not emptying softener (don't use bleach).
Your "fix" - you referred to - replacing the water valve. Are you talking about the water inlet valve?
The washer seems to work okay except the softener not emptying - I suppose the fill could be slow but I don't know that.
Just wondering if you replace the Inlet Valve - and that fixed the softener.
Thanks

Do you have the same exact model number WFW9400SW01? The model number tag is located inside the door.

If so, check your nozzle first like I mentioned in post #2 above.

If the nozzle is clean and clear, then yes, its the water inlet valve you would need, in post #4.

Jake

Yes. It's the same model. Fabric softener is not emptying, so I replaced the dispenser valve, but no luck. Was wondering whether or not I should go for the inlet valve next, or the flow meter. Not sure if there's a way to tell which one might be best to replace. Any thoughts?

I'm confused, you only have one water inlet valve for this model, what are you calling the dispenser valve?

Here's the parts diagram: Parts for Whirlpool WFW9400SW01: Dispenser Parts

#1 is the water inlet valve

I don't see a dispenser valve, unless your referring to the nozzle #13? If so you already replaced it?

Here's the flowmeter for your model:
Flowmeter WPW10110225

Jake

Sorry to confuse. After reading about "fixes" for non-dispensing softener, I replaced the "dispenser motor and switch assembly" labeled part 10 on the diagram. Unfortunately that did not fix things.

I did not replace #13 dispenser valve - I don't think softener/water exiting from the dispenser is the issue (I have cleaned everything there). I have the sense the issue is water not getting into the dispenser - to rinse away the softener.

So when I read your post - about replacing inlet valve - I wondered if you were talking about part #1 on the diagram or part #4 inlet flowmeter.

Now I am wondering if there was a way to tell if part #4 Flowmeter could be the issue - or if you thought part #1 water inlet valve was a better thing to try. So I'm guessing you replaced #1 and that worked for you?

Did you locate the tech. data sheet and run it through the diagnostics cycle yet? The tech sheet should be in the bottom of the washer behind the lower access panel.

The diagnostics cycle will test both sides of the fill valve and the flowmeter.

I believe your model diagnostics is shown on Page 5, it will automatically check the flowmeter & the cold water inlet valve in C:01: www.applianceblog.com/manuals/8181790.pdf

Its usually a bad flowmeter that causes this 99% of the time, if your water inlet valve is working fine on HOT, WARM, and COLD.

Let us know what you find.

Jake