Error code · Washer

Whirlpool Top-Load Washer with Several Lights Flashing: Out-of-Balance Load

Medium · inspection needed

Code: Multiple Lights Flashing
Appliance: Washer
Brand: Whirlpool
Warranty: 30-day workmanship

What Multiple Lights Flashing means

When several indicator lights flash together on an older Whirlpool top-load HE washer, the Cabrio and WTW family, the usual meaning is an out-of-balance load. If the clothes are not spread evenly around the basket when spinning begins, the basket moves, which causes noise, vibration, reduced spin speed, longer cycles and weaker results. The washer stops with the lights flashing instead of running a violent spin. It happens most with a single heavy item, a wet rug or a very full tub.

Common causes of Multiple Lights Flashing

Load bunched on one side of the basket
Overloaded tub or one bulky item washed alone
Washer not level on the floor
Control reading, if a balanced load still gives the same lights

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Pause or cancel the cycle and wait for the lid to unlock. 2. Spread the clothes evenly around the basket and take out a few items if it is packed. 3. Add a towel or two if you were washing a single bulky item. 4. Cut power for five minutes at the outlet, restore it and restart.

! Why to stop there

If a small, balanced load still flashes the lights, the cause sits in the leveling, the suspension or the control.
The Cabrio is an aging design that many households still use. We repair it, and if the repair is not worth its cost, we say that straight.
We check level and suspension before we look at the control.

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

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Other Washer codes

oLWhirlpool Top-Load Washer Code oL: Overloaded Tub PFWhirlpool Washer Code PF: Power Failure During the Cycle Rinse Light OnWhirlpool Top-Load Washer Rinse Light On: Spray Rinse in Progress rLWhirlpool Front-Load Washer Code rL: Items Found During Clean Washer Sd or 5dWhirlpool Top-Load Washer Code Sd or 5d: Suds Reduction Is Running LdWhirlpool Top-Load Washer Code Ld: Water Is Slow to Leave the Tub Sense and Wash FlashingWhirlpool Top-Load Washer Sense and Wash Lights Flashing: Unbalanced Spin LdLWhirlpool Top-Load Washer Code LdL: Lid Fails to Lock

Multiple Lights FlashingMultiple Lights Flashing questions

Why do all the lights flash at once?

It is the washer's way of saying it needs your help. The load is out of balance, and the washer stopped before the spin could shake the cabinet. Redistribute the clothes and restart.

How do I avoid it next time?

Do not wash a single heavy item alone. Mix a rug or jacket with a few towels, load loose heaps evenly around the plate, and avoid packing the basket to the top.

Could the floor be the cause?

Yes. A washer that rocks or sits unlevel is more likely to go out of balance. Check that all four feet touch the floor firmly. If it still happens, ask us to look.

Book a visit

Still seeing Multiple Lights Flashing?

A technician diagnoses it on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.

(713) 589-6107