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Error code · Washer

Whirlpool Top-Load Washer Code oL: Overloaded Tub

oL on an older Whirlpool top-load HE washer, the Cabrio and WTW family, tells you the load is too large. The washer is overloaded, and the control will not run a full cycle with that much…

Low risk · DIY check OK
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Code
oL
Appliance
Washer
Brand
Whirlpool
Warranty
30-day workmanship

What oL means

oL on an older Whirlpool top-load HE washer, the Cabrio and WTW family, tells you the load is too large. The washer is overloaded, and the control will not run a full cycle with that much weight in the basket. An overloaded tub also tends to go out of balance, so the two problems often arrive together. The display shows oL, the cycle stops, and the clothes need to be rearranged or reduced before you try again.

Common causes of oL

  • Basket packed past its working capacity
  • Bulky items such as comforters absorbing a lot of water
  • Load bunched unevenly, making the weight read higher
  • Weight sensing, if a modest load still brings oL
✓ One safe check you can try

1. Cancel the cycle with Start or by disconnecting the power cord. 2. Run a drain-only cycle if the tub holds water. 3. Take out some items so the clothes sit loosely, and rearrange them evenly. 4. Choose Bulky or Heavy Duty, and use Drain & Spin if you only need the water out.

! Why to stop there
  • If oL appears with a small load, we cannot tell whether the weight sensing or the suspension is misreading.
  • This washer is an older model that plenty of homes still use. We repair it, and we tell you plainly when a repair is not worth making.
  • We test the sensing before quoting any part.
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

LdUWhirlpool Top-Load Washer Code LdU: Lid Is Unable to Unlock SudWhirlpool Washer Sud or Sd: Too Many Suds in the Tub LFWhirlpool Top-Load Washer Code LF: Tub Is Too Slow to Fill uLWhirlpool Top-Load Washer Code uL: Unbalanced Load Needs Rearranging LidWhirlpool Top-Load Washer Display Lid: Lid Opened During the Cycle Wash Light On or FlashingWhirlpool Top-Load Washer Wash Light On or Flashing: Water Level Not Changing Lid Light FlashingWhirlpool Top-Load Washer Lid Light Flashing: Close the Lid or Wait for the Lock Test Water Tap is ClosedWhirlpool Washer Symbol "Water Tap Is Closed": Water Is Not Arriving
oLoL questions
How full is too full?

Clothes should move freely and not be packed above the wash plate. Bulky bedding soaks up water and weighs far more wet than dry, so run it in smaller portions.

Is oL the same as OFb?

No. oL means too much weight, while OFb means the weight is uneven. They overlap in the fix, which is to lighten and rearrange the load, but the displays name different things.

Can I pause the cycle and fix the load?

Often yes. Press Start to pause, wait for the lid to unlock and rearrange. Never reach in while the basket is still moving. Wait until it has fully stopped.

Book a visit

Still unsure about oL?

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

(713) 589-6107