Whirlpool WTW5010LW0 — Common Problems & Step-by-Step Repair Guide
Need the replacement part? Search your model number at for guaranteed fit and fast free shipping.
Understanding the Problem
The Whirlpool WTW5010LW0 is a top-load washer that commonly develops a few repeatable faults as it ages: not filling, not draining, not spinning/agitating, loud noises, and leaks. Below are likely causes and clear, numbered diagnostic and repair steps you can follow for each common symptom. Always unplug the washer and shut off the water before you work. 1) Washer won’t fill or fills slowly a) Likely parts to check first: water inlet valve, inlet hoses, water supply/pressure, inlet screens (filters). b) Diagnostics and repair steps: 1. Confirm hot & cold water supply valves fully open and the house water has pressure. 2. Turn washer to a Fill cycle and listen for water entering. If no sound or very slow flow, shut off power and water. 3. Inspect inlet hoses at the back for kinks and any visible damage. Remove hoses and check the tiny mesh screens in the washer inlet valve for debris. Clean or replace hoses if clogged. 4. If screens are clear but flow is weak from the valve, test the inlet valve solenoids: disconnect power, remove connector, use a multimeter to check solenoid continuity (expected low ohm reading — if open/infinite, replace valve). Also check for 120VAC at the valve during a fill cycle using a multimeter (live test). 5. Replace the water inlet valve assembly if solenoids are defective or if valve leaks internally. 2) Washer doesn’t drain or leaves water in tub a) Likely parts to check first: drain pump, drain hose, house drain, lid switch (controls pump operation), pump clog. b) Diagnostics and repair steps: 1. Run a Drain & Spin cycle and listen for the pump motor running. If the pump runs but water remains, suspect a clogged drain hose or blocked pump impeller. 2. Pull washer away, visually inspect drain hose for kinks, and remove it from the standpipe to check for blockages. 3. Access the drain pump: unplug washer, turn off water, remove lower access panel or tilt top/back as needed (refer to model service sheet). Remove pump inlet/outlet hoses and visually inspect impeller for lodged items (coins, fabric, grit). Clean or replace pump as needed. 4. If pump doesn’t run at all, check lid switch (some models won’t run pump if lid switch faulty) and check pump electrical connector for 120VAC during a drain cycle. If no voltage but control sends signal, test pump for continuity; replace pump if open. 3) Washer won’t spin or agitate properly a) Likely parts to check first: lid switch, drive motor/motor coupling, belt or clutch/gearcase (depending on drive type), control board or timer. b) Diagnostics and repair steps: 1. Verify the washer completes the fill and drain stages; if it drains but doesn’t spin, listen for the motor trying to start. 2. Check lid switch: if the washer won’t spin when the lid is closed, test the lid switch for continuity with a multimeter (with power off). Replace if open when lid is closed. 3. If the motor hums but doesn’t turn, check for a seized transmission/gearcase or worn motor coupling. Inspect for burnt smell or smoke — this indicates mechanical or motor failure. 4. For models with a belt or coupling, inspect those parts and replace if worn/broken. For direct-drive or gearcase failures (loud grinding, metal debris), replace the gearcase or consult a technician — heavy mechanical work. 5. If the motor receives correct voltage but won’t run and no mechanical bind is present, replace the motor. 4) Washer is noisy (clunking, grinding, squealing) a) Likely causes: foreign object in tub or pump, worn tub bearings, failing motor or gearcase, loose spanner nuts or shock absorbers/suspension. b) Diagnostics and repair steps: 1. Identify when the noise occurs (fill, spin, or agitate). Remove clothing and run the cycle empty to reproduce the noise. 2. Check the tub and pump for trapped objects (coins, buttons). Remove and clean the pump and drain area. 3. Inspect suspension/shocks (top-load shocks or springs) for wear; replace if you see fluid leakage or broken mounts. 4. If noise is a low grinding during spin, suspect bearings/gearcase — these generally require gearcase replacement. 5) Washer leaks water a) Likely parts to check first: inlet hose connections, drain hose, pump seals, tub-to-pump hoses, door/lid seal (if present), water inlet valve leaks. b) Diagnostics and repair steps: 1. Run a short cycle and watch to see where water originates. Dry suspicious areas and test again to spot the leak source. 2. Tighten hose clamps or replace split/cracked hoses. Replace pump if water leaks from the pump housing or seals. 3. If the water inlet valve leaks at the valve body, replace the valve assembly. General Repair Workflow (applies to most jobs): 1. Unplug the washer and shut off water supply before doing any repairs. 2. Remove the service access panel(s) or tilt the top/back according to the service manual for safe access. 3. Visually inspect and test electrical components with a multimeter before replacing: check continuity on switches, pump, motor windings, and valve solenoids. 4. Replace the failed part with an OEM or high-quality aftermarket part; keep fasteners and wiring in the original configuration. 5. Reassemble, reconnect water and power, run a test load (empty or with towels) and confirm the fault is cleared. Safety note: Always unplug the washer and turn off water before inspecting or removing parts. If the repair requires removing the transmission/gearcase, or if you are unsure about working with live electrical circuits, hire a qualified appliance technician.
Common Symptoms
Won’t fill, slow fill, won’t drain, water left in tub, no spin or agitation, loud noises, visible leaks from hoses or pump.
Common Causes
- Clogged or kinked hoses and inlet screen filters
- Failed water inlet valve or solenoid
- Clogged or failed drain pump
- Faulty lid switch or motor coupling/gearcase
- Worn suspension, bearings or seals
Popular Parts That Fix This Problem
These are the most common replacement parts that fix this problem. When you're ready to order, click below to find the right part at ProsourceParts.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.
Helpful Repair Tip
Use a multimeter to check continuity and, for components that should run, check for 120VAC at the part while the washer is in the corresponding cycle (only perform live voltage checks if you are comfortable and trained). For pumps and valves, a humming sound with no action usually means mechanical blockage or a failed electrical coil.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reset my Whirlpool WTW5010LW0?
To reset basic control glitches, unplug the washer or turn off the circuit breaker for 60 seconds, then restore power. For persistent errors or F-codes, consult the service manual or call a technician — resets won't fix failed hardware.
Can I replace the drain pump or lid switch myself?
Yes — these are common DIY replacements. Always unplug the washer and shut off water first. For the lid switch, access is usually behind the top or control panel; disconnect the wiring and screw out the old switch. For the drain pump, remove the lower access panel, drain hoses, unplug the electrical connector, and replace the pump. Keep photos of wire routing to ensure correct reassembly.
Related How-To Videos
Real DIY Repair Stories
Be the first to share your repair story!
Share Your Repair Story
Your experience helps other homeowners fix their appliances. Tell us how it went!
Can't Fix It Yourself? Find a Local Technician
It's perfectly okay to call a professional. Some repairs require specialized tools, deep teardowns, or dealing with complex systems that are better left to the pros.
Find the Right Part for Your Appliance
Don't guess — search your exact appliance model number at ProsourceParts.com to find the correct OEM compatible replacement part. They offer fast free shipping, guaranteed fit, and thousands of parts in stock.
Your Free Parts Videos
Whether your dishwasher won't drain, your dryer stopped heating, or your fridge isn't cold, we've created simple repair guides for the most common appliance problems homeowners face. Each guide explains what's going wrong, the most likely causes, and which replacement parts fix the issue. When you're ready to order, we link directly to ProsourceParts.com where you can search by model number and get the right part shipped fast.