If you’ve ever looked at your Whirlpool washer mid-cycle and suddenly seen the 5d code pop-up, you’re not alone. It might look confusing at first, but don’t worry – it’s not as serious as it seems. The 5d, which is sometimes shown as an Sd or Sud error, is simply the machine’s way of telling you there’s too much soap in the wash. In this article, we will walk you through what causes this, what it means for your washer, and how you can fix it quickly and prevent it from happening again.
What does the 5D error mean?
Due to the high-efficiency (HE) design of a Whirlpool washer, they require less detergent and water. Using regular detergent or going overboard with HE detergent can lead to oversudsing. The 5D error number that appears on your Whirlpool washer is nothing but an attempt to warn you that there are too many soap suds in the drum.
Why too many Suds are a problem?
It might seem harmless – what’s the big deal with a few extra bubbles? But you would be surprised to know these harmless few bubbles can stop your washer from doing its job properly. The soap doesn’t rinse out well, which means your clothes might not be as clean as they should be. The washer may have to stop mid-cycle, extend the wash time, or go through extra rinse cycles to clear out the suds. That’s why Whirlpool built in this error code – to protect your clothes and your machines and save you time in the long run.
Causes of the 5D Error Code
Let’s break down the main reasons why you might see the 5D code appear:
Too much detergent: The most common cause is simply using more detergent than needed. Even if you’re using HE detergent, going over the recommended amount can cause oversudsing.
The wrong type of detergent: Using a non-HE detergent in an HE washer is a no-go. These types of detergents are designed to produce lots of suds, which is exactly what your HE washer doesn’t need.
Heavy Soil levels: If your clothes are particularly dirty, your washer might naturally produce more suds while cleaning them. That’s because dirt and oils mix with the detergent and create more foam.
Clogged Drain Pump: Sometimes, it’s not just about the detergent. A clogged drain pump filter can lead to water not draining properly, which in turn might cause suds to build up.
What does your washer do when it sees too many Suds?
Whirlpool washers are smart. When the machine detects an excess of suds, it slows or stops the spin cycle and more water to try and break down to rinse the soap out. You might notice that the washer pauses for a while or extends the time cycle. This is perfectly normal – it’s the machine’s way of protecting itself and your laundry.
Once the washer feels like it’s gotten the suds under control, it should continue the cycle. If the problem is resolved, the 5D code will disappear, and everything will go back to normal. If it doesn’t, then you should step in.
How to fix the 5D Code?
If your washer doesn’t move past the error code on its own, here are a few simple things you can do:
Let the Washer Do Its Thing: Sometimes, your washer needs a bit more time to rinse out all the extra suds. Give it space, let it run, and don’t try to restart the cycle or add anything new. It might sort itself out.
Clean the Drain Filter: Still stuck? Then it’s time to get your hands a little dirty. The drain filter might be clogged with lint, hair, or whatever else managed to sneak in there. Pop open the filter cover, which is usually at the bottom front of the machine, pull it out, and rinse it clean under running water. It’s super satisfying, and your washer will thank you.
Run a Rinse and Spin Cycle: After cleaning the filter, fire up a rinse and spin cycle. This is like a final splash to flush out those leftover suds hanging around. Pro tip: do not add more detergent, no matter how tempted you are. That’s what got you here in the first place.
Remove the Soap Gunk: Take out any clothes still in the washer and run a long, hot water cycle – no detergent this time. This helps melt away any built-up soap residue hiding in the drum. If it still looks foamy in there, grab a washing machine cleaner and let it work its magic. Sometimes, even washers need a spa day.
Check the Drain Hose: Now let’s move around back. Look at the drain hose – if it’s twisted, kinked, or doing a funky loop, straighten it out. If the pipe feels clogged or slow, you should run a drain snake through it. If it still doesn’t look right, it might be damaged and need replacement.
Inspect the Drain Pump and Filter: The drain pump might be the next culprit. If it’s just gunky, a quick wipe-down could do the trick. But if it looks beat up or isn’t working, you may need to swap it out. If you’re not sure, this might be the moment to call in some backup.
Test the Foam Level Sensor: Okay, now we’re getting technical. If your washer still thinks it’s in a bubble bath, even after all that cleaning, the foam level sensor might be acting up. Turn the washer on without starting a cycle – if the error pops up again, the sensor could be to blame. Open up the control panel, find the sensor, and test it with a multimeter. If it shows no continuity, it’s time to replace it.
Check the Water Pressure Sensor: This little guy lives near the control panel and has a rubber tube attached. Disconnect the tube and see if anything’s clogging it. Then, test the sensor with your multimeter. A continuity reading indicates a healthy sensor, while a no-continuity reading points to a faulty unit that requires replacement.
Consider the Big Boss: The Main Control Board: If you’ve done all of the above and your washer is still throwing a 5D tantrum, the main control board might be the drama queen here. A faulty board can send out mixed signals, including ghost error codes. This fix isn’t cheap: so depending on how old your washer is, you might want to call a technician or even think about a new machine. Harsh but fair.
Preventing the 5D Error in the future
The best way to deal with the 5d error is to stop it from happening in the first place! Here is how you do it:
Use the right detergent: Always go for HE detergent with your Whirlpool washer. It’s specially designed to produce fewer suds, which is exactly what your machine needs.
Measure carefully: follow the detergent label and use only what’s recommended for your load size and soil level. Remember, a little goes a long way in HE machines.
Don’t overload the washer: Packing too many clothes into one load can affect how well the washer rinses out the detergent. Give your laundry enough space to move around freely.
Run cleaning cycles regularly: Some Whirlpool washers have a ‘Clean Washer’ cycle. Use it every month or so to help remove any residue that might contribute to future suds problems.
Use cold water when possible: Hot water can sometimes increase sudsing, especially with heavily soiled clothes. Cold water helps reduce foam.
Important Note: It’s not a 5; it’s an ‘S.’
Many users confuse the code as ‘5d’ when it actually reads ‘Sd’. This makes sense since the display can sometimes look unclear. But either way, the meaning is the same: too many suds.
What if it keeps happening?
If you’ve done all the steps above – cleaned the filter, switched to the right detergent, used the correct amount – and you’re still getting the 5d error regularly, it could mean there is a deeper issue with the washer; at this point, it might be worth calling Whirlpool support or a qualified technician to inspect your machine.
But in most cases, just making a few simple changes in how you use detergent and how often you clean your machine can solve the problem for good.
Wrapping it up: Keep your washer running smoothly
The Whirlpool washer 5d or Sd Error Code is a helpful warning, not a cause for panic; it’s the machine’s way of saying, “Hey, there’s a bit too much soap here”. By understanding why this happens and how to fix it, you can keep your washer running smoothly and your laundry fresh and save yourself some time.
A little care in how you load, measure detergent and maintain your machine can go a long way in preventing this error. So, next time it pops up, just nod and say “Message received – easy on the suds” and let it spin.
