Brand: Whirlpool Model Number: WFW70HEBW0 Main Symptom: Will Not Start What happens & when: Occasionally
Error Code (if any): None
Parts or tests already tried: None
Photos / video link: None
After pressing the start/pause button, I hear a click and the door lock light is illuminated, the washer drum will rotate with the clothes inside for about 10 seconds, and then I hear another click and the door unlocks and the washing machine will not start. There are no error codes. I can get washing machine to start/function if I press the start/pause button again (it may take a few times with each time doing the door locked/drum rotate/2nd click) or after I unplug the machine and press the start/pause button. There are times where the machine will go through most of the wash cycle and then when the timer says 1 minute left, the machine will stop and the timer is blinking.
I wanted to know if the cause of the issue might be due to the door lock switch or main control board (or any other components if it is something else).
I’d lean toward the door lock/latch assembly WP8183270 before the main control board.
The biggest clue is that the door locks, the drum turns for about 10 seconds, then you hear another click and the door unlocks. Since trying Start a few more times will sometimes get it going, the lock may be intermittently failing to send the correct “door locked” signal back to the control.
I’d first check the door strike and alignment, then unplug the washer and inspect the wiring connection at the door lock. When it refuses to start, you can also try pushing firmly inward on the door near the latch while pressing Start. If that helps, it further points toward the latch/strike.
The stopping at 1 minute remaining could also be related to the final drain/spin sequence, so I’d check the drain pump/filter for debris and make sure it’s draining normally.
Based on what you’re describing, I’d go:
Door/strike → door lock WP8183270 → lock wiring → drain system → main control board.
Thank you for the quick reply to my question. I double checked how my washing machine runs and generally after the door unlocks (the drain pump runs around the same time as well), the door will lock again and the tub will fill with water if the machine is working properly (the door will not lock again and the machine won’t run if it isn’t working). This does seem to point to the door lock/latch assembly as the cause.
One other thing my wife noticed today when using the machine is that after running an Affresh Cleaner in the machine in the cleaner mode, the display had a code of “nt” as well as a blinking 1 (it shows a blinking 1 and then shows the “nt” code after I hit the power button if I remember correctly). Is this by chance related to debris in the drain pump/filter (I uploaded a picture).
The Whirlpool model WFW70HEBW0 washer displays “nt” to indicate an interrupted cycle. This usually happens if the power was briefly lost, the cycle was manually paused for too long, or the machine encountered a sudden error mid-wash. [1, 2]
How to Clear the “nt” Code
Cancel the Cycle: Press the Power/Cancel button to stop the alert and clear the screen.
Drain the Washer (if necessary): If water is left inside the tub, select a Drain & Spin cycle to empty the machine safely.
Perform a Hard Reset: If the code persists or the buttons are unresponsive, unplug the washer from the wall outlet (or turn off the circuit breaker) for 2 to 3 minutes. Plug it back in to reboot the main control board.
Restart Your Wash: Select a completely new cycle and press Start. [1]
Common Underlying Causes to Check
If the code returns or the washer frequently stops mid-cycle, it may be triggered by one of these common issues:
Unbalanced Load: If a load becomes bundled or lopsided (e.g., heavy towels or blankets), the machine pauses spinning to protect itself. Open the door, rearrange the clothing evenly, and try spinning again. [1]
Clogged Drain Filter: A blockage in the drain pump filter can prevent the water from emptying fast enough, timing out the cycle. Cleaning out the pump filter often fixes intermittent stopping. [1]
Loose Door Latch: A faulty door lock assembly that struggles to remain fully secure will instantly halt operations. [1]
If your washer is exhibiting other symptoms alongside this code, please let me know if there is water trapped inside, at what point in the cycle it stops, or if you see any other flashing lights.
