Is the auto sense feature broken on my washer?

[ryner1988]

Hi all.

First off, before I ask my question, I'd like to say that I hope everyone is doing OK after the election. It's been a difficult couple of days, no matter what side one is on, and we have a hard road ahead, but we as a country are strong and will make it through.

With that being said, I have a question about my washer. When I initially purchased it a couple months ago, model number WTW4816FW, to be exact, I was very pleased with the fact that the auto fill seemed to put in enough water to actually wash my damn clothes. However, this is a strange thing to say, but could it be putting in too much water? And does the sensor even work at all?

From what I can tell, when set on auto fill, it doesn't sense the load, ever. It just starts filling, and always fills to a couple inches below the top. Deep water wash fills all the way to the top when switched to that setting. So basically, it seems like the washer only has two, very high-fill options, and sometimes, I do small loads of delicates that only require a small bit of water. Seems like a waste to me. Is the machine defective? Is there anything I can do, a reset or something, to make the auto sense feature work like it should?

Ryne

 

[DADoES]

 
Are you opening the lid during the sensing process?  That may throw the initial sensing routine off-kilter on the premise that more clothes have been added and it may default to a high level.

 

[henene4]

You could try to run this weired calibration mode that techs have to run after pretty much any repair. Just google something like "Whirlpool HE topload washer calibration mode" and some manual about it will show up. You have to execute a certain dial moving sequence, then select the right mode and hit start (with the tub empty, of course).

However, if it actually is dicalibrated, you might then end up with a water level that seems to low.
So, I'm not quite sure you actually should try change anything...

Edit:
Here is a link to how this calibration should work:

Calibration Mode; Automatic Test Mode; Ui Test Mode; Manual Test Mode - Whirlpool WTW4800XQ Technical Manual [Page 4]

Whirlpool WTW4800XQ Manual Online: calibration mode, Automatic Test Mode, Ui Test Mode, Manual Test Mode. Important: Calibration Must Be Performed When Any Of The Following Components Have Been Replaced: Main Control, Basket, Drive Assembly, Suspension, Motor, And Capacitor. Not...

www.manualslib.com

 

[ryner1988]

Opening the lid while filling

No, I do not open the lid while the sensing process is going on. To my knowledge, there is no sensing process that takes place. I've been around HE washers before, and know what that sounds like. This one just starts filling about 3 or so seconds after the button is pressed. However, I do lift the lid once agitation has started, and it's the same high water level, every time, even if it's an itty bitty load of like 5 or 6 items. I know it's a waste to wash that small of loads anyway, but some of my wife's delicates require it. Hope this explanation is helpful.

 

[runematic]

The washer is working correctly.  Your model will fill to a minimum of 13" of h2o on auto sense and 15" on deep fill.  The Kenmore & Maytag version of this washer will fill to a minimum 4-8" on auto & 15" on deep fill.

 

[ryner1988]

Ah ok. So I take it the new approach is to possibly discourage people from washing tiny loads of laundry? I don't do this often, only when, say, there are a couple lace skirts and shirts of my wife's that will get damaged by hanging out with the regular loads.

 

[yogitunes]

long gone are the days of washing small loads in these types of machines, like were going backwards to the first automatics, all full levels, some offered half load options....its mainly a balancing issue...

seemed too, automatics that offered only one level wash, seemed to last longer than ones with variable fill levels....typical of commercial machines in Laundromats....

a fast reset for so many electronics is the usual unplug, wait, and plug back in again....also a good idea to leave unplugged when not in use....an ounce of prevention...

 

[runematic]

I believe the dual-action agitator needs a little more water in it to not damage your clothing.  The Maytag and Kenmore models like this have the HE powerwash agitator (or agipeller as it is sometimes referred to).

 

[henene4]

Martin

Its all about optimising.

If I optimize a process to just run 24/7 without resources or cost as an issue, I'd built the 50-60s period all over again.

Sadly, we are now in a time where cost and resources are an issue. So, not the 60s anymore.

Thus, these things WP throws together have to deal as washers.

I'll just be over here in my corner waiting another 5 years...

Edit: Ignore that. I just misread your post entirely. Sorry!

 

[pierreandreply4]

all washers are like this unless you have a speed queen

sadly all newer washers are like this and sometime auto sense also mean auto water level the only old fashion washer still on the market today is speed queen where you actualy select the water level for the load newer models with auto sense also means auto water level where the washer determines the amount of water base on the load

 

[washerdude]

I'd suggest

Try to set the washer on the normal cycle empty and monitor how much it fills up. While I do like the idea of having a top loader which fills up with a lot of water rather than just 6 or so inches, I agree it can be waste full for smaller loads. I notice this model has a soil sensor knob, what happens when you put it on the lowest setting on normal with auto fill enabled? Could it be a possibility that the water level and soil sensor share something?

 

[washerdude]

My bad

Didn't mean soil SENSOR, I meant the soil level selector LOL.