Whirlpool top load washer not dispensing fabric softener

Q: Why does my washing machine not dispense fabric conditioner?

Check if theres any problem with the water supply. Dispenser draw may be clogged, try cleaning the dispenser. If the water supply is normal but the fabric softener is not being dispensed, dispenser draw may be clogged, try cleaning the dispenser.

There could be several reasons why you are experiencing that kind of problem, one could be that incorrect use of fabric softener.
Say you've got an older top-load washing machine that does not have an automatic dispenser you must time the wash cycle right to know when to add fabric softener and use only an amount appropriate for your wash load size. Or else, the softener won’t drain from the washtub effectively and might stain the laundry that was just washed. Review the directions on the package of the fabric softener for proper amounts to use. As soon as your washer finishes the spin cycle and transitions to rinse, open the lid and pour the fabric softener into the washtub.

Another could be that overloading washer
The fabric softener could get trapped between clothes and never fully dissolve or drain from the washtub during the rinse cycle if you overload your washer with laundry. Make sure that you would fill a top-load washer’s tub about two-thirds full, ensuring that the tub of the agitator is visible, because a front-load washer uses less water than a top-loader, it’s important that clothes have sufficient room to circulate and there’s enough space for water, soap and softener to penetrate fabrics. If the washtub is filled to the brim, you’re bound to have draining problems.

And lastly, clogged dispenser

Fabric softener can get clogged in an automatic dispenser’s drain holes, keeping it from draining. Remove the dispenser from your washer, it should slide out after you release a locking button on the side or back of the compartment. Make sure that you have thoroughly cleaned the dispenser inside and out with warm water, scrubbing it with a sponge or old toothbrush to remove stubborn softener buildup. Before inserting the dispenser back into your washer, fill it completely with water to test its cleanness. Once filled, water should begin to empty out. If the dispenser does not drain, residue is likely still obstructing its drain outlets; continue the cleaning regimen.

I hope this helps. 👍

And wait, there are also considerations to this,
This issue is usually the result of low pressure to your washer, not a problem with the automatic dispenser. So when the washer’s water valve screens become blocked with sediment and debris in your water, the obstruction could diminish water pressure to your washer, preventing the softener from draining right.
Make sure that you have turned-off the main water supply valves behind the washing machine and detach both water hoses -- hot and cold -- to expose each of two filter screens, one on each water valve. Lastly, take off the screens and run them under warm water to clean them, then reattach.

Model Number WFW9400SW01 Brand Whirlpool Age 6-10 years

I've been troubleshooting this Whirlpool washer for a day and a half. The fabric softener would not dispense and the bleach compartment of the dispenser tray would be full of water after a normal wash cycle. I bench tested the dispenser actuator motor and it works fine. I cleaned the dispenser drawer and the distributor holes above the dispenser drawer. With the top removed I can see the dispenser motor working and the actuator arm going to all four positions during cycles. At this time it seems that the some of the fabric softener is now dispensing, but not all of it. There was still some softener liquid left in the tray. Additionally there is still some water being left in the bleach section of the dispenser drawer. It seems that there is little to no water going through the fabric softener section of the dispenser drawer. I could use some help please?

Jake

Appliance Tech - Admin

Hi,

Yes, you'll have to take the dispenser out and check the nozzle for clogs, the nozzle is #13 here: Dispenser parts for Whirlpool WFW9400SW01

Watch this video on how to access it:

[video=youtube;ehwsMILlaTY]

Jake

Hi Jake,

Thank you for your input.

Everything in the dispenser area is clean and operational including the nozzle assembly.

It appears that there is not enough water pressure reaching the nozzle. When I remove the dispenser drawer and watch the water being distributed to the different sections in the overhead distributer header, I see the water going in the correct areas, but the volume is low.

I really suspect the water valve seats may be swollen and restricting the water from the original specs. Of course they are non serviceable like commercial water valves, so I think I should replace the water valve assembly. What is your opinion?

Thanks

Jake

Appliance Tech - Admin

Yes, I agree 100% with you on that. Did you locate the tech. data sheet and run it through the diagnostics cycle yet? The tech sheet should be in the bottom of the washer behind the lower access panel. The diagnostics cycle will test both sides of the fill valve and the flowmeter.

Usually when you have long fill times an error code will display, like FH or error code F20.

Also Has the fill hoses recently been replaced? If so, are they are those "flood prevention" type hoses? They will not work with front load washers as they cause low water pressure into the machine.

Here's the water inlet valve for your model you can order:
Water Inlet Valve WP8182862

Here's the flowmeter for your model:
Flowmeter WPW10110225

Jake

Jake,Thanks for your reply confirming the water valve theory.

I actually replaced the valve prior to your reply, and that cured the problem. As soon as I ran a test load of laundry I could tell that the water flow and volume were greatly increased. I partially opened the dispenser tray to observe the water flowing from the overhead distribution holes and the water was literally gushing out. All areas of the dispenser drawer are now flushing like new. And another positive benefit is that the fill times are much shorter. The unit never did throw a long fill time error code though. The fill times must have been just under the error parameters.

Thanks for your time, and input...Problem solved.

Jake

Appliance Tech - Admin

Excellent, good job, If you need a career change I think you just found it!

Are you a Appliance Tech. already? Lots of Techs come here to confirm what they find.

Jake

Thanks for the compliment Jake. I am recently retired commercial A/C - Refrigeration Foreman. I am s

Thanks for the compliment Jake.

Not an appliance man... I am recently retired commercial A/C - Refrigeration Foreman. I am sure that you would agree that troubleshooting is a universal language

Jake

Appliance Tech - Admin

Yup, that is 100% absolutely correct!

Jake

Jake,Thanks for your reply confirming the water valve theory.
I actually replaced the valve prior to your reply, and that cured the problem. As soon as I ran a test load of laundry I could tell that the water flow and volume were greatly increased. I partially opened the dispenser tray to observe the water flowing from the overhead distribution holes and the water was literally gushing out. All areas of the dispenser drawer are now flushing like new. And another positive benefit is that the fill times are much shorter. The unit never did throw a long fill time error code though. The fill times must have been just under the error parameters.

Thanks for your time, and input...Problem solved.

I know this thread was a while ago - but my Washer is not emptying softener (don't use bleach).
Your "fix" - you referred to - replacing the water valve. Are you talking about the water inlet valve?
The washer seems to work okay except the softener not emptying - I suppose the fill could be slow but I don't know that.
Just wondering if you replace the Inlet Valve - and that fixed the softener.
Thanks

Jake

Appliance Tech - Admin

Do you have the same exact model number WFW9400SW01? The model number tag is located inside the door.

If so, check your nozzle first like I mentioned in post #2 above.

If the nozzle is clean and clear, then yes, its the water inlet valve you would need, in post #4.

Jake

Yes. It's the same model. Fabric softener is not emptying, so I replaced the dispenser valve, but no luck. Was wondering whether or not I should go for the inlet valve next, or the flow meter. Not sure if there's a way to tell which one might be best to replace. Any thoughts?

Jake

Appliance Tech - Admin

I'm confused, you only have one water inlet valve for this model, what are you calling the dispenser valve?

Here's the parts diagram: Parts for Whirlpool WFW9400SW01: Dispenser Parts

#1 is the water inlet valve

I don't see a dispenser valve, unless your referring to the nozzle #13? If so you already replaced it?

Here's the flowmeter for your model:
Flowmeter WPW10110225

Jake

Sorry to confuse. After reading about "fixes" for non-dispensing softener, I replaced the "dispenser motor and switch assembly" labeled part 10 on the diagram. Unfortunately that did not fix things.

I did not replace #13 dispenser valve - I don't think softener/water exiting from the dispenser is the issue (I have cleaned everything there). I have the sense the issue is water not getting into the dispenser - to rinse away the softener.

So when I read your post - about replacing inlet valve - I wondered if you were talking about part #1 on the diagram or part #4 inlet flowmeter.

Now I am wondering if there was a way to tell if part #4 Flowmeter could be the issue - or if you thought part #1 water inlet valve was a better thing to try. So I'm guessing you replaced #1 and that worked for you?

Jake

Appliance Tech - Admin

Did you locate the tech. data sheet and run it through the diagnostics cycle yet? The tech sheet should be in the bottom of the washer behind the lower access panel.

The diagnostics cycle will test both sides of the fill valve and the flowmeter.

I believe your model diagnostics is shown on Page 5, it will automatically check the flowmeter & the cold water inlet valve in C:01: www.applianceblog.com/manuals/8181790.pdf

Its usually a bad flowmeter that causes this 99% of the time, if your water inlet valve is working fine on HOT, WARM, and COLD.

Let us know what you find.

Jake

Why does my washing machine not dispense fabric conditioner?

Check if there's any problem with the water supply. Dispenser draw may be clogged, try cleaning the dispenser. If the water supply is normal but the fabric softener is not being dispensed, dispenser draw may be clogged, try cleaning the dispenser.

How do you use fabric softener in a Whirlpool top load washer?

If your machine has a fabric softener dispenser, add a measured amount of the product and dilute it with warm water to fill the dispenser to the “Max Fill” line. If your top load washer does not have a fabric softener dispenser, you will have to add the fabric softener manually.