How To: Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Start Button WP8181861

How To Replace: Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Start Button WP8181861 www.appliancepa...
Symptoms: Broken; the washer won’t start when the button is pressed.
Tools: Torx-20 screwdriver, flat blade screwdriver.
This Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag made Washer Start Button replaces the following older part numbers on Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, Sears, and Kenmore Washers: 8181861.
Buy the new Washer Start Button WP8181861 here: www.appliancepa...
Most orders delivered in 2 business days or less.
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[@AnnN-sh1gz]

This video was great in showing step-by-step how to take apart Whirlpool Duet washing machine so you are able to diagnose your issue. In my case, the start button was not working because the plastic piece holding the start button broke (it was attached by only 1/4 of an inch - sheeessshh!!!). This piece has the dowel-like poker on the back, this pushes the little red button which causes the washer to start. I ended up using duct tape to carefully tape the piece back on. Did not have to order any new parts. In the video he replaces the start button, but honestly, it didn't look broken to me - new part & old part looks exactly the same to me (notice the plastic piece holding button up is still attached). Running a load right now to make sure everything works. So far so good. Thank you for posting this video. It was incredibly helpful - 10/10.

[@AnnN-sh1gz]

ALSO - BE SUPER GENTLE WHEN YOU'RE REMOVING PIECES. My washer is 20 yrs old and plastic pieces are brittle making them very easy to break. Outside of this issue, the washer has never given me any problems, washes very clean. Hope to keep getting many more years of use from it.

[@appliancepartspros]

Glad you were able to fix your issue! If there is anything we can help you with in the future please let us know.

[@Al_Z.Heimer]

Good thing I read the comments. I was going to order the button when I read that some are experiencing a broken clip or mount for the button. And mine works sometimes when I fiddle with the button making me think the button has come out of it's slot or the slot/clip is broken. So rather than blindly order the button, I'm going to take it all apart first and check. It wouldn't be the first whirlpool product that had work arounds when the plastic breaks.

[@deweywidener6909]

I wish I had read the comments before I ordered a 43 dollar button that can’t really break. My plastic housing was brittle and easily broken..I just left the button out and use a soft q tip to push the connector to start. Gently Just might get a few more washes since I just replaced the shocks a few months ago. Video was informative as how to get to the problem to be fixed. For that I’m grateful

[@louiseheerschap4580]

Advice to anyone going to order this part. Take the thing apart before you order anything. It was not the button that was broken but the plastic support on my machine! Passing along a lesson I learned the hard way.

[@omarfernandez3773]

How did you fixed it

[@dezford5408]

Please post how you fixed your problem.

[@mhoffman021]

Thank you. I watched this twice, then again, section-by-section while I fixed the problem. Turned out the button was fine, but the live hinge between the btn & switch, on the larger plastic part had broken. Also, the plastic on my ~18 year old unit was "rotten"/brittle & several of the retaining "fingers" snapped when I released them...be careful ;_ I used a work-around from another video a) duct tape to hold the button and underlying button poker in place :-( ; and b) painters sticks as shims to to wedge / hold the inner plastic tray in place. Mine was a "Franken-fix;" will see how long it lasts. Thanks again.

[@goosefarm99]

Thanks for this instructional video, you really made it easy to follow. Side note... My locking tab on the main control board was also broken, and I bought this brand new and have never taken it apart, so it came from the factory broken.

[@markfrankl6589]

Thank you this video is exactly what I needed to know to replace broken starter button. I order the button from Appliance Parts. Unfortunately, it is a back order item, I guess Whirlpool has a lot of these washers with broken starter button. While waiting for new button I reassembled the washer, if you were to take a flashlight and view through the opening where the button would go the is a small red button on ckt bd. I pressed this button with a small flat head screw drive and was able to start the washer.

[@Al_Z.Heimer]

Good to know. My button will work if I fiddle with it, and I suspect some kind of spring broken. When you removed the button, what was wrong with it?

[@RevBoose]

Thanks! You just saved me $100!

[@TheMrmoc7]

Also the plastic on the interface control unit is very brittle. I broke nearly all 8 of those latches while trying to pry it out.

[@counciousstream]

"waiting patiently to be replaced" ha, love it.

[@appliancepartspros]

:)

[@scubarojo]

I have just pulled off a temp fix where you don't have to take the machine apart. Get the following tools; Exact-O knife, pliers, coping saw. Unplug the machine. Use the knife to pry the button out as far as you can. Hold in place with either the pliers or just your fingernails. Saw off the top of the button with the coping saw. The plastic white spring (the real broke part) should be seen just lying inside. One more "tool", a wooden chopstick. Push the white plastic spring just aside to reveal a small red button on the printed circuit board, you guessed it, this is the START button. Plug in your washer, add soap and dirty laundry, set wash cycle, and with the wooden chopstick depress that little RED button on the PC board...ta-da, the washer should start. Now go to Appliance parts store and get a replacement button and follow the great really well done video above. At least now you know the little RED button still works and you don't need a new PC board as that little RED button would be tough to get and replace. If this works for you post a thanks.

[@Al_Z.Heimer]

I don't quite understand. I know the red button works. Why would i buy the button when that isn't the problem. You are correct, it's the plastic "spring" (the flexible plastic) that is broken. A new replacement button will not help. I presume you are continuing to use the chop stick.

[@CaptVideo]

Great video. I used it to do my repair...BUT...in my 16 yr old washer, the plastic is brittle. The start button is mounted on a small flexible arm molded with the entire plastic assembly board. That plastic arm had snapped off. No way to fix it. I removed the button, reassembled the unit leaving the hole open. I can run the machine by sticking a wooden pencil shaft (no metal) thru the open hole and depressing the very small red switch button inside the hole. Not the best fix, but it works. I would not buy a button until I knew what the full problem is. My Whirlpool is a 2002 ghw9200lw.

[@counciousstream]

Good tips Don. I will get into my broken machine later this afternoon. Asking my wife to use a wooden stick to turn on the washer is going to be, well, going to be an interesting conversation. I have an adhesive that I purchased at a boat show that is quite good at repairing small plastic parts and will give that a try first before "the conversation".

[@DBTNVideo]

Give it a try. My plastic arm was broken jnto pieces and unrepairable. The tab the button mounts on is flexible so the button can move and contact the tiny switch button. Gluing it may stop the flex and make the button fail to move enough to make contact. Just a heads up. Good luck! P.S. a piece of my broken plastic fell into the bowels of the chassis to be lost forever...moral....don't work on the panel over top of the washer.

[@vickig7033]

Awesome! This is exactly what I needed to see! I'm ordering my button next.

[@appliancepartspros]

Glad we could help!

[@TheBEAST-ej7oo]

usefull, I dealt with the problem without any problems

[@appliancepartspros]

Glad we could help!

[@mrkkg27]

Thank you for the video this is exactly what is wrong with my washer, at least I hope so. I wish you had pointed out what exactly failed with the start button and compared it to the replacement that way I would know what to look for and feel confident in ordering a new part that indeed the start button is the culprit.

[@appliancepartspros]

In this case, the button would be broken such that it cannot press the switch behind it. However, if you're not confident that the button itself is the cause, it may be what's behind the button that's actually giving you the problem (the control board). What you can do is take that front console off, and manually push the place where the button would be. If it starts, you know it was the button. If it still doesn't start, then you know it's the control board. Get in touch with us, and we'll get some more info about the problem that you're having and help you make sure you're ordering the correct part. We offer free technical advice and diagnosis, and if we tell you to order an incorrect part, you can return it for a full refund and the return shipping is on us. You can give us a call at 1-877-477-7278 or you can chat us at our website: www.appliancepartspros.com/. We’re here to help 7 days a week.

[@Al_Z.Heimer]

I don't buy the broken button. I wondered why it wasn't shown. It's either somehow come out of the slots or the plastic holding the button is broken and that's part of the housing. It looks like one work around is removing the button all together and using a thin piece of plastic rod to push the tiny red button underneath it. In my opinion, this video is not adequately inform but does show how to replace a button...but how does a button break...really.

[@joefrost2763]

Thanks so much for this video, it made it easy to get into our washer :)

[@appliancepartspros]

So glad we could help, Joe!

[@Al_Z.Heimer]

I see that the rear panel was purportedly reinstalled, but I never saw it removed. What's going on there? Doesn't seem to be related to this problem. In fact, the rear panel seems to be on during the whole repair process.

[@TheMrmoc7]

So my washer had a slightly different problem. The little plastic that holds the start button in place had broken and so the start button itself appeared to have malfunctioned but when I took it apart there was in fact nothing wrong with the start button. I will have to replace the entire bloody console.

[@lancedenney2408]

Had a dead craigslist washer... this one! No lights at all. Owner said it worked fine before. (Hint) Pulled the retainer ring around the seal and pulled the door switches off. Clean and looked fine. Checked continuity and it worked on the 2 prongs... No electricity tho- so took top off by 3 back screws and checked the electrical connections...totally clean... but I wiggled them all the same... went to front and pushed the control on and PRESTO! Put everything back together. It's working fine now. BTW- Most reported problems with front loaders is using too much soap. The test wash I did had a TON of soap in it... None of which I added. I have to wash clothes a second time without any soap if I want non-itchy clothes... I switched years ago to a no-soap, no need for hot water, technology and haven'y been sorry since. www.Get-GreenTech.com sells them. Been using them since 2000. Putting them in my Rentals too! Will save me maintenance on the machines!

[@coolpoolshark]

You seem pretty knowledgeable about this front loading washer. Mine got a problem last week. I pressed the start and hold button but can't hear that big click sound as it normally does (It's not a broke off button. I even took apart the control panel and pressed the red bottom on the circuit board behind the start and hold button. Nothing started). Do you know what that click sound is when the washer is working normally? Is it the door latch sound?

[@danielneel2856]

So when did you take the back panel off?

[@tanyamartin2105]

I guess mine is a little bit older my start button is flat on the control panel and underneath it is soldered with a little brown like a felt circle the felt part is what's going on and it won't allow you to just push the metal where the felt was it still doesn't start any ideas

[@mskinetik]

Is it easy to remove the clear bezel under the knob? Is it necessary to take apart the machine as you did in this video, or is it possible to pop the clear bezel out from outside of the machine after removing knob. If anyone has tips on this, much appreciated.

[@Al_Z.Heimer]

From what I could see, one has to get to the backside of the panel, and the only way is by removing it as shown. I watced another video where a guy couldn't get the part and used an automotive switch lol. But it worked. I wouldn't do that as not an electrician and don't want to burn house down. ;) Meantime, I think you want to go through the display area. My worry would be that one you don't have the room between the circuit board and the panel to get the switch in and might also ruin the circuit board or display. It's that hard to follow his lead.

[@ambermorgan7253]

What if the little button on the circuit board is broken off .

[@PennsylvaniaPrepper]

Great video, thanks! BUT....$30 for that start button? This world is full of greed.

[@Al_Z.Heimer]

lol... you might not fully understand manufacturing and logistics. that little bit of plastic required engineering and the costs spread among a few thousand units. The manufacturing run probably made all the units for subsequent repair. Storage/configuration control costs. Once they are gone, starting up the process again will be even more expensive and usually why once gone, no more parts. I get you but economies of scale also involved. And yeah expensive but there are almost always work-arounds like removing the button and pushing the tiny red button inside each time. So, in my opinion, the mark up is probably too high but not out of the ball park.

[@tomclancys8335]

nice job

[@appliancepartspros]

+Tom Clancys Glad the video helped you get the washer fixed!

[@tofayelahmed2540]

i have the same washer unit. the "control locked" light is ON in mine. does the control board need to be replaced? Can you plz upload a video on how to replace the control board?

[@appliancepartspros]

We can check that out for you, Tofayel. Do you have your model number?

[@cheri-anlaure6380]

How to fix power button if its not working.. model midea prizzy 6kg.. pls advice me asap i badly need it..

[@timmorais3045]

How do I order parts

[@samanthabrown2610]

Can I buy the actual control panel? It is the hinge behind the button that is broken

[@jewels4028]

Hi, Did you end up finding / replacing the panel? I have the same issue...

[@deepak28174]

no power for my whirlpool washing machine. checked the power with other appliance. other appliance is working.

[@appliancepartspros]

Without knowing what you have, I would suggest posting the problem along with the appliance model number on our repair forum and the techs can help you troubleshoot the problem. forum.appliancepartspros.com/

[@tedsalem]

The button was not the problem. It is the board beyond the button. The button is just a piece of plastic ... and overpriced if you buy it. Follow instructions and inspect before buying button.

[@appliancepartspros]

The video is only to show how to replace a damaged button, it the washer is not working then yes it could be the control is bad!

[@tedsalem]

Don't get me wrong... the video was great and helpful. I did not need the button though. You may want to follow-up with another video on how to purchase and change the panel behind the button that also holds the control board. Thanks.

[@johnbartle8217]

AppliancePartsPros

[@counciousstream]

The button as you say is just a plastic button and in after removing and inspecting it, the button is fine. To be honest I can't see how the button would wear out. Mine doesn't have a blemish on it. The problem is the plastic "spring" that returns the button after it is pushed. Mine cracked and fell off as did several other parts. Granted the machine is 15 or so years old but I didn't expect it to be so brittle. Agreed - the video is very helpful. Now I just need the housing that holds the control boards or figure out how to jury rig the button in place. The button is about $24 but since I need the plastic housing, it comes as an assembly (including electronics) for $308. Geez a new one costs $649 on sale this weekend!

[@nanw63]

@@counciousstream This was the case for me just this evening. After dismantling the control panel as the video showed, I found the "spring" part broken as you said. Luckily with a bit of super glue, I was able to reattach the broken pieces and the ON button now works again. I've had this washer for 15+ years and I'm kind of fond of it. ;)

[@tomclancys8335]

I want to learn how i can fixed all washing machines you can help me Step by step

[@appliancepartspros]

+Tom Clancys Glad the videos are helping you out!

[@bryanchan9537]

I have the same washer machine Where do I get the start button.?? I cant find the phone number

[@appliancepartspros]

You can call us at 877-477-7278 and anyone that answers will be more than happy to assist you.

[@appliancepartspros]

We would need the model number, but normally the model number is around the door frame.

[@YandereLife]

My washer has a problem where any button you press just adds the time to start to the wash cycle I can't start the cycle T_T

[@kunzklingsor9156]

How to transfer boards in this unit to another user interface container ?

[@appliancepartspros]

We'd be happy to help you out with that! We offer free technical advice and diagnosis. You can give us a call at 1-877-477-7278 or you can chat us at our website: www.appliancepartspros.com/. We will need your model number to give you accurate advice, which you can locate using this tool on our website: www.appliancepartspros.com/modelnumber_locator.aspx

[@kiranvishwa84]

Hello Sir I have Siemens washing iq100 my problem is that when on the machine it start but after 5 to 10 mints it's power cut ho jata hai plz help me

[@appliancepartspros]

Without a model number it would be hard to say what the problem is. You can use this to help you locate the model number on your appliance: www.appliancepartspros.com/modelnumber_locator.aspx You can give us a call at 1-877-477-7278 or you can chat us at our website: www.appliancepartspros.com/. We also have a free repair forum where the techs can help you troubleshoot the problem: forum.appliancepartspros.com/. We’re here to help 7 days a week.

[@bozz8770]

Why is the button 30 dollars

[@mrkkg27]

Is this whirlpool start button work on all duet models? My whirlpool duet front panel looks a bit different, model WFW9250WW02. I pulled up that model on your site and looked at the diagram to get a part number but the buttons are not on diagram so not sure if its a generic plastic button that works on all whirlpools or not. Help.

[@appliancepartspros]

This button isn't compatible with your washing machine. If you look on the diagram for your washer (www.appliancepartspros.com/control-panel-parts-for-whirlpool-wfw9250ww02.html), like you said, this button isn't listed. That's because the button on your model is made in, and not a separate piece you can order. If it's the button, you'll likely need to order the entire console. We want to make sure we've got the correct part before your place your order, though. There are a number of things that can cause a washer not to start. This page (www.appliancepartspros.com/repair-help/whirlpool-washer-wfw9250ww02-repair/wfw9250ww02-wont-start.html) shows the most common reasons your model won't start, so we want to double check that these aren't actually your issue. We offer free technical advice and diagnosis, and if we tell you to order an incorrect part, you can return it for a full refund and the return shipping is on us. You can give us a call at 1-877-477-7278 or you can chat us at our website: www.appliancepartspros.com/.