What is actually happening
Genuinely dead is usually a supply problem rather than the machine. Before anything else it is worth proving the socket, because a tripped RCD or a failed plug fuse accounts for a good share of these. Where the supply is proven good, the fault is normally the mains filter, the on/off switch or the control board.
The Whirlpool fault codes that point at this
A Whirlpool washing machine will usually tell you what it thinks is wrong before anyone opens it up. These are the codes we hold for this make that relate to will not turn on:
- C04 — C04 isn't a fault — it's one of the steps in Whirlpool's built-in service test, the part that spins the drum up and measures how unevenly the load is sitting.
- C05 — C05 isn't a breakdown code — it's the last step of the engineer's built-in test routine, where the machine cuts power to the motor, lets the drum brake to a stop, releases the door and shuts itself down.
- E13 — The machine can't confirm the door is locked shut, so it won't start or continue the wash.
- F00 — The control board can't switch the drain pump on properly, so the machine stops rather than trying to empty itself.
- F05 — The machine can no longer read the water temperature, so it has abandoned the cycle rather than heat blind.
- F06 — The machine isn't getting any signal that the drum motor is turning, so it stops the cycle rather than carry on.
- F07 — The washing machine has found a fault in the electronic control board — specifically a switching component on the board that has failed short, so the machine shuts the cycle down rather than carry on.
- F08 — The machine has lost the electrical circuit to its water heater, so it can't heat the wash and stops rather than carrying on cold.
If yours is showing one of those, that is a much shorter conversation than a general fault — tell us the code when you book and the engineer can often carry the part.
The usual causes on a Whirlpool washing machine
- A tripped RCD or breaker in the consumer unit, often caused by the machine itself
- A blown plug fuse or a failed socket
- A failed mains interference filter — a common failure and an easy one to test
- A failed on/off switch or door switch
- A failed control board
What you can safely check yourself
- Plug something you know works into the same socket
- Check the consumer unit for a tripped breaker or RCD
- Check the plug fuse
- If the RCD trips again the moment the machine is switched on, stop and leave it off — that is an electrical fault, not a nuisance trip
Still will not turn on?
Most of these need an engineer once the checks above are done. £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Our engineers work on Whirlpool machines week in, week out, so they arrive knowing the machine rather than reading the back of it. Local engineers across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Common questions
Why is my Whirlpool washing machine will not turn on?
No lights, no display and no response — the machine appears completely dead. Genuinely dead is usually a supply problem rather than the machine. Before anything else it is worth proving the socket, because a tripped RCD or a failed plug fuse accounts for a good share of these. Where the supply is proven good, the fault is normally the mains filter, the on/off switch or the control board.
Can I fix a Whirlpool washing machine will not turn on myself?
Plug something you know works into the same socket. Check the consumer unit for a tripped breaker or RCD. Check the plug fuse. If the RCD trips again the moment the machine is switched on, stop and leave it off — that is an electrical fault, not a nuisance trip. Beyond those checks this one normally needs an engineer.
What Whirlpool error codes mean will not turn on?
Whirlpool washing machines report this through their own fault codes. The ones that point at will not turn on are C04, C05, E13, F00, F05, F06. If your machine is showing one of those, that narrows it down considerably — each has its own guide on this site.
How much does a Whirlpool washing machine repair cost?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Other Whirlpool washing machine faults
- washing machine not draining
- washing machine not spinning
- washing machine leaking water
- washing machine making a loud noise
- washing machine not heating the water
- washing machine door will not open