Whirlpool washer oL: overloaded
oL means the control judged the load to be larger than the washer can handle, or found that the basket could not release from the drive.
What oL means
- Brand
- Whirlpool
- Appliance
- Top-load washer
- Code
- oL
- Documented meaning
- Overloaded
- Applies to
- 46 Whirlpool models on 4 platforms
- Can you keep using it?
- Generally yes
What the washer is detecting
During load sensing the control measures how hard the load is to move. On these models the basket must float free of the drive for washing; a load that is too large, or a basket that will not release, makes oL flash.
Causes listed for this condition
In the order the service documentation checks them. Documented causes come from the manufacturer's service documentation for these platforms; possible causes are based on how the system works; unconfirmed marks common assumptions that the documentation does not support.
- Documented Too much laundry for the basket.
- Documented Mechanical drag in the drive that keeps the basket from releasing (listed on most revisions).
Safe checks you can make
- Remove some laundry so the load sits loosely, then restart.
- With the washer unplugged and the basket empty, look and feel around the top edge of the basket and the wash plate for a sock, sheet corner or other item caught between the basket and the outer tub.
Further diagnosis requires opening the appliance. Beyond the owner checks, diagnosis involves removing panels, testing components and checking wiring. We describe what a technician investigates, not how to do it yourself.
What a technician checks
- Checks whether the basket releases and turns freely.
- Checks the drive for binding.
Typical repairs and cost
Depending on what diagnosis finds, this code can lead to one of these repairs:
| Repair | Typical range | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Top-load washer gearcase / transmission replacement | $400–$880 | Major |
| Washer drive motor replacement | $300–$720 | Heavy |
Typical total ranges for the Las Vegas area, parts and labor included. The final cost depends on diagnosis, the exact model, parts availability and whether other damage is found.
Can you keep using it?
Generally safe to keep using. Fine with smaller loads. If oL appears with small loads, have the drive checked.
Whirlpool models documented with this code
- WTW6200SW
- WTW6200VW
- WTW6300SB
- WTW6300SG
- WTW6300SW
- WTW6300WW
- WTW6310WW
- WTW6340WW
- WTW6400SW
- WTW6410WW
- WTW6500WW
- WTW6600SB
- WTW6600SG
- WTW6600SW
- WTW6700TU
- WTW6700TW
And 30 more. Use the model lookup to check yours.
Related problems and codes
Other codes documented on the same Whirlpool platforms:
Repair or replace?
A fault code alone rarely justifies replacing a washer. Most oL repairs involve a single component once diagnosed. Replacement becomes worth considering when the unit is near the end of its typical 10–13-year life and the diagnosed repair is a major one. See the repair-or-replace guide.
Need oL diagnosed in the Las Vegas area?
We repair Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir, Amana and other Whirlpool-family appliances in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin and Boulder City. A model number helps but is never required to book.