Whirlpool Cabrio Washer OL Error Code: Overload Diagnostic

Quick Answer

The OL code triggers when the washer senses too much weight or physical resistance in the tub. Try removing a few items and restarting the cycle, but if the tub is empty and the code persists, you likely have a stripped drive hub or an object stuck between the inner and outer baskets.

I've been fixing Cabrio washers for years and honestly, an OL code is almost never just about too many towels. It's usually mechanical drag. The plastic teeth on the drive hub strip out, or a stray sock gets wedged between the tubs, and suddenly the motor's working way harder than it should. It's the machine protecting itself from burning out a $200+ motor. Don't ignore this one.

WhirlpoolWasherSeverity: moderateDifficulty: intermediate88% DIY Success

Time to Fix

20–60 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

$15 – $75

Tools Needed

7/16 inch socket and ratchet, Phillips #2 screwdriver

What Does the OL Code Mean?

Don't assume your washer's broken just yet. The OL code is a safety shutdown that fires when the motor feels more resistance than the software expects for the selected cycle. It's actually a pretty smart protection feature. But you need to figure out if the load's just too heavy, if something's physically stuck, or if a mechanical part like the drive hub has just worn out after years of use.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Stripped Drive Hub45%

Actual Overload25%

Tub Obstruction15%

Worn Tub Bearings10%

RPS Sensor Fault5%

Symptoms You May Notice

OL flashes on the screen mid-cycle, usually about 8-10 minutes in when the basket tries to speed up for the spin phase
The machine makes a run at spinning and then just stops dead, like it hit a wall
You hear a grinding or growling sound during the transition from wash to spin, kind of a low rumble that wasn't there a year ago
Clothes come out absolutely soaking wet, like you wrung them out by hand, because the basket never actually got up to real spin speed
The inner basket has noticeable side-to-side wobble when you push it, way more play than it should have

Can you reset a Whirlpool washer to clear the OL code?

To clear the OL code, press the Pause/Cancel button twice. If the code remains, unplug the washer from the wall outlet for at least 60 seconds to allow the capacitors on the control board to discharge. Plug it back in and select a Drain and Spin cycle to verify the fix.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

7/16 inch socket and ratchetPhillips #2 screwdriverFlathead screwdriverFlashlightPutty knifeNeedle-nose pliers

Service / Diagnostic Mode

With the washer in standby, rotate the dial: Left (1 click), Right (3 clicks), Left (1 click), Right (1 click).

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Basket Drive Hub KitW10528947 · $15–$35	W10528947	$15 – $35
Rotor Position Sensor (RPS)W10183157 · $40–$75	W10183157	$40 – $75

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the OL code the same as the uL code?

No, they're different. uL stands for Unbalanced Load, which means the clothes are bunched up on one side of the tub. OL stands for Overload, which means the total weight's too high or there's mechanical friction stopping the tub from spinning freely. You fix uL by rearranging the clothes. You fix OL by reducing weight or digging into the mechanical side of the machine. Two totally different problems, even though they look similar on the display.

Why does my washer show OL even when it's empty?

If the washer's completely empty and still throwing OL, the drive hub is almost certainly stripped. When the hub teeth wear out, the motor spins but the basket doesn't follow correctly. The control board sees the motor pulling power without the expected basket movement and just assumes the machine's overloaded. It's a very common failure on the Cabrio platform, especially on machines that are 5+ years old. Check for white plastic shavings sitting in the bottom of the tub as a quick confirmation.

Can a bad water pump cause an OL code?

Yes, indirectly. If the drain pump's clogged and there are a few inches of standing water left in the outer tub, that water creates massive drag on the inner basket during spin. The motor's basically trying to push the basket through a pool of water. It has to work way harder than it's designed to, and that can absolutely trigger OL. Always make sure the water's draining completely before the spin phase starts. A sluggish drain is an easy thing to miss.

How do I know if my tub bearings are causing the OL code?

The telltale sign is a loud roaring noise during spin, like a jet engine ramping up. That's bearings. If you also see rusty water stains on the floor under the machine, or if the tub grinds when you turn it by hand, that confirms it. Bad bearings create high friction that makes the motor work overtime, and the OL code fires to protect it. Honestly, if it's bearings, get a repair quote first because on a 7+ year old Cabrio it's often cheaper to just replace the machine.

How much does it cost to fix the OL error on a Cabrio?

Depends entirely on what's causing it. If it's just an overloaded tub, it's free. A drive hub kit runs $20-30 in parts and it's a pretty doable DIY repair. If it's a stuck object between the tubs, maybe an hour of your time. But if the tub bearings are shot, that repair can run $150-300+ in labor because the whole outer tub has to come apart. I usually tell people to price a replacement washer before approving a bearing repair on a Cabrio that's already 7+ years old.

Related Whirlpool Washer Error Codes

Code: uLWhirlpool Washer uL Code: Unbalanced Load Code: SdWhirlpool Washer Sd Code: Suds Detected

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Whirlpool shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

Whirlpool washerWhirlpool Washer F51 Error Code: Rotor Position Sensor Fix

Models Known to Experience OL Errors

This repair applies to most Whirlpool washers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

WTW6200SW, WTW6400SW, WTW6600SW, WTW6700TW, WTW6800WW, WTW7300XW, WTW7600XW, WTW7800XL

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 17, 2026