Written by
Maren Coleman Appliance Care EditorPublished October 29, 2026
VERIFIED
Error codeoL
ApplianceWasher
Too much laundry in the tub is the meaning of oL, short for overloaded, on a top load Whirlpool washer.
Steps while the code is showing
Halt the cycle by pressing Start or disconnecting the power cord.
Run a drain-only cycle if the washer holds water.
Take out some items or rearrange the rest so the load lies level and is not overloaded before starting again. The manual suggests the Bulky or Heavy Duty cycle.
For a wash that is already complete and only needs water removed, Drain & Spin works once the load has been rearranged.
If the cycle can be paused
Press Start to pause, open the lid, make the load smaller, and press Start again.
uL: an off-balance load with tips for single and oversized items
Washer repair service in San Francisco
Seeing oL again with a smaller load? Call (415) 687-4102 and we will arrange a technician visit for your Whirlpool washer in San Francisco or the Bay Area; Whirlpool washer repair has the details. Tell us the code, the model number and how big a load you tried.
Model compatibility: Whirlpool reuses codes across series and model years, so oL may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
Plain language
What this code means
oL means the load in a top load Whirlpool washer is too large.
Important safety warning. Do not attempt repairs involving electrical components, gas, water lines, refrigerant or sealed systems. Unplug the appliance if it is safe to reach the outlet, and leave internal diagnostics to a qualified technician.
Seeing this code on your Whirlpool appliance?
Book a specialist visit for a clear estimate and approval before any repair.
You submit a request with your appliance model and symptom, we confirm an appointment window, and a technician performs an on-site diagnosis. You then receive a clear estimate and decide whether to proceed before any repair begins.
Yes. We provide an upfront estimate after diagnosis. No parts are ordered or installed until you approve the work, so there are no surprise charges.
Replacement parts are selected for the exact model and confirmed with you before ordering or installation.
Service areas are listed on the Locations page. Contact us with your ZIP code to confirm current coverage for your address.
Ready to get your Whirlpool appliance working again?
Book a repair online or call us — clear estimates and approval before any repair work begins.
