Whirlpool Washer Error Code A10

The A10 code means the washer detected a long drain condition, where the machine could not drain the water within 4 minutes. When this happens, the control board shuts off the water inlet valves and stops the cycle. The issue is almost always a restriction somewhere in the drain path, such as a kinked hose or clogged filter. You will need to clear the drainage obstruction before the washer will run a complete cycle again.

You should not continue running the washer while A10 is active. The machine stops the cycle and shuts off the water valves precisely because water is not draining correctly, and forcing the machine to run could result in water remaining in the drum or, in a worst case, overflowing. Diagnose and resolve the drain issue before running another cycle.

If the fix only involves clearing a blocked hose or cleaning the pump filter, the repair costs nothing beyond your time. If the drain pump motor needs to be replaced, parts typically range from $30 to $90 depending on the model, with professional labor adding $100 to $200 on top of that. Getting a professional diagnosis first can help you decide whether repair or replacement makes more financial sense for older units.

Start by checking the drain hose for kinks or blockages and straighten it if needed. Next, locate and clean the pump filter or coin trap, which is usually behind a small access panel at the front lower section of the machine. If both of those components are clear, the drain pump itself may need to be tested and possibly replaced. Make sure the drain hose is also installed at the correct height into the standpipe.

A reset may temporarily clear the A10 code, but it will return as soon as the washer attempts to drain again if the underlying problem has not been fixed. To reset, unplug the washer for one to two minutes and then plug it back in. Address the drain hose, filter, or pump issue first, and the code should not come back after the reset.