What to do now
Pause the washer, remove several items, and restart only with a load size the washer can move normally.
Error code
Whirlpool Top Load HE Washer Error OL: Meaning, Safe Checks and Official Source
The washer load is overloaded. Pause the washer, remove several items, and restart only with a load size the washer can move normally. Do not keep running the appliance if the code returns or a safety sign appears.
Applies to: Whirlpool top-load HE washer support article scope.Confidence HIGHLast verified 2026-07-25
Applies to
- Whirlpool top-load HE washers covered by the cited Product Help article
- Displayed OL code in that top-load scope
Region: United States. This page does not generalize the code to every Whirlpool washer.
What the code means
The washer has detected an overload condition. The official Whirlpool row supports reducing the load before trying again.
Confirmed: Whirlpool documents OL for top-load HE washers as an overloaded load, with the user action focused on removing several items before restarting.
Can you keep using it?
Only after safe supply checks and only if the code clears.
When to stop
Stop if the basket cannot move, the washer bangs violently, or OL returns with a clearly smaller balanced load.
When to call a professional
Contact service if OL returns after the load is reduced and balanced or if the washer cannot move normal-size loads.
Safe checks
- Remove several items from the basket.
- Check that bulky items are not packed tightly.
- Restart only after the load can move freely.
Confirmed by the manufacturer
- The washer load is overloaded.
- Several items may need to be removed before restart.
- Load size or packing can prevent normal movement.
Commonly associated with this fault
- Heavy wet items or tightly packed bulky items are compatible with the official overload explanation.
Not confirmed for this exact model
- A motor, drive, suspension, or control failure is not confirmed by the cited OL row alone.
Reset instructions
No reset procedure is published here because the current source does not document one for this scope.
Do not repeatedly restart an overloaded washer without reducing the load.
Information to collect before calling service
Record the model label, load type, approximate load size, whether items were removed, and whether OL returned with a smaller load.