Whirlpool washer error Sud
Sud means the washer has detected excessive suds and is running its automatic suds-reduction routine. The same condition also displays as Sd or 5d.
Also shows as Sd, 5d
Symptom
Sud
Free checks
9 checks
Then the part
More detergent used than the dose recommended for the soil level and load size
The 9 free checks
Start at the top. Unplug the machine first.
- 01
Let the cycle continue so the washer can finish its own suds-reduction routine.
- 02
Match the detergent dose to the manufacturer guidance for the soil level and load size.
- 03
Use larger detergent pacs only for large or heavily soiled loads.
- 04
Expect the washer to pause tumbling and add water for extra rinsing, possibly several times. That pause is what breaks the suds down — it is the fix, not a fault.
- 05
Check the detergent concentration (2x, 4x, 8x) and dose for that concentration, the soil level and the load size.
- 06
If "no splash" or "easy pour" bleach was used, switch to regular liquid bleach.
- 07
Run a Clean Washer cycle afterwards to clear detergent build-up.
- 08
Check the drain hose is not plugged or kinked before assuming the detergent is at fault.
- 09
If too much detergent went in, run a Rinse and Spin, then a normal cycle with no detergent at all.
What causes it
Listed most likely first.
| Cause | How often | DIY |
|---|---|---|
| More detergent used than the dose recommended for the soil level and load size | Most common | Yes |
| Non-HE detergent used, or an HE detergent dosed for the wrong concentration | Most common | Yes |
| A large pre-measured detergent pac used on a small or lightly soiled load | Common | Yes |
| "No splash" or "easy pour" liquid chlorine bleach, which contains a thickening agent | Occasional | Yes |
| An unusually heavy load | Occasional | Yes |
| Drain hose plugged or kinked, so the suds cannot be cleared | Occasional | Yes |
| A failing drain pump, which looks like a suds fault because the suds never clear | Rare | Call a pro |
If none of that fixed it
If the suds never clear, PartSelect points at the drain pump and pressure switch rather than the detergent — a diagnosis that needs the machine unplugged and opened.