How to Install Washer Motor Start Capacitor WP8572720 in a Whirlpool Washer
Quick answer: Unplug the washer, tilt the console back and lift the cabinet off. Find the capacitor strapped beside the drive motor, discharge it across the terminals with an insulated screwdriver, move the two wires to WP8572720, strap it in and reassemble. Run a spin cycle to confirm the motor starts.
Whirlpool direct-drive top-load washers such as the LSR8300EQ1, LSQ9110PW4, GSQ9631LG0 and the Kenmore 11020996993 use a two-speed motor with a start capacitor. Capacitor WP8572720 gives the motor a brief boost of voltage at each start so it gets up to speed under load. When the capacitor weakens or fails, the classic symptoms are a hum with no agitation, a motor that starts only sometimes, a burnt smell near the motor, or a washer that fills and drains but never spins.
The capacitor sits inside the cabinet next to the drive motor, so the job is mostly about getting the cabinet off, which on these washers is a clip-and-lift design rather than a screw-by-screw disassembly. The swap itself is two wires and a strap. The one thing you must not skip is discharging the old capacitor before touching the terminals; even unplugged, it can hold a charge that gives a painful shock.
See part details and every compatible model: WP8572720
- Unplug the washer. Do not rely on the control being off; the capacitor circuit is live whenever the cord is in.
- Discharge the old capacitor before touching its terminals by bridging them with an insulated screwdriver.
- Wear gloves. The cabinet edges and the motor mounting clips are sharp.
- Shut off the water and disconnect the hoses if you need to tip the washer to reach the motor area.
- Have a helper lift the cabinet; it is bulky and the top edge catches on the console.
Tools and Parts You Need
- Flat-blade screwdriver for the console clips
- Phillips screwdriver or 5/16-inch nut driver for the console screws
- Insulated screwdriver or a discharge tool for the capacitor
- Needle-nose pliers for the wire terminals
- Multimeter with capacitance range (optional, for testing the old part)
- Flashlight
- Work gloves
- Painter's tape to label wires
Step-by-Step Installation
- Unplug and open the console Unplug the washer. Remove the two screws at the rear corners of the console (some models hide them under end caps), then tilt the console back on its hinges so it rests against the wall.
- Release the cabinet Unplug the lid switch connector from the rear panel. Pry the two brass-colored clips at the rear of the cabinet forward with the flat-blade screwdriver to release them.
- Lift the cabinet off Open the lid, grab the cabinet at the lid opening, tilt it forward and lift it off the base. Walk it away and lean it against a wall. The tub, motor and pump are now fully exposed.
- Locate the capacitor Look at the drive motor at the lower front of the machine. The capacitor is a small cylinder held by a metal strap or clip beside or on the motor, with two wires going to it.
- Discharge and disconnect Bridge the two capacitor terminals with the shaft of an insulated screwdriver to discharge it. Label the two wires, then pull them off with the pliers, gripping the terminals and not the wire.
- Swap in WP8572720 Loosen the strap and slide the old capacitor out. Fit WP8572720 in the same position, tighten the strap so it cannot rattle, and push the two wires firmly onto its terminals. The capacitor is not polarized, but keep the same wire positions as before.
- Reassemble Set the cabinet back onto the base, aligning the front lip with the base, and snap the rear clips in. Reconnect the lid switch, fold the console down and refit its screws.
- Test Plug in, reconnect water and run a small load through a full cycle. Listen for a crisp motor start at agitation and again at spin with no humming or delay.
Fit Checks Before You Call the Job Done
- The capacitor is held tightly in its strap and does not move when pushed.
- Both wire terminals are fully seated and cannot be pulled off by hand.
- No wire is routed against the motor housing, belt area or pump.
- The lid switch connector is plugged back in and the cabinet clips are latched.
- The motor starts immediately in both agitate and spin.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the discharge A charged capacitor delivers a sharp shock through pliers or fingers. Bridge the terminals first, every time.
Pulling wires by the insulation This pulls the crimp loose and creates an intermittent start that looks like another bad capacitor. Grip the terminal.
Leaving the strap loose A loose capacitor vibrates, chafes its wires and eventually shorts.
Forgetting the lid switch With the switch unplugged the washer will fill but never agitate or spin, which mimics the original failure.
Replacing the capacitor for a coupler failure If the motor spins freely but the basket does not, the motor coupler is broken, not the capacitor. Watch the motor shaft during a test.
Troubleshooting After Installation
Motor still hums and will not start Check the wires seated on the new capacitor, then test the motor windings and the motor coupler. A seized pump can also stall the motor.
Washer fills but does nothing else The lid switch connector was left unplugged or the switch is bad. Reconnect and test.
Starts in agitate but not in spin That points to the timer or the lid switch contacts rather than the capacitor, which serves both modes.
Buzzing from the front lower cabinet The capacitor strap is loose or the cabinet front lip is not seated on the base. Reseat and tighten.
Care Tips After the Repair
- Do not overload the washer; heavy loads make every start harder on the capacitor and motor.
- Keep the area under the washer dry; moisture corrodes the capacitor terminals.
- If the washer begins starting slowly, test the capacitor before the motor windings burn.
- Once a year, tilt the washer and check that the motor and capacitor wiring are not chafed.
Compatible Models (Sample)
This part is listed for 845 Whirlpool models in our fitment data. Always confirm your exact model number on the appliance's rating plate.
Repair Difficulty and Time
Difficulty: Moderate. Typical time: 30 to 60 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which washers use start capacitor WP8572720?
It is listed for Whirlpool direct-drive washers including the LSR8300EQ1, LSQ9110PW4, GSQ9631LG0, the KitchenAid KAWS750JT0 and Kenmore models such as 11020996993 and 11028944891.
Can I test the old capacitor before replacing it?
Yes. After discharging, use a multimeter on its capacitance setting. A reading far below the value printed on the label, or none at all, confirms failure.
Does it matter which wire goes on which terminal?
No. The capacitor is not polarized. Keeping the original positions just makes the wiring tidy.
Do I need to remove the motor?
No. The capacitor is reached with the cabinet off. The motor stays mounted.
Final Checklist
- Washer unplugged and water off
- Console tilted back and lid switch unplugged
- Cabinet clips released and cabinet lifted off
- Old capacitor discharged
- Wires labeled and moved to WP8572720
- Strap tightened and wiring routed clear of moving parts
- Cabinet, clips, lid switch and console refitted
- Full cycle tested with crisp motor starts