LA5243XYW1 Whirlpool Washer - Instructions

The PartSelect DIY video made this repair so incredibly easy that even my not-super-handy husband and I were able to do it in about 15 minutes. (And I mostly watched because it doesn't require two people at all.) Every single step that was possibly needed was explained. We actually got the repair right on the first try -- no cussing, no bickering, nothing but a working washing machine in a quarter of an hour. In our book, DIY doesn't get any easier than this. We'll definitely be back for any parts our other old appliances need, and we won't be afraid to try future repairs ourselves. Saved a bundle!

After my son received a repair quote of $130, I decided to help him and do the repair myself. I have replaced inlet valves before and ordered the part ($30) from partselect.com. I received the part in less than 2 days via regular FedEx. I used the Partselect installation video (very accurate) to familiarize myself on accessing the defective part. The job took less than 30 minutes. Unfortunately, it also took me another 30 minutes to clean out all the dust bunnies residing under, in, and in back of the washer.

I removed the backing plate from the top, rear side of the machine & opened it up enough to open the side alittle to access the valve...Once I put the new valve in, I put the back panel back on & cleaned up!! Washer works great Again!!

The installation of the Water Inlet Valve itself was a breeze. However, removing the back panel of the machine was what took so much time. It looks like a few screws and off it comes, right? NOT SO!! There are various clips and two brass hangers that are a real pain to get to. My advice is to contact Whirlpool and get instructions on removing the back panel before you start. PS: the machine works great! Thanks for the service.

I looked at the PartSelect video first. It was a tremendous help. I removed the two screws on the right and left front corners of the console and tilted back the console. I disconnected a small electrical plug on the top panel and removed two large metal clips under the console fastening the back panel to the top of the machine. I then slid the one-piece front, side, and top panels away from the back to reveal the inside of the machine (tub, motor, etc.). I then removed the old water valve (combined hot and cold water) from the back panel and instaled the new one, using the mounting plate. I then replaced the cover and reversed the procedure above, finally reinstalling the two screws on the console. The new water valve works perfectly!

Everything worked perfectly---thanks to the suggestion of your call center agent. She suggested that since the replacement door handles were no longer available, I should consider repainting them--it worked like a charm. Please tell her she was a life saver. We rent that house in Fl and my returning tenants had complained about the discoloring refer handles. Thank you

I followed the instructions on the video. One difference with the Kenmore model is that the screws were in front instead of the rear of the machine. Still had to pull the machine out to get to the rear to replace the valve. All went smoothly and the unit works like new. Now it takes less then half the time to do laundry. Great parts and timely delivery. Excellent instructional video and instructions. You folks are the best. Thank you.

The most difficult part was getting the back off the washer. The rest was pretty straight forward. My husband did the work in about 45 min. The part was around $20 so I guess we saved at least $200. I thought I ordered the wrong part and called to cancel but the customer service rep double checked and assured me it was the correct item. I received the part within 2 days. I was going to buy a new washer since this one is 20 years old but the plumber said it was a good one, better than the new ones out there. Great service, great selection, great price.

Removed control panel and rear panel replaced valve. Checked all grounds and connectors. Works like new.

Taking the washer apart was no problem. I just looked on the Internet for a few tips. When removing the valve there was a little water leakage which could not be prevented. When replacing the valve it was not an exact match so I had to install the included bracket. The hard part was reinstalling the washer frame. You have to get both sides lined up to it on the bottom frame. That part would have been easier with another person. After finishing everything worked fine.

I watched the video provided on-line when I ordered the part. When the part arrived, I did just what the video showed to do. The mounting bracket was a little different style than what I took off, but holes lined up for the screws. I didn't have much space to do the work, such as tipping the outside body of the washer forward to get to the back panel, but after wrestling with it a short time I managed to get it opened enough to make the swap of the inlet valve. Hooked everything back up, turned on, checked for leaks, and it was a perfect repair. And a woman at that...

move machine away from wall---shut off water and remove hoses--loosen screws that hold valve on back wall---remove toplid, place to side--diconnect water line at tub----disconnect wires to valve,hot/cold---remove old valve with hose attached---take new valve and place new mount bracket on, little tricky did not line up at first must force plate to slid into plastic slot so screw hold lines up, without breaking new valve---once bracket on replaced all---used tape on inlet valves thread when supply hoses replaced--seems shorter than old valve--but tighten up OK no leaks

Video made it easy

Found part needed in partselect website, watch the video after i opened the rear panel ( i should have watch the video before doing any work :( ) that will much easier. after replacing part my washer is now working like new :). Thanks PartSelect. next project dryer ;-))

I googled Whirlpool washer and then water valve on my I Pad and it showed me step by step how to fix it. Thanks Partselect for the great service. Jimmy