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!

followed the video and was as simple as could be.

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.

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 have had this similar problem with other makes/models of washers so I knew immediately what the problem was. The hardest part was figuring out how the back panel seperated from the front. I wanted the part in-hand before looking on-line. Once I had the Inlet/Mixing valve in-hand and found this website, the ordering was quick and inexpensive. I only wish I would have been able to view the video beforehand to see how the back panel came loose. I would've cut my repair time in half.

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

The repair was fairly simple - the hardest part was taking the shell of the washer off and putting it back on.

Unplugged the machine and turned off the water, (hot and cold), removed hoses from valve. Removed two screws holding console to top. Removed screws in rear holding rear panel to cabinet. Pulled cabinet out of the way. Disconnected electrical leads from valve solenoids. Used nut driver to remove screws removed valve and mounting plate from the back of machine. Pliers compressed snap ring holding fill tube to valve. I reversed the procedure to reassemble. Most difficult part was getting the cabinet back in it's place. Washer fills like it is brand new!

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.

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

The washer breaks down slightly different than shown in the video. Install of the new part went pretty well. It was reinstalling the washer cover that caused most of the grief. You have to have all of that sheet metal lined up just right or it won't go back together. All good now...very happy.

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.