Whirlpool Washer Sd / 5d Error: Fix Excess Suds & Drain Clogs (Video Guide)

Note: This guide is based on verified repair protocols. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

You walk into the laundry room and see your washer paused with Sd or 5d on the display. It looks like a bubble bath inside. This code stands for “Suds Detected”. The washer has sensed “drag” on the basket caused by a massive wall of foam and has stopped spinning to prevent damage.

The Fix: This is rarely a broken part. It is usually a “User Error” (Too much soap) or a clogged drain filter. The fix involves patience, a little chemistry (Vinegar), and cleaning the “Coin Trap”.

🎥 The Repair Video

If waiting doesn’t clear the code, you need to manually drain the soapy water and clean the filter. Watch this guide by Scott The Fix-It Guy to see how to access the Drain Pump Filter (Coin Trap) without flooding your floor.

🛒 Parts & Tools Checklist

You likely don’t need new parts, just cleaning supplies. But if the pump is dead, I’ve listed it below.

• The “Suds Killer” (Vinegar/Affresh):
  👉 Check Price for Affresh Washer Cleaner
  (Use this AFTER the repair to strip soap residue.)
• The “Hardware Fix” (Drain Pump):
  Check Price for OEM Drain Pump (W10536347)
  (Only if the impeller is broken or stuck.)
• Essential Tool (Shop Vac):
  Wet/Dry Shop Vac (To suck out the foam)

⏳ Step 1: The “Patience Fix” (Let It Ride)

Don’t panic and unplug it yet.

When the computer flashes Sd, it is running a special “Suds Reduction Routine”. It adds cold water and pauses the spin to pop the bubbles.

• What to do: Leave it alone for 2 hours.
• Did it clear? If the cycle finishes, run a “Clean Washer” cycle immediately with NO detergent to flush the lines.
• Stuck? If it’s still stuck after 2 hours, proceed to Step 2.

⚗️ Step 2: The “Chemistry Hack” (Vinegar)

Foam is stubborn. If the washer is full of bubbles, pouring more water won’t help.

1. Add Vinegar: Pour 1 cup of Distilled White Vinegar or a capful of Liquid Fabric Softener into the detergent dispenser.
2. Why? Both act as a “de-foamer” to collapse the bubble structure instantly.
3. Force a Drain: Press “Power”, then select “Drain & Spin”. The vinegar will mix with the suds and help the pump clear them.

🧹 Step 3: The Manual Clean (Coin Trap)

If the pump creates a humming noise but water won’t leave, the soap scum has likely clogged the filter.

1. Remove the Toe Panel: As shown in the video, remove the bottom panel screws (usually T-20).
2. Prepare for a Flood: Put a shallow baking sheet and towels under the pump.
3. Open the Trap: Slowly unscrew the large round filter cap. Thick, slimy soap goo will likely pour out, along with lint or coins.
4. Clean it Out: Rinse the filter. Stick your finger in the housing to check for lost socks.
5. Reassemble: Screw the cap back on tight (hand tight only!).

⚠️ Step 4: The Top Load Exception (Cabrio Owners)

If you have a Top Load Whirlpool (Cabrio/Bravos) and you get Sd, but you didn’t use too much soap:

• The Issue: Your Basket Hub (the plastic gear under the agitator) might be stripped.
• Why? When the hub strips, the basket slips. The computer feels this “drag” and confuses it with suds “drag”.
• The Test: If your washer makes a “grinding” noise during spin, check the Basket Hub, not the soap.

🛡️ Step 5: Prevention

Sd is 100% preventable.

1. Use HE Detergent Only: Look for the “High Efficiency” logo.
2. Use Less: You only need 2 tablespoons of detergent for a normal load. Modern soap is highly concentrated.
3. Clean Monthly: Use an Affresh tablet once a month to eat away the soap scum buildup in the pump.

Stock up on the cure: