Is 5.2 cubic feet a large capacity washer?
Yes. A 5.2 cu. ft. washer is considered large capacity; it is well above the common “large” threshold (about 4.5 cu. ft. and up), so it handles bulky items and bigger loads with fewer cycles.
What “large capacity” means in real use
Most large-capacity top-load washers in the 4.5+ cu. ft. range are designed to handle:
- A king-size comforter (depending on fill and how tightly it’s packed)
- Multiple bath towels in one load
- Larger mixed loads (jeans, sweatshirts, and everyday items together)
- Fewer loads per week for the same household
For cycle and load-size guidance specific to your Whirlpool WTW5700XL2, use the load recommendations in the owner's manual.
Quick capacity guide
| Washer tub size | Common label | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Under 3.5 cu. ft. | Compact | Small households, limited space |
| 3.5 to 4.4 cu. ft. | Standard | Typical weekly laundry |
| 4.5 cu. ft. and up | Large | Bulky items, fewer loads |
| 5.0+ cu. ft. | Extra-large | Comforters, big family loads |
How to get the best results with a large tub
A bigger tub helps, but loading and settings still matter:
- Load loosely; don’t pack items down
- Keep items balanced around the washplate
- Use the correct water level or auto-sensing option for the cycle
- Choose a bulky/bedding cycle when washing comforters
- Use HE detergent and measure carefully to avoid residue
Why it matters
When you use the right load size and cycle for a 5.2 cu. ft. washer, you get better agitation, better rinsing, and less wear on the drive system (belt, splutch, and actuator) over time.
Last updated: February 2026
How to fix F5 E2 Whirlpool washer?
The F5 E2 error on your Whirlpool WTW5700XL2 washer means the lid lock is not engaging. We fix it by clearing anything blocking the lid or lock area, then checking the lid lock and its wiring; a failed lid lock assembly is a common cause.
Quick checks that solve most F5 E2 errors
- Open the lid and remove any clothing caught between the lid and rim.
- Press down on the lid near the lock area and try starting the cycle again.
- Make sure the lid closes fully (no detergent bottle, basket, or hinge issue holding it up).
- Unplug the washer for 1 minute, then plug it back in and retry.
- If the washer was moved recently, confirm it is level so the lid aligns with the lock (leveling steps are in the installation guide).
Parts to inspect on model WTW5700XL2
If the error returns after clearing obstructions, focus on the lid lock circuit.
- Check the lid lock for a broken latch, cracked housing, or loose mounting.
- Inspect the harness connection at the lid lock for a loose plug or damaged wires.
- If the lock does not click or hold the lid closed during start, replace the lid lock.
Replacement part (common for this symptom):
What you should see (symptom guide)
| What happens | Most likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Lid will not lock at all | Failed lid lock or loose connector | Inspect connector; replace lid lock if damaged |
| Locks sometimes, then errors | Intermittent lock switch or wiring | Reseat connector; check harness routing |
| Lid closes but seems misaligned | Washer not level or lid/hinge issue | Level the washer; verify lid closes squarely |
Why it matters
The washer uses the lid lock as a safety interlock. If it cannot confirm the lid is locked, it will stop the cycle to prevent spinning with the lid open.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with Whirlpool washers?
The most common problems we see on Whirlpool washers like model WTW5700XL2 are draining or spinning issues (clothes stay wet), water leaks, excessive vibration or noise, and no-start symptoms. Many of these trace back to installation setup, load balance, or a few high-wear parts.
Most common symptoms and what usually causes them
- Won’t drain or won’t spin: clogged pump, restricted drain hose, or a failing pump
- Leaking: loose or worn inlet hoses, drain hose issues, or pump leaks
- Loud noise in agitation or spin: worn belt, splutch, or drive components
- Washer won’t start: lid lock not engaging, actuator issues, or control problems
- Shaking or walking: washer not level, overloaded or unbalanced loads
Quick checks you can do first (WTW5700XL2)
These steps fix a large share of “common problems” without replacing parts.
- Confirm the washer is level on all four feet; leveling reduces noise and vibration
- Verify the drain hose is installed correctly (standpipe or laundry tub) and not kinked
- Check inlet hose connections for seepage; tighten carefully (do not overtighten)
- Use smaller, balanced loads for bulky items to prevent out-of-balance spin issues
- If you recently installed the washer, confirm shipping materials were removed per the installation guide
Parts that commonly solve these problems
If the basic checks do not resolve the symptom, these model-compatible parts are frequent fixes:
| Symptom | Common fix part for WTW5700XL2 | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t drain / water left in tub | Washer drain pump assembly WPW10276397 | Pumps water out during drain and spin |
| Loud grinding or poor spin | Washer drive belt WPW10006384 | Transfers motor power to the drive system |
| Won’t spin or shifts oddly between modes | Washer actuator WPW10006355 | Helps the washer change between agitation and spin |
| Won’t start or lid won’t lock | Washer lid lock assembly W10404050 | Confirms lid is locked so the cycle can run |
Why it matters
Drain, spin, and vibration complaints often look like “major failures,” but they are frequently caused by setup (leveling, hose routing) or a single wear part (belt, actuator, pump). Fixing the root cause prevents repeat leaks, wet loads, and premature drive wear.
Last updated: February 2026
How do I reset the lid lock on my Whirlpool washer?
To reset the lid lock on your Whirlpool WTW5700XL2 washer, we recommend doing a power reset first: unplug the washer (or turn off the breaker) for 5 minutes, restore power, then start a cycle and close the lid firmly. If the lid still will not lock or unlock, the lid lock assembly is likely failing.
Quick reset steps (most common)
- Press Pause/Cancel once to stop the cycle.
- Wait 1 to 2 minutes for the control to attempt an unlock.
- Unplug the washer (or switch the breaker off) for 5 minutes.
- Restore power.
- Open and close the lid firmly, then start a Rinse/Drain and Spin type cycle.
- If the lid is stuck locked, leave power off for 5 minutes, then restore power and try again.
When a reset will not fix it
A reset helps when the control is confused after a power glitch or an interrupted cycle. It will not fix a mechanical or electrical failure in the latch.
Common signs the latch needs replacement:
- Lid will not lock even though you hear clicking
- Lid stays locked after the cycle ends
- Washer will not start because it thinks the lid is open
- Intermittent operation (works sometimes, fails other times)
If those symptoms match, the correct model-compatible replacement is the washer lid lock assembly W10404050.
What to check before replacing parts
- Make sure the lid is closing squarely (no laundry caught between lid and rim).
- Confirm the washer is on a properly grounded outlet and has steady power.
- Check for excessive vibration or out-of-level installation that can misalign the lid.
- If the washer will not drain, fix draining first because some cycles keep the lid locked with water in the tub.
Related parts that can affect “lid locked” situations
| Symptom you see | Often involved | Example part for WTW5700XL2 |
|---|---|---|
| Will not drain, lid stays locked | Drain system | Washer drain pump assembly (WPW10276397) |
| Won’t spin, stops mid-cycle | Drive system | Washer drive belt (WPW10006384) |
| Loud clicking, won’t shift/spin | Shifting system | Washer actuator (WPW10006355) |
Why it matters
The lid lock is a safety device; if it does not confirm a locked lid, the control can prevent agitation or spin. Resetting clears temporary control errors, but a worn latch or misalignment keeps the problem coming back.
For model-specific operating steps and safety notes, use the WTW5700XL2 owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026


