W11688995 Genuine OEM Whirlpool Washer Water Inlet Valve (Cold)
The W11688995 is a genuine Whirlpool OEM cold water inlet valve for Whirlpool-built front-load washers. Whirlpool's newer front-load platforms use two separate single-function valves instead of one combined hot/cold valve body — this cold-side valve handles only the cold water supply, while a matching hot-side valve (sold separately as W11688994) handles the hot side. When the control calls for a cold fill, it energizes this valve's solenoid coils to open the water path; when the correct level is reached, the valve closes again. If this valve fails to open, the washer won't take on cold water; if it fails to seal fully closed, water can trickle into the drum even when the washer isn't running.
Because this is a dedicated single-function valve, a failure here shows up in a very specific way: cold-only fills stop working or slow down dramatically, while hot-only fills (governed by the separate W11688994 valve) continue working normally. Whirlpool's own service guidance links this valve to F8 E1 and LO FL fill-related error codes. Common failure modes include mineral or sediment buildup that prevents the valve from sealing, a burned-out solenoid coil, or a worn internal diaphragm. It directly replaces W11036930, W11316256, W11486361, AP7218603, PS17216730, and EAP17216730. As a genuine OEM part, the W11688995 is manufactured by Whirlpool to factory specifications — guaranteed fit, materials, and performance.
Quick Answer
The W11688995 Genuine OEM Whirlpool Washer Water Inlet Valve (Cold) fixes Whirlpool-built front-load washers where cold water won't fill, fills slowly, overfills, leaks into the drum when off, or throws an F8 E1 or LO FL error code. 120V, 50/60Hz, two-coil cold-only valve, 1/2" NPT threaded connections. Replaces W11036930, W11316256, W11486361, AP7218603, PS17216730, EAP17216730. This is the cold-side valve only — the companion hot-side valve is sold separately as W11688994.
Common Problems This Part Fixes
- Washer won't fill with cold water while hot water fills normally
- Cold water fills much more slowly than it used to
- Washer overfills or takes on more water than the cycle calls for
- Water trickling or leaking into the drum on the cold side when the washer is off
- F8 E1 or LO FL error code displayed on the control panel
- Cycle stalling at the fill step and never advancing to wash
- Cold-wash or cold-rinse cycles specifically affected while warm/hot cycles run fine
- Water pooling underneath or behind the washer near the cold supply connection
Cross Reference Information
Part numbers can change over a product's lifecycle as manufacturers update designs or release new appliance models. For your convenience, we've included any known superseded, alternate, or cross-reference part numbers that match this item.
Replaces Part Numbers
This washer cold water inlet valve directly replaces the following OEM and cross-reference part numbers:
W11688995, W11316256, W11036930, W11486361, 4983050, PD00086086, FIX17216730, EAP17216730, OEM28874414, AP7218603, AWP46809, PS17216730.
W11486361 and W11316256 were earlier Whirlpool numbers for this same valve, with W11036930 preceding those. If your part number is not listed above, contact our support team before ordering and we will verify compatibility.
Compatibility
This cold water inlet valve is compatible with select Whirlpool-built front-load washers across the Whirlpool family of brands, including:
- Whirlpool front-load washers — WFW series
- Maytag front-load washers — MHW and MFW series (select Whirlpool-built models)
- Amana front-load washers (select models)
- Inglis front-load washers — IFW series (select models)
- Select Kenmore front-load washers built on the Whirlpool platform
Verified model numbers include: 8TWFC6810LW0 (laundry center), IFW5900HW0, IFW5900HW1, IFW5900HW2, IFW5900HW3, IFW5900HW4, MFW7020RF0, MFW7020RU0, MFW7020RW0, MHW5630HC0, MHW5630HC1, MHW5630HC2, MHW5630HC3, MHW5630HW0, MHW5630HW1, MHW5630HW2, MHW5630MBK0, MHW6630HC0 through MHW6630HC3, MHW6630HW0 through MHW6630HW3, MHW6630MBK0, MHW8630HC0 through MHW8630HC3, MHW8630HW0 through MHW8630HW3, WFW560CHW0, WFW560CHW1, WFW560CHW2, WFW5620HW0 through WFW5620HW3, WFW6620HC0 through WFW6620HC2, WFW6620HW0, WFW6620HW1, WFW8620HC0 through WFW8620HC4, WFW8620HW0 through WFW8620HW4, WFW862CHC0, and WFW862CHC1.
Note — cold side only: This is the cold water valve. The matching hot water valve for these same washers is sold separately under part number W11688994. The two are not interchangeable — each is a dedicated single-function valve, and installing this cold valve in place of the hot valve (or vice versa) will not correctly control water temperature. If both valves need replacement, order both part numbers. Always verify your full model number before ordering. Contact our support team with your model number if you're unsure.
Key Features
- Genuine Whirlpool OEM part — factory-specified solenoid, seal, and flow-rate design
- Dedicated cold-only water inlet valve — two internal coils control flow to the cold supply
- Resolves "won't fill with cold water," "fills slowly," "overfills," and "leaking into the drum" symptoms caused by valve failure
- Commonly resolves F8 E1 and LO FL error codes
- 1/2" NPT threaded connections for standard supply line hookups
- Direct drop-in replacement for W11036930, W11316256, and W11486361
- Replaces W11036930, W11316256, W11486361, AP7218603, PS17216730, and EAP17216730
- Compatible with Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, Inglis, and select Kenmore front-load washers
- Genuine OEM replacement — guaranteed fit, materials, and performance
Product Specifications
| Part Number | W11688995 |
| Part Type | Washer Water Inlet Valve — Cold |
| Condition | Genuine OEM |
| Brand | Whirlpool |
| Application | Front-Load Washers (Whirlpool-Built) |
| Voltage | 120V |
| Frequency | 50/60 Hz |
| Coils | 2 (dedicated cold water function) |
| Connection | 1/2 in. NPT threaded |
| Companion Part | W11688994 (hot water valve, sold separately) |
| Supersedes | W11036930, W11316256, W11486361 |
| Quantity | 1 valve |
| Compatible Brands | Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, Inglis, select Kenmore |
Installation Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Cold water won't fill but hot water works fine. Is this the right part?
Yes — that's exactly the symptom pattern this valve addresses. Because your washer uses two separate single-function valves rather than one combined valve, a fault on the cold side only affects cold fills while the hot valve (W11688994) keeps working independently. If cold-specific cycles are the ones failing, this cold valve is the correct part to replace.
Do I need to replace both the hot and cold valves at the same time?
Not necessarily. Since these are independent single-function valves, you only need to replace the one that has actually failed. If only cold fills are affected, replacing this W11688995 valve alone is sufficient. If both hot and cold fills are having problems, or if the valves are original and quite old, some people choose to replace both at once since they're already accessing the same area — but it's not required.
My washer shows an F8 E1 or LO FL error. Does that mean this valve is bad?
It's a strong indicator, but check the basics first. These codes generally mean the control didn't see water reach the expected level within its allotted fill time. Before replacing the valve, confirm the cold supply valve at the wall is fully open, check the inlet screen inside the valve port for sediment or debris, and make sure the cold fill hose isn't kinked. If those check out and cold water still won't fill properly, this valve is the likely cause.
Can I use this valve on the hot water side instead?
No. This is a dedicated cold-water valve, and the hot-water side uses a separate part number, W11688994. The two are built and calibrated for their specific supply line and are not interchangeable — installing the cold valve on the hot side (or vice versa) will not properly control water temperature during the cycle.
Is this an OEM or aftermarket part?
This is a genuine OEM part, manufactured by Whirlpool to factory specifications — guaranteed fit, materials, and performance. It includes the same two-coil solenoid design, seal, and flow-rate calibration as the cold water inlet valve originally installed in your front-load washer.
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