Whirlpool dishwasher error codes: what each one means

This table covers Whirlpool dishwasher fault codes found in owner manuals, support pages, service tech sheets, and parts references for models sold in the U.S. Use the code on the display or the two blink groups to find the likely system, then start with the safe check listed. Unplug the dishwasher before touching filters, hoses, or any wet area.

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Reading the code

Display models usually show a code such as F8E4 or H2O; models without a display can blink the Clean or front status light in two groups, where the first group is the F number and the second group is the E number. To clear a code, press Cancel if your model instructions say to, then unplug the dishwasher or turn off its breaker for 60 seconds before trying a cycle again. A padlock or Control Lock light, KCF or Sabbath style mode, and sales demo mode are status settings rather than faults; Control Lock usually clears by holding the labeled key for about 3 seconds, and KCF exits with Cancel or after 75 hours on models that include it.

Have the model number ready

The company will ask for it first. It's on a sticker or metal plate, usually in one of these spots:

Open the door: on the left or right edge of the tub or door
Some models: on the top edge of the door

Whirlpool dishwasher error codes

Most current built in models use F#E# codes or two blink groups, but older HE platforms and some newer manuals assign a few codes differently, so the model specific manual or tech sheet overrides any general list.

35 codes

CodeWhat it meansCheck firstUsually

F8E4The control detected water in the drip tray, an overfill condition, or a leak related float signal.Turn off the water supply if you can. If you can't shut off the water, keep the door closed, press Cancel once if your model has it, and don't turn off power. Do not reach into any wiring area.Often a home check

F9E1On many newer models this means long drain or not draining; on some older controls F9E1 can mean the diverter position was not detected.Unplug the dishwasher, clean the filter, check the visible drain hose for kinks, and confirm the sink drain or disposer inlet is clear.Often a home check

H2OThe dishwasher paused because it did not detect water entering the tub.Make sure the water supply valve is open, the fill hose is not kinked, and the door is fully latched before pressing Start again.Often a home check

F7E1The control detected no heat on some service sheets, while some newer manuals group F7E1 with wash motor failure.Needs a technician because heater or wash motor checks require internal electrical testing and parts access.Usually a technician

F7E2Common support pages describe a wash motor error, while some service sheets use F7E2 for a heater stuck on condition.Power cycle the dishwasher once; if the code returns, needs a technician because the wash motor, heater relay, or control may be involved depending on model.Usually a technician

F6E1Depending on model, the control detected a user interface communication fault or a low water fill condition.Power cycle the dishwasher and check that the water supply is on, then stop if the same code returns.Usually a technician

F8E5The fill valve appears to be stuck open or energized when it should be off.Turn off the water supply if accessible, press Cancel once if your model has it, and keep the door closed. If you can't shut off the water, turn off power and contact a technician.Usually a technician

F1E1The control detected an internal control fault, a pilot relay stuck on, or a fill valve control fault depending on the model.If water is entering, turn off the water supply if accessible and keep the door closed. Otherwise power cycle once; if the code returns, needs a technician.Usually a technician

F2E1A keypad button appears stuck or the console is reporting a key error.Unplug the dishwasher, make sure no button is held down by debris or a warped overlay, then restore power.Often a home check

F2E2The main control is not getting the expected response from the user interface.Power cycle the dishwasher once; if the controls remain dead or the code returns, needs a technician because the user interface and main control must be checked.Usually a technician

F6E3The control detected suds or air in the pump, often from the wrong detergent or too much detergent.Unplug the dishwasher, scoop out visible suds with a plastic cup, and restart later with only automatic dishwasher detergent.Often a home check

F6E4The inlet water float switch is reading open or has been actuated by overfill, leveling, or debris.Unplug the dishwasher, remove any item blocking the float inside the tub, and confirm the dishwasher is not obviously tilted.Often a home check

F8E1On current support pages F8E1 can pair with H2O for no water detected, while older HE lists use it for slow drain.Check both fill and drain basics, water supply on, no fill hose kink, clean filter, and no visible drain hose kink.Often a home check

F8E2Depending on model, the control detected a fill valve electrical error or a drain motor electrical problem.Power cycle the dishwasher once; check only for visible water at the front, a clogged filter, or a visible drain hose kink. If it returns, needs a technician because the fill or drain circuit is internal.Usually a technician

F9E2Common support pages describe a drain motor error, while some service sheets use F9E2 for a diverter stuck on condition.Unplug the dishwasher, clean the filter and check the drain hose path you can see; if the code returns, needs a technician.Usually a technician

F4E3This code is listed as a heating error on some support pages and as wash motor not running on some service sheets.Needs a technician because this code can involve the wash motor, heater, or control circuit depending on the model.Usually a technician

F3E2The thermistor or optical water indicator sensor circuit is shorted or otherwise out of range.Power cycle the dishwasher once; if it returns, needs a technician because the thermistor or optical water indicator is internal.Usually a technician

F1E2The control detected a main control communication error, control software issue, or motor controller failure depending on model.Power cycle the dishwasher once; if the code returns, needs a technician because the main control or motor controller is implicated.Usually a technician

F4E2This code is listed as a heating system fault on some current pages and as a circulation pump communication fault on older HE lists.Needs a technician because this can require circulation pump, heater, harness, and control diagnosis inside the dishwasher.Usually a technician

F4E1Older HE lists use this for a communication problem between the main control and circulation pump motor.Needs a technician because pump communication checks require internal harness and control testing.Usually a technician

F9E5 / FAE5 / F10E5The control detected a diverter leak or water under the dishwasher, depending on the model.Unplug the dishwasher, turn off the water supply if accessible, and check only for visible water on the floor or at the front edge.Usually a technician

FAE4 / F10E4The control detected a diverter valve error.Power cycle the dishwasher once; if the code returns, needs a technician because the diverter valve system is internal.Usually a technician

F3E1The thermistor or optical water indicator sensor circuit is open or not being read by the control.Needs a technician because the thermistor or optical water indicator circuit must be checked inside the dishwasher.Usually a technician

F3E3The thermistor or optical water indicator failed calibration.Run a normal empty rinse only if the tub is clear and draining; if the code returns, needs a technician because sensor calibration and drain backflow checks are model specific.Usually a technician

F5E1The control thinks the door is stuck open or did not close within the expected time.Unplug the dishwasher, remove anything keeping the door from closing, then latch the door firmly before restarting.Often a home check

F5E2The control thinks the door is stuck closed or did not see the expected door switch change.Unplug the dishwasher, open and close the door normally once, and call a technician if the code remains or the latch does not move normally.Usually a technician

F6E2The inlet water fill valve has an electrical problem.Needs a technician because the fill valve electrical circuit is inside the machine.Usually a technician

F6E6Older HE controls use this when incoming water is too cold for the selected cycle.Run the hot water at the nearby sink before starting a cycle and confirm the home water heater is set normally.Often a home check

F6E7The flow meter signal is missing, disconnected, or out of range.Needs a technician because the flow meter and its wiring are internal.Usually a technician

F6E8The water softener regeneration valve circuit has a problem on models with that feature.Needs a technician because this applies to water softener equipped models and involves an internal regeneration valve.Usually a technician

F8E3The drain circuit appears stuck on.Needs a technician because a drain relay or drain motor circuit that stays energized is an internal electrical fault.Usually a technician

F9E3The control detected a missing diverter disc on models that use that diverter design.Needs a technician because the diverter disc or diverter drive system must be inspected inside the sump area.Usually a technician

F10E1 / FAE1The detergent dispenser circuit has an electrical problem or dispenser failure.Confirm the detergent cup is not blocked by dishes or packed with hardened detergent; if clear and the code returns, needs a technician.Usually a technician

FAE2Older HE lists use this for a vent wax motor electrical fault.Needs a technician because the vent wax motor circuit is inside the door or vent assembly.Usually a technician

F10E3 / FAE3The drying fan circuit or fan motor has reported an error.Needs a technician because drying fan diagnosis requires internal access and electrical checks.Usually a technician

Don't see your symptom?

Describe it on the phone. The company on the other end works on these every day and will know what to ask.

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Common questions about appliance repair

How do I reset a Whirlpool dishwasher error code?

Press Cancel if your model uses that key, then disconnect power for 60 seconds by unplugging it or turning off the breaker. If the same code returns, use the table to decide whether a safe homeowner check applies or a technician is needed.

Why does the same code keep coming back?

A returning code means the control still detects the same condition after the reset. Do not keep running the dishwasher if the code points to a leak, overfill, stuck fill valve, heater, or motor fault.

Why do older and newer Whirlpool dishwasher code lists disagree?

Whirlpool has used different dishwasher controls, so a few codes can point to different systems by model family. When a model specific tech sheet or owner manual gives a different meaning, use that model specific meaning.

Are Control Lock, demo mode, or KCF Mode error codes?

No. They are status settings that can make the controls seem unresponsive, and they should be cleared with the model's normal key sequence before treating the dishwasher as failed.

Still showing the problem after the checks?

Call and describe what you tried. You'll be connected with an independent repair company near you.

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Whirlpool dishwasher error codes: what each one means

Whirlpool dishwasher error codes

Don't see your symptom?

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Still showing the problem after the checks?