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Whirlpool dryer error codes: what each one means

This table covers common Whirlpool electronic dryer display codes used on many residential vented, steam, Duet, Cabrio, front load, and some commercial electronic-control models. Match the exact code on your display, try only the safe first check shown, and use the model tech sheet when a code format differs.

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Reading the code

Whirlpool electronic dryers show codes in the time display, often as F# E#, F:##, PF, L2, AF, Loc, or a Check Vent light. To clear a temporary code, press Power or Start as shown on the display, or unplug the dryer or turn off the dryer breaker for 1 minute; if an F code returns, it needs diagnosis. Loc is Control Lock, and Check Vent or AF is an airflow alert rather than a failed dryer part.

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:

Where the model tag usually is on a dryer12
  1. Inside the door opening, on the frame
  2. Some models: on the back panel

Whirlpool dryer error codes

Older Duet style dryers often use F:## codes such as F22 and F23, while newer electronic models usually show F# E# codes such as F3 E1.

33 codes

CodeWhat it meansCheck firstUsually
AF / F4 E3 / F30Restricted airflow is detected, usually from a clogged lint screen, blocked vent, crushed vent run, or too many turns.Clean the lint screen, check the visible vent hose for crushing or kinks, and make sure the outside hood is clear.Often a home check
L2 / F4 E4 / F31The dryer detected low or missing L2 line voltage, so the motor may run while the heater cannot turn on.Confirm both dryer breakers are fully on and, for cord connected electric models, confirm the plug is seated.Often a home check
PFPower was interrupted while the dryer was running. Full guide →Press Start to continue the cycle or Power to clear the display after the power returns.Often a home check
LocControl Lock is enabled and the keypad is locked by design.Hold Control Lock for 3 seconds, or use the button named on your console.Often a home check
F1 E1The control detected an internal control, motor relay, heater relay, or connector fault, depending on the model family.Needs a technician because the main control, heater relay, or motor relay diagnosis is inside the dryer cabinet.Usually a technician
F01Older Duet style controls use F01 for a primary control failure. Full guide →Needs a technician because this usually points to the machine control electronics.Usually a technician
F1 E3The control detected a control unit, associated wiring, or incorrect controller issue.Needs a technician because the control unit and wiring must be checked against the exact model parts list.Usually a technician
F2 E1 / F02A keypad button is sensed as stuck, or the user interface does not match the control on older models.Unplug the dryer, make sure no button is being held by moisture or debris on the console, then restore power.Often a home check
F3 E1 / F22 / F23The exhaust or outlet thermistor circuit is open, shorted, or reading out of range.Needs a technician because confirming an open or shorted thermistor requires internal circuit testing.Usually a technician
F3 E3 / F24 / F25The inlet thermistor circuit is open, shorted, or reading out of range.Needs a technician because the inlet thermistor circuit is inside the dryer and must be tested with power disconnected.Usually a technician
F3 E2 / F28 / F29The moisture sensor strip circuit is open or shorted; on many models this appears only in diagnostics.Wipe the moisture sensor bars inside the drum with a damp cloth and dry them, then retry a sensor cycle.Often a home check
F4 E1 / F20The control did not detect expected voltage at the heater relay or heater connector circuit.Needs a technician because the heater relay and heater circuit are internal high voltage parts.Usually a technician
F4 E2The control did not detect expected voltage at heater relay 2 or its connector circuit.Needs a technician because this code involves the second heater relay circuit on electric models.Usually a technician
F4 E5The dryer temperature limit was exceeded, often from poor airflow or an airflow component problem.Stop heated drying and check for a clogged lint screen or blocked visible vent before a technician inspects the high limit and airflow parts.Usually a technician
F5 E1The door switch circuit is not reading correctly.Unplug the dryer, remove clothing caught at the door, and close the door firmly before restarting.Often a home check
F6 E1 / F6 E2 / F6 E3The appliance control and user interface are not communicating.Needs a technician because the user interface, main control, and communication harness are internal parts.Usually a technician
F70 / F71The machine control and console electronics are not communicating.Needs a technician because older controls use these codes for lost communication between electronic assemblies.Usually a technician
F72 through F78Older controls use this range for console electronics failure.Needs a technician because the console electronics usually must be tested or replaced.Usually a technician
F1 E4The dryer detected an HMI fault on models that use this code.Needs a technician because the human machine interface and control board power must be checked inside the console.Usually a technician
F1 E5The control detected invalid settings memory.Needs a technician because the control memory or programmed settings must be verified with model specific parts.Usually a technician
F1 E6The dryer detected a voltage input fault at the control system.Confirm the dryer has steady household power, then have a technician diagnose it if the code returns.Usually a technician
F2 E3The user interface and appliance control are not matched correctly.Needs a technician because the user interface and main control must be matched to the model.Usually a technician
F2 E4The user interface software has an incompatible settings file.Needs a technician because the user interface software or settings file must be corrected with model specific parts.Usually a technician
F2 E5The user interface settings memory is missing, invalid, or corrupted.Needs a technician because the user interface settings memory is invalid.Usually a technician
F3 E5A second moisture sensor strip is open or shorted on models equipped with that sensor.Wipe the moisture sensor bars if accessible, then have a technician diagnose it if the code returns.Usually a technician
F50The steam water valve relay circuit did not detect expected voltage.Needs a technician because this code points to the steam water valve relay, wiring, or control circuit inside the dryer.Usually a technician
FC E1The control does not have the model or serial information programmed.Needs a technician because the stored model and serial programming must be checked in the control menus.Usually a technician
FC E2The model and serial data stored in the control do not match.Needs a technician because the programmed model and serial data must match the machine.Usually a technician
FC E4The control detected a USB storage fault on models that support USB setup or updates.Remove any USB device from the control area if the model has one, then have a technician check the control if it returns.Usually a technician
FC E5A software update failed or did not match the machine model.Needs a technician because the software file and model programming must be verified.Usually a technician
FC E6 / FC E7The machine setup export or import failed on models that support USB setup.Needs a technician because the setup file transfer and model programming must be checked.Usually a technician
F7 E6 / F26The motor circuit or motor drive system reported a fault.Unplug the dryer, reduce a heavy load, and retry; if the code returns, a technician should inspect the drive system.Usually a technician
F7 E8The motor sense circuit detected an abnormal motor signal, belt switch issue, or motor protection trip.Unplug the dryer and remove an overloaded or jammed load before trying again.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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Other Whirlpool dryer problems

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A Whirlpool dryer that won't spin usually has an open start circuit, a broken drive belt, or a jammed drum support…

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Whirlpool dryer not drying: what it means and what to check

A Whirlpool dryer not drying means the machine either isn't making heat or the heated air isn't moving through the drum…

Read the fix →

Common questions about appliance repair

Can I reset a Whirlpool dryer code?

Yes. Press Power to clear simple messages, or unplug the dryer or turn off the dryer breaker for 1 minute. For F codes, don't keep resetting the dryer; if the code returns, a technician should diagnose it.

Why does AF or Check Vent come back after I clean the lint screen?

The blockage may be in the vent hose, wall duct, outside hood, or a crushed section behind the dryer. Avoid heated cycles until airflow is corrected.

Are older F22 and newer F3 E1 codes the same issue?

They point to the same general system on many models: the exhaust or outlet thermistor circuit. Use the exact code format and the model tech sheet because Whirlpool reused code numbers on different platforms.

Is Loc a dryer fault code?

No. Loc means Control Lock is on, so the controls are intentionally locked until you hold the Control Lock button for the time shown in the guide.

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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