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Whirlpool refrigerator error codes: what each one means

This list covers Whirlpool refrigerator display alerts and service-diagnostic codes that could be confirmed from manufacturer support pages and tech sheets. Use it to match the code on the control panel with a safe first step and to see when a technician is the right next step.

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Reading the code

Full-size models show PO, a flashing F, or alternating F and E characters on the dispenser or interior control display; service diagnostics can also store F3, F4, F6, F7, FA and FB codes. To clear a simple alert, unplug or turn off the breaker for one minute, restore power, make sure cooling is on, and for PO press Confirm or Measured Fill under Confirm if your panel shows that prompt. Showroom, Demo, Sabbath, Control Lock, air filter, water filter, H2O and cooling off lights are status or reminder messages rather than part failures, and the exit steps vary by model.

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 refrigerator12
  1. Inside the fresh-food section, on a side wall near the top
  2. Some models: on the ceiling or behind the crisper drawer

Whirlpool refrigerator error codes

Covers Whirlpool full-size French door and side-by-side refrigerator display alerts plus current service-diagnostic codes found in recent French door tech sheets; some older or undercounter models use E1, E2, HI or LO.

32 codes

CodeWhat it meansCheck firstUsually
POThe refrigerator lost power and the frozen food section warmed enough to trigger the power outage alert.Check food temperature and door closure, then press Confirm or Measured Fill under Confirm to acknowledge the outage.Often a home check
FThe control is showing a flashing F fault and the owner reset step may clear a temporary control error.Unplug the refrigerator for one minute, restore power, make sure cooling is on, and watch for the code for one minute.Often a home check
F3E1 / F3 E1The control detected a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor fault.Unplug for one minute and restore power; if the code returns, a technician needs to diagnose the sensor circuit.Usually a technician
F3E2 / F3 E2The control detected a frozen food section temperature sensor fault.Unplug for one minute and restore power; if the code returns, a technician needs to diagnose the sensor circuit.Usually a technician
F8E1 / F8 E1The control is reporting a flashing F fault, but the owner-facing instructions do not identify a separate component for this code.Unplug for one minute and restore power; if the code returns, a technician needs to diagnose the flashing F fault by model.Usually a technician
F8E2 / F8 E2The control is reporting a flashing F fault, but the owner-facing instructions do not identify a separate component for this code.Unplug for one minute and restore power; if the code returns, a technician needs to diagnose the flashing F fault by model.Usually a technician
F8E3 / F8 E3The control is reporting a flashing F fault, but the owner-facing instructions do not identify a separate component for this code.Unplug for one minute and restore power; if the code returns, a technician needs to diagnose the flashing F fault by model.Usually a technician
F6E1 / F6 E1The control detected a communication failure between the main appliance control and the user interface.Unplug for one minute and restore power; if the code returns, a technician needs to check communication between the controls.Usually a technician
F4E1 / F4 E1The control detected a frozen food section or main evaporator heater fault.Unplug for one minute and restore power; if the code returns, a technician needs to diagnose the heater circuit.Usually a technician
F7E1 / F7 E1The control detected that the compressor is not functioning.Unplug for one minute and restore power; if the code returns, a technician needs to diagnose the compressor system.Usually a technician
F3E4 / F3 E4The control detected a frozen food section or main evaporator inlet sensor fault.Unplug for one minute and restore power; if the code returns, a technician needs to diagnose the evaporator sensor circuit.Usually a technician
F3E8 / F3 E8The control detected an external relative humidity sensor fault.Unplug for one minute and restore power; if the code returns, a technician needs to diagnose the humidity sensor circuit.Usually a technician
F3E9 / F3 E9The control detected an ambient temperature sensor fault.Unplug for one minute and restore power; if the code returns, a technician needs to diagnose the ambient sensor circuit.Usually a technician
F3EC / F3 ECThe control is reporting a flashing F fault, but the owner-facing instructions do not identify a separate component for this code.Unplug for one minute and restore power; if the code returns, a technician needs to diagnose the flashing F fault by model.Usually a technician
F8E8 / F8 E8The control is reporting a flashing F fault, but the owner-facing instructions do not identify a separate component for this code.Unplug for one minute and restore power; if the code returns, a technician needs to diagnose the flashing F fault by model.Usually a technician
F8EC / F8 ECThe control is reporting a flashing F fault, but the owner-facing instructions do not identify a separate component for this code.Unplug for one minute and restore power; if the code returns, a technician needs to diagnose the flashing F fault by model.Usually a technician
F4E2 / F4 E2The control detected a refrigerator compartment or evaporator heater fault.Unplug for one minute and restore power; if the code returns, a technician needs to diagnose the heater circuit.Usually a technician
FAE1The control detected a refrigerator evaporator fan fault.Unplug for one minute and move food away from interior air vents; if the code returns, a technician needs to diagnose the fan.Usually a technician
FAE2The control detected a frozen section evaporator fan fault.Unplug for one minute and move food away from interior air vents; if the code returns, a technician needs to diagnose the fan.Usually a technician
FAEBThe control detected a damper 1 fault, blocked air duct or air leakage fault.Unplug for one minute and move food away from interior air vents; if the code returns, a technician needs to diagnose the damper system.Usually a technician
FAECThe control detected a damper 2 fault, blocked pantry duct or air leakage fault.Unplug for one minute and move food away from interior air vents; if the code returns, a technician needs to diagnose the damper system.Usually a technician
FBE1The control detected an ice box sensor fault.Unplug for one minute and restore power; if the code returns, a technician needs to diagnose the ice box sensor circuit.Usually a technician
FBE2The control detected an ice maker temperature sensor 1 fault.Unplug for one minute and restore power; if the code returns, a technician needs to diagnose the ice maker temperature sensor circuit.Usually a technician
FBEBThe control detected an ice maker temperature sensor 2 fault.Unplug for one minute and restore power; if the code returns, a technician needs to diagnose the ice maker temperature sensor circuit.Usually a technician
F3EBThe control detected a pantry or convertible compartment temperature sensor fault.Unplug for one minute and restore power; if the code returns, a technician needs to diagnose the pantry or convertible compartment sensor circuit.Usually a technician
F3E3 / F3 E3The control detected a convertible compartment temperature sensor fault.Unplug for one minute and restore power; if the code returns, a technician needs to diagnose the convertible compartment sensor circuit.Usually a technician
F3E5 / F3 E5The control detected a frozen section evaporator outlet sensor fault.Unplug for one minute and restore power; if the code returns, a technician needs to diagnose the evaporator sensor circuit.Usually a technician
F3E6 / F3 E6The control detected a refrigerator compartment or evaporator inlet sensor fault.Unplug for one minute and restore power; if the code returns, a technician needs to diagnose the evaporator sensor circuit.Usually a technician
F3E7 / F3 E7The control detected a convertible compartment evaporator inlet sensor fault.Unplug for one minute and restore power; if the code returns, a technician needs to diagnose the convertible compartment evaporator sensor circuit.Usually a technician
E1On some undercounter refrigerators and wine cellars, Whirlpool documents E1 as a resettable error without naming a specific component in the owner-facing instructions.Unplug the undercounter refrigerator or wine cellar for one minute, restore power, and verify operation.Often a home check
E2On some undercounter refrigerators, Whirlpool documents E2 as a resettable error without naming a specific component in the owner-facing instructions.Unplug the undercounter refrigerator for one minute, restore power, and verify operation.Often a home check
HI / LOOn some undercounter refrigerators, Whirlpool documents HI or LO as a resettable error without naming a specific component in the owner-facing instructions.Unplug the undercounter refrigerator for one minute, restore power, and verify operation.Often a home check

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 refrigerator error code?

Unplug the refrigerator or turn off its breaker for one minute, then restore power and make sure cooling is on. If the code returns, write it down before another reset.

What if the same code keeps coming back?

A returning F, F3, F4, F6, F7, FA or FB code usually needs a technician because diagnosis uses service mode and component testing. Do not open panels or test live circuits.

Do older and newer Whirlpool refrigerators use the same codes?

No. Some models show only PO, a flashing F, filter reminders or mode lights, while newer French door models may store detailed service codes such as F3E1, F4E1, F6E1 and FAE1.

Are E1 and E2 the same as F3 sensor codes?

Not necessarily. Whirlpool lists E1 and E2 for some undercounter refrigerators and wine cellars, while full-size French door models use F style codes, so match the code to the exact model family.

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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