Whirlpool washer error codes: what each one means
This table covers confirmed Whirlpool washer codes used on front load and top load washers sold for home laundry use. Match the code on your display, check the safe first step, and stop using the washer if water is overflowing, the lid or door will not release, or a control or voltage code returns.
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Answered by an independent appliance repair company that serves your area. Not a call center.
Whirlpool washer codes may appear on a 2 or 3 digit display, as paired F and E codes, or on no display models as flashing status lights such as Sensing, Wash, Rinse, Spin, and Done. To clear a code, press Pause or Cancel twice and Power once on front load models when that sequence is listed for the model, or unplug the washer for the reset time in the manual, then restart. LOC or LC means control lock, dET means the detergent cartridge is not detected, Int means the cycle was interrupted, and delay hours such as 1h through 12h are status messages rather than failures.
The company will ask for it first. It's on a sticker or metal plate, usually in one of these spots:
- Front-load: on the door frame or inside the door rim
- Top-load: under the lid at the back, or on the back panel
Whirlpool washer error codes
The sources cover front load and top load HE washers; code meanings can vary by model, so older or alternate display codes such as F20, F21, F22, FH, Sd, Sud, rL, drn, and dr are noted where the sources tie them to the same fault.
46 codes
F9 E1 / drn / drThe control detected a long drain or drain pump system problem; older front load models may show F21 or F02.Unplug the washer, check that the drain hose is not kinked, sealed into the standpipe, pushed in too far, or set above the height in the manual.Often a home checkF8 E1 / LF / Lo FLThe washer is taking too long to fill or is not sensing enough incoming water; older front load models may show F20 or FH.Unplug the washer, confirm both hot and cold supply valves are open, and check that the external fill hoses are not kinked.Often a home checkF5 E2 / F22The door or lid did not lock when the washer tried to start.Unplug the washer, remove any clothing or debris at the door or lid strike, then close it firmly and restart.Often a home checkF5 E3The door or lid did not unlock, or the lock could not prove its position.Leave the washer unplugged for 5 minutes, remove weight from the lid on top load models, and wait for any drain or spin action to stop.Often a home checkSud / Sd / F0 E2The control detected too many suds and may add rinses or slow the spin.Let the suds routine finish, then use only HE detergent in a measured amount for the next load.Often a home checkF7 E1The control detected a basket speed or motor speed sensing fault.Unplug the washer, reduce an oversized load, balance bulky items, and confirm shipping bolts were removed on a newly installed front load washer.Often a home checkF8 E3The water level is too high, or the washer sees an overflow or flood condition that can also be caused by foam.Turn off the water valves, unplug the washer, check for heavy suds, and do not run another cycle if water keeps entering.Usually a technicianF0 E3The load is too large or the basket cannot turn as expected.Unplug the washer, remove excess laundry, reload items loosely, and restart the cycle.Often a home checkF0 E5 / F0 E9The washer detected an off balance load or an off balance pause.Pause the cycle if it is safe, redistribute the load evenly, and avoid washing one heavy item by itself.Often a home checkF5 E1The lid or door switch is reporting open when the washer expects it closed.Unplug the washer, check that the lid or door closes fully, and remove any item at the switch area.Often a home checkF5 E4The washer has run repeated cycles without the door or lid being opened, or it cannot sense that opening.Open and close the lid or door, then restart the cycle.Often a home checkF0 E1 / F0 E7 / rLA load was detected during Clean Washer; some front load models may show F34.Remove all items from the basket or drum and restart the Clean Washer cycle.Often a home checkF0 E4The washer detected water that is too hot for the selected part of the cycle or limited spin because of water temperature.Unplug the washer, let water cool if needed, and confirm hot and cold hoses are on the matching valves.Often a home checkF0 E8The control detected too much residual water, called a water ring on some models.Run Drain and Spin, then check the external drain hose for a kink or standpipe issue.Often a home checkF0 E6The control detected a machine orientation fault or an accelerometer mounting issue.Unplug the washer for the reset time in the manual; if the code returns, a technician needs to check the sensor mounting.Usually a technicianF1 E1The main control or main relay has failed a self check.Needs a technician because the main appliance control is reporting an internal control or relay fault.Usually a technicianF1 E2The motor control or drive module detected over voltage or under voltage.Needs a technician because the motor control or drive module voltage fault requires electrical diagnosis.Usually a technicianF1 E3The control detected a model specific control communication, configuration, or accelerometer fault.Needs a technician because this code is model specific and can involve control communication, configuration, or an accelerometer circuit.Usually a technicianF2 E1The user interface detected a stuck button.Unplug the washer, wipe moisture from the control panel, and make sure no button is held down.Often a home checkF2 E2The user interface or HMI connection is missing.Needs a technician because the user interface is not communicating or is disconnected from the main control.Usually a technicianF2 E3The control detected a model specific switch, user interface, or main control mismatch.Needs a technician because the console switches, user interface, or main control may not match or may not have initialized together.Usually a technicianF3 E1The water level or pressure sensor signal is missing or out of range on models that use this code.Needs a technician because the pressure sensor and its air path are internal to the washer.Usually a technicianF3 E2The control detected a model specific pressure system fault or wash thermistor fault.Needs a technician because this code can mean either a pressure system fault or a wash temperature sensor fault by model.Usually a technicianF3 E3The inlet water temperature reading is out of range on models that use this code.Unplug the washer and confirm the hot and cold hoses are connected to the matching valves before restarting.Often a home checkF3 E5This is model specific; it can mean a bulk detergent system fault or a dry temperature sensor fault.Check the model manual. If it ties this code to a Load and Go reservoir, reseat the reservoir; otherwise a technician is needed.Usually a technicianF3 E6The control detected an accelerometer error.Needs a technician because the accelerometer or control circuit requires internal diagnosis.Usually a technicianF4 E1 / F4 E2The washer did not detect the expected wash heater relay action or temperature rise.Needs a technician because the wash heater and heater relay are internal electrical parts.Usually a technicianF6 E1 / F6 E2 / F6 E3The user interface, main control, or motor control is not communicating.Unplug the washer for 5 minutes, then restart and note whether the same communication code returns.Usually a technicianF7 E2The motor control or drive system has reported a fault.Needs a technician because the motor control or drive module is reporting a drive failure, over temperature, or over current condition.Usually a technicianF7 E3Top load models may detect the basket engaged during wash, while some front load tech sheets use this code for a motor control over current fault.Needs a technician because this can involve the shifter, drive system, motor control, or wiring.Usually a technicianF7 E4The basket did not re-engage correctly on models with a shifter.Needs a technician because the shifter or basket engagement system is internal to the washer.Usually a technicianF7 E6The control detected an open motor circuit.Needs a technician because the motor circuit is open and requires internal electrical diagnosis.Usually a technicianF7 E7The motor could not reach the target speed.Unplug the washer, reduce and rebalance the load, then restart; if the code returns, a technician is needed.Often a home checkF7 E8The motor or motor drive module temperature is too high.Needs a technician because the motor or drive module is overheating and internal checks are required.Usually a technicianF7 E9The control detected a locked rotor or a basket that cannot turn.Needs a technician because the drive system is locked or the motor is not moving when commanded.Usually a technicianF7 EA / F7 E10The motor phase signal is lost or the motor is detected as disconnected, depending on model.Needs a technician because the motor phase, motor harness, or motor control must be checked inside the washer.Usually a technicianF7 EC / F7 E12The motor control detected an overload or over current condition.Needs a technician because the motor control overload or over current fault requires internal diagnosis.Usually a technicianF8 E2The dispenser system is not operating correctly on select models.Unplug the washer, remove and rinse the dispenser drawer or cartridge if your model has one, and make sure it is seated.Often a home checkF8 E5The washer detected that hot and cold water supplies are reversed.Unplug the washer and confirm the hot hose is on the hot valve and the cold hose is on the cold valve.Often a home checkF8 E6The washer sensed water in the tub with the lid left open too long.Close the lid, touch Power to clear the display, and do not leave the lid open with water in the tub.Often a home checkF9 E9The control detected wrong voltage.Needs a technician or electrician because the washer detected supply voltage outside the expected range.Usually a technicianPFThe washer detected a power failure or power interruption.Press Power or restart the cycle after confirming the outlet has power.Often a home checkdETThe detergent cartridge is not detected in the dispenser on select front load models.Insert the detergent cartridge fully and close the dispenser drawer, or ignore the message if using single load doses on a model that allows it.Often a home checkLOC / LCControl lock is active and the panel is locked by user setting.Press and hold the model specific Control Lock button until the lock indicator turns off.Often a home checkIntThe cycle was paused or canceled and the washer is stopping or draining.Wait for the washer to stop and drain, then press Pause or Cancel twice and Power once if the display remains.Often a home checkOther F# E#A model specific F code or F and E pair indicates a system fault not covered by the common owner checks.Unplug the washer for 5 minutes, restart, and record the exact code if it returns.Usually a technicianDon'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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How do I clear a Whirlpool washer code?
Press Pause or Cancel twice and Power once on front load models when the manual lists that button sequence, or unplug the washer for the reset time in the manual. If the same code returns, use the table and contact a technician for part or wiring faults.
Why does the code keep coming back after I reset it?
A reset only clears the display; it does not correct water flow, drain, lock, motor, or control faults. Stop using the washer if there is overflow, a burning smell, repeated lock faults, or repeated voltage codes.
Are F20, F21, F22, FH, Sd, and Sud old Whirlpool washer codes?
Yes. Many older front load manuals use those formats, while newer models often show paired F and E codes for similar fill, drain, door lock, and suds conditions.
Can a no display Whirlpool washer show codes with lights?
Yes. Some models use status LEDs to show the F number and the E number; many tech sheets use a binary light pattern rather than simple flash counts.
Still showing the problem after the checks?
Call and describe what you tried. You'll be connected with an independent repair company near you.