Whirlpool Appliance Repair & Error Code Lookup
Find your Whirlpool washer, dryer, dishwasher, refrigerator, or oven error code below, learn what it means, and know whether it requires immediate attention or a simple reset.
Whirlpool Washing Machines — Error Codes
| Code | What it means | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| LF / F8E1 / Lo FL |
Long Fill / No Water Detected
Water is taking too long to fill the tub. Often caused by turned-off supply valves, kinked fill hoses, or clogged water inlet valve screens.
|
Low |
| Ld / F9E1 |
Long Drain
The washer is taking more than 5 minutes to drain water completely. Indicates a clogged drain pump filter, kinked drain hose, or faulty drain pump motor.
|
Medium |
| Sud / 5d / Sd |
Excessive Detergent Suds
Too much suds detected inside the drum. The machine pauses to let suds dissolve. Caused by non-HE detergent or over-dosing detergent.
|
Low |
| LdL / LdU / F5E2 |
Lid / Door Lock Failure
The washer lid or door switch failed to lock or unlock properly prior to spinning. Can prevent the cycle from starting.
|
Medium |
| uL / OFb / ofb |
Unbalanced Load
The washer load is distributed unevenly, preventing high-speed spin. Pause the cycle, manually redistribute wet clothes, and restart.
|
Low |
| F0E1 / F1E1 |
Main Control Board Error
Primary electronic control unit failure or software glitch. Requires board inspection or full module replacement.
|
High |
If your Whirlpool top-load washer gets stuck on "Sensing" or displays an uL / Sd code, clear the code by pressing Cancel twice. Overusing standard detergent instead of High-Efficiency (HE) detergent is the single most common cause of motor board communication faults on Whirlpool Cabrio and Duet models.
Signs your Whirlpool washer needs professional service
- Loud roaring or grinding noise during the spin cycle (worn tub bearings or stator gear)
- Washer stopping mid-cycle filled with water without attempting to drain
- Door or lid remaining permanently locked after cycle completion
- Water leaking under the unit from the tub seal or drain pump housing
Whirlpool Clothes Dryers — Error Codes
| Code | What it means | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| AF / F4E3 |
Restricted Airflow
Low exhaust airflow detected. Clean the lint screen and inspect the home exhaust vent ductwork for crushed or clogged lines.
|
Medium |
| F3E1 / F3E2 |
Thermistor / Temperature Sensor Open or Shorted
The exhaust thermistor or inlet thermistor circuit is reporting out-of-range temperatures to the main board.
|
Medium |
| F4E4 / L2 |
Low Line Voltage / Missing L2 Leg
The dryer detects no or low power on the 240V L2 power supply line. Check home circuit breakers before calling for service.
|
High |
| PF |
Power Failure
Power supply to the dryer was interrupted mid-cycle. Press Start to resume or Cancel to clear the screen.
|
Low |
| F2E1 |
Stuck Key / Keypad Fault
One of the control panel pushbuttons or touch sensors is continuously engaged. Panel console assembly may need replacement.
|
Medium |
An AF code on Whirlpool dryers indicates restricted vent lines. If ignored, the high thermal cutoff switch will blow to prevent fires, causing the dryer to tumble without producing any heat. Always verify exterior vent flap air flow first.
Signs your Whirlpool dryer needs repair
- Clothes taking 2 to 3 cycles to dry fully despite cleaning the lint trap
- Squeaking, thumping, or high-pitched squealing noises from worn drum rollers or belt idler pulley
- Dryer drum turning but producing zero heat (blown thermal fuse or bad igniter/element)
Whirlpool Dishwashers — Error Codes
| Code | What it means | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| F6E1 / F6E3 |
Water Fill Problem / Inlet Valve Malfunction
Water is not entering the tub fast enough. Check supply stop valve under sink or inspect water inlet valve solenoid.
|
Low |
| F6E4 / F8E4 / FE |
Float Switch / Overfill Leak Detected
Float switch activated or water detected in anti-flood drain tray under the unit base. Automatically initiates drain pump.
|
High |
| F9E1 / F8E1 |
Drain Failure / Slow Drain
Water remained in the sump after drain phase. Check garbage disposal knockout plug, drain hose loop, or pump impeller.
|
Medium |
| F3E2 / F3E1 |
OWI / Thermistor Heating Sensor Fault
Optical Water Indicator or thermistor sensor failure. The controller cannot verify water clarity or temperature during wash.
|
Medium |
| F7E1 / F7E2 |
Diverter Motor Error
Diverter disc motor failing to switch water spray between upper and lower spray arms. Common cause for unwashed top rack dishes.
|
Medium |
If a Whirlpool dishwasher continuously drains and won't start a cycle while flashing F8E4, tilt the unit forward slightly to check if water has pooled in the leak tray underneath. Clearing standing water and fixing the underlying hose clip or pump seal will clear the safety lock.
Signs your Whirlpool dishwasher needs professional attention
- Dishes coming out dirty or gritty due to a failed wash circulation motor or clogged diverter
- Blown thermal fuse causing complete panel blackout with no lights or response
- Water pooling at the bottom of the tub after cycle finishes
Whirlpool Refrigerators — Error Codes
| Code | What it means | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| E1 / E2 |
Fresh Food / Freezer Thermistor Sensor Fault
Internal temperature sensor circuit open or shorted. May cause erratic temperature control or food freezing in fresh food section.
|
Medium |
| E3 / E4 / E5 |
Defrost System Sensor / Heater Fault
Defrost sensor failed to detect evaporator thaw cycle completion. Causes heavy frost accumulation on evaporator coils.
|
High |
| E6 / E7 |
Main Control Board Communication Error
Loss of communication between main control board and front door display user interface PCB.
|
High |
| E9 / HI TEMP |
High Temperature Alarm
Freezer or fresh food compartment temperature has risen above safe storage limits. Check for open doors, failed evaporator fan, or dirty condenser coils.
|
High |
| E0 / EE |
Ice Maker Module Fault
In-door or freezer ice maker motor failed to harvest ice or fill solenoid circuit shorted.
|
Low |
If you see an E9 or hear a beep accompanied by warming in the fridge, check the back panel inside the freezer. Heavy frost buildup covering the air vents indicates a defrost heater or bimetal thermostat failure rather than a compressor breakdown.
Signs your Whirlpool refrigerator needs service
- Clicking sound from the rear base every few minutes (failing compressor relay or motor)
- Water leaking onto the kitchen floor from frozen defrost drain tube under crisper drawers
- Ice maker stopped producing ice or leaking water into the ice bin
Whirlpool Ovens & Ranges — Error Codes
| Code | What it means | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| F1E1 / F1E2 |
Primary Electronic Control Board Fault
Internal memory or relay failure on oven control board (OEC). Power reset recommended.
|
High |
| F2E0 / F2E1 |
Stuck Key / Touchpad Error
A key on the user interface touch glass is continuously depressed or shorted by grease/moisture.
|
Medium |
| F3E0 / F3E1 |
Oven Temperature Sensor (RTD) Open/Shorted
Oven thermistor sensor resistance is out of normal range. Controls cannot gauge cavity heat accurately.
|
Medium |
| F5E0 / F5E1 |
Door Latch Switch Fault
Oven door lock motor switch failed to signal locked or unlocked position during self-clean or lock cycle.
|
High |
Before replacing an expensive control board showing F2E1, turn off breaker power for 5 minutes and clean the touchpad surface thoroughly with a dry microfiber cloth. Touch keys can lock up if moisture gets trapped along the edges of the glass control panel.
Signs your Whirlpool range or oven needs service
- Oven failing to heat up or taking over 30 minutes to reach 350°F
- Bake element glowing red on one side only or visibly blistered/sparking
- Gas burners clicking continuously even after the flame is established
Whirlpool Repair FAQ
How do I reset an error code on my Whirlpool appliance?
In many cases, clearing transient codes can be done by pressing the Cancel or Off button twice. For persistent electronic errors, disconnect power at your home circuit breaker box for 5 to 10 minutes to perform a hard system reboot.
Why is my Whirlpool washer displaying "Sud" or "5d"?
This code means too many foam suds have accumulated in the drum. Avoid non-HE detergent and reduce the amount of detergent used per wash load. The machine will extend its rinse cycle automatically to clear the suds.
Why is my Whirlpool oven door stuck locked after self-cleaning?
High temperatures during self-clean trigger a motorized safety latch. If a thermal safety fuse trips during high heat, the latch motor remains locked. Do not force the door open—call a technician to reset the safety thermostat safely.
Are Whirlpool, Maytag, and KitchenAid parts interchangeable?
Yes! Whirlpool Corporation manufactures Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, and JennAir appliances. Many structural components, water valves, motors, and sensors are shared across these brand families.
Still seeing an error code on your Whirlpool appliance?
Our experienced technicians repair Whirlpool washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and ranges every day. Contact us for fast, local service with genuine factory parts.