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Whirlpool Dishwasher Error Codes

All Whirlpool dishwasher error codes with step-by-step troubleshooting, multimeter specs, and OEM part numbers.

47 error codes

CodeMeaning
4-34 blinks, pause, 3 blinks - water heating fault on pre-2010 Whirlpool dishwashers using blink-code diagnostics instead of alphanumeric display codes
moderatebeginner
BEEPINGRepeated beeping from the dishwasher after or during a cycle - end-of-cycle notification, error code alert, door-open warning, or control board communication fault
lowbeginner
CLEAN-BLINKThe Clean light is flashing after a cycle -- the sanitize or cycle completion condition was not properly met, or the cycle was interrupted
lowbeginner
CONTROL-LOCKControl Lock (child lock) is engaged on the control panel - all buttons except Power are disabled to prevent accidental operation
lowbeginner
DIAG-MODEService diagnostic mode -- a hidden self-test sequence that activates all components and displays stored fault codes not shown during normal operation
lowbeginner
DOOR-WONT-CLOSEThe dishwasher door will not latch closed - preventing any cycle from starting, caused by a misaligned latch strike, broken latch assembly, or overloaded bottom rack preventing door swing
moderatebeginner
E1 F1A relay on the main control board has failed - stuck open or closed - preventing a critical circuit from being switched correctly
highadvanced
E1 F6Water inlet fault - same fault as F6 E1 displayed in reversed code order on certain model variants
moderatebeginner
E1 F9Drain cycle did not complete within the allowed time -- the pump ran but water level failed to drop fast enough
moderatebeginner
E2 F2Water entering or inside the dishwasher did not reach the minimum expected temperature within the heating window -- could indicate a cold supply issue or a failed heating assembly
moderateintermediate
E4The NTC thermistor (water temperature sensor) is reading outside the expected resistance range -- either an open circuit, shorted sensor, or actual water temperature extreme
moderateintermediate
F4 E3The thermal protection fuse has tripped or blown due to an overheat condition - the dishwasher shuts down to prevent damage to the tub or surrounding cabinetry
highintermediate
F6 E1Water did not reach the required fill level within the allotted time - inlet valve failed to open, supply pressure is too low, or the valve screen is blocked
moderatebeginner
F7 E1The heating element circuit has failed - element burned out, heater relay on the control board has failed, or the thermistor is reporting no temperature rise
highintermediate
F8The control board lost communication with the wash motor control circuit - a signal-level fault rather than a full motor hardware failure
highintermediate
F8 E4Wash motor circuit fault -- the motor failed to start, drew a current spike, or the motor control relay on the board has failed
highintermediate
F9 E1Drain cycle exceeded its allowed time limit -- pump ran but water did not evacuate the tub fast enough
moderatebeginner
FA E4The door latch or door switch is sending an incorrect signal to the motor control circuit - the dishwasher interprets the door as open or latched improperly while a motor command is active
moderateintermediate
H2OThe fill sensor or float switch did not register water entering the tub - the inlet valve may not have opened or the sensor failed to detect the fill
moderatebeginner
HUBHub page covering all Whirlpool dishwasher error codes across both modern F/E format and older blink-code format models
lowbeginner
LEAKINGA Whirlpool dishwasher leaking has specific causes related to Whirlpool's design and component choices.
mediumintermediate
LIGHTS-FLASHMultiple control panel lights flashing in a pattern -- used by older models as the diagnostic code system, or indicating a fault condition on newer models
lowbeginner
NOISECauses and Fixes
mediumintermediate
NORMAL-BLINKThe Normal cycle button or indicator is flashing - typically indicates a cycle was interrupted, a fault was detected during a Normal cycle, or the control board is in a fault-signaling state
lowbeginner
NOT-CLEANINGDishes coming out dirty, with food residue, or with a film - caused by spray arm blockage, detergent issues, clogged filter, or inadequate water temperature
lowbeginner
NOT-DRAININGA Whirlpool dishwasher not draining has specific causes related to Whirlpool's design and component choices.
mediumintermediate
NOT-DRYINGA Whirlpool dishwasher not drying dishes has specific causes related to Whirlpool's design and component choices.
mediumintermediate
NOT-FILLINGThe dishwasher starts a cycle but no water enters the tub -- inlet valve fault, supply issue, or float switch stuck
moderatebeginner
NOT-FILLINGInlet Valve, Float, and Supply Fixes
mediumintermediate
NOT-HEATINGThe dishwasher completes cycles but water stays cold and dishes come out wet - heating element, thermostat, or control board heater relay fault
moderateintermediate
NOT-SPINNINGThe upper or lower spray arms are not rotating during the wash cycle, resulting in dishes that come out with food still on them or cloudy with detergent residue. Water is present in the tub but is not being distributed.
mediumbeginner
NOT-SPINNINGSpray arms are stationary during the wash cycle - blocked by a dish, clogged jet holes, or insufficient water pressure from the wash motor
lowbeginner
NOT-SPRAYINGWater enters the tub but the spray arms are not rotating and spraying - caused by blocked spray arm holes, a failed wash motor, or the spray arms being physically obstructed
moderatebeginner
NOT-STARTINGDishwasher does not begin a cycle when Start is pressed - could be door latch, control lock, power supply, or delayed start setting
lowbeginner
QUIET-PARTNERThe Whirlpool Quiet Partner series refers to noise-rated dishwasher lines from Quiet Partner I through Quiet Partner V - this is not an error code but a product line identifier
lowbeginner
RED-LIGHTA red light on a Whirlpool dishwasher can indicate a running cycle indicator, a sanitize status light, a door open warning, or a fault indicator depending on the model and its position
lowbeginner
RESETSoft reset, hard reset, and service mode reset procedures for all Whirlpool dishwasher models
lowbeginner
SANITIZE-BLINKThe Sanitize indicator is flashing after a cycle - the water did not reach or maintain the required 150F sanitize temperature for the NSF-required duration
lowbeginner
SELF-STARTThe dishwasher starts a cycle without being intentionally activated - caused by Delay Start timer expiring, a stuck relay on the control board, or a malfunctioning touchpad
lowbeginner
SMELLUnpleasant odors from the dishwasher tub - caused by food debris in the filter, biofilm in the sump, mold in the door gasket, or a drain that is not clearing fully
lowbeginner
START-BLINKThe Start or Start/Pause button is flashing - indicates the cycle is paused, waiting for door closure, or a fault has paused operation and the unit is requesting a user response
lowbeginner
STOPS-MID-CYCLEThe dishwasher halts partway through a wash, rinse, or dry cycle - sometimes with a blinking light, sometimes silently. The machine has detected a fault condition or lost power mid-run and entered a pause state.
mediumbeginner
TROUBLESHOOTComprehensive troubleshooting guide covering the most common Whirlpool dishwasher problems: error codes, no start, no water, no drain, no heat, and poor cleaning
lowbeginner
WONT-DRAINStanding water remains in the tub at cycle end - drain pump ran but water did not fully evacuate, or pump did not run at all
moderatebeginner
WONT-DRYDishes come out wet after the drying cycle - heating element fault, rinse aid dispenser empty, or Heated Dry option not selected
lowbeginner
WONT-STARTA Whirlpool dishwasher won't start has specific causes related to Whirlpool's design and component choices.
mediumintermediate
WONT-TURN-ONThe dishwasher shows no signs of life when the power button is pressed - no lights, no beeps, no motor hum. This indicates the appliance is not receiving power, the door latch is not fully engaged, or the control board has failed.
highbeginner