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Whirlpool Dishwasher E2 F2 Error Code: Water Temperature Too Low

Quick Answer

E2 F2 on a Whirlpool dishwasher means the water temperature is reading below the minimum threshold the DTM control board expects during the wash or preheat phase. Before replacing any parts, run the hot water tap at the kitchen sink for 30-60 seconds before starting the dishwasher. If your water heater is far from the kitchen, the first several gallons of supply water may be cold enough to trigger this code.

E2 F2 on a Whirlpool dishwasher means the water temperature is reading below the minimum threshold the DTM control board expects during the wash or preheat phase. Before replacing any parts, run the hot water tap at the kitchen sink for 30-60 seconds before starting the dishwasher. If your water heater is far from the kitchen, the first several gallons of supply water may be cold enough to trigger this code. If preheating the tap does not resolve it, the in-line heater assembly or the thermistor should be tested.

WhirlpoolDishwasherSeverity: moderateDifficulty: intermediate82% DIY Success
Time to Fix
20–60 min
Difficulty
intermediate
Parts Cost
$12 – $65
Tools Needed
Multimeter, Torx T20 screwdriver

What Does the E2 F2 Code Mean?

Water temperature fell below the control board's minimum threshold. A cold supply line (common in large homes) can trigger this without any hardware failure. Always run the kitchen hot tap before diagnosing hardware.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Cold water supply line (water heater far from kitchen)40%
Heater assembly failed or burned out24%
Control board not energizing the heater relay22%
Thermistor reading low due to failure14%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • E2 F2 displayed during main wash cycle
  • Water noticeably cold to the touch during or after cycle
  • Dishes not cleaned well despite running a full cycle
  • Code appears consistently in cold months or early morning

Can you reset a Whirlpool dishwasher to clear the E2 F2 code?

Hold Cancel/Drain for 3 seconds to clear E2 F2. If the issue was a cold supply line, no reset is needed beyond clearing the code; simply run the hot tap first going forward.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

MultimeterTorx T20 screwdriverFlathead screwdriver

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

1

Before any hardware test

Before any hardware test: go to the kitchen sink, turn on the hot tap, and let it run for 30-60 seconds until the water is genuinely hot to the touch. Then start the dishwasher immediately. If E2 F2 disappears, the supply line was cold -- this is an installation or water heater issue, not a dishwasher fault.

2

Disconnect power

3

Test the thermistor (W10057581) by disconnecting it and

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name
Heater AssemblyW10518394 · $35–$65
NTC ThermistorW10057581 · $12–$22

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs
Labor Approach
Our Verdict
REPAIR
Estimated Cost: $39 (Parts) vs $700 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should my home water heater be set to for a Whirlpool dishwasher?
Whirlpool recommends the household water heater be set to at least 120F (49C). If the dishwasher has a built-in heater (most DTM models do), the machine can boost water temperature further, but it needs a warm starting point.
Can E2 F2 damage the dishwasher if ignored?
Repeated cycles with cold water accelerate limescale buildup on the heating element and tub walls, which can shorten heater lifespan. Address the root cause rather than repeatedly clearing the code.

Related Whirlpool Dishwasher Error Codes

Code: E4Whirlpool Dishwasher E4 Error Code: Thermistor FaultCode: F7 E1Whirlpool Dishwasher F7 E1 Error Code: Heater Circuit FaultCode: 4-3Whirlpool Dishwasher 4-3 Blink Code: Water Heating Fault on Older Models

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Whirlpool shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

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Models Known to Experience E2 F2 Errors

This repair applies to most Whirlpool dishwashers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

WDT780SAEM, WDF550SAHZ, WDT730PAHZ, WDT750SAHZ, WDT970SAHZ, WDF518SAHM, WDT720PADE

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026