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ErrBase

Whirlpool Washer Error Codes

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

52 error codes

CodeMeaning
5DThe washer detected excessive foam in the tub. This is a safety pause, not a mechanical failure. The machine suspends the cycle and runs extra rinse passes to clear the suds.
lowbeginner
CABRIO-HUBF7E1, F5E2, F51, LOC Complete Guide
mediumbeginner
CLEAR-CODESClearing error codes on a Whirlpool washer removes stored fault codes from the control board memory. However, clearing codes does not fix the underlying fault - if the condition persists, the code returns immediately after clearing.
lowbeginner
DOOR-LOCKEDFront Load and Top Load Fixes
mediumintermediate
DUET-HUBF21, F20, F9E1, E1F9 Complete Guide
mediumbeginner
E1E1 on a Whirlpool washer is a sub-code that appears in combination with an F-code prefix. The E1 means 'sub-fault 1' within a fault category. However, some Whirlpool displays show only E1 when the F-code has scrolled off screen. The most common E1 combinations are F3 E1 (temperature sensor), F7 E1 (motor), F8 E1 (water), and F5 E1 (door lock wiring).
mediumbeginner
E2E2 on a Whirlpool washer is a sub-code that appears with various F-code prefixes. Like E1, it is the second part of a two-part code. The most common E2 combinations are F5 E2 (door lock fault), F3 E2 (temperature sensor shorted), F0 E2 (load too large/overload), and F2 E2 (UI board communication).
mediumbeginner
F0 E7The washer opened the inlet valve and waited for the water level sensor to register a rise, but no change was detected. Either no water entered, or the pressure switch circuit failed to sense it.
moderatebeginner
F1F1 on a Whirlpool washer indicates the central control unit (CCU) has detected an internal memory or EEPROM error. The control board cannot read its stored program correctly, which prevents it from operating any cycle.
highintermediate
F20No water detected during fill. Older code for the same condition as LF. The washer did not sense any change in water level after the inlet valve was commanded to open.
moderatebeginner
F21The washer took more than 8 minutes to drain the tub. Most commonly caused by a clogged pump filter, kinked drain hose, or failed drain pump.
moderatebeginner
F22The control board expected the lid switch to be closed (lid down) during spin but received an open signal. The machine will not spin without a confirmed lid-closed reading.
moderatebeginner
F24F24 on older Whirlpool Duet washers (pre-2010 models) indicates a water temperature sensor circuit fault. This is the legacy code equivalent of F3 E1/F3 E2 on newer models. The NTC thermistor is either open circuit, short circuit, or reading out of range.
mediumintermediate
F27The overflow float switch was triggered, indicating water in the tub reached a dangerous level. The machine immediately stopped the cycle to prevent flooding. A stuck-open inlet valve or a failed pressure switch are the two most likely causes.
criticalintermediate
F28F28 on older Whirlpool Duet washers indicates a serial communication failure between the central control unit (CCU) and the motor control unit (MCU). The two boards communicate via a serial data line, and F28 means this communication has broken down.
highintermediate
F3 E1The water temperature NTC thermistor is reading outside its valid range. The control board cannot verify the water temperature and has paused the cycle.
moderateintermediate
F3 E2F3 E2 on a Whirlpool washer means the water temperature sensor (NTC thermistor) has a short circuit - its resistance is too low, indicating the sensor leads are touching or the thermistor element has failed short.
mediumintermediate
F4 E1The heater NTC thermistor returned an out-of-range reading on front-load models with internal heating elements. The control board cannot confirm the water temperature and has suspended the heating cycle.
moderateintermediate
F4 E4The tub detected an uneven load distribution during spin. The machine paused the spin cycle to protect the suspension system and prevent the tub from striking the cabinet.
lowbeginner
F5F5 on a Whirlpool washer is the door/lid lock system fault category. F5 is followed by E2 (lock did not engage), E3 (lock engaged but switch did not confirm), or E4 (unlock failed). The lock mechanism differs between front-load Duet (bi-metal door lock) and top-load Cabrio (wax motor lid lock).
mediumbeginner
F5 E2Door or lid lock fault. On front-load models the door latch or door boot may be preventing full closure. On top-load models the lid hinge or lock tab may be damaged.
moderatebeginner
F5 E3The lid lock assembly failed to engage within 5 seconds of cycle start, or the control detected an unexpected lock state. The washer will not run without a confirmed lid lock signal.
moderatebeginner
F6 E3Communication between the main control board and the motor control unit (MCU) was lost or returned invalid data. Neither board can confirm the motor drive circuit is operating correctly.
highadvanced
F7 E1The motor control detected a motor stall, current spike, or rotor position error during agitation or spin. May indicate an overloaded tub, a seized basket bearing, a failed drive motor, or a failed motor control unit (MCU).
highadvanced
F8F8 on a Whirlpool washer is the water system fault category. F8 E1 means water supply timeout (no water or slow fill). F8 E2 is a dispenser fault. F8 E3 is an overflow condition. F8 E6 is a water flow meter fault.
mediumbeginner
F8 E1The water level in the tub is below the minimum required level for the selected cycle. The machine filled but did not reach the required level within the expected time, or the level sensor reported a level below minimum.
moderatebeginner
F8 E3F8 E3 on a Whirlpool washer is an overflow alert - the washer detected water above the maximum safe level. This is one of the most urgent Whirlpool error codes because it indicates a potential flooding risk.
criticalintermediate
F8 E6The washer detected hot water entering through the cold valve port, or cold water entering through the hot valve port. The supply hoses are connected backwards at the machine or at the wall valves.
moderatebeginner
F9F9 on a Whirlpool washer is the drain system fault category. Like F5 (door lock), F9 is always followed by a sub-code: F9 E1 means the drain cycle exceeded the maximum time (long drain), F9 E2 means a drain issue was detected during the spin cycle.
mediumbeginner
F9 E1The washer failed to drain within the allotted time. Used on front-load (WFW) and newer top-load models. Identical in cause to F21 on older top-load models.
moderatebeginner
FRONT-LOAD-HUBF21, F8E1, F9E1, LOC Guide
mediumbeginner
HUBHub page covering all Whirlpool washer error codes including drain faults, door lock errors, fill faults, motor faults, suds detection, and overflow warnings.
lowbeginner
LDThe drain cycle exceeded the allotted time. LD is the older designation for the same fault as F21. Used on earlier Whirlpool top-load models before the current F-code naming convention.
moderatebeginner
LEAKINGA Whirlpool washer leaking water from the bottom, front, or underneath has a failed seal, hose, pump, or door boot depending on the location of the leak and whether it is a top-load or front-load model.
mediumintermediate
LFThe washer did not reach the required water level within 13 minutes. Usually caused by closed supply valves, low water pressure, or clogged inlet valve screens.
moderatebeginner
LO FLThe water fill flow rate fell below the minimum threshold during fill. The machine sensed water entering but not fast enough. Common causes include low water pressure, partially open supply valves, or clogged inlet valve screens.
moderatebeginner
LOCThe control lock (child lock) feature is active. All button presses are ignored while LOC is displayed. This is a user-activated feature, not a fault.
lowbeginner
NOISEWhirlpool Washer Making Loud Noise: Coupler, Bearing, and Clutch Sounds
mediumintermediate
NOISEA Whirlpool washer making loud noise has specific causes related to Whirlpool's design and component choices.
mediumintermediate
NOT-DRAININGA Whirlpool washer not draining has standing water remaining in the drum after the cycle completes. This can be caused by a clogged drain pump filter, kinked drain hose, failed drain pump, or a control board issue preventing the pump from running.
mediumbeginner
NOT-FILLINGA Whirlpool washer not filling with water has specific causes related to Whirlpool's design and component choices.
mediumintermediate
NOT-FILLINGWhirlpool Washer Not Filling With Water: Valve, Screen, and Pressure Switch
mediumintermediate
NOT-SPINNINGA Whirlpool washer that fills and agitates but will not spin has a mechanical or electrical fault preventing the spin cycle from engaging. This affects top-load (Cabrio, direct-drive, belt-drive) and front-load (Duet, WFW series) models differently.
mediumintermediate
RESETA reset clears active error codes and restores the control board to its default state. It does not fix the underlying fault that caused an error code, but it allows you to attempt a fresh cycle and confirm whether the fault is persistent or was a one-time glitch.
lowbeginner
RLThe RL code appears during calibration or diagnostic mode when the machine detects that a load is present in the tub. Calibration requires an empty tub to accurately set suspension and balance parameters.
lowbeginner
SHAKINGA Whirlpool washer shaking violently during the spin cycle has an imbalanced load, worn suspension components, or a leveling problem causing excessive vibration.
mediumbeginner
SMELLSWhirlpool Washer Smells Musty: Clean Washer Cycle, Door Boot, and Affresh
mediumintermediate
SMELLSA Whirlpool washer smells bad or musty has specific causes related to Whirlpool's design and component choices.
mediumintermediate
STUCK-SENSINGWhy It Won't Fill or Start Washing
mediumintermediate
TOP-LOAD-HUBF7E1, F5E3, LID LOCK, 5D Guide
mediumbeginner
TROUBLESHOOTCommon issues and troubleshooting for the Whirlpool Cabrio top-load washer line
moderateintermediate
WONT-STARTA Whirlpool washer that has power but won't start a cycle has a lid lock, control board, or wiring issue preventing the wash cycle from initiating. This is different from 'won't turn on' (no power at all).
mediumintermediate