Warning: Disconnect power before servicing.

Whirlpool Washer E1 Error Code: What It Means on Every Model

Quick Answer

Whirlpool E1 is not a standalone error code - it is the second part of a two-part F/E code. When users see 'E1' on their Whirlpool washer, they are likely seeing the E portion of a code where the F prefix scrolled off the display.

Whirlpool E1 is not a standalone error code - it is the second part of a two-part F/E code. When users see 'E1' on their Whirlpool washer, they are likely seeing the E portion of a code where the F prefix scrolled off the display. The most common Whirlpool codes ending in E1 are: F3 E1 (water temperature sensor circuit open - the NTC thermistor has failed or disconnected), F7 E1 (motor shift actuator fault - most common on Cabrio top-loaders), F8 E1 (water supply fault - not filling within time limit), and F5 E1 (door lock wiring open). To identify which F-code precedes the E1, enter diagnostic mode: on Cabrio press any button 3 times within 8 seconds after closing the lid. The full stored code will display.

WhirlpoolWasherSeverity: medium80% DIY Success
Time to Fix
15–90 min
Difficulty
beginner
Parts Cost
$10 – $80
Tools Needed
Multimeter, Screwdriver set

What Does the E1 Code Mean?

E1 is not standalone - it is the E portion of an F/E code pair. Enter diagnostic mode to see the full code. Most common: F3 E1 (temp sensor), F7 E1 (motor actuator), F8 E1 (water fill).

Most Likely Causes

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

F3 E1: NTC temperature sensor open circuit40%
F7 E1: shift actuator failure (Cabrio)24%
F8 E1: water supply restricted or valves closed14%
Display only showing partial code (E portion)12%
F5 E1: door/lid lock wiring open10%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • E1 displayed on control panel
  • Full code may have scrolled off screen
  • Washer stopped mid-cycle
  • Different symptoms depending on which F-code precedes E1

Can you reset a Whirlpool washer to clear the E1 code?

Press Pause/Cancel twice, then Power. Or unplug for 60 seconds. The E1 sub-code will return if the underlying F-code fault is not resolved.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

MultimeterScrewdriver setFlashlight

Diagnostic Checklist

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

1

Enter diagnostic mode to read the FULL stored code including the

Enter diagnostic mode to read the FULL stored code including the F prefix. Cabrio: close lid, press any button 3 times within 8 seconds. Duet: rotate cycle knob right 3 clicks with half-second pauses. Write down the complete F-E code.

2

If F3 E1 (temperature sensor)

3

If F7 E1 (motor/actuator)

4

If F8 E1 (water supply)

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
Whirlpool NTC ThermistorW10467289 · $10–$20
Whirlpool Shift ActuatorW10913953 · $50–$80
Whirlpool Water Inlet ValveW10853723 · $30–$50

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs
Labor Approach
Our Verdict
REPAIR
Estimated Cost: $45 (Parts) vs $700 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Whirlpool only show E1 without the F code?
Whirlpool displays scroll between the F-code and E-code portions. If you only see E1, the F portion scrolled off screen before you looked. Enter diagnostic mode to see the full stored code - it will show both parts together (e.g., F3 E1, F7 E1).
Is E1 the same error on all Whirlpool washers?
No. E1 is just the sub-code suffix. The meaning depends entirely on which F-code precedes it. F3 E1 is a temperature sensor. F7 E1 is a motor fault. F8 E1 is water supply. These are completely different faults requiring different repairs.
My Whirlpool shows E1 F3. Is that the same as F3 E1?
Yes. Some Whirlpool models display the code as E1 F3 instead of F3 E1. The meaning is identical regardless of display order: temperature sensor circuit fault. The F-number indicates the system, the E-number indicates the specific fault within that system.

Related Whirlpool Washer Error Codes

Same Fix Works on These Brands

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

Models Known to Experience E1 Errors

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

WTW5000DW, WTW7000DW, WFW9150WW, WFW94HEXW, WTW8500DC, WFW8300SW

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 15, 2026