Whirlpool Washer Error Codes: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Quick Answer

Whirlpool washers display alphanumeric error codes to identify specific faults. Drain faults like F21, F9 E1, and LD mean the tub took too long to empty.

Whirlpool washers display alphanumeric error codes to identify specific faults. Drain faults like F21, F9 E1, and LD mean the tub took too long to empty. Fill faults like LF, F20, LO FL, F8 E1, and F0 E7 mean the machine could not fill with water in time. Door and lid lock faults F5 E2 and F5 E3 indicate the latch failed to engage. Motor fault F7 E1 means the drive motor stalled or was overloaded. Temperature sensor faults F3 E1 and F4 E1 indicate a failed NTC thermistor. Code 5D means excessive suds from too much detergent. F27 is a critical overflow fault requiring immediate action. LOC means the control lock is active. RL appears only in diagnostic mode.

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About These Whirlpool Washer Error Codes

This guide covers every Whirlpool washer error code, what each one means, and how to fix it.

Most Common Error Codes

Clogged drain pump filter causing F21 or LD40%

Closed or low-pressure water supply causing LF or F2024%

Lid lock not engaging causing F5 E314%

Non-HE detergent causing 5D suds fault12%

Overloaded tub triggering F7 E1 motor fault10%

Symptoms You May Notice

Error code displayed on control panel
Wash cycle paused or stopped mid-cycle
Water not draining from tub
Washer not filling with water
Lid or door won't lock
Excessive foam in tub window

Tools Required for Diagnosis

MultimeterTorx T20 screwdriverFlat-head screwdriverNeedle-nose pliersBucket and towels

How to Identify Your Error Code

Note the exact error code displayed on the panel

Note the exact error code displayed on the panel. Some codes appear as combinations like F5 E3 or F9 E1.

Unplug the washer from the wall outlet and wait 60 seconds

For drain codes (F21, F9 E1, LD)

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	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Drain PumpWP280187 · $28–$45	WP280187	$28 – $45
Water Inlet ValveWPW10346771 · $30–$55	WPW10346771	$30 – $55
Lid Lock AssemblyWPW10619033 · $20–$38	WPW10619033	$20 – $38
Lid SwitchWPW10082853 · $15–$25	WPW10082853	$15 – $25
NTC ThermistorWPW10467289 · $15–$28	WPW10467289	$15 – $28
Drive MotorWPW10661632 · $150–$250	WPW10661632	$150 – $250

Verify part fitment for your Whirlpool model

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs

Labor Approach

Our Verdict

REPAIR

Estimated Cost: $133 (Parts) vs $700 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the error code on my Whirlpool washer?

The code displays on the digital panel during or after a failed cycle. To retrieve stored codes, enter diagnostic mode by pressing Signal 3x, Soak 3x, Signal 3x within 8 seconds on dial models, or Cycle Signal 3x, Soil Level 3x, Cycle Signal 3x on Cabrio touchscreen models.

Will unplugging my Whirlpool washer clear the error code?

A power reset clears active codes and may stop a fault from recurring if it was a one-time glitch. However, stored fault codes persist in memory and require the diagnostic mode button sequence to clear them. If the underlying problem is not fixed, the code will return on the next cycle.

Which Whirlpool washer error codes require immediate action?

F27 (overflow) is the only critical code requiring you to stop the machine and shut off the water supply immediately. F7 E1 and F6 E3 are high-severity motor faults that can damage the machine if ignored. All other codes are moderate or low severity and safe to diagnose at your own pace.

Are Whirlpool and Maytag washer error codes the same?

Yes. Maytag and Whirlpool top-load washers share the VMW platform and use identical fault codes. A Maytag F21 means the same thing as a Whirlpool F21, and the repair procedures are the same.

Related Whirlpool Washer Error Codes

Code: F21Whirlpool Washer F21 Error Code: Long Drain Fault Code: F9 E1Whirlpool Washer F9 E1 Error Code: Long Drain Fault Code: 5DWhirlpool Washer 5D Error Code: Excessive Suds Code: F5 E3Whirlpool Washer F5 E3 Error Code: Lid Lock Fault Code: F5 E2Whirlpool Washer F5 E2 Error Code: Door Lock Fault Code: LFWhirlpool Washer LF Error Code: Long Fill Code: F7 E1Whirlpool Washer F7 E1 Error Code: Drive Motor Fault Code: F20What Does F20 Mean on a Whirlpool Washer?Code: F22Whirlpool Washer F22 Error Code: Lid Switch Fault Code: F0 E7Whirlpool Washer F0 E7 Error Code: No Water Detected Code: F3 E1Whirlpool Washer F3 E1 Error Code: Temperature Sensor Fault Code: F8 E6How to Fix Whirlpool Washer F8 E6: Reversed Supply Hoses Code: F6 E3Whirlpool Washer F6 E3 Error Code: Motor Communication Fault Code: RESETHow to Reset a Whirlpool Washer Code: LO FLWhirlpool Washer LO FL Error Code: Low Flow Fault Code: F4 E1Whirlpool Washer F4 E1 Error Code: Heating Fault Code: F27F27 on Whirlpool Washer: Overflow Fault Code: F8 E1Whirlpool Washer F8 E1 Error Code: Low Water Level Code: F4 E4Whirlpool Washer F4 E4 Error Code: Out of Balance Code: RLWhirlpool Washer RL Error Code: Remove Load Code: LOCWhirlpool Washer LOC Error Code: Control Lock Code: LDWhirlpool Washer LD Error Code: Long Drain

Same Fix on Other Brands

Maytag washerF21: Maytag Washer F21 Error Code Maytag washer5D: Maytag Washer 5D Error Code

Same Fix Works on These Brands

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

Maytag washerMaytag Washer 5D Code: Too Many Suds (Fix It Fast)Maytag washerAll Maytag Washer Error Codes: Complete Lookup Guide Maytag washerHow to Reset a Maytag Washer (3 Methods That Work)Maytag washerMaytag Washer Troubleshooting: Fix 12 Common Problems Maytag washerMaytag Washer LOC Code: How to Unlock the Controls Maytag washerMaytag Washer Not Draining? Here's What to Check

Models Known to Experience HUB Errors

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

WTW4816FW, WTW5000DW, WTW7000DW, WTW8000DW, WFW8620HC, WTW4850HW, WTW6120HW

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026