Whirlpool Washer F24: Water Temperature Sensor Fault

Quick Answer

Whirlpool F24 is a legacy error code from older Duet front-load models that predates the F/E dual-code system. F24 means the water temperature sensor (NTC thermistor) is reading outside its expected range. On these older Duets, the thermistor is mounted on the outer tub near the heating element.

When I show up to one of these older Duets with an F24, nine times out of ten it's the thermistor. They just wear out after a decade of heat cycles. And if you ignore it, your machine's gonna keep filling with cold water and stall mid-cycle or run forever trying to hit temp. The good news? It's a twenty-dollar fix and usually takes under an hour.

WhirlpoolWasherSeverity: moderateDifficulty: intermediate90% DIY Success

Time to Fix

20–60 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

$6 – $20

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, Small flathead screwdriver (for connector tabs)

What Does the F24 Code Mean?

So here's the deal with F24 on these older Duets. This code fires when the control board can't get a sensible reading from the water temp sensor, usually right when it's trying to heat. Clothes coming out cold, cycle stalling around the 20-minute mark, that's your clue. I always check the connector first before ordering parts. Corroded pins fool a lot of people into buying a sensor they don't need.

Most Likely Causes

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

NTC thermistor open or shorted40%

Connector pins corroded from age24%

Sensor wire insulation degraded14%

Heating element proximity causing sensor aging12%

Moisture damage to sensor10%

Symptoms You May Notice

F24 flashes on the display right around when the fill cycle should be transitioning to wash, usually 8 to 12 minutes in.
Clothes coming out cold on every cycle, even when you've got it dialed all the way up to hot.
The washer pauses mid-cycle and just sits there humming without advancing to the next stage.
Cycle time is way longer than normal because the machine's waiting on a water temp it'll never reach.
Heating element clicks on but the cycle still won't progress past the heat phase.

Can you reset a Whirlpool washer to clear the F24 code?

You can try to clear the display by unplugging the washer for a full minute, but the F24 code is persistent. It will pop back up almost immediately during the next fill or heat cycle if the control board detects the resistance is still out of range. The code only truly stays away once the sensor circuit is restored to that 10k ohm sweet spot.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverSmall flathead screwdriver (for connector tabs)Digital multimeter with 20K ohm rangeContact cleaner sprayFlashlight or headlampZip tiesOld toothbrush

Diagnostic Checklist

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

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range10000–15000 ohms

ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

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
Whirlpool NTC ThermistorW10467289 · $10–$20	W10467289	$10 – $20
Contact CleanerN/A · $6–$10	N/A	$6 – $10

Frequently Asked Questions

My washer shows F24 but newer guides show F3 E1. Are they the same?

Yeah, they're essentially the same fault. Whirlpool updated their software around 2010 to be more specific, splitting the old F24 into F3 E1 for an open circuit and F3 E2 for a short. If you're looking at an F24, your machine's just using the older vocabulary to tell you the water temperature sensor is failing. The diagnostic process and the replacement part are exactly the same either way, so don't let the different code number throw you off.

How old is my Duet if it shows F24 instead of F3 E1?

If it's throwing F24, it was probably built between 2004 and 2009. Those were the German-built or early World-Washer platform years. And honestly, a lot of techs, including me, think these are some of the best front-loaders ever made because they're so easy to work on. The fact that it's only now giving you trouble after all these years is actually a good sign. These machines can easily hit 20 years if you stay on top of the small stuff like this.

Is it worth replacing a sensor on a 15-year-old Duet?

Absolutely. The thermistor is one of the cheapest parts on the whole machine, like 20 bucks. If the tub bearings are still quiet and the drum spins without grinding, spending that to clear an F24 is a total no-brainer. I replaced three of these last month on machines that are all 12 to 15 years old and running perfectly. These older Duets are worth fixing. Don't let a cheap sensor push you into buying a new washer.

Can I keep using the washer while I wait for the part to arrive?

I wouldn't. The machine's gonna keep throwing F24 and either stalling out or refusing to finish cycles. Some of these older Duet control boards will eventually lock up entirely after repeated sensor faults, and that turns a 20-dollar fix into a much bigger problem. You're also running with no thermal oversight on the heating element, which isn't great. The sensor's cheap and ships fast from most suppliers. Just wait for it.

What's the part number for the replacement thermistor?

The part number you want is WP8181705. That fits the WFW9150, WFW9050, WFW8300, and most other early Duet front-loaders. You'll also see it listed as just 8181705 without the WP prefix, that's the original number before they rebranded it. Aftermarket versions run about 12 to 15 bucks, OEM is usually 20 to 25. Honestly I've used both and haven't noticed a difference in longevity.

Related Whirlpool Washer Error Codes

Code: HUBWhirlpool Washer Error Codes Code: F3 E1Whirlpool F3 E1: Temp Sensor Open Code: F3 E2Whirlpool F3 E2: Temp Sensor Shorted Code: DUET-HUBWhirlpool Duet Error Codes

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 F24 Errors

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

WFW9150WW, WFW9050XW, WFW8300SW, GHW9150PW, WFW9200SQ, WFW9400SW, WFW9500TW, WFW9600TW

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 15, 2026