Clear Whirlpool Washer Error Codes: 4 Reset Methods

Quick Answer

To clear error codes on a Whirlpool washer, unplug for 60 seconds or press the Cancel button twice. For stored codes, enter diagnostic mode by pressing any three buttons in sequence three times within 8 seconds.

Here's what I see probably three times a week: somebody calls me panicking because their Whirlpool washer has a code on the display and won't run. Half the time the actual problem already fixed itself, or somebody already repaired it but forgot to clear the code. If you keep ignoring a water-related code like F8 E1, you're risking actual floor damage. Most of the time though, it's just a stored code sitting there doing nothing except stressing you out.

WhirlpoolWasherSeverity: low90% DIY Success

Time to Fix

2–15 min

Difficulty

beginner

Parts Cost

—

Tools Needed

None

What Does the CLEAR-CODES Code Mean?

OK so here's the deal. Clearing codes on a Whirlpool washer is basically free, takes five minutes, and you don't need any tools. The thing most people get wrong is thinking clearing the code fixed the problem. It didn't. But if you already fixed the problem and the code is just sitting there in memory? These four methods will knock it out. Whirlpool washers from 2008 forward all use pretty much the same control board logic, so this applies to basically all of them.

Common Causes

You already fixed whatever caused the code (drain pump, lid switch, pressure switch) but the fault is still sitting in the control board's memory from before the repair.
Power went out while the washer was mid-cycle, and the board logged a fault when power came back with the cycle stuck in a weird state.
You or a tech ran diagnostic mode to test the machine and the test sequence logged codes that weren't actual faults, just artifacts from running the test.
An intermittent issue like a loose wiring harness connector or a lid switch that was sticking triggered the code once, then went away on its own.
Previous owner never cleared old codes and you're inheriting whatever faults this machine saw over its whole life.

Symptoms You May Notice

Error code locked on the display and the washer refuses to start a new cycle, just sits there blinking at you.
Washer actually runs fine when you get a cycle going, but the code keeps reappearing between cycles.
Code still flashing after you replaced the part it was complaining about, washer otherwise works perfectly.
Ran diagnostic mode and it spit out three or four different codes, some of which are clearly ancient history from a previous owner.
Washer stopped mid-cycle during a power flicker, now shows a code even though everything seems to be running fine.

Can you reset a Whirlpool washer to clear the CLEAR-CODES code?

Method 1 (fastest): Press Pause/Cancel twice, then press Power to turn off, turn back on. Method 2 (most reliable): Unplug from the wall, wait a full 60 seconds, plug back in. Method 3 (reads codes first): Enter diagnostic mode to display all stored codes, then exit to clear them. Method 4 (confirms the fix): Run a complete wash cycle start to finish without interrupting it. If the code doesn't come back after any of these, you're good.

Diagnostic Checklist

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

Frequently Asked Questions

If I clear the code, does that fix the problem?

No, and this is probably the thing I explain most often on service calls. Clearing a code just removes the message from the display. Think of it like deleting a voicemail. The person who called you didn't stop existing. If whatever caused the code is still broken, the washer will detect it again and throw the same code usually within a few seconds. Fix the actual part first. Clear the code after. That's the right order.

Why does my code come back 10 seconds after I clear it?

Because the fault is still happening right now, in real time. The washer isn't just remembering an old problem, it's actively detecting one. Could be a door latch that isn't engaging, a drain pump that's seized, a pressure sensor reading wrong. Clearing an active fault is basically useless. Look up the specific code you're seeing and diagnose the root cause. Once you fix it, the clear will stick.

Will clearing codes erase my cycle settings?

Nope. Your cycle preferences, temperature settings, spin speed defaults, all of that lives in non-volatile memory that doesn't get touched by a standard reset. Even unplugging for 60 seconds won't mess with your settings. The only thing that wipes settings is a full factory reset, which on most Whirlpool models requires going into the service menu and specifically selecting it. You'd have to actually try to do that on purpose.

How do I know if I have multiple stored codes?

Enter diagnostic mode. That's the only way to see everything stored in the board's memory. Just doing the Pause/Cancel method or unplugging only shows you what's currently on the display, which might just be the most recent code. I've pulled up diagnostic mode on Whirlpool machines that had six or seven codes stored from months of intermittent issues, some for completely different problems. Duet: three right clicks, one left, one right on the knob. Cabrio: close the lid and press any button three times within 8 seconds.

My washer shows a code but actually runs fine. What's going on?

That's almost always a stored code from a past event. Maybe the washer hiccupped during a storm, or whoever repaired it forgot to clear the code after fixing the part. Run diagnostic mode to see what the code actually is, write it down so you know the history, then clear it. If the washer runs fine and the code doesn't come back after clearing, don't sweat it. Some Whirlpool boards will log codes for things like a momentary power fluctuation that never caused a real problem.

Do I need to call a technician just to clear codes?

Absolutely not. This is one of the few things you can do yourself without any tools, parts, or real technical knowledge. Unplug it, wait 60 seconds, plug it back in. That's it. I've honestly charged people $85 for a service call where the only thing wrong was a stored code that needed clearing. Save your money and try the four methods in this article first. If the code keeps coming back every single time, that's when you've got a real problem worth a call.

Related Whirlpool Washer Error Codes

Code: HUBWhirlpool Washer Error Codes Code: DUET-HUBWhirlpool Duet Error Codes Code: CABRIO-HUBWhirlpool Cabrio Error Codes

Models Known to Experience CLEAR-CODES Errors

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

WFW9150WW, WFW94HEXW, WTW5000DW, WTW7000DW, WFW8300SW, WTW8500DC

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 17, 2026