Whirlpool Washer LF Error Code: Long Fill

Quick Answer

LF stands for Long Fill. The washer expected to reach a target water level within 13 minutes and failed. The most common and fastest fix is checking that both hot and cold supply valves at the wall are fully open. If they are, the inlet valve screens at the back of the machine may be clogged with sediment. These are small plastic mesh filters inside each hose connection port and can be cleaned without buying any parts. If pressure and screens are fine, the inlet valve solenoids can be tested with a multimeter at 200-500 ohms each. A reading outside that range means the valve body needs replacement.

WhirlpoolWasherSeverity: moderate86% DIY Success

Time to Fix

15–60 min

Difficulty

beginner

Parts Cost

$25 – $55

Tools Needed

Multimeter, Needle-nose pliers

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long fill fault

MaytagLF

What Does the LF Code Mean?

The machine ran for 13 minutes without reaching the fill level. Check supply valves and inlet screens before buying any parts.

Most Likely Causes

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

Water supply valve closed or only partially open (40%)40%

Clogged inlet valve screens (mesh filters) (30%)24%

Pressure switch fault or clogged pressure hose (10%)22%

Failed water inlet valve solenoid (20%)14%

Symptoms You May Notice

LF code after cycle has been running for several minutes
Little or no water visible entering the tub at cycle start
Machine starts normally then pauses and displays LF
Fill takes much longer than usual before code appears

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

Unplug the washer for 60 seconds. After correcting the fill issue, plug back in and start a fresh cycle. LF will not clear until the machine successfully fills to the target level.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

MultimeterNeedle-nose pliersFlat-head screwdriverTowels

Diagnostic Checklist

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

Locate the hot and cold water supply valves on the wall behind

Locate the hot and cold water supply valves on the wall behind the machine. Turn each valve counterclockwise until it stops to ensure fully open. The handles should be parallel to the pipe.

Start a fill-only cycle and watch the water entering the tub

Shut off supply valves

Unplug the washer

Locate the pressure switch (air dome switch) on the control housing

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
Water Inlet ValveWPW10346771 · $30–$55	WPW10346771	$30 – $55
Pressure SwitchWPW10514214 · $25–$45	WPW10514214	$25 – $45

Verify part fitment for your Whirlpool model

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs

Labor Approach

Our Verdict

REPAIR

Estimated Cost: $40 (Parts) vs $700 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my Whirlpool washer inlet valve screens are clogged?

Disconnect the fill hoses from the valve ports at the back of the machine and look inside with a flashlight. Clogged screens appear brown or gray with sediment buildup. Healthy screens are clear plastic mesh.

What water pressure does a Whirlpool washer need?

Whirlpool recommends a minimum of 20 psi and a maximum of 100 psi at the supply connection. Below 20 psi, the fill rate is too slow to prevent an LF fault.

My Whirlpool washer shows LF only on cold wash cycles. What does that mean?

The cold water inlet valve solenoid has likely failed or the cold water supply screen is blocked. Test the cold solenoid resistance (200-500 ohms) and inspect the cold-side screen separately.

Related Whirlpool Washer Error Codes

Code: F20What Does F20 Mean on a Whirlpool Washer?Code: LO FLWhirlpool Washer LO FL Error Code: Low Flow Fault Code: F8 E1Whirlpool Washer F8 E1 Error Code: Low Water Level Code: F0 E7Whirlpool Washer F0 E7 Error Code: No Water Detected Code: RESETHow to Reset a Whirlpool Washer

Same Fix on Other Brands

Maytag washerLF: Maytag Washer LF Error Code

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 LF Errors

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

WTW4816FW, WTW5000DW, WTW4850HW, WTW6120HW

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026