LO FL on Whirlpool Washer: Low Flow Fault

Quick Answer

LO FL is a variant of the LF long fill fault but specifically triggered by detecting a flow rate below the machine's minimum threshold, typically 2 gallons per minute. Where LF times out after 13 minutes of total fill time, LO FL may trigger sooner if the flow rate is particularly low.

When I see LO FL on a service call, it usually means the washer's struggling to get water. The machine's technically filling, but the control board noticed the flow's too weak to finish the job efficiently. This code's often a warning sign that sediment from your water heater or local pipes has finally choked the inlet screens, which can eventually burn out the valve solenoids if you don't clear the restriction.

WhirlpoolWasherSeverity: moderate86% DIY Success

Time to Fix

15–55 min

Difficulty

beginner

Parts Cost

$30 – $55

Tools Needed

Digital multimeter with ohms setting, Needle-nose pliers

What Does the LO FL Code Mean?

Think of LO FL as the machine complaining about a weak pulse. This code's common on Whirlpool top-loaders after the machine's been moved for cleaning or if there's high water demand elsewhere in the house. It's a protective measure designed to stop the cycle before the water valves overheat from running too long without reaching the target level.

Most Likely Causes

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

Supply valves not fully open (40%)40%

Household water pressure below 20 psi (25%)24%

Failing inlet valve solenoid with reduced flow (10%)22%

Clogged inlet valve mesh screens (25%)14%

Symptoms You May Notice

LO FL flashes on the display during the fill phase and the cycle dies right there
Water's trickling into the drum so slowly you can actually watch the drum walls and barely see any water coming in
The machine keeps trying to fill way longer than normal before it finally gives up and throws the code
Detergent sitting undissolved in the dispenser tray because there wasn't enough water flow to flush it through properly
Fill hoses feel noticeably less firm than usual when you squeeze them while the machine's trying to fill

Can you reset a Whirlpool washer to clear the LO FL code?

Press Power or Cancel twice to clear the display. If the code keeps coming back, do a hard reset: unplug the washer for a full 60 seconds, not 10, not 30, a full minute so the control board actually dumps its memory. Plug it back in, then run a Rinse and Spin cycle and watch the fill. You want a solid stream of water hitting the drum, not a trickle.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Digital multimeter with ohms settingNeedle-nose pliersAdjustable wrench or channel-lock pliersPhillips #2 screwdriverOld toothbrush (for scrubbing inlet screens)Bucket (for pressure test)Old towels or rags

Diagnostic Checklist

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

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range200–500 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
Water Inlet ValveWPW10346771 · $30–$55	WPW10346771	$30 – $55

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between LF and LO FL on a Whirlpool washer?

The main difference is timing and detection. LF is a timeout fault where the machine gives up after thirteen minutes of trying to fill. LO FL is more proactive. The machine detects right away that water is entering, but the flow rate is so sluggish it knows it'll never finish the fill in time. In my experience, LO FL often points to a partially restricted screen, while LF often means the water's turned off entirely or a valve has completely died.

Can a kinked fill hose cause LO FL?

It absolutely can. When you push these washers back into place, the heavy-duty hoses can easily get pinched against the wall. This creates a bottleneck that triggers LO FL even if your house pressure is perfect. I always recommend leaving at least four to six inches of space behind the machine to allow the hoses to loop naturally without any sharp bends or pinches.

How do I know if it's the valve or just low house pressure?

The bucket test is the quickest way to figure this out. Disconnect the cold hose from the back of the washer, drop the end in a bucket, and open the valve. If you get good strong flow in the bucket but the washer still throws LO FL when you reconnect everything, the problem's inside the machine, either the screens or the valve. If the bucket barely fills, the problem's your house pressure or a kinked hose. Honestly this test splits the diagnosis in about two minutes and saves you from buying parts you don't need.

How much does a Whirlpool inlet valve replacement cost?

The WPW10346771 inlet valve runs about $35-55 depending on where you buy it. OEM direct from Whirlpool is around $55, but aftermarket suppliers carry the same part for less. Labor if you call a tech would run another $80-120 on top of that. Most homeowners just do this one themselves though, it's honestly one of the easier parts to swap on these machines, four screws and two hose connections. Budget about 45 minutes if it's your first time.

Is it safe to ignore LO FL and keep running the washer?

Don't do it. Here's what happens if you keep forcing cycles through: the inlet valve solenoids stay energized longer than they're designed to as they struggle to fill the drum, and that heat slowly kills the coils. What starts as a $40 part fix can turn into a ruined control board if the solenoid shorts out. The LO FL code is actually the machine doing you a favor by stopping early. Fix the restriction first and the valve will probably last another decade without any issues.

Related Whirlpool Washer Error Codes

Code: LFWhirlpool Washer LF Error Code: Long Fill Code: F20What Does F20 Mean on a Whirlpool Washer?Code: F8 E1Whirlpool Washer F8 E1 Error Code: Low Water Level Code: RESETHow to Reset a Whirlpool Washer

Same Fix on Other Brands

Maytag washerLO FL: Maytag Washer LO FL 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 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 F21: Drain Pump Clog or Failure Maytag washerMaytag F03 E01: Pressure Switch or Water Level Fault Maytag washerMaytag F0 E3 Error: Pressure Switch Malfunction

Models Known to Experience LO FL Errors

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

WTW4816FW, WTW5000DW, WTW4850HW, WTW6120HW, WTW7500GC, WTW8500DC, WTW5500XW, WTW7040DW

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026