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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.

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. The fix path is identical: check supply valves, verify household pressure, clean inlet valve screens, and test valve solenoids with a multimeter. The part WPW10346771 covers both LF and LO FL.

WhirlpoolWasherSeverity: moderate86% DIY Success
Time to Fix
15–55 min
Difficulty
beginner
Parts Cost
$30 – $55
Tools Needed
Multimeter, Needle-nose pliers
Wrong code?

Not seeing LO FL on your display?

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What Does the LO FL Code Mean?

Water flow rate too slow during fill. Same causes and fixes as LF. Check supply valves and inlet screens first.

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 displayed during the fill phase
  • Machine fills very slowly before faulting
  • Fill takes noticeably longer than it used to

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

Unplug for 60 seconds after addressing the flow issue. Plug back in and run a fresh cycle. LO FL clears once the machine senses adequate flow during the fill phase.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

MultimeterNeedle-nose pliersAdjustable wrenchTowels

Diagnostic Checklist

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

1

Turn both hot and cold supply valves counterclockwise until fully open

Turn both hot and cold supply valves counterclockwise until fully open. The valve handle should be parallel with the pipe, not perpendicular.

2

If you have a pressure gauge

3

Shut supply valves

4

Unplug washer

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
Water Inlet ValveWPW10346771 · $30–$55

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs
Labor Approach
Our Verdict
REPAIR
Estimated Cost: $43 (Parts) vs $700 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between LF and LO FL on a Whirlpool washer?
LF is a timeout fault: the machine filled for 13 minutes without reaching the target level. LO FL is a flow-rate fault: the machine detected that water was entering but the rate was below the minimum threshold. Both have the same root causes and the same repair steps.
Can a kinked fill hose cause LO FL?
Yes. A partially kinked hose restricts flow enough to trigger LO FL before triggering the longer LF timeout. Inspect both fill hoses along their full length, especially near the wall connection where hoses tend to kink when the machine is pushed against the wall.

Related Whirlpool Washer Error Codes

Same Fix on Other Brands

Same Fix Works on These Brands

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

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

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026