When your Whirlpool washing machine displays an error code, it’s like sending you a message in a language you might not understand. But don’t worry; this guide is here to help you decipher those codes and get your machine back on track.
We’ll focus specifically on error codes that begin with “FxEx” and “Fx.”. These codes provide valuable insights into potential issues affecting your washer’s performance.
Ready to become a Whirlpool error code expert? Let’s dive in!
Whirlpool washing machine error codes that begin with “FxEx”:
Remember to always unplug the washer and exercise caution when attempting any repairs.
Clearing Error Codes and Entering Service Mode on Your Washer
Before troubleshooting or repairing:
- Clear Previous Error Codes: It’s essential to clear any existing error codes before attempting repairs. These codes can sometimes hinder the diagnostic process.
Activating Service Mode:
- Ensure Standby Mode: Make sure the washer is in standby mode, meaning it’s plugged in but not actively running a cycle. All indicators should be off.
- Enter a specific button sequence:
- Press any three buttons (referred to as A, B, and C for illustration) in a specific sequence within 8 seconds.
- Repeat the same sequence two more times, for a total of three repetitions.
- Confirm Successful Entry:
- If done correctly, all indicators on the user interface will light up for 5 seconds, and “888” will appear in the estimated time remaining display.
- If there are no stored error codes, the indicators will turn off, leaving only the “888” display.
Clearing Stored Error Codes:
- Re-enter Service Mode: Follow the same steps as before to enter the service diagnostic mode.
- Hold Third Button: Once in service mode, press and hold the third button (the one you pressed last in the sequence to enter the mode) for 5 seconds.
- Confirm Clearing: If the codes have been successfully cleared, the display will revert to showing “888.”.
Additional Information:
- Persistent Codes: If error codes reappear after clearing, it’s likely that an underlying issue with the washer needs to be addressed.
Exiting Service Diagnostic Mode:
- Turn Off the Washer: If your model lacks a dedicated exit button, try turning off the washer using its power button. This usually terminates any active mode.
- Unplug the washer: If turning off the washer doesn’t work, disconnect its power cord from the electrical outlet. This will force a reset and typically exit service mode.
F0E1: Load in the drum during the “Clean Washer Cycle” warning
Solutions:
- Remove the load, clear the error code, and restart “Clean Washer Cycle.”.
F0E2: Over-suds warning
The F0E2 error code indicates excessive suds formation during the wash cycle. This code is triggered when the washer is unable to drain or spin effectively due to the presence of excess foam, even after multiple attempts.
Causes:
- The customer used too much detergent
- Not using HE detergent
- Failure can also happen due to reduced performance of drainage system
- Clogged air chamber
- The pressure sensor hose is kinked and leaking
Solutions:
- Measure water hardness and compare it with the declaration on the detergent box.
- Use a recommended detergent.
- Fix or re-install drainage system (drain hose, siphon)
- Remove and clean the air chamber of any foreign material.
- Check the pressure sensor housing for any pinholes and replace it if necessary.
F0E4: Water too hot error
Your washing machine detects water that is too hot. The cold water supply hose might be connected to the hot water tap. Please check the connections and switch them if needed.
Cause:
- You may have cold water inlet hose connected to hot water faucet
Solutions:
- The cold water supply hose might be connected to the hot water tap. Please double-check the connections and switch them if necessary.
- Check the NTC sensor resistance using an ohmmeter.
| Electric part name | Temp. | Ohmic value |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature: NTC Sensor | 86°F | 30°C | 9800 Ω |
- Check the main board; you may have a heater relay stuck in a closed position, and replace it if necessary.
F0E5: Unbalanced load warning
The washer detects an unusual imbalance in the load. Please check for heavy items concentrated on one side and redistribute for optimal washing.
Solutions:
- Clear up the error code.
- If the customer complains about no or poor spinning performances, then:
- Verify the type and amount of the load. A single or a few large pieces are impossible to balance.
- Instruct customer.
- Verify the type and amount of the load. A single or a few large pieces are impossible to balance.
- Check and replace the main board if necessary.
F1E1: EEPROM error
The control board retrieves variant file data from the onboard EEPROM memory. To ensure data integrity, the EEPROM stores a checksum alongside the data. During the retrieval process, the control board meticulously compares the retrieved data with the stored checksum. If any discrepancy is detected, a failure code is promptly displayed to signal a potential data corruption issue.
Solutions:
- Disconnect the appliance, wait for 2 minutes, and reconnect to the power supply. In the meantime, check the outlet voltage, and then restart the appliance.
- If the error still occurs, replace the main board.
F1E2: Motor control unit undervoltage error
The motor control unit has detected a too-low mains voltage.
Solutions:
- Check the main voltage supply.
- If the error still occurs, replace the motor control board.
- If the error persists, replace the main board.
F1E4: Main relay stuck open or closed error
Solutions:
- Replace the main board.
F2E3: Main board software not compatible with user interface error
Causes:
- Faulty harness connection
- Corrupted firmware
- Faulty main board
- Faulty user interface
Solutions:
- Check the wire harness connector between user interface and main board
- Replace the main board.
- If the error still occurs, replace the user interface
F3E1: Water level sensor error
This error code can also occur when a defective heater, drain pump, or bad harness connections to the heater or drain pump are detected.
Solutions:
- Check if the drain pump is running and check for foreign objects in the filter.
- Clean the pump filter and drain hose. Clear up the error and restart the appliance; if F3E1 appears again, move on to the next step.
- If no issue is found, check other points in the hydraulic system, like a blocked air chamber or a blocked pressure switch hose.
- Verify that the pressure switch hose is in good condition and properly connected to the tub and pressure switch.
- Verify that the air chamber is not blocked.
- Check the connection between the pressure switch, control board, and heating element. Anything found on that?
- Check for proper operation of the pressure switch contacts.
- Check and replace, if necessary, the main board.
F3E2: Wash NTC shorted or open
When the water temperature sensor is out of range, F3E2 will be displayed.
Solutions:
- Check the wiring and connections between the NTC and main board.
- Check the water NTC resistance:
| Electric part name | Temp. | Ohmic value |
|---|---|---|
| NTC Sensor | 86°F | 30°C | 9800 Ω |
- If the error still occurs, replace the main board.
F3E5: Dry NTC shorted or open
Solutions:
- Check the wiring and connections between the NTC and main board.
- Check the dry NTC resistance with your multimeter.
| Electric part name | Temp. | Ohmic value |
|---|---|---|
| Dry NTC Sensor | 68°F | 20°C | 1480 Ω |
- If the error still occurs, replace the main board.
F3E6: Accelerometer error
Solutions:
- Replace the main board.
F4E1: Wash heater relay error
The F4E1 error occurs when the main boards cannot detect the temperature rise of the wash heater.
Solutions:
- Check the proper function of the heater relay.
- Plug the connectors correctly.
- If the harness is defective, then replace it.
- If the heater relay is defective, then replace it and/or the main board.
F4E2: Heater error
The main control has detected a heater circuit failure. These failure modes are checked before the cycle starts and at the end of the cycle.
Solutions:
- Check the wiring connectors to the heater, main board, and pressure switch.
- Fix or replace connectors or wiring; “replace the cable set in case of traces of overheating or damage”.
- Check the resistance of the heater terminals to ground; if it’s grounded, replace the heater, which may cause damage to the control “main” board.
- Check heater resistance using an ohmmeter.
| Electric part name | Ohmic value |
|---|---|
| Heater assembly | ~ 18 – 28 Ω |
- Rotate the drum and inspect for any contact with the heater. If the heater is damaged or scratched, replace it.
- Identify and address the cause of contact (e.g., bearing, spider, drum, etc.).
- Inspect the heater connector area for any water traces or corrosion in the flange area, and check for any water leakages.
- Verify that the pressure switch is functioning properly.
- Ensure that the control board is operating correctly.
F4E4: Dry fan motor error
The F4E4 fault code is displayed if an open circuit or short circuit of the dry fan is detected.
Solutions:
- Check the rotation of the motor and fan wheel during operation because, during the drying cycle, this defect can occur due to blocking the motor.
- Check the wire harness connection.
- Check the fan motor resistance.
| Electric part name | Ohmic value |
|---|---|
| Dry fan motor | 1800 Ω |
- Check the fan blade.
- Check and replace the control board if necessary.
F5E1: Door switch error
Solutions:
- Check if the door is closed properly.
- Check the wire harness connection.
- Check the door switch contact using an ohmmeter.
| Electric part name | Ohmic value |
|---|---|
| The door lock switch opened | OL |
| The door lock switch is closed | ~ 0.1 – 1.0 Ω |
- Check and replace, if necessary, the main board.
F5E2: Door lock error
The F5E2 error code signals a door lock failure at cycle initiation. The Door Open icon and/or LED remain illuminated after the start command.
Solutions:
- Check if the door is closed properly.
- Check if there is a mechanical problem with the door lock system “Door and Door Hook.”.
- Check and replace mechanical parts if necessary.
- Check the harness between the control board and the door lock.
- Check the door lock for a short circuit.
- Check for water traces on the door lock.
- Checking for deformation on the door can also result in an open circuit in the door lock.
- Check the harness connections for traces of overload or damage.
- Check and replace the wiring, or fix it if necessary.
- Check the door lock resistance.
| Electric part name | Ohmic value |
|---|---|
| Door lock solenoid | ~ 80 Ω |
- Start service mode. Does the failure persist?
- Check control board operation (Does 120V at supply the door lock solenoid?)
- If yes, replace the door lock.
- If not, replace the control board.
F5E3: Door unlock error
If the control board is not able to unlock the door at the end of the program within 240 seconds, F5E3 will be displayed.
Solutions:
- If, after 5 minutes, the door lock has still not been unlocked, push strongly on the door frame. Is it now unlocked?
- If the answer is no, replace the door lock, check the door hook, check the hinge, and make sure the entire door is centered perfectly.
- Check if the main board cannot switch off the door lock anymore.
- Close the door and switch ON the appliance press cancel/reset button for more than 3 seconds and switch OFF the appliance Do not press the start button, and inspect if the door gets locked in this condition.
- If yes, replace the main board.
F5E4 “dr”: Door not open error
Explanation:
- A fault is shown under the following circumstances:
- The START button is pressed while the door is open.
- The START button is pressed after a pre-set number of consecutive washer cycles without opening the door.
- The control board is unable to properly detect the door switch opening and closing.
Solutions:
- Resolve the error codes displayed on the control board by referring to the troubleshooting steps for F5E1, F5E2, and F5E3.
F6E1: Communication between control and motor control board errors
Communication failure between the control board (Appliance Control Unit “ACU” and Central Control Unit “CCU”) and motor control unit (MCU) is only for appliances with an external motor control unit.
Solutions:
- Check the harness and/or connections between the control board and motor control unit.
- Check the door switch contact.
- Check the motor resistance using your multimeter.
- Check the motor control unit function and replace it if necessary.
- Check the main board function, and replace it if necessary.
F6E2: Communication between control board and user interface error
Communication between the Central Control Unit (CCU) and the User Interface (UI) has not been detected.
Related error code:
- F6E3: Communication between user interface and control board error
Solutions:
- Clear the error code on the control panel.
- Check the harness and/or connections between the control board and user interface unit.
- Check the user interface unit function and replace it if necessary.
- Check the control board function and replace it if necessary.
F7E1: Drive Motor or Tachometer error
The failure occurs when the control board expects a speed signal coming from the tachometer of the motor, but there is no Tacho feedback or an unreadable Tacho signal.
And when the motor
- Cannot turn due to Motor defect
- Is it blocked or stalled?
- Cannot run due to open motor harness connection
The F7E1 failure code indicates that the control unit has detected an issue with the tachometer signal, but it’s unable to pinpoint the exact cause. This could stem from several potential problems:
- No motor movement: The tachometer signal is missing because the motor itself isn’t turning.
- Defective tachometer: The tachometer is faulty and not generating a signal, even though the motor is moving.
- Open tachometer wiring: There’s a break or disconnection in the wiring that connects the tachometer to the control unit.
Related error codes:
- F7E2: Motor control unit overtemperature error
- F7E3: Motor control unit over-current error
- F7E4: Motor overtemperature error
- F7E8: Motor disconnected error
- F7E9: Motor-locked error
- F7E10: Motor control phase missing error. (Same as F7EA)
- F7E12: Motor overload error (Same as F7EC)
Solutions:
- Check for drum blockage (laundry can block the drum), noise, or friction during drum rotation.
- Check for an overload situation with several consecutive cycles and/or a heavy load and/or a high ambient temperature.
- Check wire harness connections between the motor and control board.
- Check the harness wires to the motor and/or internal wires for internal intermitted interruption.
- Check the condition of the motor (damages, blocked, bad bearings, loose fit, broken).
- Activation of the thermal protector of the motor due to overload or high ambient temperature (higher than 40 °C)
- Disconnect motor plug Control board side and measure motor resistance.
| Electric part name | Ohmic value |
|---|---|
| Motor | ~ 8 – 22 Ω |
- Check the tachometer resistance using your multimeter.
- Check and replace the control board if necessary.
F8E0: Steam inlet valve error
If there is no water supply or the steamer valve does not open, this failure code will be displayed.
Solutions:
- If there is no water supply or the steamer valve does not open, this failure code will be displayed
- Check the water tap, clean the water inlet filter, and make sure to have proper water pressure.
- Check the harness connection between the steamer control unit and the steamer valve.
- Fix or replace the wiring.
- Check if all hoses are connected without leakage.
- Fix or replace the hoses.
- Check the functionality of the steamer control unit.
- Check steamer valve resistance using a multimeter.
| Electric part name | Ohmic value |
|---|---|
| Steam valve | ~ 980 Ω |
- Check and replace, if necessary, the main board.
F8E1: Fill time out or inlet valve error
The washer is not filling with water, and the main board is not detecting any water intake. If the pressure switch does not reach ‘wash level 1 L1’ within 6 minutes of the start of the fill cycle, the valves will automatically shut off and the ‘Water Tap’ LED will illuminate. The cycle will then pause. To resume the cycle, press the ‘Start’ button. If the water reaches the necessary level, the cycle will continue to run as normal.
Solutions:
- Ensure that the water tap is fully opened and that there is no residual water left in the tub. In the event that a hot valve is present, ensure that both water taps are fully opened.
- Open the water tap.
- Connect the inlet hose.
- Check if the hose is damaged, and install it in a proper way.
- Check filter on both sides
- Clean all filters.
- Install the drain hose according to the installation instructions.
- Check if the pressure hose is kinked, blocked, or damaged.
- Clean, replace, or reinstall the hose.
- Check the wiring for proper connection and/or an open circuit.
- Check the water inlet valve resistance using your multimeter.
| Electric part name | Ohmic value |
|---|---|
| Water fill valve | ~ 980 Ω |
- Check and replace, if necessary, the control board.
F8E2: Dispenser error
The dispenser motor is unable to reach the desired position.
Solutions:
- Check the wiring for proper connection and/or an open circuit.
- Check dispenser motor resistance.
| Electric part name | Ohmic value |
|---|---|
| Dispenser motor | ~ 1580 Ω |
- Check the dispenser switch position.
- Dose dispenser switch position receiving +5Vdc?
- If yes, replace the dispenser.
- If not, replace the main board.
- Dose dispenser switch position receiving +5Vdc?
F8E3: Overflow error
To prevent overflow, the system activates the drain pump for 45 seconds whenever the overflow contact on the pressure switch closes. If the contact closes five times within a short period, indicating a persistent overflow condition, the system initiates a safety protocol: the door locks to prevent access, and the drain pump operates in interval mode to continuously expel excess water.
Solutions:
- Check the inlet valve for proper shut-off; if there is a defect, then replace the valve.
- Check the drain hose and make sure it is not plugged or kinked.
- Clean the drain pump filter from foreign objects.
- Check the pressure switch for proper operation.
- Check the air chamber and pressure switch hose for air leakages and replace them if needed.
- Check the wiring between the control board and the float switch.
- Check the float switch for short circuits and water traces.
- This F8E3 error code can also be triggered by a short circuit in the drain pump TRIAC or a pressure switch with a malfunctioning overflow contact that remains closed.
- Clean the drip tray and check the internal hoses, soap dispenser, and below the tub for leakage.
- Possible reason: overfoaming due to too much detergent.
- Fix connections or replace leaking components.
- Verify the pressure switch function, including overflow contact. If the pressure switch is OK, then replace the aqua stop switch.
F8E4: Flowmeter error
Solutions:
- Check the inlet valve for proper operation; if it is defective, then replace the water valve.
- Check the wiring between the control board and flowmeter.
- Ensure the flowmeter is receiving +5 volts.
- If yes, replace it.
- If not, replace the main board.
F9E1: drainage error
Drainage Issue: While the drain pump functions normally, water isn’t being properly removed. Several potential causes could be:
- Excessive foam: Overuse of detergent can create excessive foam, hindering draining.
- Air lock in the outlet system: air trapped in the drain line can impede water flow.
- Clogged outlet system: An obstruction, like debris or buildup, might block the drain path.
- Water sensor malfunction: If the appliance incorrectly detects water presence after draining, it will prematurely stop the cycle.
- Siphon issue: Improper siphon configuration could also contribute to drainage problems.
Solutions:
- Check the drain pump filter for foreign objects.
- Check the drain hose (inside and outside of the appliance) and equalization tank to see if they’re kinked or blocked.
- Check the eco system for proper functionality, especially eco ball blocking.
- Clean blocked components.
- Foam or air bubbles can also create this failure behavior.
- Check the electrical connections between the drain pump and the control board.
- Check the electrical resistance of the drain pump.
| Electric part name | Ohmic value |
|---|---|
| Drain pump | ~ 18 Ω |
- Check for proper operation of the pressure switch contacts.
- Check the air chamber to see if it is blocked and the pressure hose to see if it is kinked or blocked.
- Replace the hose if it is kinked and eliminate blockage.
- Check and replace the main board if necessary.
Whirlpool washing machine error codes that begin with “Fx”:
F01: Main board “main board TRIAC’s short or open circuit” error
Solutions:
- Inspect for any potential water leaks that could lead to the shortening of electrical contacts.
- Inspect the motor terminal board for any potential short circuits.
- Check the connections of the wash heating element.
- Inspect the wash heating element for any issues.
- Inspect the wiring and connectors of the pressure switch.
- Disconnect the appliance for 2 minutes, and then check the wiring and connectors of the dry heating element on the main circuit board.
- Inspect the main circuit board and consider replacing it if necessary.
F02: Motor error
Solutions:
- Inspect for any potential water leaks that could lead to the shortening of electrical contacts.
- Confirm that the motor is not mechanically jammed or seized.
- Inspect the motor connector for any issues.
- Measure the motor winding resistance.
| Electric part name | Ohmic value |
|---|---|
| motor 3phase | ~ 17 Ω |
- Measure the tachometer resistance between 115 and 170 ohms.
| Electric part name | Ohmic value |
|---|---|
| motor tachometer | ~ 150 Ω |
- Inspect the tachometer wiring for any issues.
- Consider replacing the motor if necessary.
- Inspect the main circuit board and consider replacing it if necessary.
F03: NTC short/open circuit error
Solutions:
- Inspect the sensor wire harness connector for any issues.
- Measure the resistance of the NTC (negative temperature coefficient) sensor.
| Electric part name | Temp. | Ohmic value |
|---|---|---|
| NTC sensor | 20°C | ~ 20 KΩ |
- If the measurement is incorrect, replace the NTC sensor.
- If the problem persists, inspect the main circuit board and consider replacing it if necessary.
F05: Pressure switch error
Solutions:
- Inspect the connector contacts between the PCB and the pressure switch for any issues.
- Inspect the drain pump connector for any issues.
- Clean the pump filter, drain hose, and wall drain outlet.
- Remove and clean the air trap of any foreign material.
- Inspect the pressure hose for any pinholes that could cause air leaks.
- Check the pressure switches for any issues.
- If the problem persists, inspect the drain pump and linear pressure switch and consider replacing them if necessary.
- If the problem still persists, inspect the main PCB and consider replacing it if necessary.
F06: Door lock error
Solutions:
- Inspect for any potential water leaks that could lead to the shortening of electrical contacts.
- Inspect the door lock terminal wiring for any issues.
- Use an ohmmeter to check the door lock assembly for any issues.
- If the problem persists, inspect the main circuit board and consider replacing it if necessary.
F07: Heating element error
Solutions:
- Verify that the contacts on the heater assembly are properly connected to the main board.
- Measure the resistance of the wash heating element using a multimeter and ensure it is 30 ohms.
| Electric part name | Ohmic value |
|---|---|
| Heater assembly | ~ 30 Ω |
- If the measured resistance is not 30 ohms, replace the heating element.
- If the issue persists, inspect the main board and consider replacing it if necessary.
F08: Heater relay stuck error
Solutions:
- Inspect the connections of the heater assembly on the main circuit board.
- Verify that there is no electrical leakage between the two ends of the heater and the ground.
- Measure the resistance of the washing heating element; it should be 30 ohms.
- Replace the heating element if the resistance value is not as expected.
- If the issue persists, check and/or replace the main circuit board.
F09: EEPROM error
Solutions:
- Check and replace, if necessary, the main board.
- If the problem still occurs, check and replace the user interface.
F11: Drain pump error
Solutions:
- Inspect the connections of the drain pump on the main circuit board.
- Clean the pump filter, drain hose, and wall drain outlet.
- Measure the resistance of the pump.
| Electric part name | Ohmic value |
|---|---|
| Drain pump | ~ 190 Ω |
- Replace the drain pump if the resistance value is not as expected.
- If the issue persists, check and/or replace the main circuit board.
F12: Communication error between main board and user interface error
Solutions:
- Inspect connector contacts between the main board and user interface unit.
- Check and replace, if necessary, the user interface.
- If the problem still occurs, check and replace the main board.
F13: Dry NTC sensor open/short-circuiting error
Solutions:
- Verify that the condenser filter is not blocked or clogged.
- Inspect the blower fan for any fluff or debris, and clean if necessary.
- Check the connector contacts of the NTC sensor on the main circuit board.
- Measure the value of the NTC sensor.
| Electric part name | Temp. | Ohmic value |
|---|---|---|
| Dry NTC sensor | 20°C | ~ 201 KΩ |
- Replace the NTC sensor if the measurement is incorrect.
- If the issue persists, check and/or replace the main circuit board.
F15: Dry heater element error
Solutions:
- Inspect the connections of the dry heating element on the main circuit board.
- Measure the resistance of the dry heating element.
| Electric part name | Ohmic value |
|---|---|
| Dry heater assembly | ~ 26 Ω |
- Verify that there is no electrical leakage between the two ends of the dry heater assembly and the ground.
- Check the wiring harness of the drain pump.
- Measure the resistance of the drain pump at the connector.
- Inspect the connections and wiring of the water inlet valve.
- If the issue persists, check and/or replace the main circuit board.
F18: Communication error between main board and 3 phase motor
Solutions:
- Check and replace, if necessary, the main board.
F19: Dry fan error
Solutions:
- Inspect the connections of the dry fan motor on the main circuit board.
- Measure the resistance of the dry heating element.
- Check the fan motor for any short circuits or open circuits.
- Ensure the fan motor turns freely.
- If necessary, check and replace the main circuit board.
I am a master Appliance Repair technician with over 35 years of experience in the field. I am passionate about helping people troubleshoot their appliances and fix common problems. My website, appliancemode.com, provides a wealth of information on troubleshooting common appliance issues and deciphering error codes. This website aims to empower people to tackle appliance repairs themselves and save money on service calls.
