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Whirlpool washer error codes

Whirlpool front-load washers and top-load HE washers. Whirlpool notes that not every code appears on every model; your owner’s manual lists the ones yours uses. F codes are often written with a space, such as F5 E2.

17 code meaningsLast checked against its sources on

Water supply and filling

F8 E1: Low water flow (slow fill)

The washer is taking too long to fill.

Also shown as F8E1 LO FL LF
You can usually fix thisFix steps

HC: Hot and cold hoses reversed (top-load HE)

The fill hoses are connected to the wrong inlets.

You can usually fix thisFix steps

Draining and overfilling

F9 E1: Draining too slowly (front-load)

Draining took longer than about 8 minutes, so the washer stopped.

Also shown as F9E1
Fixable with careFix steps

drn: Not draining properly (top-load HE)

The washer can’t get the water out properly. Whirlpool says it may be an installation problem with the drain setup.

Fixable with careFix steps

Doors, lids and drawers

F5 E2: Door won’t lock (front-load)

The washer tried to lock the door and couldn’t.

Also shown as F5E2
You can usually fix thisFix steps

LdL: Lid won’t lock or unlock (top-load HE)

LdL means the lid won’t lock. LdU means it won’t unlock.

Also shown as LdU
You can usually fix thisFix steps

lid: Lid left open

Close the lid. After 10 minutes open, the cycle resets and drains; restart it without adding more detergent.

You can usually fix this

Balance, spin and vibration

F7 E1: Motor speed problem (front-load)

The washer can’t sense the motor turning at the expected speed.

Also shown as F7E1
Fixable with careFix steps

Ofb: Load out of balance or too large (top-load HE)

Ofb: the load is unbalanced. OL: the load is too big, so the washer drains the water and detergent.

Also shown as OL
You can usually fix thisFix steps

Detergent and suds

Sud: Too many suds

Too much foam was detected. The washer adds rinsing automatically to clear it.

Also shown as Sd
You can usually fix thisFix steps

F8 E2: Dispenser problem (some front-loads)

Check the drawer or cartridge for detergent clogs and clean it, then clear the code.

Also shown as F8E2
You can usually fix this

dET: Detergent cartridge not detected (some models)

Seat the cartridge properly and close the dispenser drawer. Ignore it if you use single-dose packs.

You can usually fix this

Parts and sensors

F# E#: Any other F code

An unlisted F#E# code is a system error. Unplug for 5 minutes, then restart. Schedule service if it comes back.

Usually needs a technician

Notices, not faults

rL: Items left in the drum during Clean Washer

Take the items out and restart Clean Washer.

Also shown as F34
Not a fault

Int: Cycle paused or cancelled

Wait 20 to 30 minutes for draining and spinning to stop, then press Pause/Cancel twice and Power once. If it stays, unplug for 5 minutes.

Not a fault

LOC: Control lock is on

Press the Control Lock button. Some models need a press and hold; check your manual.

Also shown as LC
Not a fault

PF: Power failure interrupted the cycle

Touch and hold Start to resume, or press Power to clear the display.

Not a fault

Resetting a Whirlpool washer

To clear a code on a front-loader, press Pause/Cancel twice and then Power once. On top-load HE models, press Start/Pause once to clear it. For an unexplained F#E# code, unplug the washer for 5 minutes, plug it back in, choose a cycle and press Start.

Sources

  1. Error Codes in Front Load Washers, Whirlpool Product Help
  2. Error Codes in Top Load HE Washers, Whirlpool Product Help
  3. Washer Not Draining or Spinning? Troubleshooting Guide, Whirlpool Product Help
Last checked against its sources on