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Error codes

Whirlpool error codes,
and what each one costs you.

11 codes·Reviewed

Whirlpool moved from two-digit F-codes to an F-and-E pairing — F for the system, E for the specific fault within it — which is more precise than what came before and less widely understood. The same codes appear on Maytag, KitchenAid and Amana machines, because they are the same platforms underneath. Older machines with no display say the same things by blinking, and those patterns are worth counting rather than ignoring.

These are what the codes mean on the series named beside them. Model years differ — send a photo of the model plate when you book and that settles it.

01 — Reading it

Where the code shows up

Machines with a display show the code directly. On models without one, the status lights blink a pattern — count the flashes, note the pause, and tell us both. On many top-loaders you can enter the diagnostic mode by turning the dial through a specific sequence; the sequence is model-specific and printed in the tech sheet, which lives in a plastic pouch under the console or behind the kick panel.

02 — Washer

Washer codes

F21 / F02

Washer
Try this first
What the machine is reporting
The machine took too long to drain.
What puts it there
The coin trap or drain pump obstructed, almost always. Then the pump itself, then a drain hose pushed too far into the standpipe so it siphons.
Before you call anyone
On front-loaders the trap is behind the lower panel — towel down first. Clear it and run a rinse-and-spin to test.
What it usually costs
Most washer jobs land between $150 and $350, parts included, and the $150 minimum service call is part of that rather than on top of it. This one sits at the bottom of that range, and plenty of these end at the visit.
True for
Duet and other front-load platforms.

F5 E3

Washer
Needs a technician
What the machine is reporting
The door or lid lock will not release.
What puts it there
The lock assembly, which is a known wear item across the top-load platform. Occasionally the control driving it.
Before you call anyone
Cut power at the breaker for a minute — the lock releases on some models and lets you retrieve the load. That is a rescue, not a repair; the code will return.
What it usually costs
Most washer jobs land between $150 and $350, parts included, and the $150 minimum service call is part of that rather than on top of it. This one sits at the bottom of that range, and plenty of these end at the visit.
True for
Top-load and front-load washers with an electronic lock.
Front-load washer showing an End cycle after the door latch was replaced
Newport Coast, CA — F22 error — door latch assembly replaced

F7 E1

Washer
Needs a technician
What the machine is reporting
The motor did not reach the speed it was asked for.
What puts it there
On the top-load platform this is very often the shift actuator failing to engage rather than the motor. Then an overloaded drum, then the motor control.
What it usually costs
Most washer jobs land between $150 and $350, parts included, and the $150 minimum service call is part of that rather than on top of it. This one sits around the middle of it.
True for
VMW top-load platform.

Sud / SD / SUdS

Washer
Not a fault
What the machine is reporting
Too much foam. The machine has paused to let it collapse.
What puts it there
Ordinary detergent in a high-efficiency machine, or too much HE detergent. Genuinely not a fault the first time it happens.
Before you call anyone
Run a rinse-and-spin with nothing in the drum and no detergent. Then use HE detergent and less than you think — the dose on the bottle assumes a full, dirty load.
True for
HE top-load and front-load washers.

dr / dET

Washer
Try this first
What the machine is reporting
The detergent dispensing system is reporting a fault or needs setting up.
What puts it there
On load-and-go models, an empty reservoir or a dispenser that has not been primed. Then the dispenser motor.
What it usually costs
Most washer jobs land between $150 and $350, parts included, and the $150 minimum service call is part of that rather than on top of it. This one sits at the bottom of that range, and plenty of these end at the visit.
True for
Washers with a bulk detergent reservoir.

F9 E1

Washer
Try this first
What the machine is reporting
Long drain — water is leaving, but far too slowly.
What puts it there
A partially blocked pump or filter, or a drain hose kinked behind the machine.
Before you call anyone
Clear the coin trap and check the hose behind the machine has not been crushed against the wall.
What it usually costs
Most washer jobs land between $150 and $350, parts included, and the $150 minimum service call is part of that rather than on top of it. This one sits at the bottom of that range, and plenty of these end at the visit.
True for
Whirlpool washers.
03 — Washer / Dishwasher

Washer / Dishwasher codes

F8 E1 / LF / LO FL

Washer / Dishwasher
Try this first
What the machine is reporting
Long fill — the machine did not get the water it asked for in time.
What puts it there
Taps, hoses, inlet screens. Then the valve. On dishwashers, the float or the flow meter.
Before you call anyone
Taps fully open, hoses unkinked, screens rinsed at the machine end.
True for
Whirlpool laundry and dishwashers.
04 — Dishwasher

Dishwasher codes

F8 E4

Dishwasher
Needs a technician
What the machine is reporting
The flow meter is reporting water the machine did not expect — usually an overfill.
What puts it there
The flow meter itself, the inlet valve failing to close, or the float switch. Shared with KitchenAid, which uses the same platform.
What it usually costs
Most dishwasher jobs land between $150 and $300, parts included, and the $150 minimum service call is part of that rather than on top of it. This one sits around the middle of it.
True for
Whirlpool and KitchenAid dishwashers with a flow meter.
05 — Dryer

Dryer codes

F01

Dryer
Needs a technician
What the machine is reporting
A main control board fault.
What puts it there
The board itself, or a connector on it that has overheated at a terminal.
What it usually costs
Most dryer jobs land between $150 and $350, parts included, and the $150 minimum service call is part of that rather than on top of it. This one sits at the top of it, and past it on a built-in.
True for
Whirlpool electronic dryers.

AF

Dryer
Try this first
What the machine is reporting
Restricted airflow. The machine is not exhausting properly.
What puts it there
Lint in the duct run, a crushed flexible hose, or a blocked wall cap. Left alone this is what eventually opens the thermal fuse and takes the heat out altogether.
Before you call anyone
Check the flexible hose behind the machine is not crushed, then have the full run cleared.
What it usually costs
Most dryer jobs land between $150 and $350, parts included, and the $150 minimum service call is part of that rather than on top of it. This one sits at the bottom of that range, and plenty of these end at the visit.
True for
Whirlpool dryers with airflow sensing.
Heavy lint buildup inside a dryer before cleaning
Irvine, CA — Lint buildup cleared during routine dryer service
06 — Washer / Dryer

Washer / Dryer codes

PF

Washer / Dryer
Not a fault
What the machine is reporting
Power failure — the machine lost supply mid-cycle.
What puts it there
A trip, a brownout, or a loose plug. Not a fault in the machine unless it recurs.
Before you call anyone
Press Start to resume. If it keeps happening on one circuit, the outlet or breaker wants looking at.
True for
Whirlpool laundry.
The brand

What we open a Whirlpool for

Four badges, one parts bin — and the most repairable machines sold.

Other brands

Codes for everything else we work on

SamsungLGGEMaytagKitchenAidFrigidaireElectroluxBoschKenmore
CoastPro

Got a Whirlpool code you cannot clear?

Tell us the code and the model number when you book — it decides what comes on the van. Same-day appointments across Orange County.

$150 minimum service call — quick fixes included