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Whirlpool Washing Machine Error Codes: What They Mean

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Learn what those troubling Whirlpool washing machine error codes actually mean.

Nothing is more disturbing than seeing Whirlpool washer fault codes displayed on your washing machine. You may hear beeping noises, wonder if something is wrong with the steam function, or if you’re about to need a complicated and expensive repair.

After all, the Whirlpool washing machine error codes as well as the Whirlpool duet washer error codes can be complicated and hard to interpret. So today we’re giving you a troubleshooting guide so you can easily diagnose your machine and keep your family in clean clothing.

Key Takeaways

  • Whirlpool washer error codes help diagnose issues with the machine, such as draining problems, system errors, or door locking issues.
  • To read error codes without a display panel, push three different buttons (except power) in a 1-2-3 sequence three times in 8 seconds to enter diagnostic mode.
  • Common error codes include drn (not draining correctly), F# E# or F## (system error), HC (hot and cold hoses mixed up), and LdL (lid not locking).
  • To reset a Whirlpool washing machine, press the pause/cancel button twice and the power button once, or disconnect it from the power supply, wait three minutes, and reconnect it.

How to Read Whirlpool Washer Error Codes

To read the error codes without a display panel, follow these instructions.

1. Select Three Buttons

Select three different buttons except for the power button.

2. Push the Buttons

Push the buttons in a sequence of 1-2-3. Complete the sequence 3 times in 8 seconds to enter into the diagnostic mode.

3. Diagnostic Codes

For non LED displays, the WASH LED will flash.

The number of flashes represents the diagnostic code. The first set of flashes represents the F#. There will be a 2-second wait before the second set of flashes which represents the E#.

After both sets of flashes, there will be a 5-second pause before the error code will repeat.

If there are no errors, then the WASH LED will remain on. Press and hold the first button in the sequence to leave the diagnostic mode.

Whirlpool Top Load Washing Machine Error Codes

There are several top load washer error codes you may run across. Here are the codes, what they mean, and how to fix the issues.

drn

What It Means: The washing machine is not draining correctly.

How to Fix It: The washer drain hose was installed incorrectly. Reinstall the drain hose so the washing machine will drain correctly.

F# E# or F##

What It Means: You have a system error code.

How to Fix It: Press the start/pause button once to clear the code. Press the start/pause button a second time to restart the washing machine. If this doesn’t work, call a technician to schedule a repair.

HC

What It Means: The hot and cold hoses have been incorrectly installed and mixed up.

How to Fix It: Turn off the water supply. Then disconnect the hot and cold hoses and reinstall them correctly ensuring that the hot intake valve is connected to the hot water connection on the washing machine. Repeat for the cold water intake valve and connection. When the intake hoses are installed correctly, turn on the water supply.

LdL

What It Means: The lid of your washer is not locking.

How to Fix It: Look to see if any items are preventing your washing machine lid from locking. Then clean the contacts with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol as the contacts may be dirty and unable to make a good connection.

LdU

What It Means: The lid is unable to unlock.

How to Fix It: The washer is detecting objects on the lid which are preventing the washing machine from being able to unlock. Remove all of the objects from the lid.

LF, Lo FL, or F8 E1

What It Means: The washer is not receiving the water supply it needs to wash your clothing.

How to Fix It: Double-check your intake valves to make sure that they are fully open. Then look at the intake hoses to make sure that the hoses are not kinked, bent, or damaged. Finally, check if you have installed anti-flood hoses and controls on the waterline into your washing machine.

lid

What It Means: The lid of the washer was left open.

How to Fix It: Close the lid which will clear the display. The cycle will reset and the water will drain from your washing machine if the lid was left open for more than 10 minutes. Restart your wash cycle if the water is drained. Do not add more detergent as your clothing is saturated with water and detergent.

Ofb

What It Means: Your washing machine is off balance.

How to Fix It: If the washing machine is running a load balance, let your washing machine finish the process. Otherwise, you can open the lid to redistribute the load if the washer has stopped. Then press start for the cycle to resume.

OL

What It Means: The washing machine is overloaded. The load stopped, and the water and detergent were drained.

How to Fix It: Remove several items from your washing machine to decrease the size of the load. Then add HE detergent to your washing machine and press the start/pause button.

PF

What It Means: A power failure interrupted the washing machine’s cycle.

How to Fix It: Touch and hold the start button to restart the wash cycle or press the power button to clear the display.

Sud

What It Means: The washing machine has too many suds. This is caused by using standard laundry detergent instead of high-efficiency or HE laundry detergent.

How to Fix It: Fix the excessive suds by running a few empty wash cycles to rinse the suds out of the machine. You can also add a cup of white vinegar to help remove the soapy residue.Prevent your washing machine from developing too many suds by making sure that you use only HE laundry detergent in your washer.

Whirlpool Front Load Washer Error Codes

Here’s a list of Whirlpool front load washer error codes, what they mean, and what you can do to fix the issues.

LOC or LC

What It Means: The control lock has been activated.

How to Fix It: Press the control lock button. You may need to figure out which button activates the control lock as some machines use different buttons. An older machine’s control lock button may need to be pressed and held.

dET

What It Means: The washer isn’t able to detect the detergent cartridge.

How to Fix It: Make sure that the detergent cartridge is installed correctly and the detergent drawer is fully shut.

Int

What It Means: The wash cycle was paused or canceled.

How to Fix It: The error code will display during the 20-30 minutes it may take the washer to stop and drain. Remove the error code by pressing the pause/cancel button twice and the power button once. If that doesn’t work, unplug the washing machine for 1 minute.

rL or F34

What It Means: The washing machine detected items in the washer during the clean washer cycle.

How to Fix It: The clean washer cycle requires an empty drum. Remove all items from the washing machine and restart the clean washer cycle

Sud or Sd

What It Means: If you see the Sud error code, it means that your washing machine has too many suds in the drum.

How to Fix It: Fix the problem by running a few empty wash cycles to flush the excess suds from your washer. You can also add 1 cup of vinegar to the wash cycle as it will help to remove the excess soapy residue from your machine.

Solve the issue permanently by ensuring that you only use HE laundry detergent in your washing machine.

F5 E2

What It Means: The door of your washing machine is not able to lock.

How to Fix It: Check the door of your washing machine to see if there is anything blocking the door and preventing it from closing and locking. You may need to dip a cotton swab into rubbing alcohol and clean the contacts on the locking mechanism. Sometimes they become dirty preventing the door from locking or sensing that it’s locked.

Press the pause/cancel button twice and the power button once. This will clear the code.

F7 E1

What It Means: There is an issue with your motor speed.

How to Fix It: If you have a new machine, check to make sure that the shipping bolts have been removed. Otherwise, you may have overloaded your washing machine.

Press the pause/cancel button twice and the power button once. This will clear the code.

F8 E1 or LO FL

What It Means: The washer is sensing a low flow of water into the machine.

How to Fix It: Check the intake valves to make sure that they have been turned on and fully open. Also, look at the intake hoses to make sure that they are not kinked, bent, or damaged. Finally, double-check to make sure you haven’t used anti-flood hoses and controls on the waterline connected to your washing machine.

Then press the pause/cancel button twice and the power button once to clear the error code.

F8 E2

What It Means: There’s a problem with the dispenser system.

How to Fix It: Make sure that the dispenser system is not clogged. You may need to remove the drawer and clean it in your sink using mild soap and warm water.

F9 E1

What It Means: Long Drain Time

How to Fix It: Check that the drain hose is not kinked or clogged.

Other F or E code

What It Means: There is another type of error.

How to Fix It: If you see other F codes or E codes displayed, unplug or disconnect your washing machine from the power supply for 1 minute before reconnecting it again. Select your cycle and start it. If you see the error code a second time, call a technician.

FAQs

Why are all the Lights Flashing on My Whirlpool Washing Machine?

There are several reasons why all the lights are flashing on your Whirlpool washing machine. It could be a problem with the main control panel, an overload, or the drive motor malfunctioning.

Is There a Reset Button on a Whirlpool Washing Machine?

Knowing if there is a reset button on your Whirlpool washing machine depends on the model. In general, you can reset the washer by pressing the pause/cancel button twice and press the power button once.

Why is My Whirlpool Washer Stuck on Sensing?

The most likely cause of your Whirlpool washer getting stuck on sensing is a fault with the drive motor.

Where is the Drain Pump Filter on a Whirlpool Washer?

The drain pump filter on a Whirlpool washer is located below the door behind an access panel. You will need to disconnect the washer from the electricity supply before accessing the pump filter.

How Do I Clean My Whirlpool Drain Pump?

The best way to clean your Whirlpool drain pump is to remove it from the drive shaft and take it out of the washer. Grab an old toothbrush and spray the pump with solvent and scrub as much dirt off as you can.

Finally, wash the pump in water several times before reconnecting it to the drive shaft.


How Can I Reset My Whirlpool Washing Machine?

You can reset your Whirlpool washing machine by disconnecting it from the power supply by either unplugging your machine or turning off the power at the breaker. Wait three minutes to allow all electrical charges to dissipate from your machine. Then restore power by plugging in your washing machine or turning on the power at the breaker.

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About the Author

Sara Dennis

Sara Dennis is a coffee-loving freelance writer, homeschool blogger, and mom of six kids. In her free time, Sara loves reading books and researching more efficient and effective ways to keep a clean house, homeschool her children, and blog better while making a home for her large family.