Whirlpool Error Codes: What They Mean and What to Do
When a Whirlpool appliance flashes an error code, it can feel overwhelming. But those codes are actually helpful clues that let you know what is wrong and what to do next. Whether it’s your refrigerator, washer, dryer, oven, or dishwasher, understanding Whirlpool error codes can save you time and stress.
While a basic check can sometimes fix the issue, it is often best to call in an expert. Advanced Appliance Service is one of only about 80 authorized W Service Companies nationwide, meaning Whirlpool has certified us for top-tier training, access to OEM parts, and rigorous performance standards. When you schedule an appliance service with us, you’re getting manufacturer-preferred expertise. Book online or call today. Our factory-trained technicians are ready to help.
The following guide of Whirlpool error codes, categorized by each type of appliance, are among the most common that we receive service calls about. If there is a code you are seeing on your appliance and cannot find it in our guide, please give us a call! We want to ensure this guide helps you understand and troubleshoot your Whirlpool appliance.
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Refrigerators and Freezers
E0
- Meaning: Ice maker fault (if fitted)
- What to do: Check the ice bin and water supply. If the problem continues, schedule service with Advanced Appliance Service.
E1
- Meaning: Refrigerator sensor fault
- What to do: If food is not staying cold, call for service.
E2
- Meaning: Freezer sensor fault
- What to do: If food is thawing, book a repair right away.
E3
- Meaning: Defrost sensor fault
- What to do: Check the drain line. If frost continues to build, call Advanced Appliance Service.
E4
- Meaning: Fridge defrost sensor fault
- What to do: Schedule service to avoid cooling issues.
E5
- Meaning: Freezer defrost sensor fault
- What to do: Call for repair before frost buildup causes more issues.
E6
- Meaning: Control board and display fault
- What to do: If buttons or the display are unresponsive, call Advanced Appliance Service.
E7 / E8
- Meaning: Environmental temperature sensor fault
- What to do: If fridge or freezer temperatures are unstable, schedule service.
E9
- Meaning: Freezer high temperature alarm
- What to do: Check that the door is closed. If the code stays on, call us immediately.
EE
- Meaning: Ice maker circuit fault (if fitted)
- What to do: If no ice is being produced, book a repair.
Dishwashers
F1E1
- Meaning: Main control fault
- What to do: Power cycle the unit. If the code returns, schedule service.
F2E2
- Meaning: User interface communication fault
- What to do: If buttons do not respond, call Advanced Appliance Service.
F3E2
- Meaning: OWI or temperature sensor fault
- What to do: If dishes are not cleaning, schedule repair.
F4E3 / F7E2
- Meaning: Wash motor fault
- What to do: If dishwasher is not spraying water, book a repair.
F6E1 / F6E3
- Meaning: Water fill problem
- What to do: Check the water supply. If the supply is fine, schedule service.
F6E4 / F8E4
- Meaning: Float switch or leak detected
- What to do: Inspect for leaks. If water is found, turn off the dishwasher and call us.
F8E2
- Meaning: Drain pump electrical fault
- What to do: If draining does not complete, schedule service.
F8E5
- Meaning: Soil or turbidity sensor fault
- What to do: If dishes are not coming out clean, book a repair.
F9E1
- Meaning: Long drain
- What to do: Check the hose for clogs. If clear, schedule service.
H2O
- Meaning: Low water supply
- What to do: Check the faucet and supply line. If normal, call Advanced Appliance Service.
Front Load Washers
LOC / LC
- Meaning: Control Lock active
- What to do: Hold Control Lock to disable. If the panel does not respond, call for service.
dET
- Meaning: Detergent cartridge not detected
- What to do: Reseat the cartridge. If still not detected, schedule service.
Int
- Meaning: Cycle paused or canceled
- What to do: Clear code with Cancel and Power. If it persists, call Advanced Appliance Service.
rL / F0E1
- Meaning: Load in Clean Washer cycle
- What to do: Remove items and restart cycle. If code returns, book repair.
Sud / Sd
- Meaning: Too many suds
- What to do: Use HE detergent. If code continues, call for service.
Err
- Meaning: General error
- What to do: Power cycle the washer. If error stays, call us.
Top Load Washers
drn
- Meaning: Not draining properly
- What to do: Check the hose for clogs. If clear, call Advanced Appliance Service.
HC
- Meaning: Hot and cold reversed
- What to do: Switch hose connections. If the error remains, schedule repair.
LdL
- Meaning: Lid will not lock
- What to do: Remove obstructions. If the lid still will not lock, call us.
LdU
- Meaning: Lid cannot unlock
- What to do: Remove items pressing on the lid. If it will not unlock, book service.
LF / Lo FL / F8E1
- Meaning: Long fill or no fill
- What to do: Check the water supply. If water is flowing normally, schedule service.
lid
- Meaning: Lid left open
- What to do: Close lid. If error continues, call Advanced Appliance Service.
OFb / ofb
- Meaning: Off balance load
- What to do: Redistribute items. If code repeats, schedule service.
Sd / Sud
- Meaning: Too many suds
- What to do: Use proper detergent. If the code keeps coming back, call for service.
F#E# codes
- Meaning: Various internal faults
- What to do: Restart the washer. If code reappears, call Advanced Appliance Service.
Dryers
AF / F4E3
- Meaning: Restricted airflow
- What to do: Clean lint trap and vent. If vent is clear but code returns, call for service.
F4E4
- Meaning: Low or no line voltage
- What to do: Check breaker and supply voltage. If power is correct, schedule service.
L2
- Meaning: Low or no line voltage
- What to do: Check supply. If fine, call Advanced Appliance Service.
PF
- Meaning: Power failure
- What to do: Restart dryer. If PF repeats, schedule service.
ERR
- Meaning: Door not closed
- What to do: Ensure the door is closed. If code stays, call for service.
Loc
- Meaning: Control lock active
- What to do: Hold the Control Lock button. If panel does not unlock, schedule repair.
F3E2
- Meaning: Moisture sensor issue
- What to do: Try a fuller load or level the dryer. If code repeats, call Advanced Appliance Service.
F2E1
- Meaning: Keypad fault
- What to do: Reset power. If keypad still fails, schedule service.
Other F#E# codes
- Meaning: Internal control faults
- What to do: Power cycle the dryer. If code returns, call for repair.
Ovens and Ranges
F9 / F9E0
- Meaning: Electrical miswiring
- What to do: Have wiring checked. If wiring is fine but the error stays, call Advanced Appliance Service.
C
- Meaning: Celsius display
- What to do: Change setting in the control panel. If it will not change, schedule service.
Blank clock
- Meaning: No time displayed
- What to do: Try restoring the display in settings. If blank remains, call for repair.
CAL
- Meaning: Calibration active
- What to do: Exit calibration per your manual. If stuck, call Advanced Appliance Service.
LOC / Lock / Locked
- Meaning: Control lock active
- What to do: Unlock with the control lock button. If controls stay locked, call for service.
SAB / Sab / 5AB / 5A6
- Meaning: Sabbath Mode active
- What to do: Exit Sabbath mode. If unable to exit, schedule service.
PF
- Meaning: Power failure
- What to do: Reset the time and clear the code. If PF repeats, call Advanced Appliance Service.
Ice Makers
E0
- Meaning: No errors
- What to do: Ice maker is working.
E1
- Meaning: Cooling timed out
- What to do: If not producing ice, call Advanced Appliance Service.
E3
- Meaning: Heater timeout
- What to do: Schedule service to check the heater.
E4
- Meaning: Dry cycle detected
- What to do: Check the water line. If clear but no water, call for repair.
Whirlpool appliances use error codes to tell you when something is wrong, from simple user settings like Control Lock to more serious problems such as motor, sensor, or control board failures. Some codes can be cleared with quick checks like resetting power, cleaning vents, or redistributing laundry loads. But when errors won’t clear or the appliance still does not work properly, it is a clear sign that professional service is needed.
Advanced Appliance Service has the expertise to quickly diagnose and repair Whirlpool refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers, ovens, and ice makers. Save time and avoid bigger issues by scheduling service online or giving us a call today.
