Whirlpool Appliance Error Codes

Washer Error Codes

Error codes specific to Whirlpool washing machines and laundry appliances.

Code	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
E1	Water Supply Error - Insufficient water supply or water inlet valve issue	•Water supply valve closed •Kinked or blocked water inlet hose •Low water pressure •Water inlet valve malfunction •Water filter clogged •Frozen water line	Check that water supply valves are fully open Inspect water inlet hoses for kinks or blockages Verify water pressure is adequate (minimum 20 PSI) Clean or replace water inlet filter if present Check water inlet valve for proper operation Thaw frozen water lines if applicable Test water inlet valve with multimeter if accessible
E2	Drain Error - Water not draining properly	•Drain hose kinked or blocked •Drain pump malfunction •Drain filter clogged •Drain hose too high •Foreign object blocking drain •Drain pump impeller damaged	Check drain hose for kinks or blockages Clean drain filter if accessible Inspect drain pump for blockages Verify drain hose height (maximum 96 inches) Test drain pump operation Check drain pump wiring connections Replace drain pump if necessary
E3	Motor Error - Washer motor malfunction	•Motor failure •Motor wiring issue •Motor capacitor failure •Motor overload protection triggered •Motor brushes worn •Control board motor control failure	Check motor wiring connections Test motor windings Test motor capacitor Check motor brushes if applicable Verify motor overload protection Test control board motor control Replace motor if necessary
E4	Door Lock Error - Door lock mechanism malfunction	•Door lock failure •Door not properly closed •Door lock wiring issue •Door lock solenoid failure •Control board lock control failure	Ensure door is fully closed Check door lock mechanism operation Test door lock solenoid Verify door lock wiring connections Check control board lock control Replace door lock if necessary
E5	Water Level Sensor Error - Water level sensor malfunction	•Water level sensor failure •Sensor wiring issue •Sensor tube blocked or disconnected •Control board sensor circuit failure •Sensor calibration error	Check water level sensor wiring connections Inspect sensor tube for blockages or disconnection Test water level sensor resistance Verify sensor tube is properly connected Check control board sensor connections Replace water level sensor if faulty
E6	Spin Error - Washer unable to spin properly	•Unbalanced load •Drive system issue •Motor speed control failure •Suspension system failure •Control board spin control failure	Redistribute load evenly Check drive system operation Inspect suspension system Test motor speed control Verify load is not too large Check control board spin control

Dryer Error Codes

Error codes specific to Whirlpool dryers and drying systems.

Code	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
E7	Heating Error - Dryer heating system malfunction	•Heating element failure •Thermal fuse blown •High limit thermostat failure •Heating element wiring issue •Control board heating control failure •Gas valve failure (gas dryers)	Check heating element for continuity Test thermal fuse Test high limit thermostat Verify heating element wiring Check control board heating control Test gas valve (gas dryers) Replace heating element or components if necessary
E8	Temperature Sensor Error - Temperature sensor malfunction	•Temperature sensor failure •Sensor wiring issue •Sensor not properly positioned •Control board sensor circuit failure •Sensor calibration error	Check temperature sensor wiring Test sensor resistance at different temperatures Verify sensor positioning Check control board sensor connections Calibrate temperature sensor if possible Replace temperature sensor if faulty
E9	Motor Error - Dryer motor malfunction	•Motor failure •Motor wiring issue •Motor capacitor failure •Motor overload protection triggered •Motor belt broken •Control board motor control failure	Check motor wiring connections Test motor windings Test motor capacitor Verify motor overload protection Check motor belt for damage Test control board motor control Replace motor if necessary
E10	Vent Blockage Error - Airflow restriction detected	•Lint filter clogged •Vent hose blocked •Vent duct restriction •Exhaust vent blocked •Lint buildup in dryer •Airflow sensor malfunction	Clean lint filter Inspect and clean vent hose Check vent duct for restrictions Verify exhaust vent is clear Remove lint buildup from dryer Test airflow sensor Ensure proper ventilation

Refrigerator Error Codes

Error codes specific to Whirlpool refrigerators and cooling systems.

Code	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
E11	Temperature Sensor Error - Refrigerator temperature sensor malfunction	•Temperature sensor failure •Sensor wiring issue •Sensor not properly positioned •Control board sensor circuit failure •Sensor calibration error	Check temperature sensor wiring Test sensor resistance at different temperatures Verify sensor positioning Check control board sensor connections Calibrate temperature sensor if possible Replace temperature sensor if faulty
E12	Compressor Error - Compressor malfunction	•Compressor failure •Compressor relay failure •Compressor overload protection triggered •Refrigerant leak •Compressor wiring issue •Compressor start capacitor failure	Check compressor relay Test compressor windings Test compressor start capacitor Verify refrigerant levels Check for refrigerant leaks Inspect compressor wiring Replace compressor if necessary
E13	Defrost System Error - Defrost system malfunction	•Defrost heater failure •Defrost thermostat failure •Defrost timer malfunction •Defrost system wiring issue •Ice buildup blocking airflow	Check defrost heater for continuity Test defrost thermostat Verify defrost timer operation Check defrost system wiring Remove ice buildup if present Replace faulty defrost components
E14	Fan Motor Error - Evaporator or condenser fan malfunction	•Fan motor failure •Fan blade obstruction •Fan motor wiring issue •Fan motor capacitor failure •Ice buildup blocking fan	Check for fan blade obstructions Remove ice buildup around fan Test fan motor windings Verify fan motor wiring Test fan motor capacitor Replace fan motor if necessary

Dishwasher Error Codes

Error codes specific to Whirlpool dishwashers.

Code	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
E15	Water Supply Error - Insufficient water supply or water inlet valve issue	•Water supply valve closed •Kinked or blocked water inlet hose •Low water pressure •Water inlet valve malfunction •Water filter clogged	Check that water supply valve is fully open Inspect water inlet hose for kinks or blockages Verify water pressure is adequate Clean or replace water inlet filter Check water inlet valve operation Test water inlet valve
E16	Drain Error - Water not draining properly	•Drain hose kinked or blocked •Drain pump malfunction •Drain filter clogged •Food debris blocking drain •Drain pump impeller damaged	Check drain hose for kinks or obstructions Clean drain filter Inspect drain pump for blockages Remove food debris from drain Test drain pump operation Replace drain pump if necessary
E17	Heating Error - Water heating system malfunction	•Heating element failure •Heating element wiring issue •Temperature sensor failure •Control board heating control failure	Check heating element for continuity Test heating element resistance Verify heating element wiring Test temperature sensor Check control board heating control Replace heating element if necessary
E18	Door Error - Dishwasher door not closing or sealing properly	•Door switch failure •Door not properly closed •Door seal damaged •Door latch issue	Ensure door is fully closed Test door switch for continuity Inspect door seal for damage Check door latch operation Replace door switch or seal if necessary

Control and System Errors

Error codes related to control board, communication, and system-level issues.

Code	Meaning	Possible Causes	Solutions
F1	Control Board Communication Error	•Control board failure •Wiring harness issue •Display board communication failure •Power supply issue •Software error	Unplug appliance for 5 minutes and restart Check all wiring harness connections Inspect control board for visible damage Verify power supply to control board Reset appliance to factory settings if possible Replace control board if necessary
F2	Power Supply Error - Power supply issue detected	•Power cord issue •Power outlet problem •Fuse blown •Circuit breaker tripped •Power supply board failure	Check power cord for damage Verify power outlet is working Check and replace fuse if necessary Reset circuit breaker Test power supply board Replace power supply components if faulty
F3	Sensor Communication Error - Sensor communication failure	•Sensor wiring harness issue •Multiple sensor failures •Control board sensor circuit failure •Communication bus error	Check all sensor wiring connections Test individual sensors Verify control board sensor circuits Check communication bus connections Replace faulty sensors or control board
F4	Software Error - Software or firmware issue	•Software corruption •Firmware update failure •Control board memory error •Software bug	Reset appliance to factory settings if possible Check for available firmware updates Power cycle appliance (unplug for 10 minutes) Contact Whirlpool support for firmware update Replace control board if software cannot be recovered

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Important Information

If you encounter persistent errors or are unable to resolve an issue using the solutions provided, contact Whirlpool customer support or a qualified appliance repair technician for professional assistance. Some errors may require technical support, component replacement, or specialized diagnostic equipment that must be handled by authorized service providers. Always unplug the appliance before attempting any repairs and never attempt to modify electrical components or work with gas appliances without proper training. Different Whirlpool models may have model-specific error codes—always consult your appliance's user manual for the most accurate information.

For technical support, contact Whirlpool customer service or consult a qualified appliance repair professional for expert assistance.

Safety Information: Always disconnect power before performing any diagnostic or repair work. Some components may retain electrical charge even after unplugging. Working with gas appliances requires special care—never attempt to repair gas connections yourself. If you are unsure about any repair procedure, contact a qualified technician. Working with electrical appliances can be dangerous and may void your warranty if not performed correctly.

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Troubleshooting Guidelines

Common Resolution Steps

✓Always unplug appliance before troubleshooting or repairs
✓Check power supply and connections first
✓For washers: Verify water supply valves are open
✓For dryers: Clean lint filter before each use
✓For refrigerators: Check door seals for damage
✓Document error codes and symptoms for service calls
✓Reset appliance by unplugging for 5 minutes if safe to do so

Prevention Strategies

✓Follow manufacturer's maintenance schedule
✓For washers: Clean drain filter regularly
✓For dryers: Clean lint filter after every load
✓For refrigerators: Clean condenser coils every 6 months
✓For dishwashers: Clean filters regularly
✓Keep appliance manual for reference
✓Schedule professional maintenance as recommended

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my Whirlpool washer shows error code E1?

Error code E1 indicates a water supply error. Check that water supply valves are fully open, inspect water inlet hoses for kinks or blockages, verify water pressure is adequate (minimum 20 PSI), clean or replace water inlet filter if present, and check water inlet valve for proper operation.

How do I fix a dryer heating error (E7)?

Error code E7 indicates a heating system malfunction. Check the heating element for continuity, test the thermal fuse, test the high limit thermostat, verify heating element wiring, check control board heating control, and test gas valve for gas dryers. Replace heating element or components if necessary.

What causes a compressor error (E12) in my Whirlpool refrigerator?

Error code E12 indicates a compressor malfunction. Check the compressor relay, test compressor windings, test the compressor start capacitor, verify refrigerant levels, check for refrigerant leaks, and inspect compressor wiring. Replace the compressor if necessary. Working with refrigerant requires special certification.

How do I resolve a dishwasher drain error (E16)?

Error code E16 indicates a drain error. Check drain hose for kinks or obstructions, clean the drain filter, inspect drain pump for blockages, remove food debris from drain, test drain pump operation, and replace drain pump if necessary.

What should I do if I see error code F1 (control board error)?

Error code F1 indicates a control board communication error. Try unplugging the appliance for 5 minutes and restarting. Check all wiring harness connections, inspect the control board for visible damage, verify power supply to the control board, and reset the appliance to factory settings if possible. If the problem persists, the control board may need replacement.

How often should I maintain my Whirlpool appliances?

Regular maintenance helps prevent many error codes. For washers: Clean the drain filter monthly. For dryers: Clean the lint filter after every load and inspect vent system annually. For refrigerators: Clean condenser coils every 6 months. For dishwashers: Clean filters regularly. Follow manufacturer recommendations for your specific model.

Can I repair Whirlpool appliances myself?

Some simple issues like cleaning filters, checking connections, and basic troubleshooting can be done safely. However, electrical repairs, component replacement, and work involving gas or refrigerant should be performed by qualified technicians. Always unplug the appliance before any work and consult your manual. If unsure, contact a professional.

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Summary

Proper interpretation of Whirlpool appliance error codes is essential for efficient troubleshooting and maintenance. This comprehensive reference enables quick problem identification and guides appropriate response actions. Whirlpool appliances display error codes on digital displays or through indicator lights to indicate specific issues. Understanding these codes helps maintain appliance performance and minimizes repair costs. Whirlpool manufactures a wide range of home appliances including washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, and other kitchen and laundry appliances, each with model-specific features and error code systems. This complete guide provides diagnostics and solutions for all common Whirlpool error codes across washers, dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers.

ℹ️For persistent errors or issues that cannot be resolved using this guide, contact Whirlpool customer support or consult a qualified appliance repair technician for professional assistance. Some errors may require technical support, component replacement, or specialized diagnostic equipment. Always document error codes and symptoms when contacting support for faster resolution. Note that error code formats may vary by appliance model and software version—always consult your specific appliance's user manual for the most accurate information. Safety should always be the top priority when working with electrical appliances. Working with gas appliances or refrigerant requires special care and should only be performed by qualified technicians.