When your Whirlpool dishwasher shows a code, it is pointing at the part of the cycle that failed. This page lists the 21 codes we could confirm in Whirlpool's own owner's manuals and support articles: what each one means, the checks that are safe to do yourself, and the point where a technician should take over.
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Monday - Friday: 8 AM to 10 PM
Saturday: 8 AM to 10 PM
Sunday: 10 AM to 10 PM
Diagnostic visit: $75, or $115 for a double unit.
Credited toward your repair when you approve the quote.
Covers US Whirlpool built-in dishwashers. Models with a digital display show F#E# codes (or H2O); models without one flash the Clean light in a repeating pattern.
Without a display, count the first set of Clean-light flashes (F number), a short pause, then the second set (E number) before a longer pause. Whirlpool's reset is to unplug the dishwasher or switch off its breaker for 30 seconds.
| Code | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| F1 E1 | Control module fault | Needs a technician |
| F1 E2 | Main control communication error | Needs a technician |
| F2 E1 | Stuck key or control console error | Needs a technician |
| F2 E2 | Main control communication error | Needs a technician |
| F3 E2 | Temperature sensor (thermistor) or OWI water sensor fault | Needs a technician |
| F4 E2 | Heating system error | Needs a technician |
| F6 E1 | User interface or main control error | Needs a technician |
| F6 E3 | Excess suds detected | Usually a quick fix |
| F6 E4 | Float switch issue; can be triggered by poor leveling | Check, then call if it returns |
| F7 E2 | Wash motor error | Needs a technician |
| H2O | Dishwasher is not detecting water | Check, then call if it returns |
| F8 E2 | Fill valve electrical error | Needs a technician |
| F8 E4 | Safety drain started; dishwasher will not run | Stop using it |
| F8 E5 | Fill valve stuck open; water may keep flowing | Stop using it |
| F9 E1 | Long drain: water is draining too slowly | Check, then call if it returns |
| F9 E2 | Drain motor error | Check, then call if it returns |
| FA E4 | Diverter valve error | Needs a technician |
| FA E5 | Diverter leak detected | Stop using it |
| Sanitize light flashing | Sanitizing temperature was not reached | Usually a quick fix |
| Control Lock light flashing | Buttons were pressed while the controls are locked | Usually a quick fix |
| All cycle/option lights flashing | Cycle is paused because the door was opened | Usually a quick fix |
Safety first. Switch the appliance off at its power button and unplug it or turn off the breaker before you clean a filter or check a hose. If you smell gas, leave the home and call your gas utility from outside. If there is a burning smell, smoke, sparking or water near wiring, stop using it and keep it off until it has been checked.
Call a technician if: Code returns after the power reset
Call a technician if: Code returns after the power reset
Source: [3]
Call a technician if: Code returns after the power reset
Source: [4]
Call a technician if: Code returns after the power reset
Source: [5]
Call a technician if: Code returns after the power reset
Source: [6]
Call a technician if: Code returns after the power reset
Call a technician if: Code returns after the power reset
Call a technician if: Suds are gone, correct detergent is used, and the code returns
Source: [11]
Call a technician if: Code returns, the unit is out of level, or you see water underneath
Source: [12]
Call a technician if: Code returns after the power reset
Source: [13]
Call a technician if: Water supply is on and the code repeats
Call a technician if: Code returns after the power reset
Source: [16]
Call a technician if: Water is found or the code returns; don't open panels or the base yourself
Call a technician if: Always; a stuck fill valve needs a technician
Call a technician if: Filter and drain path are clear but water still stands in the tub
Call a technician if: Code returns after the drain checks and power reset
Source: [23]
Call a technician if: Code returns after the power reset
Source: [24]
Call a technician if: Water is found or the code returns
Call a technician if: Water is hot enough and the light keeps flashing
Source: [27]
Call a technician if: Controls won't unlock after a power reset
Source: [28]
Call a technician if: Lights keep flashing with the door latched
Source: [29]
If a code comes back after the safe checks, or the table says it needs a technician, the fault is usually a sensor, valve, pump, motor or control board, and diagnosing it means opening the dishwasher. Our technicians repair Whirlpool appliances across Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland, seven days a week until 10 PM. Tell us the code when you book and we bring the parts that code usually points to.
Book Whirlpool dishwasher repair $75 diagnostic, credited toward the repair.
Every code on this page was checked against Whirlpool's own documentation: owner's manuals, use and care guides, support articles or Whirlpool technical sheets. Codes we could only find on third-party sites are left out. Meanings are paraphrased; your model's manual is the final word.
Whirlpool is a trademark of its owner. Appliance Surgeon is an independent repair company and is not affiliated with Whirlpool.