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Error code reference

Whirlpool Dryer Error Codes: What They Mean and What to Do

When your Whirlpool dryer shows a code, it is pointing at the part of the cycle that failed. This page lists the 15 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.

Compiled by the Appliance Surgeon team from Whirlpool documentation · Last checked

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At a glance

Whirlpool dryer codes and what to do

Covers US Whirlpool electric and gas dryers with digital displays (front-load pairs, top-load companion and Cabrio-style models). Knob-only dryers without a display show no codes; L2 applies to electric models.

Codes show in the time display; with AF/Check Vent and L2 the dryer keeps running and any key or opening the door clears the message. Whirlpool's reset for F codes is turning the breaker off about a minute, then running Timed Dry and watching for a minute.

CodeMeaningWhat to do
AFRestricted airflow: lint screen or vent clogged or crushedCheck, then call if it returns
L2Low or no line voltage; heater cannot turn onCheck, then call if it returns
PFA power interruption stopped the drying cycleUsually a quick fix
LocControl lock is on; dryer will not startUsually a quick fix
ERRDoor is not fully closed and latchedCheck, then call if it returns
F3 E2No moisture-sensor reading for five loads in a rowCheck, then call if it returns
F3 E1Exhaust temperature sensor (thermistor) problemNeeds a technician
F3 E3Inlet temperature sensor (thermistor) problemNeeds a technician
F4 E1Heating system problem (heater or heater relays)Needs a technician
F6 E1Communication error between main control and touchpadNeeds a technician
F7 E1Drive motor system problem (motor, control, or wiring)Needs a technician
F1 E3Main control or its wiring may be faultyNeeds a technician
F2 E1Keypad or control panel problemNeeds a technician
F2 E4User interface (control panel) or its wiring problemNeeds a technician
F# E#Control found a fault that needs serviceNeeds a technician

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.

Code by code

What each Whirlpool dryer code means

AFRestricted airflow: lint screen or vent clogged or crushed

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: Check Vent, F4 E3

Common causes

  • Full lint screen
  • Crushed or kinked duct behind the dryer
  • Lint-packed vent or blocked outside hood
  • Vent run too long or too many elbows

What you can safely check

  • Clean the lint screen
  • Ease the dryer forward and straighten any crushed or kinked duct
  • Clear lint from the outside vent hood and make sure the flap opens
  • Run a heated Timed Dry cycle to check airflow
  • Have the whole vent run professionally cleaned if the code returns

Call a technician if: Code persists after cleaning; lint buildup in a vent is a fire risk

Source: [1], [2], [3]

L2Low or no line voltage; heater cannot turn on

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: F4 E4

Applies to: Electric dryers

Common causes

  • One of the two dryer breakers tripped
  • Blown household fuse
  • Power cord not fully plugged in

What you can safely check

  • Check the house panel; electric dryers use a double breaker, reset it if tripped
  • Make sure the dryer plug is pushed fully into the outlet
  • Turn the dryer's breaker(s) off for 1 minute, then back on
  • Start a Timed Dry cycle and watch for the code for a minute

Call a technician if: Breakers are on and the code returns; may need an electrician or technician

Source: [1], [4], [5]

PFA power interruption stopped the drying cycle

Usually a quick fix

Common causes

  • Power outage
  • Tripped breaker

What you can safely check

  • Press and hold Start to resume, or press Power to clear
  • After an outage, turn the dryer's breaker(s) off for 1 minute, then back on

Call a technician if: PF shows without any power interruption

Source: [1], [6]

LocControl lock is on; dryer will not start

Usually a quick fix

Common causes

  • Control Lock activated

What you can safely check

  • Press and hold the Control Lock key 3 seconds until it counts down
  • The lock may share a button with another option; check your manual

Call a technician if: Controls stay locked after holding the key

Source: [7]

ERRDoor is not fully closed and latched

Check, then call if it returns

Common causes

  • Door not pushed shut
  • Upper or lower latch not engaged

What you can safely check

  • Push the door firmly until it latches (some doors have two latches)
  • Turn the dryer's breaker(s) off for 1 minute, then back on
  • Start a Timed Dry cycle and watch for the code for a minute

Call a technician if: Door is latched and ERR still shows

Source: [8]

F3 E2No moisture-sensor reading for five loads in a row

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: F3 E5

Common causes

  • Very small loads
  • Only Timed Dry used
  • Dryer not level
  • Moisture sensor fault

What you can safely check

  • Press Power to clear the code
  • Check the dryer is level and adjust the feet if needed
  • Dry fuller loads using an automatic (sensor) cycle
  • Turn the dryer's breaker(s) off for 1 minute, then back on

Call a technician if: Code returns with normal loads on automatic cycles

Source: [9], [10]

F3 E1Exhaust temperature sensor (thermistor) problem

Needs a technician

Common causes

  • Exhaust thermistor or wiring fault

What you can safely check

  • Turn the dryer's breaker(s) off for 1 minute, then back on
  • Start a Timed Dry cycle and watch for the code for a minute

Call a technician if: Code returns after the reset

Source: [11]

F3 E3Inlet temperature sensor (thermistor) problem

Needs a technician

Common causes

  • Inlet thermistor or wiring fault

What you can safely check

  • Turn the dryer's breaker(s) off for 1 minute, then back on
  • Start a Timed Dry cycle and watch for the code for a minute

Call a technician if: Code returns after the reset

Source: [12]

F4 E1Heating system problem (heater or heater relays)

Needs a technician

Common causes

  • Heater, heater relay, or wiring fault

What you can safely check

  • Turn the dryer's breaker(s) off for 1 minute, then back on
  • Gas models: make sure the gas shutoff valve to the dryer is open
  • Start a Timed Dry cycle and watch for the code for a minute

Call a technician if: Code returns or the dryer runs without heat

Source: [13]

F6 E1Communication error between main control and touchpad

Needs a technician

Common causes

  • Main control, touchpad, or wiring fault

What you can safely check

  • Turn the dryer's breaker(s) off for 1 minute, then back on
  • Start a Timed Dry cycle and watch for the code for a minute

Call a technician if: Code returns after the reset

Source: [14]

F7 E1Drive motor system problem (motor, control, or wiring)

Needs a technician

Common causes

  • Motor, control, or wiring fault

What you can safely check

  • Turn the dryer's breaker(s) off for 1 minute, then back on
  • Start a Timed Dry cycle and watch for the code for a minute

Call a technician if: Code returns; stop using it if you hear grinding or smell burning

Source: [15]

F1 E3Main control or its wiring may be faulty

Needs a technician

Also shown as or same meaning as: F1 E4, F1 E5

Applies to: F1 E3, F1 E4 and F1 E5 share this meaning

Common causes

  • Control board or wiring fault

What you can safely check

  • Turn the breaker off 1 minute (or unplug a gas dryer), then restore power
  • Select a cycle and press and hold Start

Call a technician if: Code returns after the reset

Source: [16], [17], [18]

F2 E1Keypad or control panel problem

Needs a technician

Also shown as or same meaning as: F2 E2

Applies to: F2 E1 and F2 E2 share this meaning

Common causes

  • Keypad, control, or wiring fault

What you can safely check

  • Turn the dryer's breaker(s) off for 1 minute, then back on
  • Start a Timed Dry cycle and watch for the code for a minute

Call a technician if: Code returns after the reset

Source: [19], [20]

F2 E4User interface (control panel) or its wiring problem

Needs a technician

Also shown as or same meaning as: F2 E5

Applies to: F2 E4 and F2 E5 share this meaning

Common causes

  • User interface or wiring fault

What you can safely check

  • Turn the dryer's breaker(s) off for 1 minute, then back on
  • Start a Timed Dry cycle and watch for the code for a minute

Call a technician if: Code returns after the reset

Source: [21], [22]

F# E#Control found a fault that needs service

Needs a technician

Applies to: Any other F#E# code not listed here

Common causes

  • Varies by code

What you can safely check

  • Turn the dryer's breaker(s) off for 1 minute, then back on
  • Note the exact code before booking service

Call a technician if: Any F#E# code that returns after a reset

Source: [1]

Still showing the code?

When to call a technician

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 dryer. 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 dryer repair $75 diagnostic, credited toward the repair.

Sources

Where these meanings come from

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.

  1. Error Codes in Dryers (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
  2. AF or "Check Vent" - Dryer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
  3. F4 E3 - Error Code - Dryer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
  4. L2 - Error Code - Dryer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
  5. F4 E4 - Error Code - Dryer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
  6. PF - Error Code - Dryer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
  7. Loc - Error Code - Dryer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
  8. ERR - Error Code - Dryer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
  9. F3 E2 - Error Code - Dryer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
  10. F3 E5 - Error Code - Dryer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
  11. F3 E1 - Error Code - Dryer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
  12. F3 E3 - Error Code - Dryer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
  13. F4 E1 - Error Code - Dryer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
  14. F6 E1 - Error Code - Dryer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
  15. F7 E1 - Error Code - Dryer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
  16. F1E3 - Error Code - Dryer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
  17. F1 E4 - Error Code - Dryer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
  18. F1E5 - Error Code - Dryer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
  19. F2E1 Error Code - Dryer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
  20. F2E2 Error Code - Dryer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
  21. F2E4 - Error Code - Dryer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
  22. F2E5 - Error Code - Dryer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com

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