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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

AF: Restricted 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]

L2: Low 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]

PF: A 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]

Loc: Control 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]

ERR: Door 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 E2: No 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 E1: Exhaust 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 E3: Inlet 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 E1: Heating 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 E1: Communication 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 E1: Drive 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 E3: Main 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 E1: Keypad 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 E4: User 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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