Error code reference

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

When your Whirlpool washer shows a code, it is pointing at the part of the cycle that failed. This page lists the 31 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 October 5, 2026

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At a glance

Whirlpool washer codes and what to do

Covers US Whirlpool front-load washers (including older Duet-era models with two-digit F2x codes) and top-load HE washers with digital displays (Cabrio and newer). Several codes mean different things by family, so check applies_to; basic knob-control top-loaders show indicator lights, not codes.

Codes appear in the time display, often as F#/E# alternating or as short letters (LF, Sud, OFb). Whirlpool's reset is to touch Power (front-load: Pause/Cancel twice, then Power) and, if the code returns, unplug the washer for about 5 minutes.

Code	Meaning	What to do
F8 E1	Washer is not getting enough water or fills too slowly	Check, then call if it returns
F9 E1	Washer is taking too long to drain	Check, then call if it returns
F5 E2	Door (front-load) or lid (top-load) will not lock	Check, then call if it returns
F5 E3	Door or lid lock problem; it may not lock or unlock	Check, then call if it returns
F5 E4	Door not opened between cycles (front-load) or lid open (top-load)	Usually a quick fix
F7 E1	Motor cannot reach the correct speed	Check, then call if it returns
F8 E2	Detergent dispenser system problem	Check, then call if it returns
F8 E3	Overflow: too much water or foam in the washer	Check, then call if it returns
F8 E6	Lid opened during soak, or no hot water (model-dependent)	Check, then call if it returns
rL	Items detected in the drum during the Clean Washer cycle	Usually a quick fix
Sud	Too many suds; washer is running a suds-removal routine	Usually a quick fix
OFb	Load is out of balance	Usually a quick fix
oL	Load is too large or packed too tightly	Usually a quick fix
F0 E4	Incoming water is hotter than expected	Check, then call if it returns
HC	Hot and cold inlet hoses are connected backward	Usually a quick fix
F3 E1	Washer cannot sense the water level	Needs a technician
LdL	Lid lock will not lock	Check, then call if it returns
LdU	Lid cannot unlock	Usually a quick fix
Lid	Lid was left open	Usually a quick fix
PF	Cycle was interrupted by a power failure	Usually a quick fix
Int	Cycle was paused or canceled	Usually a quick fix
Loc	Control lock is on	Usually a quick fix
dET	Detergent cartridge not detected in the dispenser	Usually a quick fix
Err	Invalid action, such as starting with the door open	Usually a quick fix
CL	Reminder to run the Clean Washer cycle	Usually a quick fix
F20	Little or no water is reaching the washer	Check, then call if it returns
F21	Drain problem	Check, then call if it returns
F22	Door lock problem	Check, then call if it returns
F1 E1	Main washer control fault	Needs a technician
F6 E2	Communication error between washer controls	Needs a technician
F# E#	Control detected a system error	Check, then call if it returns

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 washer code means

F8 E1Washer is not getting enough water or fills too slowly

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: LF, Lo FL, F08 E01

Applies to: Front-load and top-load HE

Common causes

Hot or cold faucet closed or only partly open
Kinked inlet hose
Drain hose pushed too far into the standpipe (siphoning)
Clogged inlet hose screens

What you can safely check

Open both hot and cold faucets fully; the washer needs both supplies
Straighten any kinks in the inlet hoses
Keep the drain hose no more than 4.5 in. into the standpipe and unsealed
Front-load: after clearing, wait about 10 minutes while it drains with the door locked

Call a technician if: Both faucets are fully open, hoses are straight, and the code still returns

Source: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7]

F9 E1Washer is taking too long to drain

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: F09 E01, Ld, drn

Applies to: Front-load and top-load HE; top-load models may show Ld or drn instead

Common causes

Kinked or clogged drain hose
Drain hose sealed or pushed too deep into the standpipe
Standpipe too low, causing siphoning
Clogged drain pump filter (front-load models that have one)
Excess suds from non-HE detergent

What you can safely check

Straighten the drain hose and clear any clog at the standpipe or sink
Keep the hose end no more than 4.5 in. into the standpipe; never tape it sealed
Make sure the standpipe top is at least 39 in. above the floor
Front-load with a filter door: clean the drain pump filter as your manual shows
Use only HE detergent in the recommended amount

Call a technician if: Drain path is clear but the code repeats or water stays in the drum

Source: [2], [4], [8], [9], [10], [11]

F5 E2Door (front-load) or lid (top-load) will not lock

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: F05 E02

Applies to: Front-load and top-load

Common causes

Clothing caught in the door or under the lid
Overstuffed drum stops the door closing
Detergent buildup around the lid lock (top-load)

What you can safely check

Cancel the cycle, then close the door or lid firmly until it latches
Remove anything caught in the door opening or under the lid
Take out some items if the load is packed tight
Unplug the washer for 5 minutes, then plug it back in and restart

Call a technician if: Door or lid closes fully but the code keeps coming back

Source: [1], [2], [4], [12], [13]

F5 E3Door or lid lock problem; it may not lock or unlock

Check, then call if it returns

Applies to: Front-load: door not locking. Cabrio-style top-load (manual W10607427): lid unlock failure

Common causes

Clothing or packing material blocking the latch
Basket or objects resting on a top-load lid
Lock mechanism fault

What you can safely check

Close the door firmly and clear clothing or packing material from the latch
Top-load: remove baskets or anything sitting on the lid
Unplug the washer for 5 minutes, then plug it back in and restart

Call a technician if: Code returns, or the door or lid stays locked after reset; never force it open

Source: [4], [14], [15]

F5 E4Door not opened between cycles (front-load) or lid open (top-load)

Usually a quick fix

Applies to: Front-load: three cycles in a row without the door being opened (manual also shows 'dr'). Top-load: lid open

Common causes

Several cycles run back to back without opening the door
Top-load lid not fully closed

What you can safely check

Open the door or lid, then close it firmly
Touch Power to clear the code and restart the cycle
Unplug the washer for 5 minutes, then plug it back in and restart

Call a technician if: Code repeats after opening and closing the door or lid

Source: [2], [16], [17]

F7 E1Motor cannot reach the correct speed

Check, then call if it returns

Applies to: Front-load. Whirlpool's top-load F7E1 article gives only a reset, no meaning

Common causes

Shipping bolts left in after installation
Drum overloaded
Motor or control fault

What you can safely check

On a new install, confirm all rear shipping bolts and spacers were removed
Remove some items if the drum is packed tight
Unplug the washer for 5 minutes, then plug it back in and restart

Call a technician if: Code returns with shipping bolts removed and a normal-size load

Source: [1], [18]

F8 E2Detergent dispenser system problem

Check, then call if it returns

Applies to: Front-load models with a drawer or cartridge; top-load article points to the bulk dispenser

Common causes

Dried detergent clogging the drawer or bulk cartridge
Bulk dispenser empty or not seated

What you can safely check

Clean dried detergent out of the dispenser drawer or cartridge
Top-load bulk dispenser: check it has detergent and is seated correctly
Unplug the washer for 5 minutes, then plug it back in and restart

Call a technician if: Dispenser is clean and seated correctly but the code repeats

Source: [1], [19], [20]

F8 E3Overflow: too much water or foam in the washer

Check, then call if it returns

Applies to: Front-load

Common causes

Too much or non-HE detergent
Thickened 'no-splash' chlorine bleach
Full detergent dose in soft water

What you can safely check

Use only HE detergent and reduce the dose if you have soft water
Avoid thickened 'no-splash' or 'easy-pour' chlorine bleach
Run the Clean Washer cycle to clear detergent residue
Unplug the washer for 5 minutes, then plug it back in and restart

Call a technician if: Code returns with correct detergent use, or water leaks from the washer

Source: [21]

F8 E6Lid opened during soak, or no hot water (model-dependent)

Check, then call if it returns

Applies to: Top-load only; the Cabrio manual lists it as lid left open

Common causes

Lid left open
Hot water faucet off
Inlet hoses reversed or disconnected

What you can safely check

Close the lid and touch Power to clear the display
Make sure the hot faucet is fully open and both hoses are connected
Check the hoses aren't swapped: hot to hot inlet, cold to cold
Unplug the washer for 5 minutes, then plug it back in and restart

Call a technician if: Lid is closed and both water supplies are on but the code returns

Source: [4], [22]

rLItems detected in the drum during the Clean Washer cycle

Usually a quick fix

Also shown as or same meaning as: F0 E1, F0 E7, F34

Applies to: Front-load

Common causes

Laundry or an object left in the drum

What you can safely check

Remove everything from the drum
Restart the Clean Washer cycle

Call a technician if: Drum is empty and the code keeps appearing

Source: [1], [2], [23], [24]

SudToo many suds; washer is running a suds-removal routine

Usually a quick fix

Also shown as or same meaning as: Sd, 5d, F0 E2

Applies to: Front-load and top-load

Common causes

Non-HE detergent
Too much detergent
Thickened chlorine bleach

What you can safely check

Let the washer continue; it adds rinsing on its own
Use only HE detergent at the recommended dose
Avoid 'no-splash' or 'easy-pour' chlorine bleach
Run Rinse & Spin if clothes still feel soapy

Call a technician if: Suds codes continue after switching to correctly measured HE detergent

Source: [1], [2], [3], [25], [26], [27]

OFbLoad is out of balance

Usually a quick fix

Also shown as or same meaning as: ofb, ob, uL, F0 E5

Applies to: Front-load (F0 E5 or ob) and top-load (OFb, uL or F0E5)

Common causes

Single heavy or bulky item
Load bunched to one side
Washer not level

What you can safely check

Pause, open the door or lid, and spread the load evenly
Add a few towels to balance a single heavy item
Use the Bulky/Sheets cycle for comforters and large items
Check the washer sits level and doesn't rock on its feet

Call a technician if: Balanced loads still trigger it, or the washer rocks or bangs during spin

Source: [2], [3], [28], [29], [30], [31]

oLLoad is too large or packed too tightly

Usually a quick fix

Also shown as or same meaning as: OL, F0 E3

Applies to: Top-load. Whirlpool's front-load F0 E3 article gives no meaning

Common causes

Overloaded basket
Items packed tightly

What you can safely check

Pause or cancel, then remove several items
Load clothes in loose heaps evenly around the basket
Restart the cycle

Call a technician if: Code appears even with small loads

Source: [3], [32], [33]

F0 E4Incoming water is hotter than expected

Check, then call if it returns

Applies to: Front-load and top-load

Common causes

Hot and cold hoses reversed

What you can safely check

Check the hoses aren't swapped: hot faucet to hot inlet, cold to cold
Unplug the washer for 5 minutes, then plug it back in and restart

Call a technician if: Hoses are connected correctly and the code repeats

Source: [34], [35]

HCHot and cold inlet hoses are connected backward

Usually a quick fix

Also shown as or same meaning as: F3 E2

Applies to: Top-load. Whirlpool's front-load F3 E2 article gives no meaning

Common causes

Hoses swapped during installation

What you can safely check

Turn off both faucets, then swap the two hoses at the washer
Open both faucets fully again
Run a cycle to confirm the code is gone

Call a technician if: Hoses are correct and the code continues

Source: [3], [36], [37]

F3 E1Washer cannot sense the water level

Needs a technician

Applies to: Top-load. Whirlpool's front-load F3 E1 article gives no meaning

Common causes

Water level sensor, control, or wiring fault

What you can safely check

Unplug the washer for 5 minutes, then plug it back in and restart

Call a technician if: Code returns after the reset

Source: [4], [38]

LdLLid lock will not lock

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: dLO, dL

Applies to: Top-load

Common causes

Clothing under the lid
Detergent buildup near the lid lock

What you can safely check

Remove anything caught under the lid
Wipe detergent buildup from around the lid lock area
Close the lid firmly and restart

Call a technician if: Code returns with nothing blocking the lid

Source: [3], [39], [40]

LdULid cannot unlock

Usually a quick fix

Also shown as or same meaning as: dU

Applies to: Top-load

Common causes

Laundry basket or objects resting on the lid

What you can safely check

Remove baskets or other items from the top of the washer
Never force the lid open while it is locked

Call a technician if: Lid stays locked with nothing on top

Source: [3], [41], [42]

LidLid was left open

Usually a quick fix

Applies to: Top-load

Common causes

Lid not closed during the cycle

What you can safely check

Close the lid to continue the cycle
If open over 10 minutes it drains; restart without adding more detergent

Call a technician if: Code shows while the lid is fully closed

Source: [3], [43]

PFCycle was interrupted by a power failure

Usually a quick fix

Applies to: Front-load and top-load

Common causes

Power outage
Tripped breaker or loose plug

What you can safely check

Press and hold Start to resume, or touch Power to clear
Check the outlet and house circuit breaker if outages repeat

Call a technician if: PF appears without any power interruption

Source: [2], [3], [44]

IntCycle was paused or canceled

Usually a quick fix

Applies to: Front-load

Common causes

Pause/Cancel pressed or cycle interrupted

What you can safely check

Give the washer time to finish draining before opening
Press Pause/Cancel twice, then Power once to reset
If it stays on, unplug for 5 minutes

Call a technician if: Code will not clear after an unplugged reset

Source: [1]

LocControl lock is on

Usually a quick fix

Also shown as or same meaning as: LC, LOC

Applies to: Front-load

Common causes

Control Lock activated

What you can safely check

Press and hold the Control Lock button about 3 seconds
Check your control guide; the lock may share a button

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

Source: [1], [2]

dETDetergent cartridge not detected in the dispenser

Usually a quick fix

Applies to: Select front-load models with a bulk cartridge

Common causes

Cartridge missing or not fully inserted
Drawer not closed

What you can safely check

Make sure the cartridge is fully inserted and the drawer closed
Ignore it if you are using single-dose detergent

Call a technician if: Cartridge is seated and the message persists

Source: [1]

ErrInvalid action, such as starting with the door open

Usually a quick fix

Applies to: Front-load

Common causes

Start pressed with door open
Cycle changed while running

What you can safely check

Close the door before pressing Start
Avoid changing cycles while one is running

Call a technician if: Err shows during normal operation

Source: [2]

CLReminder to run the Clean Washer cycle

Usually a quick fix

Applies to: Front-load (some models flash the Clean Washer light instead)

Common causes

About 30 wash cycles since last cleaning

What you can safely check

Run the Clean Washer cycle as your manual describes

Call a technician if: Not needed; this is a maintenance reminder

Source: [2]

F20Little or no water is reaching the washer

Check, then call if it returns

Also shown as or same meaning as: FH

Applies to: Older front-load models that use two-digit or letter codes

Common causes

Faucets off
Kinked inlet hoses
Clogged inlet screens

What you can safely check

Turn both hot and cold faucets fully on
Straighten any kinks in the inlet hoses
Unplug the washer for 5 minutes, then plug it back in and restart

Call a technician if: Water supply is fine and the code repeats

Source: [45], [46]

F21Drain problem

Check, then call if it returns

Applies to: Older front-load models that use two-digit codes

Common causes

Kinked or clogged drain hose

What you can safely check

Straighten the drain hose and check it for clogs
Unplug the washer for 5 minutes, then plug it back in and restart

Call a technician if: Drain hose is clear and the code returns

Source: [47]

F22Door lock problem

Check, then call if it returns

Applies to: Older front-load models that use two-digit codes

Common causes

Clothing caught in the latch
Detergent buildup on the door lock
Overloaded drum

What you can safely check

Close the door firmly and clear clothing from the latch
Wipe detergent buildup off the door lock area with a damp cloth
Take out some items if the load is packed tight

Call a technician if: Door closes fully and the code keeps returning

Source: [48]

F1 E1Main washer control fault

Needs a technician

Applies to: Top-load (Cabrio manual). Whirlpool's front-load F1 E1 article gives no meaning

Common causes

Control board fault

What you can safely check

Touch Power to clear, then unplug for 5 minutes and restart

Call a technician if: Code returns after the reset

Source: [4]

F6 E2Communication error between washer controls

Needs a technician

Also shown as or same meaning as: F6 E3

Applies to: Top-load (Cabrio manual)

Common causes

Control or wiring fault

What you can safely check

Unplug the washer for 5 minutes, then plug it back in and restart

Call a technician if: Code returns after the reset

Source: [4]

F# E#Control detected a system error

Check, then call if it returns

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

Common causes

Varies by code

What you can safely check

Touch Power (or Start/Pause) to clear, then restart the cycle
If it returns, unplug the washer for 5 minutes and try again

Call a technician if: The same code returns after a reset; note the exact code for the technician

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

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

Related help

More Whirlpool error codes

Other brands

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.

Error Codes in Front Load Washers (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
Front-Loading Automatic Washer Use and Care Guide (W11339718B) — Whirlpool Corporation. www.whirlpool.com
Error Codes in Top Load HE Washers (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
Cabrio Top-Loading HE Low-Water Washer Use and Care Guide (W10607427C) — Whirlpool Corporation. www.whirlpool.com
F8 E1 or LF or LO FL Error Code in Display (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F8E1 - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
LF - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F9 E1 - Front Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F9E1 - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
Ld - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
drn - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F5 E2 - Error Code, Front Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F5E2 - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F5 E3 - Front Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F5E3 - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F5 E4 - Front Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F5E4 - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
What is an F7 E1 Error Code on a Front Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F8 E2 - Front Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F8E2 - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F8 E3 - Front Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F8E6 - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F0 E1 or rL - Front Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F0 E7 - Front Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F0 E2 - Front Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F0E2 - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
Sd or 5d - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F0 E5 - Front Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F0E5 - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
OFb or ofb - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
uL - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F0E3 - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
oL - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F0 E4 - Front Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F0E4 - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F3E2 - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
HC - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F3E1 - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
LdL - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
dLO - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
LdU - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
dU - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
Lid - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
PF - Error Code, Top Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F20 - Front Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
FH - Front Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F21 - Front Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com
F22 - Front Load Washer (Product Help) — Whirlpool Corporation. producthelp.whirlpool.com

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