Whirlpool Washer and Dryer Error Codes: What Supers Should Know
Whirlpool front-load washer, top-load washer and dryer codes, sourced from Whirlpool's own help pages, with the checks a super can make before calling.
Whirlpool laundry codes mostly follow one pattern: a two-part F# E# code means the control found a fault, while short word codes like Sud, LF, drn, AF and PF point to something outside the machine, such as detergent, water supply, the drain hose or the dryer vent. The word codes are usually fixed by the super. A paired F and E code that comes back after a power reset means a technician.
The tables below come from Whirlpool's own Product Help articles. Codes differ between front-load washers, top-load HE washers and dryers, so each table names the line it covers. Whirlpool also says its lists may not include every code for every model, so check the owner's manual when the display shows something else.
Whirlpool front-load washer codes
| Code | What it means | What the tenant or super can safely check | Send a work order? |
|---|---|---|---|
| F8 E1 or LO FL | Low water flow | Both faucets fully open, fill hoses not kinked, no anti-flood device in the water line | If supply is fine and it returns |
| F9 E1 | Drain taking longer than expected (typically over 8 minutes) | Drain hose not kinked or clogged; clean the drain pump filter; clear the small drain holes in the door seal | If those are clear |
| F5 E2 | Door not locking | Nothing blocking the door, door fully closed | If it returns |
| F7 E1 | Motor speed sensing error | Washer not overloaded (and shipping bolts removed on a new install) | If it returns |
| F8 E2 | Dispenser system problem (select models) | Clean the detergent drawer or cartridge | If it returns |
| Sud or Sd | Too many suds | Use HE detergent; switch "no splash" bleach to regular liquid bleach; check the drain hose | No |
| rL or F34 | Items left in the drum during Clean Washer | Remove them and restart | No |
| Int | Cycle was paused or canceled; can take 20 to 30 minutes to drain and stop | Press Pause/Cancel twice, then Power once | No |
| LOC or LC | Control Lock is on | Touch the Control Lock button (some models need it held) | No |
| dET | Detergent cartridge not detected (select models) | Ignore if using single-dose detergent; otherwise seat the cartridge and close the drawer | No |
| Any other F# E# | The control found a fault | Unplug or cut power for 5 minutes, reconnect, reselect the cycle | If it persists |
For F5 E2, F7 E1 and F8 E1, Whirlpool's way to clear the code is: press Pause or Cancel twice, then Power once.
Whirlpool top-load HE washer codes
| Code | What it means | What the tenant or super can safely check | Send a work order? |
|---|---|---|---|
| LF, Lo FL or F8 E1 | Taking too long to fill | Both hot and cold faucets fully open (both are required), hoses not kinked, inlet screens clear | If supply is fine and it returns |
| drn | Not draining properly; sometimes an installation problem | Drain hose not kinked or clogged, and not pushed more than about 4.5 inches into the standpipe | If the hose is fine |
| LdL | Lid won't lock | Items under the lid; detergent buildup around the lid lock | If it persists |
| LdU | Lid can't unlock because something is on top | Remove the laundry basket or other items | No |
| lid | Lid left open | Close it; after 10 minutes open, the cycle resets and drains | No |
| Ofb | Load out of balance | Let the correction run; if stopped, spread the load evenly and restart | Only if it happens on normal loads |
| OL | Load too large | Remove several items, add HE detergent, restart | No |
| HC | Hot and cold inlet hoses reversed | Turn off the water and swap the hoses | No |
| Sud | Excessive suds | Use HE detergent only | No |
| PF | Power failure interrupted the cycle | Touch and hold Start to restart, or press Power to clear | No |
| F# E# or F## | System error | Press Start/Pause once to clear, then again to restart | If it persists |
Whirlpool dryer codes
| Code | What it means | What the tenant or super can safely check | Send a work order? |
|---|---|---|---|
| AF, Check Vent or F4 E3 | Restricted airflow: lint screen or vent clogged, or vent crushed, kinked or with too many turns | Clean the lint screen; look at the vent behind the dryer and at the outside hood | If the vent run itself needs cleaning or rerouting |
| F3 E1 | Exhaust thermistor (sensor) fault | Breaker off one minute, back on, start a timed dry cycle and watch for a minute | If the code returns |
| L2 | Low or no line voltage; heater may not turn on (shows on initial installation) | Check for a tripped breaker or blown fuse (electric dryers use two) | If it persists after resetting |
| PF | Power failure interrupted the cycle | Touch and hold Start, or press Power to clear | No |
| Any other F# E# | Control detected a problem that requires service | Write the code down | Yes |
The dryer keeps running while AF shows. That's the risky part: a tenant may ignore it for weeks while lint builds up in the vent. Treat a repeated AF as a vent-cleaning item, not a nuisance light.
We did not find a Whirlpool support page listing refrigerator or dishwasher codes, so this note sticks to laundry.
What a super can try first
These are the steps Whirlpool itself gives. None involve opening the machine.
- Power reset. For a front-load washer, unplug or cut power for 5 minutes. For a dryer, turn off the breaker for one minute. Write the code down first.
- Water supply. For LF, LO FL or F8 E1, open both faucets fully, straighten the fill hoses and clean the inlet screens. Both hot and cold are needed even on a cold wash.
- Drain hose. For F9 E1 or drn, check that the hose isn't kinked, clogged, taped into the drain, or pushed more than about 4.5 inches into the standpipe. Too deep and the washer can siphon.
- Front-load drain pump filter. If F9 E1 persists, clean the drain pump filter. On some models it sits behind a bottom panel or drawer; the owner's manual shows where. Have towels and a shallow pan ready.
- Detergent. Sud and slow drains often trace to regular detergent. Whirlpool says to use HE detergent only.
- Lint screen and vent. For AF, clean the lint screen and look at the vent hose behind the dryer for kinks or crushing.
When to send a work order
Send one right away for:
- A dryer F# E# code, since Whirlpool says these require service.
- AF that keeps returning after the lint screen is cleaned. The vent run needs attention, and a clogged vent is a fire risk.
- Water on the floor with any washer code.
Send one after a single reset and recheck for:
- F8 E1 or LF with both faucets open and clean screens.
- F9 E1 or drn after the hose and pump filter are checked.
- F5 E2, F7 E1 or LdL that come back.
- F3 E1 that returns within a minute of a timed dry cycle.
- L2 after the breaker is reset. Whirlpool's next step is a qualified electrician.
Include the exact code, the model and serial number, and what you already tried.
Next step
If a Whirlpool washer or dryer still shows a code after these checks, request service for the unit. Our washer and dryer repair page covers what we work on.
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