Is your Whirlpool washer showing an error code, stopping during a cycle, or refusing to fill, drain, spin, or unlock? The code identifies the system where the washer detected a problem, but it does not always identify the exact failed part.
Whirlpool uses different code systems across front-load, top-load, high-efficiency and older Duet washers. Record the complete code and model number before resetting the machine or ordering a replacement part.
What do Whirlpool washer error codes mean?
Whirlpool washer codes identify conditions involving water supply, draining, excessive suds, door or lid locking, motor speed, load balance, dispensers, power interruptions and electronic controls. For example, F8 E1 or Lo FL indicates low water flow, F9 E1 indicates extended drain time, and F5 E2 means a front-load washer cannot lock its door correctly.
Check whether you have a front-load, top-load or older Duet washer
FH and F02 are frequently found on older Whirlpool front-load washers, while many newer models display F8 E1, F9 E1 and other two-part codes. Top-load models may use short messages such as LdL, LdU, Ofb, OL, drn or lid. Always confirm the code in the owner’s manual for the exact model.
Stop the washer when leaking or electrical damage is involved
Turn off the water supply if the washer is overflowing, continuously filling or leaking onto the floor. Disconnect power when it is safe to do so. Do not touch the plug, outlet, washer or breaker while standing in water. Stop using the appliance if the breaker trips, the outlet becomes hot, or you smell burning or see smoke or damaged wiring.
Quick Whirlpool Washer Error Code Guide
Water is entering too slowly: F8 E1, Lo FL, LF, FH or F20
Washer is taking too long to drain: F9 E1, F02, F21 or drn
Too many suds: Sud or Sd
Door or lid problem: F5 E2, LdL, LdU or lid
Motor cannot reach the expected speed: F7 E1
Dispenser problem: F8 E2 or dET
Load problem: Ofb, OL or rL/F34
Power or control status: PF, LOC/LC or Int
What to Do Before Resetting the Washer
- Record the complete code exactly as displayed.
- Take a photo of the control panel.
- Locate the washer model and serial number.
- Note whether the code appeared during filling, washing, draining or spinning.
- Check for standing water, leaking or unusual foam.
- Listen for humming, grinding, repeated clicking or a pump running continuously.
- Complete the safe checks associated with the displayed code before clearing it.
A reset may clear the display temporarily without correcting a blocked hose, failed lock, damaged pump, defective valve, wiring fault or control problem.
Whirlpool Water Supply and Fill Codes
F8 E1, Lo FL or LF: Low Water Flow or Long Fill
The washer is not detecting the expected amount of incoming water or is taking too long to fill.
Possible causes
- Hot or cold water valve is closed
- Inlet hose is kinked, crushed or frozen
- Inlet screen is restricted by sediment
- Household water pressure is low
- Flood-protection hose is restricting flow
- Water inlet valve is failing
- Water is siphoning through an incorrectly installed drain hose
What you can check: Confirm that both hot and cold valves are fully open and inspect the hoses for kinks. Many Whirlpool models require both water supplies even when a cold cycle is selected.
FH or F20: Water Supply Problem on Older Front-Load Washers
Older Whirlpool Duet and related front-load models may display FH or F20 when the washer does not detect the required water flow.
Check the water valves, inlet hoses, inlet screens and drain-hose installation. A flow meter, pressure switch, pressure hose, inlet valve or connected wiring may require testing if the external supply is normal.
Do not assume FH has the same diagnosis as every current F8 E1 code. Use the model-specific technical information.
HC: Hot and Cold Hoses Are Reversed
On applicable top-load models, HC means the hot hose is connected to the cold inlet and the cold hose is connected to the hot inlet.
Turn off both water supplies before changing the connections. Match the hoses to the marked hot and cold inlets, restore the water and check carefully for leaks.
Whirlpool Drain and Suds Codes
F9 E1: Long Drain
The washer is taking longer than expected to remove water.
Possible causes
- Kinked or blocked drain hose
- Drain hose installed too high
- Debris in the pump filter on applicable models
- Excessive detergent foam
- Blocked household drain
- Failed drain pump, wiring or control
Inspect the accessible drain hose and clean the user-serviceable pump filter only when the manual provides a procedure. Be prepared for water to drain from the machine.
F02, F21 or drn: Drain Problem
F02 and F21 are commonly associated with older front-load platforms, while some top-load models may display drn. Each indicates that the washer is not draining normally.
Check the hose and household drain first. Arrange service if the pump hums without draining, makes grinding noise, or the code returns after the accessible drainage path is cleared.
Sud or Sd: Excessive Suds
The washer detected enough foam to interfere with tumbling, spinning or draining. It may pause and add extra rinses while attempting to remove the suds.
Common causes
- Too much detergent
- Non-HE detergent
- Concentrated detergent measured incorrectly
- Restricted drain hose or standpipe
- Certain thickened or splash-reducing cleaning products
Allow the automatic suds-reduction routine to finish. Do not add more detergent. If Sud or Sd appears with little visible foam, the washer may have a drain, pressure-sensing or control problem.
Whirlpool Door and Lid Codes
F5 E2: Front-Load Door Will Not Lock
The control cannot confirm that the washer door is securely locked.
What you can check
- Remove clothing trapped between the door and gasket.
- Check that the door closes evenly.
- Wipe accessible detergent residue from the latch area.
- Inspect the door strike for visible damage.
Do not slam the door, bend the strike or bypass the lock. The lock assembly, wiring or control may require testing if F5 E2 returns.
LdL: Top-Load Lid Will Not Lock
The lid-lock mechanism cannot move into or confirm the locked position.
Remove items directly beneath the lid and clean accessible detergent buildup near the latch. Arrange service if the lid is aligned correctly but the lock repeatedly clicks or cannot engage.
LdU: Top-Load Lid Will Not Unlock
The washer cannot release the lid or detects weight preventing it from opening.
Remove laundry baskets, detergent containers and other objects from the top of the washer. Allow the basket to stop completely. Do not pry the lid open.
lid: Lid Was Left Open
The washer detected that the lid remained open. Some models cancel the cycle and drain the water when the lid stays open for an extended period.
Close the lid and restart the cycle if necessary. Do not add more detergent if the clothing is already wet and soapy.
Whirlpool Motor, Load and Cycle Codes
F7 E1: Motor Speed Sensing Error
The motor cannot reach or confirm the expected speed for the selected cycle.
Possible causes
- Washer is overloaded
- Shipping bolts remain installed on a new front-load washer
- Basket or drum cannot move normally
- Drive-system, motor or sensor problem
- Wiring or control fault
Remove some clothing from an overloaded washer. Confirm that installation hardware was removed on a recently installed machine. Arrange service if the drum is difficult to turn or the code returns.
Ofb: Load Is Out of Balance
The washer detected an uneven load and may be attempting to redistribute the clothing automatically.
Allow the correction routine to finish. If the washer stops, redistribute the clothing in loose, even heaps. Avoid washing one heavy item by itself.
OL: Washer Is Overloaded
The washer detected a load that is too large for normal movement.
Remove several items and restart the cycle. Do not add water manually because additional water can make an overloaded load harder to balance.
rL or F34: Items Found During Clean Washer
The washer detected clothing or another item inside the drum during a Clean Washer cycle.
Remove everything from the drum and restart the cleaning cycle using the manufacturer’s recommended washer-cleaning product and procedure.
Whirlpool Control, Dispenser and Status Codes
LOC or LC: Control Lock Is Active
Control Lock prevents the panel from responding to normal button presses. It is a setting rather than a mechanical failure.
Press and hold the button identified for Control Lock in the owner’s manual. The required button and hold time differ between models.
F8 E2 or dET: Dispenser Problem
F8 E2 indicates a dispenser-system problem on applicable front-load models. dET means the detergent cartridge is not detected on select machines.
Remove dried detergent from the accessible drawer, reinstall the cartridge correctly and close the dispenser fully. Do not force the dispenser motor or internal mechanism.
PF: Power Failure
The wash cycle was interrupted by a power failure or electrical interruption.
Restart or clear the cycle using the control-panel instructions. Investigate the electrical supply if PF returns without a known outage or the breaker repeatedly trips.
Int: Cycle Was Paused or Cancelled
Int may appear while a front-load washer is stopping, draining and unlocking after the cycle was interrupted.
Allow the washer time to finish draining and stop moving. Do not force the door open while the basket is turning or water remains inside.
What About F05, F06, F07, F10, F11 and Other Legacy Codes?
Older Whirlpool-built front-load platforms may display single F-codes such as F05, F06, F07, F10, F11, F13, F14 or F15. Their meanings can involve temperature sensing, motor speed, motor controls, communication, dispenser operation or electronic memory.
These codes should not be diagnosed from a generic list because the meaning, test procedure and connected components depend on the model and control platform.
Record the full model number and code, then use the technical information for that washer. Avoid replacing the motor control or main control solely because a legacy F-code appears.
How to Reset a Whirlpool Washer
Some Whirlpool codes can be cleared through the control panel after the original condition has been corrected. The required button sequence differs between models.
For one basic power reset:
- Record the code and complete the relevant checks.
- Cancel the current cycle.
- Turn the washer off.
- Unplug it or switch off the dedicated breaker.
- Wait approximately five minutes.
- Restore power and select a test cycle.
- Watch whether the same code returns.
Do not repeatedly reset overflow, leaking, door-lock, motor, drain or electrical errors. A returning code means the washer is still detecting the condition.
What Not to Do When a Whirlpool Washer Shows an Error
- Do not reset the washer before recording the code.
- Do not force a locked door or lid open.
- Do not keep running the washer while it leaks.
- Do not pour water manually into the basket.
- Do not pull inlet screens out with a pick or screw.
- Do not bypass a lid lock, door lock or water-level sensor.
- Do not reach into the pump while power is connected.
- Do not replace a control board before testing the connected components.
- Do not assume a code has the same meaning on every Whirlpool washer.
When to Call a Whirlpool Washer Repair Technician
Checking the water valves, accessible hoses, detergent use, load balance, drain hose and door obstruction are reasonable first steps. Professional service is recommended when:
- The same code returns after the recommended checks.
- The washer leaks or overfills.
- The machine will not fill or drain.
- The door or lid will not lock or unlock.
- The pump hums, grinds or runs continuously.
- The basket cannot reach normal speed.
- A motor, dispenser, sensor or communication code persists.
- The breaker trips or electrical damage is visible.
- The washer stops repeatedly during the same part of the cycle.
Alpha Tech provides Whirlpool appliance repair and washing machine repair in Toronto and the GTA.
What a Technician Checks During the Service Visit
The technician will confirm the complete code, washer model and point in the cycle where the problem appears. Mention recent plumbing work, installation, power failures, detergent changes, leaking or unusual sounds.
- Water pressure, hoses, screens and inlet valve
- Drain hose, pump filter, drain pump and household drain
- Door or lid lock, latch and strike
- Water-level and pressure-sensing system
- Motor, speed sensor and drive system
- Dispenser components
- Wiring and electrical connectors
- User interface and main control
- Stored diagnostic codes and test mode
Testing the complete affected system helps avoid replacing a pump, valve, lock or control board based only on the displayed code.
Official Whirlpool Error Code Information
Whirlpool code lists are not universal. Use the full model number when checking the owner’s manual and manufacturer support information.
Related Washer Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What does F8 E1 mean on a Whirlpool washer?
F8 E1 or Lo FL means the washer is not detecting the expected amount of incoming water. Check that both water valves are open and the inlet hoses are not kinked or restricted.
What does F9 E1 mean on a Whirlpool washer?
F9 E1 means the washer is taking too long to drain. Check the drain hose, pump filter where accessible, detergent use and household drain.
What does Sud or Sd mean?
Sud or Sd means excess foam is interfering with normal washing, spinning or draining. Allow the washer’s suds-reduction routine to finish and use less HE detergent in future loads.
What does F5 E2 mean on a Whirlpool washer?
F5 E2 means a front-load washer cannot lock its door correctly. Remove trapped clothing, inspect the latch area and arrange service if the lock repeatedly clicks or the code returns.
Are FH and F02 still Whirlpool washer codes?
Yes, but they are most commonly associated with older Whirlpool front-load platforms. FH relates to a water-supply problem, while F02 generally relates to extended drain time. Confirm both codes using the exact model documentation.
How do I reset a Whirlpool washer error code?
Record the code and complete the relevant checks first. Then cancel the cycle, turn the washer off, disconnect power for approximately five minutes, restore power and run a test cycle.
When should I call a Whirlpool washer technician?
Book service when the code returns after safe troubleshooting, the washer leaks, will not fill or drain, cannot lock, makes unusual pump or motor noises, or displays a recurring electrical, motor, sensor or control code.
Is Your Whirlpool Washer Code Still Returning?
An error code identifies the affected system, but testing may be required to determine whether the problem comes from a hose, pump, valve, lock, sensor, motor, wire or control.
Alpha Tech Appliance provides Whirlpool washer diagnosis and repair for homeowners across Toronto and the GTA.