These error code explanations can help you diagnose a problem with your Whirlpool belt-drive top-load washer. For repair how-to help, visit the PartsDirect repair help section, which includes repair help for washing machines, other major appliances, lawn and garden equipment, garage door openers, vacuum cleaners and more. Search for your model number to find a complete list of replacement parts for your washer. On models without a digital display, the fault code is signaled by blinking status lights. Refer to this video to decipher the error code.
Error Code
Condition
DIY advice
Lid Lock LED flashing
Indicates the control recorded one of the error codes shown below
Check/Repair
Refer to the tech sheet (stored in the console) to enter the diagnostic test mode and recover the saved error code.
How-to help
How to troubleshoot flashing lid lock errors on a vertical modular washer video
Possible parts
F0 E2
Excessive suds
Check/Repair
Use only HE (High Efficiency) detergent. Reduce the quantity of detergent to prevent excessive suds.
Possible parts
HE detergent
F0 E4
High water temperature in the rinse cycle
Check/Repair
Make sure that fill hoses are properly connected. Check the resistance of the thermistor (temperature sensor). It should measure around 50K ohms (50,000 ohms) at 77 degrees. If the thermistor is defective, replace it.
Possible parts
Thermistor
F0 E5
Unbalanced load
Check/Repair
Re-distribute the load inside the spin basket. If that doesn't help, then check the suspension rods and springs. If a suspension rod and spring is broken or damaged, replace all of the suspension rods and springs (the replacement part is a kit that has all 4 rods/springs).
How-to help
How to calibrate a washer after a repair video
Possible parts
Suspension rods/springs
F1 E1
Main electronic control board failure
Check/Repair
Unplug the washer. Check the wiring connections on the main electronic control board in the console. If the wiring connections are okay, then the main electronic control board will normally need to be replaced.
How-to help
How to replace the electronic control board on a top-load washer
How to calibrate a washer after a repair video
Possible parts
Main electronic control board
F1 E2
Motor control error on main electronic control board failure
Check/Repair
Unplug the washer. Check the wiring connections on the main electronic control board and the drive motor. If the wiring connections are okay, then the drive motor windings will need to be checked for resistance. If the drive motor is bad, replace it. If the drive motor is okay, the main electronic control board will normally need to be replaced.
How-to help
How to replace the drive motor in a top-load washer
How to replace the electronic control board on a top-load washer
How to calibrate a washer after a repair video
Possible parts
Drive motor, Main electronic control board
F2 E1
Stuck key
Check/Repair
This code is for models with a digital display. One or more keys on the user interface were actuated for 15 seconds or longer. If a key is stuck and cannot be freed up then the user interface control will need to be replaced.
Possible parts
User interface control
F2 E3
Mismatch of main electronic control board and user lnterface control
Check/Repair
This code is for models with a digital display. It normally occurs when an incompatible control component (Main Electronic Control board or User Interface control) is replaced in the console. Check the replacement part numbers and reorder the correct part.
How-to help
How to replace the electronic control board on a top-load washer
How to calibrate a washer after a repair video
Possible parts
Main electronic control board, User interface control
F3 E1
Water level pressure sensor fault
Check/Repair
Unplug the washer. Check the air hose connection between the bottom of the tub and the water level pressure switch in the console. If no problems are found, then the main electronic control board (which includes the water level pressure switch) will normally need to be replaced.
How-to help
How to replace the electronic control board on a top-load washer
How to calibrate a washer after a repair video
Possible parts
Main electronic control board
F3 E2
Inlet water temperature fault
Check/Repair
Unplug the washer. Open the console and check the resistance through the thermistor circuit (black wires). It should measure around 50K ohms (50,000 ohms) at room temperature. If the thermistor is defective, replace it (the thermistor is a component in the inlet valve assembly wiring harness).
Possible parts
Inlet water valve wiring harness (this harness includes the thermistor)
F5 E1
Lid switch fault
Check/Repair
This code is displayed if Start is pressed with the lid open. If the lid switch on the lid lock/switch assembly isn't detecting the condition of the washer lid properly, then the lid lock/switch assembly will need to be replaced.
How-to help
How to replace the lid switch/lock assembly on a top-load washer
Possible parts
Lid lock/switch assembly
F5 E2
Lid lock fault
Check/Repair
Unplug the washer. Check the lid lock/switch assembly for debris or an item that is interfering with the lock strike being engaged by the lid lock mechanism. If no interference is apparent, then the lid lock/switch assembly will normally need to be replaced.
How-to help
How to replace the lid switch/lock assembly on a top-load washer
Possible parts
Lid lock/switch assembly
F5 E3
Lid unlock fault
Check/Repair
Unplug the washer. Lift the top panel of the washer to access the lid lock/switch assembly. Try to manually unlock the washer lid without breaking the lid lock/switch assembly and the lock strike. If the components are damaged, replace them. If the lid lock/switch assembly won't lock and unlock properly, replace it.
How-to help
How to replace the lid switch/lock assembly on a top-load washer
Possible parts
Lid lock/switch assembly, Lock strike
F5 E4
Lid not opened between cycles
Check/Repair
If the washer is started several times without the lid ever being opened, then this code appears. If the lid is actually being opened between cycles but the control does not detect it, then the door lock/switch assembly will normally need to be replaced.
How-to help
How to replace the lid switch/lock assembly on a top-load washer
Possible parts
Lid lock/switch assembly
F7 E1
Basket speed sensor fault
Check/Repair
See if the spin basket rotates freely. If not, then examine and replace any defective drive components. If the basket spins properly, unplug the washer and check the wiring connections on the shifter assembly. That component has the optical tachometer. If the wiring connections are okay, then that shifter assembly will normally need to be replaced.
How-to help
How to replace the shifter assembly in a top-load washer
Possible parts
Drive system components, shifter assembly
F7 E5
Shifter assembly fault
Check/Repair
The main electronic control board cannot determine the position of the drive system shifter. Unplug the washer and check the wiring harness connections on the main electronic control board and the shifter assembly. If the wiring connections are okay, then the shifter assembly will normally need to be replaced.
How-to help
How to replace the shifter assembly in a top-load washer
Possible parts
Shifter assembly
F7 E6
Motor fault
Check/Repair
Unplug the washer and check the wiring connections on the drive motor. If the wiring connections are okay, then the drive motor will normally need to be replaced.
How-to help
How to replace the drive motor in a top-load washer
How to calibrate a washer after a repair video
Possible parts
Drive motor
F7 E7
Motor is unable to reach target RPM
Check/Repair
Rotate the spin basket to see if it spins freely. If not, then a garment could be stuck between the outer tub and the spin basket. A problem with drive components could also cause excess friction. Inspect the drive components and replace parts as needed.
Possible parts
Drive system components
F8 E1
Not filling or long fill time
Check/Repair
Water isn't being detected as entering the washer. If the washer isn't filling, check the water supply faucets behind the washer to make sure that they are fully open. Check the fill hoses and inlet water valves. If the inlet water valve assembly is defective, replace it. If water is entering the machine but not being detected, then the main electronic control board (which includes the water level pressure switch) will normally need to be replaced.
How-to help
How to replace a water inlet valve on a vertical modular top-load washer
How to replace the electronic control board on a top-load washer
How to calibrate a washer after a repair video
Possible parts
Inlet water valve assembly, main electronic control board
F8 E3
Overflow condition
Check/Repair
If the washer is overfilling, check the inlet water valves. If the valves are not shutting off water flow, then replace the inlet water valve assembly. If the washer isn't actually overflowing, then the main electronic control board (which includes the water level pressure switch) will normally need to be replaced.
How-to help
How to replace a water inlet valve on a vertical modular top-load washer
How to replace the electronic control board on a top-load washer
Possible parts
Inlet water valve assembly, main electronic control board
F8 E5
Hot & cold fill hoses are reversed
Check/Repair
Check the fill hoses. If they are connected properly then the inlet water thermistor (temperature sensor) will probably need to be replaced. That component is part of the Inlet Water Valve Wire Harness.
Possible parts
Inlet water valve wire harness
F9 E1
Long drain time
Check/Repair
The washer isn't draining after the drain pump runs for 10 minutes. Check the washer drain and the drain hose for clogs or restrictions. If the drain path is clear, unplug the washer and check the drain pump. If the drain pump is defective, replace it.
How-to help
How to replace the drain pump in a top-load washer
Possible parts
Drain pump
Wash LED on
No fill or long fill
Check/Repair
Water isn't being detected as entering the washer. If the washer isn't filling, check the water supply faucets behind the washer to make sure that they are fully open. Check the fill hoses and inlet water valves. If the inlet water valve assembly is defective, replace it. If water is entering the machine but not being detected, then the main electronic control board (which includes the water level pressure switch) will normally need to be replaced.
How-to help
How to replace a water inlet valve on a vertical modular top-load washer
How to replace the electronic control board on a top-load washer
How to calibrate a washer after a repair video
Possible parts
Inlet water valve assembly, main electronic control board
Spin LED on
Long drain time
Check/Repair
The washer did not drain after the drain pump has been running for 10 minutes. Check the washer drain and the drain hose for clogs or restrictions. If the drain path is clear, unplug the washer and check the drain pump. If the drain pump is defective, replace it.
How-to help
How to replace the drain pump in a top-load washer
Possible parts
Drain pump