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Whirlpool Washer Error Codes and Fixes

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Whirlpool’s product-help site lists front-load washer codes in a short table and keeps a separate page for F8E1. This guide follows both, along with Whirlpool’s troubleshooting page for a washer that will not drain or spin. Whirlpool says the list may not cover every code on your model, so check the owner’s manual if yours is not here. Read the code on the display, find the row, do the listed owner step once and use the power-interruption steps below to clear it. A code that comes back after that is a service call. If the washer has water left in the tub or the basket will not turn with no code showing, see the washer not-draining guide or the washer not-spinning guide.

Front-load codes and what Whirlpool lists

Code What Whirlpool says it means What Whirlpool lists for the owner
LOC or LC Control Lock is on Touch the Control Lock button; older models use a button listed in the manual, and some require pressing and holding it
dET Detergent cartridge not detected on select models Ignore it if you use single-load detergent doses; otherwise insert the cartridge correctly and fully close the dispenser drawer
Int The cycle was paused or canceled The washer may take 20 to 30 minutes to stop spinning and drain and shows this code meanwhile; to clear it, use the power steps below
rL or F34 Items were detected during Clean Washer Remove items from the drum and restart Clean Washer
Sud or Sd Too many suds The washer extends rinsing and pauses tumbling to break up suds, which may repeat several times; use HE detergent, and avoid “no splash” or “easy pour” chlorine bleach, which can cause excess suds; check that the drain hose is not kinked and the standpipe is not restricted
F5 E2 The door is not locking properly Make sure nothing blocks the door and it closes completely, then clear the code with the power steps
F7 E1 Motor speed sensing error Confirm all shipping bolts were removed and the washer is not overloaded, then clear the code
F8 E1 or LO FL Low water flow detected Confirm the water supply is on, both faucets are fully open, fill hoses are not kinked and no anti-flood devices are in the water line
F8 E2 Dispenser system problem on select models Check that the detergent drawer or cartridge is not clogged with detergent
F9 E1 Drain times longer than expected, typically over eight minutes Make sure the drain hose is not kinked or clogged and use the U-shaped drain hose form; keep the standpipe height within the range below; excess suds can also delay draining
Other F# E# Other error Unplug or disconnect power for five minutes, reconnect, reselect the cycle and press Start; contact Whirlpool if it persists

How to clear a code

Whirlpool gives two power routines. For F5 E2, F7 E1, F8 E1 or LO FL, F8 E2 where applicable and Int, press Pause or Cancel twice and then the Power button once. If Int is still displayed after that, unplug the washer or disconnect power for five minutes. For other F# E# codes, unplug or disconnect power for five minutes, reconnect, reselect the cycle and press Start. Clearing a code does not explain why it appeared, so treat a quick return as a sign the cause is still there.

F8E1 in detail

Whirlpool’s separate F8E1 page says the code, also shown as Lo FL, means the washer is not detecting the correct amount of incoming water. Its steps run in this order:

  1. If the door is locked and the control is unresponsive, press the Power button. The washer starts a drain routine that takes about 8 to 10 minutes, and the control does not accept input during it.
  2. Confirm both the hot and cold valves are fully open with both inlet hoses connected and no hose kinked. Connect the red hose to the hot valve and the blue hose to the cold valve.
  3. Check the inlet screens. Shut off the water supply, disconnect the supply hoses and inspect the screens for mineral buildup or debris, then clean or replace them as needed.
  4. Avoid anti-flood devices. The washer should connect directly to the supply, because anti-flood devices can reduce the water pressure and amount of water entering the appliance.
  5. Reset the control by unplugging the washer for five minutes and plugging it back in.
  6. If the code returns, schedule service.

F9 E1, drain height and the drain hose

The F9 E1 row points to the drain system, and Whirlpool’s drain troubleshooting page adds detail. It says to straighten kinks and remove clogs from the hose, drainpipe or utility sink, to use the U-shaped hose form and to secure the hose as the installation instructions describe. It gives the drainpipe height as between 30 and 96 inches and warns that above 96 inches the washer cannot pump water out adequately and water may flow back into the washer. The front-load code page gives a standpipe range of 39 to 96 inches, so use the figure in your own installation instructions. On some front-load models Whirlpool also tells you to clean an accessible drain pump filter periodically of dirt, lint and debris.

Suds, bleach and detergent

Sud or Sd and a slow drain share a cause. Whirlpool’s drain page lists too many suds as something that can stop the washer from pumping and spinning, and tells you to measure detergent as the manufacturer directs and use HE detergent. Its code page adds the bleach caution above. If the washer repeatedly shows Sud, cut the detergent dose and run an extra rinse before looking for a mechanical cause.

Spin and lid causes with no code

If the basket will not spin and no code appears, Whirlpool lists four common causes: the lid or door not fully closed, since the switch only lets the washer run when it is securely shut; an unbalanced or overloaded load, which makes the washer stop spinning to avoid damage; a low spin speed on gentle, delicate or handwash cycles, which leave more water in the load; and too many suds. Redistribute or reduce the load, choose a higher-spin cycle such as heavy duty or super and follow the garment care label. The washer not spinning or draining guide covers the case where both problems show up together, and the front-load washer smell guide covers the odors that follow slow drains and too much detergent.

When to call

Call Whirlpool if the same code returns after the listed steps, if a motor, door-lock or dispenser code persists after you have checked what Whirlpool lists, or if water is leaking. Whirlpool lists support at 1-866-698-2538 on its code page. Have the model number and the exact code ready, and say which of the steps above you have already tried.

If the washer shakes or walks across the floor on the spin, see the washer shaking guide; if water collects under it, see the washer leaking guide.

Frequently asked questions

What does F8E1 mean on a Whirlpool washer?

Whirlpool says F8E1, also shown as Lo FL, means the washer is not detecting the correct amount of incoming water. Check that both valves are open, the hoses are not kinked, the inlet screens are clear and there is no anti-flood device, then reset by unplugging for five minutes.

What do LOC and LC mean on a Whirlpool washer?

Whirlpool lists LOC or LC as Control Lock being on. Touch the Control Lock button; some models require pressing and holding it, and older models use a button listed in the owner's manual.

How do I clear a Whirlpool washer error code?

For F5 E2, F7 E1, F8 E1 and F8 E2, press Pause or Cancel twice and then Power once. For other F# E# codes, unplug the washer for five minutes, reconnect, reselect the cycle and press Start.

What does F9 E1 mean on a Whirlpool washer?

Whirlpool lists F9 E1 as drain times longer than expected, typically over eight minutes. Check the drain hose for kinks or clogs, use the U-shaped hose form and use HE detergent to avoid excess suds.

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