Most Whirlpool washer error codes point to a simple problem you can fix yourself: the water supply, the drain hose, the lid or door lock, too much detergent, or an uneven load. Whirlpool washers (made by Whirlpool Corporation) use short letter codes like LF, Sd and uL plus “F# E#” fault codes like F9 E1 and F5 E2. Find your code in the table below, try the quick fix, then reset the washer by unplugging it for 5 minutes. If the same code comes back, the guide for that code shows what to check next.
This guide covers Whirlpool washer error codes for both top-load (including Cabrio and other high-efficiency models) and front-load (including Duet) washers. Some codes mean the same thing on both styles. Others, like F5 E2, describe a lid on a top-loader and a door on a front-loader, so we note the difference where it matters.
Whirlpool washer error codes list
Use this master table to match the code on your display. “TL” means top-load and “FL” means front-load.
| Code | Meaning | Quick fix | Full guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| LF / F8 E1 / Lo FL | Long fill: washer is taking too long to fill (TL and FL) | Open both faucets fully, check hoses for kinks, clean inlet screens | Whirlpool washer LF code |
| F8 E1 | Long fill or low water flow (TL and FL) | Same checks as LF; remove any anti-flood devices in the line | Whirlpool washer F8 E1 code |
| F20 | Water inlet problem: no water or not enough water (older FL) | Open faucets, check inlet screens and hoses, reset | Whirlpool washer F20 code |
| HC | Hot and cold hoses reversed (TL) | Turn off water and swap the hoses | — |
| drn | Washer isn’t draining properly (TL) | Check drain hose installation and kinks | — |
| F9 E1 | Long drain (TL and FL) | Unkink drain hose, check standpipe depth, clean FL pump filter | Whirlpool washer F9 E1 code |
| F21 | Drain problem (older FL) | Check drain hose for kinks or clogs, reset | Whirlpool washer F21 code |
| Sd / Sud | Excess suds | Let the washer finish; use less HE detergent | Whirlpool washer Sd code |
| 5d | Sd (excess suds) as read on some displays | Same as Sd | Whirlpool washer 5d code |
| F5 E2 | Lid (TL) or door (FL) won’t lock | Clear anything blocking the latch, close firmly, reset | Whirlpool washer F5 E2 code |
| F5 E3 | Lid or door lock error (TL: lid won’t unlock on many models) | Check the latch area, unplug for 5 minutes | Whirlpool washer F5 E3 code |
| F5 E1 | Door switch error (FL) | Close the door fully, clear the latch, reset | — |
| LdL | Lid isn’t locking (TL) | Check under the lid and clean detergent buildup at the lock | — |
| LdU | Lid can’t unlock because items are on the lid (TL) | Remove baskets or objects from the washer top | — |
| lid | Lid was left open (TL) | Close the lid; restart without adding detergent | — |
| uL | Unbalanced load the washer couldn’t correct (TL) | Redistribute the load, press Start/Pause | Whirlpool Cabrio uL code |
| Ofb | Off-balance load (TL) | Let it self-correct; if stopped, spread the load out | — |
| F0 E5 | Off-balance load (FL) | Add or remove items, run Drain & Spin | — |
| OL | Load too large (TL) | Remove several items, add HE detergent, restart | — |
| rL / F0 E1 / F34 | Load detected during Clean Washer cycle (FL) | Empty the drum and restart Clean Washer | Whirlpool washer rL code |
| F3 E1 | Washer can’t detect the water level (pressure sensing) | Unplug for 5 minutes; call service if it returns | Whirlpool washer F3 E1 code |
| F7 E1 | Motor speed sensing error (FL); motor or basket speed fault (TL) | Check shipping bolts (FL), reduce load, reset | Whirlpool washer F7 E1 code |
| F6 E2 | Control unit, user interface or wiring issue | Unplug for 5 minutes; call service if it returns | Whirlpool washer F6 E2 code |
| F8 E2 | Dispenser system problem (select FL) | Clean the detergent drawer or cartridge | — |
| dET | Detergent cartridge not detected (select FL) | Reseat the cartridge, close the drawer | — |
| LoC / LC | Control lock is on (FL) | Touch and hold the Control Lock button | — |
| Int | Cycle was paused or canceled (FL) | Press Pause/Cancel twice, then Power once | — |
| PF | Power failure interrupted the cycle | Touch and hold Start to resume, or press Power to clear | — |
Whirlpool says its help lists may not include every code for every model. Your owner’s manual, or the tech sheet tucked inside the washer’s console, is the final word for your exact model.
How do Whirlpool washer error codes work?
Whirlpool uses two kinds of codes: plain-language letter codes and numbered “F# E#” fault codes. Letter codes like LF, Sd and uL usually describe a condition you can fix, like a closed faucet or too much soap. F# E# codes come from the control and range from simple (F8 E1, long fill) to parts faults (F6 E2, control or wiring).
In an F# E# code, the “F” number is the system family and the “E” number is the specific error. For example, F5 codes relate to the lid or door lock, F8 codes relate to water fill, and F9 codes relate to draining. Older Duet-style front-loaders use two-digit codes such as F20 and F21 instead.
Some top-load models without a full display flash lights instead of showing a code. A flashing lid lock light usually means a fault was stored and must be read in the washer’s service mode, which is a job for the tech sheet or a technician.
Water fill and supply codes
What does LF or F8 E1 mean on a Whirlpool washer?
LF (long fill) and F8 E1 mean the washer is taking too long to fill with water. Whirlpool shows the same problem as “Lo FL” on some front-loaders. The most common cause is a faucet that is not fully open or a kinked inlet hose.
Check these in order:
- Open both the hot and cold faucets all the way. Whirlpool top-load HE models need both hot and cold water connected.
- Straighten any kinks in the fill hoses behind the washer.
- Turn off the water, remove the hoses and check the small inlet screens for debris.
- Remove any anti-flood or flow-restricting devices in the water line (front-load).
- Make sure the drain hose is not pushed more than 4.5 inches into the standpipe, which can siphon water out while the washer fills.
See the full Whirlpool washer LF code guide or the F8 E1 guide for step-by-step checks.
What does F20 mean on a Whirlpool washer?
F20 means a water inlet problem: no water or not enough water is reaching the washer. It appears on older Duet-style front-loaders that use two-digit codes. The fixes match LF: open both faucets, check the inlet screens and straighten the hoses, then unplug the washer for 5 minutes to reset. Our F20 code guide covers it in detail.
What does HC mean?
HC means the hot and cold inlet hoses are connected backward. It shows at the end of the wash cycle on top-load models. Turn off the water, swap the hoses, and run another cycle to confirm the code is gone.
Drain codes
What does F9 E1 mean on a Whirlpool washer?
F9 E1 is a long drain code: the washer took longer than expected to empty. On front-loaders, Whirlpool says drain times over about 8 minutes trigger it. The usual cause is a drain hose problem, not a broken pump.
- Make sure the drain hose isn’t kinked or clogged.
- Don’t push the hose too far into the standpipe and don’t tape it to the drain pipe. Use the U-shaped hose form that came with the washer.
- On front-loaders, keep the standpipe between 39 and 96 inches high and clean the drain pump filter.
- Use HE detergent, since heavy suds slow draining.
Read the Whirlpool washer F9 E1 code guide for the full process.
What do F21 and drn mean?
F21 (older front-loaders) and drn (top-loaders) both mean the washer isn’t draining properly. Start with the drain hose: check for kinks, clogs and a hose that sits too deep in the standpipe. Then unplug the washer for 5 minutes to reset. Our F21 code guide explains how to clear the pump filter on models that have one.
On any drain code, look at the drain hose first. Whirlpool’s own help pages point to hose kinks, clogs and incorrect standpipe installation before any part failure.
Suds and detergent codes
What does Sd, Sud or 5d mean on a Whirlpool washer?
Sd, Sud and 5d all mean excess suds. The “5d” reading is simply how “Sd” looks on some displays. The washer adds extra rinsing to clear the foam, so let it finish.
Too much detergent, or regular (non-HE) detergent, is the most likely cause. Use only HE detergent and measure for the load size and soil level. Whirlpool also warns that “no splash” or “easy pour” liquid chlorine bleach can cause suds in front-loaders. See the Sd code guide and the 5d code guide.
What do dET and F8 E2 mean?
dET means the detergent cartridge isn’t detected, and F8 E2 means a dispenser system problem. Both appear only on select front-load models with bulk dispensing. Reseat the cartridge and close the drawer fully for dET; you can ignore it if you use single-load doses. For F8 E2, clean the detergent drawer or cartridge.
Lid and door lock codes
What does F5 E2 mean on a Whirlpool washer?
F5 E2 means the lid (top-load) or door (front-load) won’t lock. On top-loaders, Whirlpool says something may be blocking the lid lock area. On front-loaders, the door may look closed but not be latched.
Clear the latch area, check for clothing sticking out, and close the lid or door firmly. On top-loaders, also clean detergent buildup around the lock. Then reset. The F5 E2 code guide walks through it.
What does F5 E3 mean?
F5 E3 is a lid or door lock error. On front-loaders, Whirlpool says the door is not locking properly. On many top-loaders, service references describe F5 E3 as the lid failing to unlock. Check that nothing is blocking the latch, then unplug the washer for 5 minutes. See the F5 E3 code guide.
What do F5 E1, LdL, LdU and lid mean?
- F5 E1 (front-load): door switch error. Close the door fully and clear clothing or packing material from the switch.
- LdL (top-load): the lid isn’t locking. Look for items under the lid and buildup at the lock.
- LdU (top-load): the lid can’t unlock because something, like a laundry basket, is sitting on top of the washer.
- lid (top-load): the lid was left open. Close it. If it stays open more than 10 minutes, the cycle resets and drains.
Balance and load size codes
What does uL mean on a Whirlpool or Cabrio washer?
uL means the washer found an unbalanced load it couldn’t fix on its own. Wait for the lid to unlock, spread the clothes evenly around the washplate, close the lid and press Start/Pause. Balance a single bulky item with a few towels, and use the Bulky/Sheets cycle for comforters. Our Whirlpool Cabrio uL code guide covers repeat cases.
What do Ofb, F0 E5 and OL mean?
- Ofb (top-load): off-balance load. The washer runs a correction routine first, so let it continue.
- F0 E5 (front-load): off balance. If clothes aren’t dripping, no action is needed. If they are, remove a few items or add some to a lone bulky item, then run Drain & Spin.
- OL (top-load): the load is too large. The washer drains, so remove several items, add HE detergent and restart.
Sensor, motor and control codes
What does F3 E1 mean?
F3 E1 means the washer can’t detect the water level. Whirlpool says the problem may be in the control unit or its wiring. Unplug the washer for 5 minutes; if F3 E1 comes back, it needs service. See the F3 E1 guide.
What does F7 E1 mean?
On front-loaders, F7 E1 is a motor speed sensing error. Whirlpool says to confirm all shipping bolts were removed and the washer isn’t overloaded, then clear the code. On top-loaders, Whirlpool’s help only advises a reset, and service charts tie the code to the motor or basket speed system. The F7 E1 code guide explains how to tell a load problem from a parts problem.
What does F6 E2 mean?
F6 E2 points to a problem with the control unit, user interface or the wiring between them. A 5-minute power reset sometimes clears it. If it returns, the washer needs service. Read the F6 E2 guide.
What does rL mean?
rL (also shown as F0 E1 on some front-loaders) means the washer sensed a load during the Clean Washer cycle. Remove everything from the drum and restart Clean Washer. The rL code guide covers what to do if the drum is already empty.
Status messages that aren’t faults
Some codes are reminders, not breakdowns:
- LoC or LC: Control lock is on. Touch the Control Lock button; some older models need you to press and hold.
- Int: The cycle was paused or canceled. The washer may take 20 to 30 minutes to stop spinning and drain.
- PF: Power failure interrupted the cycle. Touch and hold Start to resume, or press Power to clear.
If your washer just won’t behave and there’s no clear code, our Whirlpool Cabrio washer troubleshooting guide covers common symptoms.
Is it different on top-load vs front-load Whirlpool washers?
Yes, some codes change meaning or only appear on one style. F5 E2 refers to the lid on a top-loader and the door on a front-loader. Codes like HC, LdL, LdU, Ofb and OL are top-load only, while F0 E5, rL, dET and LoC are front-load only. Older Duet front-loaders use two-digit codes (F20, F21) instead of the F# E# format.
| Code family | Top-load | Front-load |
|---|---|---|
| Fill | LF, F8 E1 | Lo FL, F8 E1, F20 (older) |
| Drain | drn, F9 E1 | F9 E1, F21 (older) |
| Lock | F5 E2 (lid), LdL, LdU | F5 E1, F5 E2, F5 E3 (door) |
| Balance | uL, Ofb | F0 E5 |
| Suds | Sd, Sud | Sd, Sud |
How do you reset a Whirlpool washer?
Unplug the washer (or switch off its breaker) for 5 minutes, then restore power. Whirlpool says this resets the control and can clear many codes. On front-loaders you can also clear a displayed code by pressing Pause/Cancel twice and then Power once.
Total time: 10 minutes
Fix the cause first
Use the table above to correct the likely cause, such as opening the faucets or straightening the drain hose. A reset alone won’t stop a code if the problem is still there.
Clear the code from the panel
On front-loaders, press Pause/Cancel twice, then press Power once. On top-load HE models, press Start/Pause once to clear an F# E# code.
Cut the power for 5 minutes
Unplug the washer or switch off its circuit breaker. Wait a full 5 minutes so the control fully resets.
Restore power and test
Plug the washer back in or turn the breaker on. Run a short Rinse & Spin or Drain & Spin cycle to see if the code returns.
Write down any repeat code
If the same code comes back, note it and your model number. You’ll need both if you call for service.
⚠️ Safety first
- Unplug the washer or switch off the breaker before checking hoses, filters or the lid lock.
- Turn off both water faucets before removing fill hoses. Expect some water to spill.
- Water in a front-load pump filter area may be hot after a hot wash. Let it cool, and keep a shallow pan and towels ready.
- Disconnect power at the breaker before removing panels.
- Don’t force a locked lid or door open while the drum is moving or full of water.
When should you call a pro?
Call a technician when a code returns after you’ve fixed the obvious causes and reset the washer. Codes that point to the control, sensors or motor usually need parts and testing tools.
- F3 E1, F6 E2 or F7 E1 comes back after a 5-minute power reset.
- The washer overfills, or water keeps entering when it’s off.
- The lid or door stays locked and won’t release.
- You smell burning or hear grinding when the drum turns.
- A drain code continues even though the hose, standpipe and pump filter are clear.
- The washer trips a breaker or GFCI outlet.
Whirlpool’s help pages list a US customer service line (1-866-698-2538) and online service scheduling.
Frequently asked questions
How do I clear an error code on my Whirlpool washer?
Fix the cause first, then press Pause/Cancel twice and Power once on a front-loader, or Start/Pause on a top-load HE model. If the code stays, unplug the washer for 5 minutes and plug it back in. A code that keeps returning needs more troubleshooting or service.
Why does my Whirlpool washer say LF when the water is on?
The faucets may be only partly open, the hoses may be kinked, or the inlet screens may be clogged. A drain hose pushed too far into the standpipe can also siphon water out while it fills. Check each of these before suspecting the water valve.
What does 5d mean on a Whirlpool washer?
5d is how the Sd (excess suds) code looks on some displays. The washer is adding rinses to clear foam, so let it finish. Use less HE detergent next time.
Is F5 E2 the same on top-load and front-load Whirlpool washers?
It’s the same idea, a lock failure, but the part differs. On top-loaders it’s the lid lock, and on front-loaders it’s the door lock. In both cases, clear anything blocking the latch and close it firmly.
Can I still use my Whirlpool washer with an error code?
For simple codes like LF, Sd or uL, yes, once you fix the cause. For codes that point to the control, motor or water level sensing, stop using it if the code returns, since the washer may not fill, drain or spin safely.
Where can I find the codes for my exact Whirlpool model?
Check your owner’s manual or Whirlpool’s online help for your model. Many washers also have a tech sheet inside the console for service use. Whirlpool notes its online lists may not include every code for every model.
Related Whirlpool washer error code guides
- Whirlpool washer LF code
- Whirlpool washer F8 E1 code
- Whirlpool washer F20 code
- Whirlpool washer F9 E1 code
- Whirlpool washer F21 code
- Whirlpool washer Sd code
- Whirlpool washer 5d code
- Whirlpool washer F5 E2 code
- Whirlpool washer F5 E3 code
- Whirlpool Cabrio uL code
- Whirlpool washer rL code
- Whirlpool washer F3 E1 code
- Whirlpool washer F7 E1 code
- Whirlpool washer F6 E2 code
- Whirlpool Cabrio washer troubleshooting
- All washer error codes
Sources
- Whirlpool Product Help: Error Codes in Top Load HE Washers
- Whirlpool Product Help: Error Codes in Front Load Washers
- Whirlpool Product Help: Top Load Washer Error Codes or Flashing Lights
- Whirlpool Product Help: Front Load Washer Error Codes
- Whirlpool Product Help: F9E1 Long Drain (Top Load)
- Whirlpool Product Help: F20 (Front Load)
- Whirlpool Product Help: F0 E5 Off Balance (Front Load)
- Sears PartsDirect: Whirlpool 2015 Cabrio top-load washer error codes
- Sears PartsDirect: Whirlpool Duet HE front-load washer error codes
