The Most Common Whirlpool Washer Error Codes (Plus Easy Fixes!)

Unexpected expenses, like repairs for a malfunctioning Whirlpool washing machine, can easily derail your monthly savings. Since inflation is making everything more expensive, including repair services, these sudden expenses can be pretty frustrating.

Lucky for you, the most common error codes on Whirlpool washers are easy to fix. You can resolve the errors yourself and save hundreds of dollars on hefty repair costs.

We’ll walk you through all the steps below. We’ll give you a list of Whirlpool washer codes, show you what they mean, and teach you how to troubleshoot them. 

The Most Common Whirlpool Washer Error Codes

The most common Whirlpool washer error codes are:

• LOC
• Ofb
• SUD
• dET
• Int
• rL or F35
• F5 E2
• F7 E1
• F8 E1
• F8 E2
• F9 E1

Let’s find out what these Whirlpool washer error codes mean and what causes them to appear.

Error Code	Meaning	Causes
LOC or LC	The control lock function is activated.	Control Lock is engaged.
Ofb	The washer is out of balance.	There’s too much or not enough laundry in the drum.
SUD or SD	Sud error. The washer detects too much foam in the drum.	Too much detergent was poured into the washer.Regular detergent was used on an HE washer.There’s not enough laundry in the drum.The drain pump is broken.
dET	The washer can’t detect the detergent cartridge.	The drawer wasn’t closed properly.There is too much detergent buildup around the dispenser, preventing it from closing.
Int	The cycle was paused or canceled.	The wash cycle was paused or canceled.
rL or F34	The washer detects items during the Clean Washer cycle.	There are still clothes in the drum while a Clean Washer cycle was started.
F5 E2	The door isn’t latching or locking properly.	There are obstructions in the door lock area.
F7 E1	The washer detects a motor speed sensing error.	The motor is malfunctioning.The washer has been overloaded.
F8 E1 or LO FL	The washer detects a low flow of water.	Both or one of the water supply faucets is on.The hot and cold water supply hoses aren’t installed correctly.The inlet filters need cleaning.
F8 E2	The detergent dispenser is obstructed.	The dispenser has detergent buildup.
F9 E1	Drain error. The washer is taking longer than 8 minutes to drain.	The drain hoses aren’t installed correctly.

Troubleshooting Whirlpool Washer Error Codes

To troubleshoot Whirlpool washer error codes, reset the appliance by disconnecting it from its power source. After a minute or two, reconnect it to power and check if the error clears.

If it doesn’t, decipher what the code means. Identify the underlying cause and perform the required fix. 

Here’s an overview of the most common Whirlpool washer error codes and easy-to-follow solutions to troubleshoot them.

Error Code	Solution
LOC or LC	• Press the Control Lock button for at least 3 seconds, if your washer has this dedicated button. • Or, press the button combination specific to your washer to deactivate the Control Lock function. • Refer to the user manual to find out how to deactivate Control Lock on a Whirlpool washer.
Ofb	• Once your washer stops the cycle, redistribute the load evenly around the drum.  • Measure your laundry load to be precise. Remove or add items in the drum to ensure it stays balanced during cycles.
SUD or SD	• Open the lid of your washer and empty the tub. Transfer all the clothing to a separate container before running a cleaning cycle. • Add affresh® cleaning tablets or pods to the washer basket. Never add tablets to the detergent dispenser. • Close the lid of your washer. • Select the Clean Washer cycle. Push the Start/Pause button for 3 seconds to start it. • After the cycle, leave the washer’s lid open to let the tub fully dry.
Int	• Push the Pause or Cancel button two times and tap the power button once.  • If the code doesn’t disappear, unplug the power cord or turn off the power at the circuit breaker to reset it.
rL or F34	• Press the Pause or Cancel button two times, or push the Power button once. • Refer to your user manual to find out instructions specific to your • Whirlpool washer model. • If the code doesn’t disappear, unplug your washer’s power cord or turn off the power at the circuit breaker. • After a minute or two, restore power to your washer. • Turn on the washer and reselect the Clean Washer cycle.
F5 E2	• Open the Whirlpool washer’s door and inspect the lid lock area for obstructions.  • Make sure no clothes are caught on the washer door.  • Remove any dirt or gunk that could be preventing the lock from latching.
F7 E1	Unremoved shipping bolts: • Locate the shipping bolts. Then, use a ⅝” wrench to loosen each of the bolts • Slide each bolt and space to the middle section of the hole. • Pull them out of the washer and set them aside for future use.
	Overloaded drum: • Stop the cycle and empty the drum.  • Check all the laundry tags and remove items that aren’t machine washable. • Measure your laundry and redistribute it evenly around the drum.
F8 E1 or LO FL	Clogged water inlet Screens: • Turn off and unplug your washer. • Remove the hot water fill hose by rotating the coupling by hand. Use pliers, if necessary. • Repeat the same step for the cold water fill hose. • Use pliers to pull out the inlet screens on both valves. • Clean the inlet screens using cotton swabs or soak the screens in soapy water. • Wipe the screens with a soft cloth or let them air dry before reinstalling them into the washer. • Use pliers to reinsert the inlet screens. • Attach the hot water fill hose to the inlet valve to the right. Rotate the coupling by hand until it is snug, then secure the connection using pliers. • Repeat the same step to attach the cold water fill hose. • Restore power to the washer.  • Turn it on and run a test cycle to check if the error code is resolved.
	Clogged water lines: • Disconnect the hot and cold fill hoses from the washer. Use pliers, if needed. • Place the hoses over a laundry tub, bucket, or drain pipe.  • Turn on the supply valves and run the water for a few seconds to clear the lines. • Reconnect the hot water fill hose to the inlet valve to the right.  • Screw the coupling by hand until it is snug, then secure the connection using pliers. • Repeat the same step to connect the cold fill hose to the inlet valve on the left.
	Poor water pressure: Call a licensed plumber who can resolve your household’s low water pressure problem.
F8 E2	• Push the Dispenser Release lever to open the drawer.  • Remove the drawer. Then, pull out all the inserts, which include the detergent selectors and covers. • Clean all the parts under running water.  • Dip a sponge or soft cloth in soapy water. Use it to wipe the dispenser housing area. • Use a soft brush to remove hardened detergent residue. • Wipe all the parts dry, including the housing area. Or, let them air dry for a few hours. • Once fully dry, reinstall all the inserts in the drawer. Then, slip the drawer back into the housing. • Check if the fix resolved the error.
F9 E1	Incorrect standpipe drain installation: • Wet the end of the drain hose with tap water. Never use other lubricants. • Use pliers to squeeze the ears of the drain hose clamp and slide it over the end of the hose. • Open the clamp and push the end of the hose onto the connector until it reaches the ribbed section.  • Then, place the clamp right over the area labeled “clamp”, • Insert the hook end of the drain hose about 4.5” into the standpipe.  • Never push any excess hose far down the standpipe to prevent siphoning. • Secure the drain hose to the standpipe using the supplied strap. Don’t seal the drain hose into the standpipe to prevent siphoning.
	Incorrect laundry tub drain installation: • Wet the end of the drain hose in tap water. Don’t use other liquids or lubricants.  • Use pliers to squeeze the ears of the drain hose clamp and move it toward the end of the hose. • Loosen the clamp and push the end of the hose onto the connector until it reaches the ribbed section.  • Then, slide the clamp right over the area labeled “clamp”, • Set up the hook end of the drain hose on the side of the laundry tub.  • Place 4.5” of the drain hose into the laundry tub. Don’t lay any excess hose on the bottom of the tub. • Tightly wrap the supplied strap around the drain hose and the laundry tub to keep it from moving during drain cycles.
	Incorrect floor drain installation: • Remove the drain hose clamp from the hose. Insert the hose about 4.5” into the drain pipe.  • Make sure the siphon break rests above the high water level of your washer. It must be installed no less than 28” from the floor.

LOC or LD

A LOC or LD error code appears on your Whirlpool washer’s display when its Control Lock function has been activated. This safety function prevents curious hands or paws from accidentally tampering with the settings when a wash cycle is ongoing.

If the Control Lock function is on, the door will open but the washer won’t respond to your touch. You have to deactivate it to allow the buttons to function. 

Solution: Check the user manual and find out how to deactivate the Control Lock function on the Whirlpool washer. On washers with a standalone Control Lock button, press it for at least 3 seconds or until the error code disappears.

Instead of a dedicated button, other washers might use a button combination to activate or deactivate the function.

Ofb

Ofb indicates that your Whirlpool washer is out of balance, which usually occurs when you don’t load your washer correctly.

Overloading or underloading the drum can cause an uneven weight distribution during cycles. It may also happen when you wash a few heavy items at a time. 

When an Ofb error code appears, your unit will try to correct it by rebalancing the load inside the drum. However, if it is unsuccessful, you have to resolve the error yourself. 

Not to worry, it’s quite easy that professional services are unnecessary.

Solution: To rebalance your Whirlpool washing machine, sort the laundry and redistribute the load evenly around the drum. Remove or add some items to keep the washer stable during cycles.

Measuring your laundry is an easy way to avoid overloading or underloading problems. It can help you prevent the Ofb error code from recurring.

Type of Washer	Drum Capacity	Pounds of Laundry Per Load
Compact	1.5 to 3.4	4 to 8
Standard	3.5 to 4.4	12 to 16
Large	4.5 to 5.0	16 to 20
Extra Large	5.1 to 6.2	20 to 25

If you don’t like measuring the load size, you can do the palm trick to confirm that the drum isn’t overloaded. 

There must be at least a hand’s width of space between the top of the load and the top of the tub. If you can’t fit the hand into the drum, your washer is overloaded, and you must remove some items from the drum to prevent it from going out of balance.

You can also estimate the size of the laundry load based on the clothes you add to the drum. Here’s a little guide to help you.

• An XL shirt is .5 lbs.
• A medium sweatshirt is .9 lbs.
• A full-sized bed sheet is 1.3 lbs.
• A large bath towel is 1.9 lbs.

SUD or SD

Depending on your Whirlpool washer, SUD or SD may appear on the display when it detects an excessive amount of suds. 

This happens when you use regular detergent instead of the recommended high-efficiency kind. Also, if you pour too much detergent, even the right kind, it will produce more suds in the drum.

Whatever the underlying cause may be, the washer automatically extends the rinse time in an attempt to get rid of the excess suds. It pauses the tumbling action and fills the drum with more water for rinsing.

Solution: Stop the cycle and clean up the spill all over your laundry room floor to prevent any accidents. Then, clean up your washer to get rid of the suds and excess detergent.

• Step 1: Open the lid of your washer and empty the tub. Transfer all the clothing to a separate container before running a cleaning cycle.
• Step 2: Add affresh® cleaning tablets or pods to the washer basket. Never add tablets to the detergent dispenser.
• Step 3: Close the lid of your washer.
• Step 4: Select the Clean Washer cycle. Push the Start/Pause button for 3 seconds to start it.
• Step 5: After the cycle, leave the washer’s lid open to let the tub fully dry. 

Int

Int indicates an interrupted cycle. Whether the cycle has been paused or canceled, the error code will appear once your washer stops spinning and draining, which should take about 20 to 30 minutes.

There’s really nothing wrong with your washer, so repairs aren’t necessary. All you have to do is resolve the error code.

Solution: To remove an Int error code on a Whirlpool washer, push the Pause or Cancel button two times and the power button once. If the code doesn’t disappear, unplug the power cord or turn off the power at the circuit breaker to reset it.

rL or F34

During a Clean Washer cycle, the drum is supposed to be empty. No clothing should be inside it.

To keep your laundry safe, your washer will display an rL or F34 error code when it detects items during the Clean Washer with affresh® cycle.

Solution: Check your Whirlpool washer and empty the drum. Then, remove the error code and restart the Clean Washer Cycle.

Depending on your washer model, you might have to press either the Pause/Cancel button or the Power button to remove the code.

• Press the Pause or Cancel button two times.
• Push the Power button once.

If the code doesn’t disappear, power cycle your washer using the following steps:

• Step 1: Unplug your washer’s power cord or turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
• Step 2: After a minute or two, restore power to your washer.
• Step 3: Turn on the washer. Reselect the Clean Washer Cycle and press Start.

F5 E2

If you see an F5 E2 error on your washer, it means that the unit can’t engage the lid lock. Most of the time, it happens due to obstructions in the door area.

For instance, when your laundry gets caught on the door, the lid lock can’t latch properly, triggering the error. 

As a safety precaution, your Whirlpool washer won’t start a cycle if the door won’t close. You must resolve the error to continue with your laundry.

Solution: To resolve an F5 E2 error code on a Whirlpool washer, open the door and inspect the lid lock area for obstructions. Remove any dirt or gunk that could be preventing the lock from latching.

F7 E1

An F7 E1 error code indicates that the motor is having difficulty turning. If it appears on a new Whirlpool washer, you can rule out component failure and, instead, check its rear panel for shipping bolts.

Prior to the installation process, you have to remove the four shipping bolts on your washer that keep the drum secure during transportation.

Another possible cause of an F7 E1 error is overloading. If your washer has too much laundry, it will prevent the motor from functioning properly.

Although these aren’t serious issues, they could easily lead to component failure if no efforts are made to correct them.

Unremoved Shipping Bolts

If your washing machine is new, it will have four shipping bolts and spacers at the rear panel. These bolts hold the drum in place while it’s being transported.

You must remove all these parts before using the washer, but if you forget to do so, it can cause problems with the motor. Then, it will trigger an F7 E1 error code.

What you’ll need:

• ⅝” wrench

Solution: To remove the shipping bolts on your Whirlpool washer, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Locate the shipping bolts. 
• Step 2: Use a ⅝” wrench to loosen each of the bolts.
• Step 3: Slide each bolt and space to the middle section of the housing. Pull them out of the washer and set them aside for future use.

Overloaded Drum

We understand the temptation to overstuff the drum to get all the laundry done right away. However, we advise against it because it is counterproductive.

Your clothes don’t get cleaner when you overstuff the drum. There might even be no cleaning going on because of how tightly everything is packed inside.

Other than that, an overloaded drum causes all kinds of errors. Aside from causing the drum to go out of balance, it can impair the motor from functioning properly.

Solution: First, stop the cycle and redistribute the load evenly around the drum of your Whirlpool washer. Check all the laundry tags and remove items that aren’t machine washable.

We recommend measuring your laundry because it makes it easier for you to prevent overloading your washer. However, if you don’t want to measure the laundry, here’s an alternative way to estimate the load size.

• Regular/Medium Load: Keep the drum half full if you want to do a regular and medium-sized load.

• Large Load: Fill up to ¾ of the drum to do a large load on your washer. Place a hand inside the drum to check if there’s still enough space from the top of the load to the top of the washer.

If there isn’t, the drum is overloaded.

F8 E1 or LO FL

An F8 E1 or LO FL error code appears when your washer detects low water flow. You have a problem with the supply of water going into your appliance.

If your washer is slow to fill or not filling at all, and this code appears, you must confirm that the hot and cold water faucets are on. Make sure that both faucets are fully open to improve water flow.

Once you’ve ruled that out, you can check for clogs in the water inlet screens and the hoses. You should also determine if it is a problem with your water supply.

Clogged Water Inlet Screens

Behind your washer, you’ll find two water supply hoses – one for hot and the other for cold water. Each of these supply lines has a tiny mesh screen that traps debris from the water supply, preventing it from entering the tub.

Cleaning the screens once a year is usually enough. However, once you start seeing dirt, sand, lint, and other foreign debris on your freshly washed clothes, you should inspect the screens and clean them if needed.

What you’ll need:

• Pliers
• Cotton swab
• Soft cloth

Solution: To clean the inlet screens of your Whirlpool washer, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Turn off and unplug your washer.
• Step 2: Remove the hot water fill hose by rotating the coupling by hand. Use pliers, if necessary.
• Step 3: Repeat the same step for the cold water fill hose.
• Step 4: Use pliers to pull out the inlet screens on both valves.
• Step 5: Wipe the mesh screens using cotton swabs or soak the screens in soapy water.
• Step 6: Wipe the screens with a soft cloth or let them air dry before reinstalling them into the washer.
• Step 7: Use pliers to reinsert the inlet screens.
• Step 8: Attach the hot water fill hose to the inlet valve to the right. Rotate the coupling by hand until it is snug, then secure the connection using pliers.
• Step 9: Repeat the same step to attach the cold water fill hose.
• Step 10: Restore power to the washer. 
• Step 11: Turn it on and run a test cycle to check if the washer fills and starts.

Clogged Water Lines

Depending on the quality of the water in your area, as well as its hardness, you might notice dirt or mineral build-up on the lines. This accumulation of dirt can clog the lines, restricting the flow of water into the drum.

Sometimes, you can clear the obstruction by turning the valves on and running the water into an empty bucket. However, if the clog won’t budge, you can opt to replace the hose.

What you’ll need:

• Pliers
• Bucket

Solution: To unclog your Whirlpool washer’s water supply lines, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Disconnect the hot and cold fill hoses from the washer. Use pliers, if needed.
• Step 2: Place the hoses over a laundry tub, bucket, or drain pipe. 
• Step 3: Turn on the supply valves and run the water for a few seconds to clear the lines.
• Step 4: Reconnect the hot water fill hose to the inlet valve to the right. Screw the coupling by hand until it is snug, then secure the connection using pliers.
• Step 5: Repeat the same step to connect the cold fill hose to the inlet valve on the left.

Poor Water Pressure

A Whirlpool washing machine requires at least 20 psi of water pressure to operate properly. If this requirement isn’t met, your washer will either fill slowly or not fill at all.

Depending on your washer model, you might see an F8 E1, LO FL, or other filling errors. Unless you’re an experienced plumber, there’s really nothing you can do to resolve the issue.

But on the bright side, your washer has no problem and won’t need repairs. Once the water pressure issue is fixed, your appliance should be able to function properly again.

Solution: Call a licensed plumber who can resolve your household’s low water pressure problem. 

F8 E2

Some Whirlpool washer models will display an F8 E2 error code when they detect problems with the detergent dispenser. 

This happens when the dispenser isn’t installed correctly. You either didn’t close it properly or it can’t close because there’s too much detergent buildup around the housing area.

What you’ll need: 

• Soft cloth/sponge
• Soap

Solution: To clean a Whirlpool washer detergent dispenser, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Press the Dispenser Release lever to open the drawer. 
• Step 2: Remove the drawer. Then, pull out all the inserts, which include the detergent selectors and covers.
• Step 3: Clean all the parts under running water. 
• Step 4: Dip a sponge or soft cloth in soapy water. Use it to wipe the dispenser housing area.
• Step 5: Use a soft brush to remove hardened detergent residue.
• Step 6: Wipe all the parts dry, including the housing area. Or, let them air dry for a few hours.
• Step 7: Once fully dry, reinstall all the inserts in the drawer. Then, slip the drawer back into the housing.
• Step 8: Check if the fix resolved the error.

F9 E1

An F9 E1 error code indicates a drain problem. It appears when your washer takes over 8 minutes to drain the water from the drum.

If the washer can’t drain, the first thing you need to check is the drain system. Whether you’re using a standpipe, laundry tub, or floor drain, there is a correct way to install the drain hose to promote better drainage.

Incorrect Standpipe Drain Installation

The top of the standpipe must measure at least 30 inches high but it must not exceed 96 inches from the bottom of the washer. It must also have a minimum diameter of 2” and a carry-away capacity of at least 17 gallons per minute.

What you’ll need:

• Pliers
• Standpipe

Solution: Follow these steps to set up your Whirlpool washer’s standpipe drain system:

• Step 1: Dip the end of the drain hose to keep it moist. Don’t dip it in other liquids or lubricants.
• Step 2: Use pliers to squeeze the ears of the drain hose clamp and slide it over the end of the hose.
• Step 3: Open the clamp and push the end of the hose onto the connector until it reaches the ribbed section. Then, place the clamp right over the area labeled “clamp”.
• Step 4: Insert the hook end of the drain hose about 4.5” into the standpipe. If there’s any excess hose, don’t push it far down the standpipe to prevent siphoning.
• Step 5: Secure the drain hose to the standpipe using the supplied strap. Don’t seal the drain hose into the standpipe to prevent siphoning.

Incorrect Laundry Tub Drain Installation

Use a laundry tub with a carry-away capacity of at least 17 gallons per minute. From the floor to the topmost part of the tub, it must measure at least 39” but it shouldn’t go over 72” inches to promote efficient draining. 

What you’ll need:

• Laundry tub

Solution: Follow these steps to set up your Whirlpool washer’s laundry tub drain system:

• Step 1: Wet the end of the drain hose in tap water. Don’t use other liquids or lubricants. 
• Step 2: Use pliers to squeeze the ears of the drain hose clamp and move it toward the end of the hose.
• Step 3: Loosen the clamp and push the end of the hose onto the connector until it reaches the ribbed section. Then, slide the clamp right over the area labeled “clamp”.

• Step 4: Set up the hook end of the drain hose on the side of the laundry tub. 
• Step 5: Place 4.5” of the drain hose into the laundry tub. Don’t lay any excess hose on the bottom of the tub.
• Step 6: Tightly wrap the supplied strap around the drain hose and the laundry tub to keep it from moving during drain cycles.

Incorrect Floor Drain Installation

If you have a floor drain, but no standpipe, you can use a siphon break assembly instead, which you can purchase separately. This small tube provides an air gap to prevent dirty water from flowing back into the washer.

What you’ll need:

• Siphon break kit

Solution: To set up a floor drain system for your Whirlpool washer, pull out the pre-installed drain hose clamp from the hose. Insert the hose about 4.5” into the drain pipe. 

Make sure the siphon break rests above the high water level of your washer. It must be installed no less than 28” from the floor.

Frequently Asked Questions