What does an F3 E1 error code mean on a Whirlpool washer? (ANSWERED!)

One thing we dread more than laundry day is laundry day with a malfunctioning washer. When your laundry is already out of control, it’s even more frustrating.

Lucky for you, we know our washing machines and we’re here to help you conquer that laundry pile. 

Below, we’ll find out what the F3 E1 error code on a Whirlpool washer means and how to troubleshoot it.

What does an F3 E1 error code mean on a Whirlpool washer?

An F3 E1 code on some Whirlpool washers indicates a problem with the water level. If your washer is slow to fill or not filling at all, the error will appear on the display.

On a Whirlpool All-in-One washer and dryer, an F3 E1 code indicates a problem with the water pressure switch. 

Before making any repairs, here are the first few steps that you should do to troubleshoot your washer.

• Reset your washer. Unplug the power cord or turn off the power at the circuit breaker to clear any bugs that might be causing the washer to detect a fault that isn’t there.

• Open the water supply valves. Confirm that both the hot and cold water supply valves are on.

• Straighten out kinks or bent areas. Inspect the fill hoses for any kinks and bent areas that may be restricting the flow of water into your washer.

If none of these quick fixes work, first, you must identify the underlying cause of the error to find the most appropriate solution to resolve it.

Let’s take a look at the most common issues that trigger an F3 E1 error code on a Whirlpool washer. We’ll also show you how easy or difficult the fixes are.

Issues	Causes	Difficulty of Fix	Duration
Restricted Water Flow	Clogged Water Inlet Screens	Easy	5 to 10 minutes
Clogged Water Lines	Easy	5 to 10 minutes
Inadequate Water Pressure	Difficult	Professional services are required.
Faulty Water Inlet Valve	Difficult	30 minutes or less
Faulty Water Pressure Switch	Medium	20 minutes or less
Faulty Control Board	Difficult	30 minutes or less
Improperly Installed Drain Systems	Incorrect Standpipe Drain Installation	Easy	5 minutes or less
Incorrect Laundry Tub Drain Installation	Easy	5 minutes or less
Incorrect Floor Drain Installation	Easy	5 minutes or less

Causes and Solutions

To fix an F3 E1 error code on a Whirlpool washer, check if the water supply valves are fully open and the hoses are free of kinks. Make sure your drain hose is installed properly to prevent siphoning.

If you suspect component failure, do a continuity test to confirm that a replacement is necessary.

Restricted Water Flow

Obstructions are common causes of poor water flow. Without routine cleaning, dirt and debris can accumulate in your washer and restrict the flow of water into the tub, preventing it from filling and starting a cycle.

Although not as common, a faulty internal component may cause the washer to fill up properly. You must identify the defective component and replace it to resolve your problem.

Causes	Solutions
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-fill hose. • Use pliers to pull out the inlet screens on both valves. • Wipe the mesh 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 fill hose. • Restore power to the washer. Turn it on and run a test cycle to check if the washer fills and starts.
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 red inlet valve. Screw the coupling by hand until it is snug, then secure the connection using pliers. • Repeat the same step to reconnect the cold water-fill hose.
Inadequate Water Pressure	• Whirlpool recommends connecting your washing machine directly to the water supply for optimum performance. • Contact a licensed plumber who can help fix your household’s low water pressure.
Faulty Water Inlet Valve	• Unplug the washer and shut off the water supply. • Disconnect the hot and cold water supply hoses. Use pliers, if necessary. • Move the washer away from the wall. • Unfasten the screws securing the control panel assembly using a ¼” nut driver. • Slip a putty knife under the corners of the control panel housing to release the clips securing the housing. • Unplug the user interface control wire connector and set the control panel assembly aside. • Take note of the orientation of the wires connected to the inlet valve.  • Detach the wires using a small flathead screwdriver. Release the wires from the valve retaining hook. • Unthread the screws mounting the valve to the detergent dispenser housing. • Pull out the valve and unplug the sensor connector to remove the defective component. Remove all three seals from the dispenser ports. • Get the new water inlet valve. Plug the sensor connector into the valve.  • Align the valve on the dispenser housing. Insert the inlet ports into the slots in the upper rear access panel. • Reinstall the screws to secure the new valve and reconnect the wires to the correct terminals. • Insert the wires into the retaining hook. Plug the user interface control wire connector into the main control board. • Insert the clips of the control panel housing with the rear slots on the main top, then push the front clips down until they snap into place. • Reinstall the rear screws to secure the control panel assembly. • Move the washer back into place. • Reconnect the hot and cold fill hoses. Then, turn on the water supply. • Restore power to your washer and check if it fills and runs a cycle.
Faulty Water Pressure Switch	• Unplug the washer and shut off the water supply. • Disconnect the hot and cold water supply hoses. Use pliers, if necessary. • Move the washer away from the wall. • Unthread the screws securing the control panel assembly using a ¼” nut driver. • Push the top toward the back, then lift it to remove it. • Use a flathead screwdriver to depress the tabs on the water pressure switch. Then, pull the switch out of the washer. • Disconnect the air hose from the switch. Press the locking tab on the switch and detach the plug.  • Attach the plug and air hose to the new water pressure switch. • Insert the switch into the slot on the washer until it snaps in place. • Reinstall the cover of the washer.Thread the screws securing the control panel assembly. • Move the washer back into place. • Reconnect the hot and cold fill hoses. Then, turn on the water supply. • Restore power to your washer. Run a test cycle to check if the error code is resolved.
Faulty Main Control Board	• Unplug your washer then move it away from the wall.  • Use a ¼” nut driver to remove the screws securing the control panel assembly. • Slide a putty knife under the front corners of the control panel housing until the clips securing the housing are released. • Disconnect the user interface control wire connector, then set the control panel assembly aside. • Take a photo of the wires connected to the main control board. Use this as a reference during the reassembly process. • Then, unplug the wires and disconnect the air pressure tube. • Use the ¼” nut driver to unfasten the screws on the control board. • Release the wires from their retainers, then remove the old board. • Get the replacement part. Align the side clips into the slot in the main top, then rethread the screw to secure it in place. • Insert the wires into their retainers. • Reconnect the wires to the correct terminals on the control board. Pull up your reference photo for accuracy. • Attach the air pressure tube to the control board. • Reconnect the user interface control wire connector to the main control board. • Slide the rear clips of the housing into the rear slots on the main top, then push the front clips down until they snap into place. • Rethread the screws to secure the control panel assembly. • Move the washer back into place. • Restore power to your washer and check if it can run a cycle.

Clogged Water Inlet Screens

Each water inlet valve has a mesh screen that traps dirt in the water supply, preventing your laundry from getting soiled.

You should clean the inlet screens at least once per year so that dirt won’t accumulate. If there’s too much dirt build-up, it can clog up the water flow and cause a filling error on your washer.

However, if you notice sand, lint, and other debris in the laundry after every wash, you should inspect and clean the inlet screens right away.

What you’ll need:

• Pliers
• Cotton swab
• Soft cloth

Solution: To clean the inlet screens of your washing machine, 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

If the water lines are obstructed with lint, dirt, and other debris, it can restrict the flow of water into the tub. Depending on how much gunk is clogging the hose, you might be able to resolve the issue by running water from the tap for a few seconds.

Over the years, mineral deposits and grime will naturally accumulate in the hoses. Ideally, you should replace the hoses every 5 years or so to prevent hose failure from ruining your laundry day.

What you’ll need:

• Pliers
• Bucket

Solution: To remove obstructions in your washer’s water 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.

Inadequate Water Pressure

Even if your hoses and filters aren’t obstructed, your washer can’t fill up the tub in the proper amount of time with inadequate water pressure. 

Although it may vary per model, your water pressure must be between 5 to 100 psi for your washer to operate properly. Anything less than 5 psi can cause water valve failure or prevent it from shutting off completely.

Solution: Contact a licensed plumber who can help fix your household’s low water pressure. Don’t attempt this fix yourself, if you have no experience or knowledge in this field.

Faulty Water Inlet Valve

A water inlet valve connects the two fill hoses to your washer, controlling the flow of both hot and cold water into the tub. If the valve is defective, your washer won’t fill properly or it won’t run at all.

In some cases, the tub fills and the washer runs but it will wash your clothes at the incorrect water temperature.

Whether the valve has failed electrically or mechanically, you can no longer repair it once it is defective. However, you can get a replacement and perform the fix yourself.

What you’ll need:

• Putty knife
• Pliers
• ¼” nut driver
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Multimeter
• New water inlet valve

Solution: First, isolate the water inlet valve and test it for continuity to confirm that it is defective.

• Step 1: Unplug the washer and shut off the water supply.
• Step 2: Disconnect the hot and cold water supply hoses. Use pliers, if necessary.
• Step 3: Move the washer away from the wall.
• Step 4: Unfasten the screws securing the control panel assembly using a ¼” nut driver.
• Step 5: Insert a putty knife under the corners of the control panel housing to release the clips securing the housing.
• Step 6: Disconnect the user interface control wire connector and set the control panel assembly aside.
• Step 7: Take note of the orientation of the wires connected to the inlet valve.
• Step 8: Detach the wires using a small flathead screwdriver.
• Step 9: Release the wire from the valve retaining hook.
• Step 10: Unthread the screws mounting the valve to the detergent dispenser housing.
• Step 11: Pull out the valve and unplug the sensor connector to remove the component.
• Step 12: Get your multimeter and rotate the dial to the lowest setting for ohms of resistance.
• Step 13: Place each probe on a terminal on the valve. 

If the multimeter shows 500 to 1,500 ohms of resistance, the valve has continuity and doesn’t require a replacement.

However, if the multimeter display doesn’t show any significant change when the probes touch the terminals on the switch, the component has no continuity. A replacement is necessary.

To replace the water inlet valve on a top-load Whirlpool washer, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unplug the washer and shut off the water supply.
• Step 2: Disconnect the hot and cold water supply hoses. Use pliers, if necessary.
• Step 3: Move the washer away from the wall.
• Step 4: Unfasten the screws securing the control panel assembly using a ¼” nut driver.
• Step 5: Slip a putty knife under the corners of the control panel housing. Gently pry the clips securing each corner until they are released.
• Step 6: Unplug the user interface control wire connector and set the control panel assembly aside.
• Step 7: Take note of the orientation of the wires connected to the inlet valve.
• Step 8: Detach the wires using a small flathead screwdriver.
• Step 9: Release the wire from the valve retaining hook.
• Step 10: Unthread the screws mounting the valve to the detergent dispenser housing.
• Step 11: Pull out the valve and unplug the sensor connector to remove the defective component. Remove all three seals from the dispenser ports.
• Step 12: Get the new water inlet valve. Plug the sensor connector into the valve. 
• Step 13: Align the valve on the dispenser housing. Insert the inlet ports into the slots in the upper rear access panel.
• Step 14: Reinstall the screws to secure the new valve.
• Step 15: Reconnect the wires to the correct terminals on the valve.
• Step 16: Insert the wires into the retaining hook.
• Step 17: Plug the user interface control wire connector into the main control board.
• Step 18: Insert the clips of the control panel housing with the rear slots on the main top, then push the front clips down until they snap into place.
• Step 19: Reinstall the rear screws to secure the control panel assembly.
• Step 20: Move the washer back into place.
• Step 21: Reconnect the hot and cold fill hoses. Then, turn on the water supply.
• Step 22: Restore power to your washer, and check if it fills and runs a cycle.

Faulty Water Pressure Switch

The water pressure switch regulates the amount of water that enters your Whirlpool washer. 

If this component is malfunctioning, your unit will have a filling error. It will either overfill with water or not fill at all.

If you own a front-load washer, the switch is usually located directly under the top panel, making it very easy to access. On top-load models, it will either be mounted to the interior part of the rear panel or behind the control panel.

What you’ll need:

• Flathead screwdriver
• ¼” nut driver
• Multimeter
• New water pressure switch

Solution: Locate the water pressure switch in your washer and isolate the component. Test it for continuity to determine if it is defective.

• Step 1: Unplug the washer and shut off the water supply.
• Step 2: Disconnect the hot and cold water supply hoses. Use pliers, if necessary.
• Step 3: Move the washer away from the wall.
• Step 4: Unthread the screws securing the control panel assembly using a ¼” nut driver.
• Step 5: Push the top toward the back, then lift it to remove it.
• Step 6: Use a flathead screwdriver to depress the tabs on the water pressure switch. Then, pull it out of the washer.
• Step 7: Push the locking tab on the switch and pull out the plug to isolate the component. Disconnect it along with the air pressure tube.
• Step 8: Inspect the tube for signs of damage like cracks and holes. Replace it if necessary. 
• Step 9: Refer to the washer’s wiring diagram. Identify the terminals on the switch needed for testing.
• Step 10: Use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity. Rotate the dial to the lowest setting for ohms of resistance.
• Step 11: Touch the black probe to the switch’s common terminal and the red probe to the normally closed terminal. The multimeter should show close to 0 ohms of resistance. 

• Step 12: Blow into the attached pressure tube and wait for a clicking sound. The display should indicate that the terminals no longer have electrical continuity.
• Step 13: Keep the black probe on the common terminal and move the red probe to the normally open terminal. The display should indicate no continuity until you blow air into the pressure tube.

If the switch has no continuity throughout the test or has continuity when it shouldn’t, the component is defective. You must replace it to continue using your washing machine.

To replace a defective water pressure switch on a front-load Whirlpool washer, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unplug the washer and shut off the water supply.
• Step 2: Disconnect the hot and cold water supply hoses. Use pliers, if necessary.
• Step 3: Move the washer away from the wall.
• Step 4: Unthread the screws securing the control panel assembly using a ¼” nut driver.
• Step 5: Push the top toward the back, then lift it to remove it.
• Step 6: Use a flathead screwdriver to depress the tabs on the water pressure switch. Then, pull it out of the washer.
• Step 7: Disconnect the air hose from the switch.
• Step 8: Press the locking tab on the switch and detach the plug. 
• Step 9: Install the plug on the new water pressure switch.
• Step 10: Attach the air hose to the switch.
• Step 11: Insert the switch into the slot on the washer until it snaps in place.
• Step 12: Reinstall the cover of the washer.
• Step 13: Thread the screws securing the control panel assembly.
• Step 14: Move the washer back into place.
• Step 15: Reconnect the hot and cold fill hoses. Then, turn on the water supply.
• Step 16: Restore power to your washer. Run a test cycle to check if the error code is resolved.

Faulty Main Control Board

A defective control board can cause a wide range of problems for your Whirlpool washer. Since it is the brain of the appliance, it controls most, if not all, of its functions, which include filling.

Like other internal components, you can’t repair a defective control board. However, you can replace it with a new component to resolve the filling error and other possible malfunctions.

What you’ll need:

• Putty knife
• ¼” nut driver
• New main control board

Solution: To replace the control board on a top-load Whirlpool washer, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unplug the washer’s power cord or turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
• Step 2: Disconnect the hot and cold water supply hoses. Then, move the washer away from the wall. 
• Step 3: Use a ¼” nut driver to remove the screws securing the control panel assembly.
• Step 4: Slide a putty knife under the front corners of the control panel housing until the clips securing the housing are released.
• Step 5: Disconnect the user interface control wire connector, then set the control panel assembly aside.
• Step 6: Take a photo of the wires connected to the main control board. Use this as a reference during the reassembly process.
• Step 7: Unplug the wires on the main control board.
• Step 8: Disconnect the air pressure tube.
• Step 9: Use the ¼” nut driver to unfasten the screws on the control board.
• Step 10: Release the wires from their retainers, then remove the old board.
• Step 11: Get the replacement part. Align the side clips into the slot in the main top, then rethread the screw to secure it in place.
• Step 12: Insert the wires into their retainers.
• Step 13: Reconnect the wires to the correct terminals on the control board. Pull up your reference photo for accuracy.
• Step 14: Attach the air pressure tube to the control board.
• Step 15: Reconnect the user interface control wire connector to the main control board.
• Step 16: Align the rear clips of the control panel housing with the rear slots on the main top, then push the front clips down until they snap into place.
• Step 17: Rethread the screws to secure the control panel assembly.
• Step 18: Move the washer back into place.
• Step 19: Restore power to your washer. Run a test cycle to check if it fills.

Improperly Installed Drain Systems

A poorly installed drain hose can cause a siphoning effect on your Whirlpool washer. When your unit tries to fill up the tub, the water will immediately go down the drain.

Since the tub can’t fill be filled, your Whirlpool washer can’t start a cycle(whirlpool washer won’t start cycle). You have to reinstall the drain system to resolve the error code and get your washer to operate again.

Here are three different drain systems that you may use on your washer and how to install each one correctly.

Causes	Solutions
Incorrect Standpipe Drain Installation	• Insert the drain hose about 4.5” into the standpipe.  • Use the supplied drain hose form to keep the spout bent. • Secure the drain hose to the standpipe using a cable tie.  • Don’t seal the drain hose into the standpipe to prevent siphoning.
Incorrect Laundry Tub Drain Installation	• Set up 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. • Secure the drain hose to the laundry tub leg using the supplied cable tie.
Incorrect Floor Drain Installation	• Remove the drain hose clamp that is keeping the spout bent and insert the hose about 4.5” into the drain pipe.  • Confirm that the siphon brake is installed no less than 28” from the floor.

Incorrect Standpipe Drain Installation

If you’re using a standpipe drain system, you must connect the drain hose to a standpipe with at least a diameter of 2” (50mm). 

The highest point of the standpipe must not be at least 39” but it shouldn’t exceed 72” from the bottom of the washer.

For a permanent installation, your standpipe drain system’s carry-away capacity must be no less than 17 gallons per minute.

Solution: Follow the steps below to set up a standpipe drain system.

• Step 1: Insert the drain hose about 4.5” into the standpipe. 
• Step 2: Use the supplied drain hose form to keep the spout bent.
• Step 3: Secure the drain hose to the standpipe using a cable tie. Don’t seal the drain hose into the standpipe to prevent siphoning.

Incorrect Laundry Tub Drain Installation

The height of your laundry tub must be at least 39” above the floor to prevent the siphoning effect. It shouldn’t exceed 72” from the bottom of the washer or else it will cause drain errors. 

Similar to the standpipe system, a permanent installation for a laundry tub drain system must have a minimum carry-away capacity of 17 gallons per minute.

Solution: Follow the steps below to set up a laundry tub drain system.

• Step 1: Set up the drain hose on the side of the laundry tub. 
• Step 2: Place 4.5” of the drain hose into the laundry tub. Don’t lay any excess hose on the bottom of the tub.
• Step 3: Secure the drain hose to the laundry tub leg using the supplied cable tie.

Incorrect Floor Drain Installation

A floor drain tub won’t require the pre-installed drain hose form, which is attached to the end of your hose. To ensure proper drainage and to prevent siphoning, you might need to purchase a siphon brake kit—that is if it isn’t included in your purchase.

You must install the siphon brake at least 28” from the floor. Make sure not to go under the minimum height requirement to prevent water from flowing out of your washer due to gravity. 

Solution: Remove the drain hose clamp that is keeping the spout bent and insert the hose about 4.5” into the drain pipe. Confirm that the siphon brake is installed no less than 28” from the floor.

Frequently Asked Questions

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