Speaking about codes of the Whirlpool dishwasher, we mean errors that are recognized by the self-diagnosis system of a technology. The certain code is given for every malfunction. If the code is properly deciphered, you can reveal the causes of the problems independently and eliminate them without resorting to the help of a specialist.
Fault Diagnosis Features
The main feature of the self-diagnostics system of the Whirlpool dishwasher is that no one code has an unambiguous decryption. In other words, the error code can not specifically indicate a particular fault. It only determines the range of possible failures that the user must pay attention to and check first. For example, the E5 error indicates that:
- water doesn’t enter the dishwasher;
- a too low head pressure in the system;
- a clog, which has formed inside the appliance, does not allow the water to circulate normally;
- the inlet valve is broken.
So, as you see, the range of faults indicated by this code is quite wide. It takes some time to find a concrete breakdown and eliminate it.
Any of the errors mentioned below can be caused by a breakdown of the control module or a typical short-term failure of the firmware.
It turns out that we can add this fact to the standard interpretation of the E5 error. And if after checking the water flow in the device, inspecting the intake valve, filters and hoses for blockages, it turns out that everything is in order, then you have to deal with the control module.
According to the specialist’s advice, with the occurrence of any system error, its owner has to reset the dishwasher with full de-energization in order to exclude short-term system failure. Having done it firstly, start searching for a malfunction.
Nevertheless, everything is not so easy with the Whirlpool’s self-diagnosis system
Even if you have a detailed interpretation of each code, there is no guarantee that this code will 100% appropriate for a malfunction specifically in your case. However, the probability is very high 🙂
E Errors
Describing the codes of the self-diagnosis system, we will follow the next algorithm: first, we will indicate the malfunction code, then its brief explanation, and the reasons for the appearance. And then we will briefly recommend how to eliminate these causes with your own hands. Such description will be written for each error.
Е1
It means that the system, which is responsible for protecting the case from the leakage, has given an alarm. In this case, you should carefully check the bottom of the washing chamber, the salt container, and the nozzles for leaks. You need to find the place where water leaks or drops. Also, it is necessary to inspect the hoses of the dishwasher for damage and, if necessary, replace them.
Е2
This error signals about a violation of the electrical safety system. Probably, the wiring has been stripped off somewhere and a current gets to the dishwasher’s case. In addition, if you feel a tingle when you put your hand on the metal part of the dishwasher, this once again confirms that the problem has occurred and this is very dangerous. It is necessary to immediately switch off the appliance, disassemble it, and check all wiring and contacts.
Е3
And this is an indication of the problems related to the heating element. Perhaps, the heating element and the thermostat are out of order; the supply wiring is damaged; or the bus on the control board is burnt out. It will be necessary to stage-by-stage check all of the above-mentioned parts with a multimeter. We strongly recommend not to deal with the control module independently as it may aggravate the problem.
Е4
It signals about the problems related to the thermostat. Possibly, the element is burnt out, or its supply wiring is cut off. It is necessary to check the thermostat with a multimeter. If the part is working properly, you should carefully check the wires leading to it. If both parts are correct, then the issue is in the control module.
Е5
This means that the water in the dishwasher is gained for too long, much longer than the program supposes. What could have happened? Perhaps you just forgot to open the tap-tee valve. Maybe there is no water supply in the whole building or the filling hose is clogged. Most often, not even the hose itself gets clogged, but a small flow filter, which is located at the point where the hose is connected to the dishwasher case. In the worst situation, the inlet valve failed or its power was disrupted. Check everything from water supply and blockages to the intake valve. Probably, it will be necessary to change the valve.
Е6
For some reason, the appliance can not drain water. Check three main reasons:
- blockage of the drain hose or garbage filter;
- pump failure;
- breakdown of the circulation pump.
In most cases, clogs become the cause of the error. If cleaning the filter and hose does not help, you need to inspect the pump. Apparently, its impeller does not rotate because of the dirt that has accumulated on it. Also, the pump could go out of order. It is recommended to check the parts with a multimeter. For expert inspection and repair of the circulation pump, the assistance of a specialist is required.
F Errors
F0
This error doesn’t appear without a reason. A dishwasher displays it only when the user launches a test program. It means that one of the sensors is out of order. The problem is solved by a step-by-step checking the sensors, detection of the faulty, and its replacement.
F1
Most likely the error indicates a breakdown of the temperature sensor. If this sensor transmits incorrect readings to the control module, the temperature inside the dishwasher begins to skip. The system makes a decision to stop the work and shows an error. The problem is solved by checking and replacing the temperature sensor.
F2
This means that a mechanical float sensor has triggered. It is located in the tray of the Whirlpool dishwasher. It can be a simple sticking of contacts or maybe the issue is really in leaking. What to do? Well, first of all, you need to remove the side wall of the dishwasher and carefully inspect its tray with a flashlight. If the tray is dry, you can move the sensor using the screwdriver to make the contacts open and continue to use the equipment.
F3
It indicates on the heating element, thermistor or bus of the control module. All these details have to be checked and, if necessary, changed to new ones.
It is better to replace the bus of the control module with the assistance of a specialist.
F4
If this error appears on the screen, it is necessary to check the period when the device drains water. Restart the dishwasher, install the program, and listen to how fast the appliance collects and drains water. If there is no drain at all, it is necessary to inspect the pump, drain hose (and possibly a siphon installed under the sink), as well as the bus or firmware of the electronic module.
The last one is a low probability occasion, so we will concentrate on the drain pump and the hose. Often clogs are blamed for all the problems, but sometimes the pump must be changed, too.
F5
It indicates on the problems with the sprinkler. In the overwhelming majority of cases, this unpleasant error appears when the sprinkler nozzles are clogged up. To eliminate the problem, it is enough to clean them with a thin sharp object like a gypsy needle. In another situation, this code appears when the engine stops working. If it happens, its diagnosis and replacement are required.
F6 code. If this error occurs, you should check the water in the appliance. Start with cleaning flow filter’s mesh of the filling hose. If this does not help, you need to inspect the flow sensor and, if necessary, change it.
F7
If the code F7 appears, you need to carefully inspect the intake valve. If the valve is working correctly (opens and closes to the end), proceed to the pressostat examination. Firstly, blow its tube and then test the part with a multimeter. The broken detail can’t be repaired, only the replacement will help.
F8
It means that there is not enough water in the dishwasher system. The problem is caused by the clogged filters placed in front of the intake valve or poorly working impeller. In the very rare cases, the inlet valve is the reason of the error code appearance. In addition, this error often occurs if the dishwasher owner uses a poor quality dishwashing detergent. The problem is eliminated by cleaning the filter, cleaning or replacing the impeller, and adjusting the intake valve. If the problem is in bad quality of a detergent, just stop using it.
F9
It appears when the dishwasher starts to gain and drain water without interruption. In most cases, this indicates the damage of the intake valve, which stops holding water. In more rare cases, such a symptom is a consequence of burnout of the track or triac of the control board. In this situation, the control unit sends a command to gain water but does not stop the process. To eliminate the issue, replace the intake valve or repair the control module.
FA
Optical Water Indicator or simply an indicator, which monitors the purity of incoming water, is out of order. This part may burn or the lens may become dirty. Otherwise, the problem is in the burnt out bus control module.
Such dishwasher malfunctions are eliminated as follows:
- Pull out and clean the lens;
- check the indicator with a multimeter, and if it is burnt, change it;
- if the problem is in the burnt out bus, contact a repair service to professionally repair the control board.
FC
This error occurs if your Whirlpool dishwasher model is equipped with a sensor determining the hardness of the water is out of order. To solve the problem, test the sensor and replace it if needed.