Whirlpool Dishwasher Error Codes — Complete List
Whirlpool dishwashers report faults as paired numbers, shown as F#E# on models with a display. The guides here follow Whirlpool's own per-code help articles, from control and console faults (F1, F2, F6E1) through sensor, heating and wash-motor errors to the water codes: fill valve (F8), drain (F9), diverter (FA/F10) and the plain H2O no-water message.
- 1-1 (F1 E1) The control board detected one of its own relays stuck on — a long power-off clears the false alarms, while a genuinely welded relay means board-level repair.
- 6-4 (F6 E4) The overfill float switch — the machine's anti-flood backstop — is reading open, usually because the float is stuck or obstructed, occasionally because the inlet valve is dribbling water in when it should be shut.
- 1-2 (F1 E2, F1E2) F1E2 means the dishwasher's main control has logged a communication error — disconnect power for 30 seconds to reset it, and book service if the code returns.
- 2-1 (F2 E1, F2E1) F2E1 points to a stuck key or a console error on the control panel; cycling power for 30 seconds is the fix to try, and a repeat means the console needs professional attention.
- 2-2 (F2 E2, F2E2) A Whirlpool dishwasher showing F2E2 has a main control communication error, which a 30-second power disconnect sometimes clears and a technician must diagnose if it does not.
- 3-2 (F3 E2, F3E2) F3E2 indicates a problem with the thermistor or OWI sensor — the part that reads water temperature and clarity — so reset power for 30 seconds and have it serviced if the code persists.
- 4-2 (F4 E2, F4E2) F4E2 tells you the control has found a problem in the heating system; try a 30-second power reset, and leave any repair of the heater circuit to a technician.
- 4-3 (F4 E3, F4E3) F4E3 is Whirlpool's heating error code for dishwashers: reset the control by cutting power for 30 seconds, and schedule service if the error comes back.
- 6-1 (F6 E1, F6E1) F6E1 flags a user interface or main control error, so cycle power for 30 seconds and call for service if the code is still there afterwards.
- 6-3 (F6 E3, F6E3) F6E3 means the dishwasher has detected excessive suds — scoop out the foam, run an empty cycle with no detergent, and stop using anything but automatic-dishwasher detergent.
- 7-2 (F7 E2, F7E2) F7E2 reports a wash motor error; power-cycle the dishwasher for 30 seconds and schedule service if the code returns, because motor diagnosis is not a DIY job.
- 8-2 (F8 E2, F8E2) F8E2 is a fill valve electric error: check for leaks around the water inlet valve connection, power-cycle the dishwasher, and schedule service if the code returns.
- 8-4 (F8 E4, F8E4) F8E4 appears when the float switch in the drip tray under the tub is triggered — check the water connection and float switch on a new install, empty the tray, and press Cancel twice to clear it.
- 8-5 (F8 E5, F8E5) F8E5 means the fill valve is stuck open and water may keep entering the tub — turn off the water supply to the dishwasher, press Cancel once, keep the door shut, and arrange service.
- 9-1 (F9 E1, F9E1) F9E1 means the dishwasher is taking too long to drain — clean the filter, check the drain hose for kinks or clogs, and clear the sink disposer or air gap before restarting.
- 9-2 (F9 E2, F9E2) F9E2 is a drain motor error: rule out a blocked disposer or kinked drain hose, cycle power, and schedule service if the code returns.
- 10-4 (FA E4, FAE4, F10 E4, F10E4) FAE4, also shown as F10E4, is a diverter valve error; disconnect power for 30 seconds to reset the control and contact service if the code stays.
- 10-5 (FA E5, FAE5, F10 E5, F10E5) FAE5 or F10E5 signals a diverter leak — look for water under the dishwasher, make sure the water connections are secure, press Cancel twice, and schedule service if it comes back.
- H2O (H20, F8E1, 8-1) H2O on a Whirlpool dishwasher means it is not detecting water — make sure the supply valve is on and the supply hose is not kinked, then press Start so it can try to fill again.
- Clean Light Flashing (Clean Light Blinking, Blinking Clean Light) A flashing Clean light on a Whirlpool dishwasher is usually an error code: count the first set of flashes for the F number, wait for the short pause, then count the second set for the E number.
- Sanitize Light Flashing (Sani Light Flashing, Sani LED) A flashing Sanitize light means the dishwasher did not reach the temperature needed for sanitization, so the dishes were not sanitized — check your hot water reaches at least 120°F and avoid opening the door mid-cycle.
- Start/Resume Light Flashing (Start Light Flashing, All Lights Flashing, Start/Resume Blinking) A flashing Start/Resume light — or all cycle and option lights flashing — means the cycle or start-up was interrupted: press Start/Resume and push the door firmly closed within 3 seconds.
- Control Lock Light (Lock Light Flashing, Control Lock) If the lock light flashes three times when you press a button, Control Lock is on — press and hold the Control Lock button for 3 seconds to unlock.
- Rinse Only Light Flashing (Rinse Only Blinking) A rapidly flashing Rinse Only light on a portable dishwasher means multiple keys are stuck — press each key one at a time to release them, or press Cancel.
- Front Status Light (Status Light Blinking, Blue Light, Red Light, White Light) The front status light shows cycle progress — blue for washing, red for drying, white when complete — and a blinking light means the cycle has paused.
Don't see your code?
Whirlpool dishwashers have used more than one code table, so check that the meaning matches your model before acting on it.
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