Whirlpool Dishwasher 10-4 — What It Means & How to Fix It
Also shown as FA E4, FAE4, F10 E4, F10E4 on some models.
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.
What this code means
Whirlpool lists a diverter valve error as the potential cause of FAE4 or F10E4. The diverter is the part that directs wash water between spray zones, and the control has lost track of it. The published troubleshooting is to cycle power; anything beyond that is a service matter.
Whirlpool shows this code two ways — FAE4 on some displays and F10E4 on others — and they mean the same thing. Do not confuse it with FAE5/F10E5, which Whirlpool describes as a diverter leak.
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | DIY-fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| Control lost the diverter position and needs a restart | Common | Yes — power reset |
| Faulty diverter valve motor or sensor | Common | No — technician job |
| Wiring or control fault | Less common | No — technician job |
What you can try yourself
- Cancel the cycle and shut the door.
- Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its breaker for 30 seconds.
- Restore power and begin a normal cycle.
- Open the door partway through and check that items on each rack are getting wet — a sign water is being directed to the spray arms.
- If FAE4 / F10E4 shows again, contact Whirlpool or schedule service.
When to call a technician
- The code returns after the 30-second reset.
- One rack consistently comes out dirty while the other is clean.
- Water under the dishwasher, or the leak-related FAE5 / F10E5 code appearing as well.
Typical professional repair cost: Diverter repairs commonly cost $150–$300 with labor, depending on the model.
Frequently asked questions
Are FAE4 and F10E4 the same error?
Yes. Whirlpool covers them in a single article as FAE4 or F10E4, with a diverter valve error as the potential cause.
What does the diverter valve do in a dishwasher?
It routes wash water to the different spray arms in turn. When it faults, some zones may not get water.
How do I reset a Whirlpool dishwasher with F10E4?
Remove power for 30 seconds — unplug it or use the breaker — and then restore it. That is the only step Whirlpool lists before service.
Sources checked
Error meanings can vary by model. This guide was checked against the documentation above; use the manual for the model number on your own appliance when it differs.
Related Whirlpool codes
- Whirlpool Dishwasher 1-1 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.
- Whirlpool Dishwasher 6-4 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.
- Whirlpool Dishwasher 1-2 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.
- Whirlpool Dishwasher 2-1 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.
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