Whirlpool Microwave E13 — What It Means & How to Fix It
E13 means the oven did not pre-heat correctly, with a possible problem in the appliance control board or its wiring; reset power for a minute and call service if it repeats.
What this code means
Whirlpool says E13 means the oven did not pre-heat correctly, and that there may be a problem with the appliance control board or the associated wiring. It applies to microwaves with a convection or heating mode that preheats.
Whirlpool over-the-range microwaves with a preheating function.
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | DIY-fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| Appliance control board fault | Common | No — technician job |
| Wiring fault | Occasional | No — technician job |
| Door opened repeatedly during preheat | Occasional | Yes — keep door closed |
What you can try yourself
- Reset power at the breaker for one minute.
- Start preheat again with the door closed throughout.
- Monitor for the code.
- Schedule service if E13 returns.
When to call a technician
- Preheat fails every time.
- No heat in convection mode.
- Burning smell.
Typical professional repair cost: Control board replacement typically costs $200–$400.
Frequently asked questions
What does E13 mean?
The oven did not pre-heat correctly.
What part is suspected?
The appliance control board or the associated wiring.
Does microwave cooking still work?
Whirlpool's article does not say; have the fault diagnosed if the code persists.
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 Microwave E03 E03 — or a plain F2 — means the keypad reported a problem to the control board; reset power for one minute and call for service if it comes back.
- Whirlpool Microwave SE SE means there is a problem with the keypad (user interface) or its wiring — clean and dry the panel, reset power for a minute, and call service if SE remains.
- Whirlpool Microwave E11 E11 and E12 point to the microwave's gas sensor — the sensor used for automatic cooking — or its wiring; reset power for a minute, and expect to need a technician if it returns.
- Whirlpool Microwave E21 E21 means the thermal sensor circuit reported open and E22 that it reported a short — reset power for a minute, and have a technician check the sensor, control board or wiring if it returns.
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