Whirlpool Washer Fod — What It Means & How to Fix It
Also shown as F18 on some models.
Fod or F18 means excessive foam interrupted the program — run Rinse & Spin with Intensive Rinse, use less HE detergent, and check the drain pump filter is clean.
What this code means
Whirlpool says excessive foam formation, or suds, interrupted the program, possibly several times until the foam reduces. Start Rinse & Spin with the Intensive Rinse option, follow dosing recommendations, and make sure the drain pump filter is clean.
Whirlpool compact front-load washers.
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | DIY-fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| Too much detergent | Very common | Yes — measure |
| Non-HE detergent | Common | Yes — change |
| Dirty drain pump filter | Occasional | Yes — clean |
What you can try yourself
- Run Rinse & Spin with Intensive Rinse.
- Clean the drain pump filter.
- Use HE detergent at the recommended dose.
- Consider the Dosing Aid option.
Seeing the symptom rather than the code? Washer won't drain: checks that apply across brands.
When to call a technician
- Foam with correct dosing.
- Foam leaking.
- Every load.
Typical professional repair cost: Free.
Frequently asked questions
What does Fod mean?
Excessive foam interrupted the cycle.
F18?
Same.
Fix?
Rinse & Spin with Intensive Rinse.
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 Washer F9 E1 The washer took too long to drain — check the drain hose setup and the pump filter; the 'hose pushed too far down the standpipe' mistake causes a surprising share of these.
- Whirlpool Washer F5 E2 The washer tried to lock its door and couldn't — usually an obstruction or grime in the latch, sometimes a worn lock assembly that needs replacing.
- Whirlpool Washer SD Too much foam — the washer paused its cycle to break down excess suds, which almost always traces back to detergent amount or type rather than a fault.
- Whirlpool Washer F8 E1 Your Whirlpool washer isn't detecting water coming in — usually a supply problem (taps, hoses, screens) rather than anything wrong inside the machine.
More: all Whirlpool washer codes · all Whirlpool codes · search by symptom