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Whirlpool Appliance Error Codes
5 Whirlpool codes, checked against Whirlpool support pages on October 27, 2026. Codes vary by model. Your owner's manual and model sticker are the final word.
| Appliance | Code | Meaning | Owner fix? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washer | F5 E2 | Door not locking | Often, with safe checks |
| Washer | F7 E1 | Motor speed sensing error | Often, with safe checks |
| Washer | F8 E1 | Low water flow | Often, with safe checks |
| Washer | F9 E1 | Long drain time | Often, with safe checks |
| Dryer | AF | Restricted airflow | Often, with safe checks |
Whirlpool washer codes
Safety: Unplug the washer before touching the pump filter, hoses or drum. Water left inside can be hot and heavy, so put towels down first.
F5 E2 (also shown as F5E2): Door not locking
F5 E2 on a Whirlpool front load washer means the door is not locking properly.
Likely causes- Items blocking the door
- Door not closing completely
- Door lock fault
- Make sure nothing is caught in the door and it closes completely.
- Press Pause/Cancel twice and Power once to clear the code.
- The code returns with the door clear and closed
Manufacturer sources: Whirlpool: Error codes in front load washers. Checked October 27, 2026.
F7 E1 (also shown as F7E1): Motor speed sensing error
F7 E1 means the motor cannot reach the correct speed for the selected cycle.
Likely causes- Shipping bolts not removed on a new install
- Overloaded washer
- Motor, belt or sensor fault
- On a new washer, confirm all shipping bolts were removed from the back.
- Reduce the load.
- Press Pause/Cancel twice and Power once to clear the code.
- The code returns on normal loads
- Burning smell or grinding noise
Manufacturer sources: Whirlpool: Error codes in front load washers. Checked October 27, 2026.
F8 E1 (also shown as F8E1, LO FL, LF): Low water flow
F8 E1 or LO FL means the washer is sensing low incoming water flow.
Likely causes- Hot or cold faucet not fully open
- Kinked inlet hoses
- Anti-flood (flood safe) hoses or devices restricting flow
- Clogged inlet screens
- Open both hot and cold faucets fully.
- Check the inlet hoses for kinks.
- Remove anti-flood hoses or controls from the water line, as Whirlpool advises.
- Press Pause/Cancel twice and Power once to clear the code.
- Good flow at the faucet and the code continues
Manufacturer sources: Whirlpool: Error codes in front load washers. Checked October 27, 2026.
F9 E1 (also shown as F9E1): Long drain time
F9 E1 means draining is taking longer than expected, typically over eight minutes.
Likely causes- Kinked or clogged drain hose
- Drain hose pushed too far into the standpipe or taped in
- Clogged pump filter on models that have one
- Excess suds from non-HE detergent
- Standpipe height outside 39 to 96 inches
- Straighten or clear the drain hose and use the U-shaped hose form.
- Keep the hose end no more than about 4.5 inches into the standpipe and do not tape it in.
- Use HE detergent only.
- Clean the drain pump filter if your model has one (unplug first, towels down).
- The hose and standpipe are clear and it still drains slowly
- You hear the pump hum without draining
Manufacturer sources: Whirlpool: Error codes in front load washers; Whirlpool: F9 E1 front load washer. Checked October 27, 2026.
Whirlpool dryer codes
Safety: Unplug the dryer before moving it or cleaning the duct. On a gas dryer, do not disconnect or work on the gas line, valve or burner. If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas company from outside. Never bypass or jumper a thermal fuse.
AF (also shown as Check Vent): Restricted airflow
AF (Restricted Air Flow) or the Check Vent light means the lint screen or vent is clogged, or the vent is crushed, kinked or has too many turns. The dryer keeps running, but drying slows down.
Likely causes- Full lint screen
- Lint in the duct or outside hood
- Crushed or kinked duct behind the dryer
- Duct run too long for the vent type
- Clean the lint screen.
- Unplug the dryer, pull it out, and check the duct for crushing or kinks.
- Run the dryer 5 to 10 minutes and hold your hand under the outside hood. Whirlpool says if airflow is weaker than a hair dryer on high, clean the whole vent run.
- Restart with a timed heated cycle.
- The light stays on after cleaning (hire a vent cleaning specialist)
- The dryer feels very hot outside or smells scorched
Dryer vents: failure to clean is the leading factor in home clothes dryer fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Lint deep in the wall run or roof vent usually needs a vent cleaning tool.
Manufacturer sources: Whirlpool: AF or Check Vent on a dryer. Checked October 27, 2026.
FAQ
What does Whirlpool washer code F5 E2 mean?
Door not locking. F5 E2 on a Whirlpool front load washer means the door is not locking properly.
What does Whirlpool washer code F7 E1 mean?
Motor speed sensing error. F7 E1 means the motor cannot reach the correct speed for the selected cycle.
What does Whirlpool washer code F8 E1 mean?
Low water flow. F8 E1 or LO FL means the washer is sensing low incoming water flow.
What does Whirlpool washer code F9 E1 mean?
Long drain time. F9 E1 means draining is taking longer than expected, typically over eight minutes.
What does Whirlpool dryer code AF mean?
Restricted airflow. AF (Restricted Air Flow) or the Check Vent light means the lint screen or vent is clogged, or the vent is crushed, kinked or has too many turns.
Last checked: . Written by Local Help Stations.