You go to start a load of laundry only to find your Whirlpool washing machine displaying a confusing string of numbers and letters and refusing to start. You may not know what the message means, but one thing is clear: Your washer has an error code that needs fixing.

Error codes are the “check engine” lights of the appliance world. Much like warning lights on the dashboard of a car, they can indicate minor issues or major breakdowns. However, if you don’t know how to read error message codes, they can leave you scratching your head, and a pile of laundry that needs to be done.

The appliance experts from Mr. Appliance have put together this guide to explain the meaning of common Whirlpool washing machine error codes. Read on to learn the meaning of different error messages and how you can fix them.

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Quick Fixes for Whirlpool Washing Machine Error Codes

Before calling your local Mr. Appliance^®, there are a few things you can do to clear common Whirlpool washing machine error codes:

Rebalance your laundry load: Top-loading washing machines are sensitive to weight distribution in the washer drum. Evenly distribute your laundry in the machine to clear some errors.
Reset your machine: Unplug your washing machine, wait 10 seconds, and then plug it in again. Resetting your machine can clear a few error codes.
Confirm your drain hose isn’t bent: A bent drain hose causes leaks and can generate an error message.

Causes for Whirlpool Washing Machine Error Codes

Many error codes are the result of simple issues like an unbalanced load or a bent drain hose. However, that’s not always the case.

Some error codes indicate issues that are best left to appliance repair professionals.

Below are some common error codes for Whirlpool washing machines, their definitions, and solutions to each malfunction.

If the below solutions do not clear the code or are too complex to perform, contact a qualified professional for washing machine repair service.

List of Whirlpool Washer Error Codes

Code	Meaning	Front-Load Washer Solution	Top-Load Washer Solution
Drn, F9 E1	The washer is not draining properly	Ensure the drain hose is not clogged or bent.	Check to ensure that the washer drain hose is properly installed, or call an appliance repair specialist.
F#, E#, F##	System error code	Unplug the washer for one minute, then plug it back in and rerun the cycle.	Press start and pause together once to clear the code; then press start and pause again to reset the washer.
HC	Hot and cold inlet hoses are installed in reverse	Turn off the water supply and swap the hoses.	Turn off the water supply and swap the hoses.
LdL, F5 E2	The lid fails to lock	Check for any loose items or detergent buildup preventing the lid from locking.	Check for any loose items or detergent buildup preventing the lid from locking.
LdU	The lid fails to unlock	N/A	Remove any objects from the top of the washer lid.
OL	The washer load is too large	Reduce the size of the load in the washer.	Reduce the size of the load in the washer.
LF, Lo FL, F8 E1	The washer is filling too slowly	Ensure household water supply is on and that water inlet hoses are not kinked.	Turn off your water and then inspect to see if the water supply is properly going to the washer.
Of	The washing machine load is unbalanced	N/A	Redistribute the load in the washer, then press start and pause at the same time.

Inability to Drain Water

Whirlpool washing machine error codes: Drn, F9 E1
Meaning of error codes: The washer is not draining effectively.
How to fix the error: Inspect the drain hose for signs of kinks or improper installation. Call a repair specialist if the hose is improperly installed.

System Error Code

Whirlpool washing machine error codes: F#, E#, F##
Meaning of error codes: General system error code
How to fix the error: For a top-loading washer, press start and pause at the same time to clear the code; then press start and pause again to reset the washer. For a front-loading washer, unplug it for one minute, then plug it back in.

Reversed Inlet Hoses

Whirlpool washing machine error code: HC
Meaning of error codes: Hot and cold inlet hoses are installed in reverse.
How to fix the error: Turn off the water supply and switch the hoses. After switching them, run another cycle to ensure they work as intended.

Lid Locking Issue

Whirlpool washing machine error codes: LdL, F5 E2
Meaning of error codes: Lid cannot lock.
How to fix the error: Inspect the lid area and remove any detergent buildup or foreign objects in the way of the door.

Lid Unlocking Issue

Whirlpool washing machine error code: LdU
Meaning of error codes: Lid cannot unlock.
How to fix the error: Remove items from the top of the washing machine lid.

Washer Overload

Whirlpool washing machine error code: OL
Meaning of error codes: Washer load is too large.
How to fix the error: Reduce the size of the load in the washing machine.

Washer Fill Speed Issue

Whirlpool washing machine error codes: LF, Lo FL, F8 E1
Meaning of error codes: The washer is filling too slowly.
How to fix the error: Check the water supply to the machine, then ensure there are no kinks in the fill hose. If the water supply is on and there are no issues, contact a washing machine repair service.

Unbalanced Washing Machine Load

Whirlpool washing machine error code: Ofb
Meaning of error codes: Washer load is unbalanced.
How to fix the error: Redistribute the clothes in the washer to even out the load.

Find a Mr. Appliance Professional in Your Area

Don’t let Whirlpool washing machine error codes throw you for a loop or your laundry routine into chaos. Call the appliance repair experts at your local Mr. Appliance or schedule an appointment online to get your Whirlpool appliance repaired today!