Whirlpool dishwashers are known for their efficiency and reliability, but like any appliance, they can encounter issues from time to time. These issues are often communicated through error codes, which provide insight into what’s wrong with the machine. Understanding these error codes is essential for troubleshooting and maintaining your dishwasher. In this guide, we’ll explore all possible error codes for Whirlpool dishwashers, including their causes and troubleshooting steps. This article will serve as a one-stop solution to help you resolve any error code your Whirlpool dishwasher might display.
Whirlpool Dishwasher Error Codes
| Error Code | Meaning | Cause | Possible Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| E1 | Water Supply Issue | Insufficient water supply to the dishwasher. | Check the inlet hose for blockages or kinks and inspect the water inlet valve and household water pressure. |
| E3 | Heating Element Issue | Dishwasher cannot reach required temperature for the wash cycle. | Check the heating element, thermostat, and wiring connections. |
| E4 | Water Leak Detected | Water has leaked inside the dishwasher. | Inspect the door seal, hoses, and water pump for leaks or cracks. |
| E6 | Diverter Valve Malfunction | Diverter valve is blocked or malfunctioning. | Clean or replace the diverter valve and inspect the motor. |
| E7 | Flow Meter Error | Incorrect water flow detected by the flow meter. | Clean or replace the flow meter and check sensor connections. |
| F1E1 | Control Board Communication Failure | Error between control board and other components. | Check wiring and replace the control board if necessary. |
| F2E2 | User Interface Communication Error | Issue between control panel and control board. | Test the control panel and inspect wiring harness. |
| F3E2 | Temperature Sensor Failure | Temperature sensor is faulty. | Test the sensor and replace if defective. |
| F4E3 | Drainage System Issue | Dishwasher cannot drain water properly. | Check and clean the drain hose, test the drain pump. |
| F6E1, F6E3, F6E4 | Water Fill System Problems | Dishwasher is unable to fill with water. | Inspect the inlet valve and water pressure sensor. |
| F7E2 | Flow Meter Issue | Abnormal water flow levels detected. | Clean or replace the flow meter and check wiring. |
| F8E2, F8E4, F8E5 | Water Level Sensor Problems | Issues with water level detection. | Clean or replace the water level sensor and check the inlet valve. |
| F9E1, F9E2 | Drain System Fault | Drainage system malfunction. | Check the drain hose and motor, clean blockages. |
| FAE5 or F10E5 | Water Intake Issue | Water intake problem detected. | Ensure proper water pressure, clean or replace the inlet valve. |
| H2O | Water Supply Problem | Water pressure is insufficient or blocked inlet valve. | Check household water pressure and clean the inlet valve. |
| 10 Pause 5 Pause | Sequence Error | Electrical or control board issue. | Reset the dishwasher or inspect the control board. |
| 1 Pause 1 Pause | Sequence Error | Control system malfunction. | Reset the dishwasher or inspect wiring and the control board. |
| 6 Pause 1 Pause | Sequence Error | Dishwasher not completing cycle properly. | Reset the dishwasher and check the control system. |
| 8 Pause 1 Pause | Sequence Error | Issue with electrical signals. | Reset the dishwasher and check for wiring issues. |
| 8 Pause 4 Pause | Sequence Error | Control board malfunction. | Inspect the control board and wiring. |
| 8 Pause 5 Pause | Sequence Error | Electrical failure detected. | Reset the dishwasher and check electrical connections. |
| 9 Pause 1 Pause | Sequence Error | Communication issue in control system. | Reset the dishwasher and inspect control board wiring. |
| All Cycle and Option Lights Flashing | General Malfunction | Control board or wiring issue. | Reset the dishwasher and inspect the control board. |
| Clean Light Flashing | Failed Cycle Completion | Dishwasher could not complete the cycle. | Check the drainage system and heating element. |
| Sanitize Light Flashing | Sanitize Cycle Not Completed | Water temperature too low or heating element issue. | Verify water temperature, replace heating element if necessary. |
Common Whirlpool Dishwasher Error Codes
E1 Error Code: Water Supply Issue
The E1 error code indicates that the dishwasher is not receiving adequate water supply.
Possible Causes:
- Blocked or kinked water inlet hose
- Faulty water inlet valve
- Low water pressure
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Ensure the water inlet hose is not kinked or blocked.
- Inspect the water inlet valve for damage or malfunctions.
- Check that the household water pressure meets the dishwasher’s requirements.
E3 Error Code: Heating Element Issue
The E3 error code means that the dishwasher is unable to reach the required temperature for the wash cycle.
Possible Causes:
- Faulty heating element
- Malfunctioning thermostat
- Wiring issues
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Test the heating element for continuity with a multimeter.
- Check the thermostat and replace it if faulty.
- Inspect wiring connections for loose or damaged components.
E4 Error Code: Water Leak Detected
This error code signifies that a water leak has been detected inside the dishwasher.
Possible Causes:
- Loose or damaged door seal
- Cracked or leaking hose
- Faulty water pump
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Inspect the door seal for wear and replace if needed.
- Check the hoses and pipes for leaks or cracks.
- Test the water pump for proper operation.
E6 Error Code: Diverter Valve Malfunction
The E6 error code appears when the diverter valve fails, affecting water distribution within the dishwasher.
Possible Causes:
- Blocked diverter valve
- Faulty diverter valve motor
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Clean the diverter valve to remove any obstructions.
- Test the diverter valve motor and replace it if defective.
E7 Error Code: Flow Meter Error
This code indicates that the flow meter is not detecting the correct amount of water entering the dishwasher.
Possible Causes:
- Blocked flow meter
- Faulty flow meter sensor
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Clean or replace the flow meter.
- Check the flow meter sensor connections and replace if needed.
Advanced Whirlpool Dishwasher Error Codes
F1E1 Error Code: Control Board Communication Failure
The F1E1 code signals a communication error between the control board and other internal components.
Possible Causes:
- Faulty control board
- Loose or damaged wiring
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Inspect wiring connections and secure any loose connections.
- Replace the control board if no wiring issues are found.
F2E2 Error Code: User Interface Communication Error
This error indicates a communication issue between the control panel and the control board.
Possible Causes:
- Defective control panel
- Faulty wiring harness
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Test the control panel for proper operation.
- Inspect wiring for continuity and damage; replace if necessary.
F3E2 Error Code: Temperature Sensor Failure
The F3E2 code means that the temperature sensor is not providing accurate readings.
Possible Causes:
- Faulty temperature sensor
- Wiring issues
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Test the sensor and replace it if faulty.
- Check wiring connections and repair any damaged wires.
F4E3 Error Code: Drainage System Issue
This code signals that the dishwasher is having trouble draining water.
Possible Causes:
- Blocked drain hose
- Faulty drain pump
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Clean the drain hose to remove any blockages.
- Test the drain pump for functionality and replace it if needed.
F6E1, F6E3, F6E4 Error Codes: Water Fill System Problems
These codes indicate that the dishwasher is having trouble filling with water.
Possible Causes:
- Clogged inlet valve
- Faulty water pressure sensor
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Inspect and clean the water inlet valve.
- Test the water pressure sensor and replace it if defective.
F7E2 Error Code: Flow Meter Issue
The F7E2 code signals that the flow meter is detecting abnormal water flow levels.
Possible Causes:
- Blocked or damaged flow meter
- Wiring issues
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Clean the flow meter or replace it if necessary.
- Check wiring connections for continuity.
F8E2, F8E4, F8E5 Error Codes: Water Level Sensor Problems
These error codes relate to water level detection issues within the dishwasher.
Possible Causes:
- Faulty water level sensor
- Malfunctioning inlet valve
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Clean or replace the water level sensor.
- Inspect the inlet valve and replace if faulty.
F9E1, F9E2 Error Codes: Drain System Fault
These codes indicate that the dishwasher is having problems draining water properly.
Possible Causes:
- Blocked drain hose or pump
- Faulty drain motor
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check and clean the drain hose.
- Test the drain motor for proper operation.
FAE5 or F10E5 Error Code: Water Intake Issue
This error code points to an issue with water intake.
Possible Causes:
- Low water pressure
- Clogged inlet valve
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Ensure the water pressure meets the dishwasher’s requirements.
- Clean the water inlet valve or replace it if clogged.
Additional Whirlpool Dishwasher Error Codes
H2O Error Code
The H2O error code indicates a problem with the water supply.
Possible Causes:
- Insufficient water pressure
- Blocked inlet valve
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check the household water pressure.
- Inspect the water inlet valve and clean or replace it if necessary.
Pause Error Codes: 10 Pause 5 Pause, 1 Pause 1 Pause, etc.
These error codes involve a sequence of pauses and flashes, indicating specific malfunctions.
Possible Causes:
- Electrical issues
- Control board failure
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Reset the dishwasher by disconnecting it from power.
- Inspect the control board for damage or malfunction.
Flashing Light Errors
All Cycle and Option Lights Flashing
This indicates a general malfunction, often due to control board issues or wiring problems.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Reset the dishwasher by turning it off and on.
- Check the control board and wiring connections for any defects.
Clean Light Flashing
This error means the dishwasher failed to complete a cycle properly.
Possible Causes:
- Drainage issues
- Water heating problems
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Ensure the drainage system is clear.
- Check the heating element and replace it if it is not functioning.
Sanitize Light Flashing
The sanitize light flashes when the sanitize cycle does not complete successfully.
Possible Causes:
- Water temperature too low
- Faulty heating element
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Verify the water temperature is high enough.
- Replace the heating element if it is faulty.
Conclusion
Whirlpool dishwashers come with a variety of error codes that can signal anything from minor water pressure issues to significant mechanical failures. This guide provides a comprehensive list of all known Whirlpool dishwasher error codes, along with the most common causes and troubleshooting steps. By addressing these codes promptly, you can ensure your dishwasher remains in top working condition.