Whirlpool Duet Washing Machine Error Codes (full list)
Whirlpool are a respected appliance manufacturer and have been making washing machines for many years. But even well respected branded washing machines can develop the odd fault or two during their lifetime.
If you own a Whirlpool Duet washing machine and it’s displaying an error code, you need to understand exactly what that error code indicates. You will then be halfway to fixing it and getting your laundry done.
In this article, we run through all of the error codes your Whirlpool Duet is ever likely to display and explain what they indicate and the possible causes as well as offering advice on how to fix the problem.
Whirlpool Duet Washing Machine Error Codes
Whirlpool Duet error and fault codes are displayed by an alternating “F” followed by a number and “E” followed by a number. The “F” indicates the system or area where the fault is located and the “E” defines the part that’s potentially causing the problem.
| Error Code | Indicates |
|---|---|
| SUDS | Too many soap suds detected |
| F0E1 | Clothes detected in the drum during a service wash |
| F1E1 | Main control board fault |
| F1E2 | Motor control fault |
| F2E3 | Cycle fault |
| F3E1 | Pressure sensor fault |
| F3E2 | Temperature sensor fault |
| F5E1 | Door switch fault |
| F5E2 | Door failed to lock |
| F5E3 | Door failed to unlock |
| F6E2 | Communication breakdown between the main control board and the motor control |
| F6E3 | Communication fault between the user interface and the main control board |
| F7E2 | Motor fault |
| F8E0 | Insufficient water reaching the steam valve |
| F8E1 | Fill error |
| F8E2 | Detergent dispenser fill error |
| F8E3 | Water overflow detected |
| F8E4 | Insufficient water supply |
| F9E1 | Draining too slow |
| F21 | Drainage issue |
| F20 | Lack of water |
Let’s take a closer look at each of these faults;
SUDS Error/Fault
If you see the SUDS fault code displayed on your Whirlpool Duet washing machine, it indicates that the appliance has detected too many soap suds which are difficult to drain away.
This can be caused by using the wrong type of detergent, using too much detergent, a faulty drain pump or there’s a problem with the pressure sensing system.
F0E1 Error
The F0E1 error indicates that the Whirlpool Duet has detected clothes in the drum during a service (cleaning) cycle. When running a service wash to clean the washer’s drum, hoses, filter, etc, the drum should always be empty.
If you’re sure that there are no clothes in the drum, this error could indicate that something is creating some sort of drag on the drum as it rotates. This is most likely caused by some sort of mechanical friction and will need investigating further by a technician.
F1E1 Error
The F1E1 error indicates a problem with the main control board. If this is the case, the washer will not operate at all or not carry out all of its functions.
You can try resetting the appliance by disconnecting the power supply for 10 to 15 minutes to try to clear the error code or switching it off for a minute or so and then running the diagnostic test mode which can also reset the appliance in some cases.
If none of this works, you’ll need to contact a technician to diagnose and repair your washing machine.
F1E2 Error
This error code indicates a problem with the motor, typically a motor control fault. It means that the motor control unit (MCU) has tried to reset several times and is not satisfied with the result.
This is another job best left to a technician to diagnose, repair or replace any damaged or defective parts.
F2E3 Error
This error code indicates a fault with the cycle you have selected. You can run the user interface (UI) test and see what it comes back with.
This is a rare fault and is typically linked to the main control board in most cases. Once again, we recommend getting a technician to investigate this fault for you.
F3E1 Error
This error code indicates a problem has been detected with either the pressure switch or pressure sensor. You can check the pressure sensing hose for any blockage but this is a task best left to an engineer.
F3E2 Error
The F3E2 error code indicates that the temperature sensor has detected too much or not enough heat. All of the connections between the sensor to the control board will need to be checked which is best done by a technician.
F5E1 Error
This error code indicates the appliance has detected a problem with the door switch. This could be caused by;
- A defective door switch
- The door hasn’t been open for 3 or more wash cycles
- You have attempted to start the washer with the door open
If the door switch proves to be defective, it will need to be replaced. This can be done by a confident DIYer or left to a technician.
F5E2 Error
This error code indicates that the washer couldn’t lock the door after 6 attempts. You will need to check the door lock to ensure it isn’t damaged and that the door lock lines up with parts attached to the body of the appliance.
Make sure there’s nothing obstructing the door lock and also check that the hinges are straight and have not been bent out of shape.
F5E3 Error
This error code is also linked to the door lock but indicates that the door couldn’t unlock after 6 attempts. You will need to do the same checks as above to locate the cause of the fault.
However, as you may have trouble opening the door, we recommend getting a technician to do this for you.
F6E2 Error
The F6E2 error code indicates a problem with communication between the main control and the motor control. There are several wires and connections that could have become loose or shorted out.
These will all need to be checked, which is a task best left to a technician.
F6E3 Error
This error code indicates a communication fault between the user interface (UI) and the main control board (CCU). Similar to the F6E2 error code, all of the wires and connections between these 2 parts will need to be checked.
This is a task best left to a technician to do for you.
F7E2 Error
This error code indicates a motor or motor control board fault. You can check this by turning the drum and seeing if it turns freely. If it is difficult to spin, there could well be a problem with the motor.
We recommend getting a technician to check this for you and repair or replace any relevant parts.
F8E0 Error
You will only ever see this error code if you own a Whirlpool Duet steam model. It indicates that water isn’t getting to the steam valve or there is a restricted water flow.
You will need to check the feed tube for any kinks or blockages.
F8E1 Error
The F8E1 error code indicates that your Whirlpool Duet washer cannot fill with water. It will continue to try to fill for 13 minutes before displaying this error code!
There are several likely causes for this which include;
- Inlet tap turned off
- Inlet hose twisted or blocked
- Inlet valve defective
- Drain hose set below the level of the washer
You should check the inlet tap is fully opened, the inlet hose isn’t twisted or blocked, including the screen or small filter inside the lug of the inlet.
You should also get the inlet valve itself checked by a technician to determine whether it is faulty, and check that the drain hose isn’t lying below the base of the washer. It needs to be looped above the washer to prevent water from syphoning straight out of the machine.
F8E2 Error
This error code indicates that there is a fault with the detergent dispenser. This is usually caused by the dispenser motor not moving correctly.
The dispenser motor directs water to the appropriate part of the detergent dispenser and if it’s not moving correctly, you will find detergent and/or fabric softener residue in the relevant compartments.
We recommend getting a technician to fix this for you.
F8E3 Error
The F8E3 error indicates the washer has detected a problem leading to a potential overflow. If you are not standing knee-deep in water, it’s likely that the sensors detected the fault early enough and aborted the programme.
If this error code is displayed on your Whirlpool Duet washing machine, you will need to check that;
- The inlet valve is closing properly
- The drain pump is working properly
- The pressure sensor isn’t faulty
- The control board isn’t malfunctioning
As all of these checks involve some dismantling of the panels on your washer, we recommend getting a technician to do them for you.
F8E4 Error
This error code indicates a lack of water entering the washer and is likely to be displayed if the inlet tap is turned off or there is a blockage in the inlet hose or the inlet valve has stopped working.
You can check the inlet tap and inlet hose but the inlet valve is best left to a technician to check and replace if necessary.
F9E1 Error
The F9E1 error code indicates that the washer has taken longer than 8 minutes to drain the waste water from the tub. There are several reasons why this error code could have been displayed which include;
- The inlet valve hasn’t shut off properly
- The drain hose is blocked
- The filter is blocked
- The drain pump is defective
You will need to check the inlet valve for any leakage, because if it is constantly allowing water into the drum, the washer cannot successfully drain the tub.
Check the drain hose for any twists, kinks or blockages, check the filter and remove any foreign objects. Get the drain pump checked by a technician.
F21 Error
If your Whirlpool Duet washing machine is displaying the F21 error code it indicates there’s a drainage issue. However, this is often not quite as serious as the F9E1 error code, the F21 can often be cleared by simply cleaning the filter and/or drain hose.
F20 Error
The F20 error code indicates that there’s no water entering the washer or the pressure switch is defective and not registering any water entering the drum. The appliance will stop the wash cycle and shut the machine down as soon as this error code has been displayed.
This can be caused by any of the following;
- Low water pressure
- Faulty inlet valve
- Twisted, kinked or blocked inlet hose
- Inlet tap turned off
- Defective pressure sensor
You will need to check the inlet tap is fully turned on and that the inlet hose isn’t twisted or clogged. Then get the inlet valve checked as well as the pressure sensor.
If you suspect that the water pressure is too low, you will need to contact your local water authority.
How To Enter Diagnostic Test Mode On A Whirlpool Duet Washing Machine
To enter the diagnostic test mode on your Whirlpool Duet washer to see if there are any outstanding error codes, all you need to do is;
- Ensure the washer is in standby mode (plugged in with all control lights off)
- Select any 3 buttons (apart from power, start or cancel)
- You need to press the 3 keys selected in a 1,2,3 sequence 3 times in 8 seconds
- If all of the control lights are now on and the display screen is showing 888 you have successfully entered the diagnostic mode
- After a couple of seconds, the display lights will flash and any recent error codes should be displayed
- If you don’t touch any buttons on the appliance for 5 minutes, the diagnostic mode will be automatically exited
How To Reset A Whirlpool Duet Washing Machine
You can reset your Whirlpool Duet washing machine by pressing and holding the start or pause button at the same time as the cancel or power buttons for 5 seconds.
Once you release the buttons the washer should be reset. If this doesn’t work however, try disconnecting the power supply for 10 to 15 minutes to allow any residual power to dissipate.
SEE ALSO: Washing Machine Error Codes (the full guide)
Frequently Asked Questions
The SUDS error code indicates that the appliance has detected too many soap suds, which can be caused by using the wrong type or excessive amount of detergent, or issues with the drain pump or pressure sensing system.
To reset a Whirlpool Duet washing machine, you can press and hold the start or pause button simultaneously with the cancel or power buttons for 5 seconds. Alternatively, you can disconnect the power supply for 10 to 15 minutes to dissipate residual power.
The F1E1 error code on a Whirlpool Duet washing machine indicates a problem with the main control board, which can prevent the washer from operating or carrying out all of its functions. It may require resetting the appliance or contacting a technician for diagnosis and repair.
To enter diagnostic test mode on a Whirlpool Duet washing machine, ensure the washer is in standby mode, then select any three buttons (except power, start, or cancel) and press them in a 1-2-3 sequence three times within 8 seconds. If successful, all control lights will illuminate, and the display will show 888.
