April 19, 2023

Whirlpool HE dishwasher error codes

Whirlpool

This Whirlpool HE dishwasher error codes list has explanations that can help you diagnose and repair common dishwasher problems. Whirlpool dishwasher diagnostic codes help you figure out what's wrong when your dishwasher stops working. Look up the troubleshooting for the diagnostic error code in the chart below to find out how to fix your dishwasher.

Digital display models show the Whirlpool dishwasher error codes on the control panel.

Models without a digital display signal Whirlpool dishwasher error codes by flashing the Clean light in a pattern unique to the error. The light first flashes the Function code, pauses for 2 seconds, and then flashes the Problem code. For example, 6 flashes followed by 1 flash (6-1) means "Inlet Water" function, "The electronic control doesn't detect water entering the dishwasher tub" problem. After a 5-second pause, the light repeats the pattern. The control console is disabled when Whirlpool dishwasher diagnostic codes are flashing.

For repair how-to help, visit the PartsDirect repair help section, which includes repair help for dishwashers, other major appliances, lawn and garden equipment, garage door openers, vacuum cleaners and more. Search for your model number to find a complete list of replacement parts for your dishwasher.

Error Code
Condition
DIY advice
1-1 or F1E1

Stuck relay on the electronic control board

Check/Repair

Shut off power to the dishwasher for 5 minutes. If the code resumes when you restore power, check the wiring connected to the control board for damage and repair any broken wires. Measure the resistance through all components connected to the control board using the tech sheet as a guide. You can find the tech sheet behind the bottom front toe panel of the dishwasher. Replace any defective components. If the wiring and components are okay, replace the electronic control board.

How-to help
Possible parts
Electronic control board, wiring harness
1-2 or F1E2

Damaged or corrupted memory on control board. Incompatible software components inside microprocessor.,

Check/Repair

Shut off power to the dishwasher for 5 minutes. If the code resumes when you restore power, replace the electronic control board.

How-to help
Possible parts
Electronic control board
2-1 or F2E1

Stuck button on the user interface control

Check/Repair

Check all buttons on the user interface control for a response. If one or more of the buttons don't work, unplug the dishwasher to disconnect electrical power and disconnect the user interface control wire harness. Reassemble the door with the user interface wire harness disconnected, but don't close the door. Plug in the dishwasher and wait at least 7 seconds for the electronic control board to power up completely. Then close the door. If the electronic control no longer detects stuck buttons with the user interface wire harness unplugged, it will start the drain pump. If the drain pump runs, replace the user interface control. If the drain pump doesn't run, then replace the electronic control board because it still detects stuck buttons with the user interface control unplugged.

How-to help
Possible parts
User interface control, electronic control board
2-2 or F2E2

User interface control can't communicate with electronic control board

Check/Repair

Shut off power to the dishwasher. Check the wiring between the user interface control and the electronic control board. If the wires and connections are okay, replace the user interface control board. If the problem persists, replace the electronic control board.

How-to help
Possible parts
User interface control, electronic control board
3-1 or F3E1

Thermistor/OWI sensor failure (The thermistor is the water temperature sensor, the OWI sensor is the Optical Water Indicator that detects the amount of debris in the water.)

Check/Repair

Unplug the dishwasher to disconnect electrical power and then check the wiring between the electronic control board and the thermistor/OWI sensor. Repair or replace the wire harness if broken. If you find the wiring undamaged, replace the thermistor/OWI sensor.

Possible parts
Thermistor/OWI sensor, wire harness
3-2 or F3E2

Shorted thermistor/OWI sensor

Check/Repair

Unplug the dishwasher to disconnect electrical power and then check the wiring between the electronic control board and the thermistor/OWI sensor. Repair or replace the wire harness if broken. If you find the wiring undamaged, replace the thermistor/OWI sensor.

Possible parts
Thermistor/OWI sensor, wire harness
3-3 or F3E3

OWI failed to calibrate or the drain hose check valve failed, allowing dirty water to backflow into the dishwasher

Check/Repair

Disconnect the dishwasher drain hose connection from the air gap or the garbage disposal if you have no air gap. Pour water through the drain hose to see if water backs up into the dishwasher tub. If so, replace the portion of the drain hose that connects to the drain pump because the check valve in that hose failed. If water doesn't back up into the dishwasher through the drain hose, reconnect the hose and run the Service Diagnostics Test according to the instructions in the tech sheet. You should see low soil level indicated during the OWI test in the diagnostic mode. If you see high soil level during the OWI test, unplug the dishwasher and clean the OWI sensor. Reassemble the dishwasher and plug the dishwasher back in to restore electrical power. Run the diagnostic test cycle so the electronic control board will calibrate the OWI sensor on the next cycle. Run a normal wash cycle. If you still see the error code, replace the thermistor/OWI sensor.

Possible parts
Thermistor/OWI sensor, drain hose
4-1 or F4E1

Communication error between the electronic control board and the circulation pump motor

Check/Repair

Unplug the dishwasher to disconnect electrical power. Check the circulation pump wire harness and reconnect any loose wires or replace the wire harness if damaged. If the wiring connections are okay, replace the circulation pump and motor assembly. If the problem continues, replace the electronic control board.

How-to help
Possible parts
Wire harness, circulation pump and motor assembly, electronic control board
4-2 or F4E2

Communication error between the electronic control board and the circulation pump motor

Check/Repair

Unplug the dishwasher to disconnect electrical power. Check the circulation pump wire harness and reconnect any loose wires or replace the wire harness if damaged. If the wiring connections are okay, replace the circulation pump and motor assembly. If the problem continues, replace the electronic control board.

How-to help
Possible parts
Wire harness, circulation pump and motor assembly, electronic control board
5-1 or F5E1

Door switch failure

Check/Repair

This code appears if you don't close the door within 4 seconds of pressing the Start/Resume button, or if the door latch assembly is broken. When starting a cycle, close the door within 4 seconds after pressing Start/Resume. If you can't start the cycle and the code continues, then the door switch could be defective. Unplug the dishwasher to disconnect electrical power. Disassemble the door and check the door switch wire harness. Reconnect any loose wires or replace the wire harness if damaged. If the wire harness is okay, replace the door latch assembly.

How-to help
Possible parts
Door latch assembly, wire harness
5-2 or F5E2

Control detects door not opening

Check/Repair

The electronic control board expects to see the door open between cycles or the dishwasher won't start the next time you try to start a new cycle. If you didn't open the door between cycles, cancel the cycle. Open and shut the door, and then start a new cycle. If the cycle still won't start, then the door switch could be defective. Unplug the dishwasher, then plug it back in to simulate the door opening. If the cycle starts, replace the door latch assembly because the door switch isn't detecting the door opening.

How-to help
Possible parts
Door latch assembly ,
6-1 or F6E1

Won't fill

Check/Repair

Check for an item stuck under the overfill float and remove it. If the overfill float sticks in the "up" position the dishwasher won't fill. Unplug the dishwasher to disconnect electrical power and shut the water supply valve. Disconnect the water supply line from the water inlet valve and check the water inlet valve screen for clogs. Replace the water valve if you find the screen clogged because debris from the clog can get into the valve body, causing the valve to stick open and possibly flood your kitchen. If the screen is clear, place the end of the water supply line in a shallow pan and briefly open the water supply valve to see if water flows from the supply line. If water doesn't flow, have a plumber repair the water supply to your dishwasher. If the water flows okay, check the wiring connections on the water inlet valve and reconnect any loose wires or replace the wire harness if damaged. If the wires are okay, you may need to replace the water inlet valve or the electronic control board.

How-to help
Possible parts
Water inlet valve, wire harness, electronic control board
6-2 or F6E2

Water inlet valve failure

Check/Repair

Unplug the dishwasher to disconnect electrical power. Remove the bottom front access panel and toe panel. Check the wire harness connections on the water inlet valve. Reconnect any loose wires. Replace the wire harness if damaged. If the wire harness connections are okay, check the resistance of the water inlet valve using a multimeter. You should measure around 1,400 ohms of resistance through the water inlet valve. If you measure infinite resistance, replace the water inlet valve. If the problem continues, replace the electronic control board.

How-to help
Possible parts
Water inlet valve, electronic control board, wire harness
6-3 or F6E3

Suds or air are in the water pump

Check/Repair

Check for sudsy water. If you see excessive suds, try to drain the dishwasher by cancelling the cycle. The drain pump will run for 3 minutes. If the drain pump can't drain the sudsy water, drain the water by hand or use a wet/dry shop vacuum to remove the water. Check the detergent dispenser and replace if it's damaged. Use only dishwasher detergent in the dishwasher. Using regular dish soap in the dishwasher causes excessive suds. If you don't see excessive suds, check the water fill level in the tub because low water level causes air in the pump. The water level should just touch the bottom of the overfill float mushroom. If you find the water level too low, check for bowls or containers that flipped over during the cycle that could be holding water. Load items so they don't flip over during the cycle and cause low water level. If you didn't find bowls or containers flipped over and holding water, then a defective water inlet valve could cause the low water level. Unplug the dishwasher to disconnect electrical power and close the water supply valve. Disconnect the water supply line from the water inlet valve and check the water inlet valve screen for clogs. Replace the water valve if you find the screen clogged because debris from the clog can get into the valve body, causing the valve to stick open and possibly flood your kitchen. If the screen is clear, place the end of the water supply line in a shallow pan and briefly open the water supply valve to see if the water flows from the supply line. If water doesn't flow, have a plumber repair the water supply to your dishwasher. If the water flows okay, check the wiring connections on the water inlet valve and reconnect any loose wires or replace the wire harness if damaged. If the wires are okay, you may need to replace the water inlet valve.

How-to help
Possible parts
Water inlet valve, detergent dispenser, wire harness
6-4 or F6E4

The float switch is open

Check/Repair

Check the overfill float switch to see if it's stuck or if an item is stuck under it. Check if the inlet water fill valve is properly shutting off the water supply when the dishwasher is off.

How-to help
Possible parts
Water inlet valve, Overfill float switch
6-6 or F6E6

Incoming water is too cold

Check/Repair

Use an accurate thermometer to check the water temperature. If it's lower than 110 degrees F, check your water heater. If the water temperature is normal (110 to 120 degrees F), replace the thermistor/OWI or the electronic control board. Refer to the tech sheet for your dishwasher for a diagnostic test for the thermistor.

How-to help
Possible parts
Thermistor/OWI, Electronic control board
6-7 or F6E7

Disconnected or damaged flow meter

Check/Repair

Shut off power to the dishwasher. Check the wiring to the flow meter. If the wiring is intact, replace the flow meter.

Possible parts
Flow meter
6-8 or F6E8

Problem with water softener regeneration valve (Water Softener Models Only)

Check/Repair

Shut off power to the dishwasher. Check the wiring to the water softener regeneration valve. If the wiring is intact, replace the water softener regeneration valve. If the problem persists, replace the electronic control board.

Possible parts
Water softener regeneration valve, wiring harness, electronic control board
7-1 or F7E1

Heating element doesn't work

Check/Repair

Shut off power to the dishwasher. Inspect the heating element and replace it if it's visibly damaged. If not, check the wiring to the heating element. If the wiring is intact, replace the heating element.

How-to help
Possible parts
Heating element
7-2 or F7E2

Heating element won't shut off

Check/Repair

Shut off power to the dishwasher for 5 minutes. If the code resumes when you restore power, replace the electronic control board.

How-to help
Possible parts
Electronic control board
8-1 or F8E1

Slow drain

Check/Repair

Shut off power to the dishwasher and then shut off water. Check the drain path for an obstruction. If the drain path is clear, check the wiring on the drain pump. If the wiring is intact, replace the drain pump.

8-2 or F8E2

Drain pump electrical problem

Check/Repair

Shut off power to the dishwasher and then shut off water. Check the wiring on the drain pump. If the wiring is intact, replace the drain pump.

How-to help
Possible parts
Drain pump
9-1 or F9E1

Electronic control board can't detect the position of the diverter disc

Check/Repair

The diverter motor positions the disc that directs the water through the lower spray arm or the upper spray arm. The diverter motor also monitors the position of the diverter disc and sends position signals to the electronic control board. Unplug the dishwasher to disconnect power and check the wiring going to the diverter motor. Reconnect any loose wires or replace the wire harness if damaged. If the wiring is intact, replace the diverter motor because it isn't sending position signals to the electronic control board.

Possible parts
Diverter motor, wiring harness
9-2 or F9E2

Diverter motor is stuck on

Check/Repair

The diverter relay on the electronic control board is defective. Unplug the dishwasher to disconnect electrical power and replace the electronic control board.

How-to help
Possible parts
Electronic control board
10-1 or FAE1

Detergent dispenser failure

Check/Repair

Unplug the dishwasher to disconnect electrical power. Remove the outer door panel and check the wiring connections between the electronic control board and the detergent dispenser. Reconnect any loose wires or replace the wire harness if damaged. If the wiring is intact, replace the detergent dispenser.

How-to help
Possible parts
Detergent dispenser, wire harness
10-2 or FAE2

Vent wax motor electrical problem

Check/Repair

Shut off power to the dishwasher. Check the wiring in the vent wax motor circuit. If the wiring is intact, replace the vent wax motor.

How-to help
Possible parts
Vent wax motor
10-3 or FAE3

Drying fan failure

Check/Repair

Unplug the dishwasher to disconnect electrical power. Check the wiring between the electronic control board and the drying fan. Reconnect any loose wires or replace the wire harness if damaged. If the wiring is intact, replace the drying fan.

How-to help
Possible parts
Drying fan, wire harness

Most common symptoms to help you fix your dishwashers

Choose a symptom to see related dishwasher repairs.

Main causes: water supply problem, stuck overfill float, clogged water inlet valve screen, water inlet valve failure…

Main causes: light switch beside the sink turned off, lack of power, bad dishwasher door switch, control system failure,…

Main cause: damaged rack height adjuster…

Main causes: clogged kitchen sink drain, clogged drain hose, drain check valve damaged, drain pump failure, control syst…

Main causes: improper loading, low water temperature, improper detergent dosage, detergent dispenser failure, spray arm …

Main causes: damaged or stuck spray arm, leaking door seal, damaged door hinge, leaky heating element water seal, cracke…

Main causes: not using rinse aid, rinse aid dispenser failure, broken heating element, malfunctioning vent, drying fan f…

Main causes: broken door spring, damaged or broken door hinge…

Main causes: broken door latch, tripped circuit breaker, broken heating element, faulty vent fan, sensor failure, contro…

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