Whirlpool electric water heater error codes
These error code explanations can help you diagnose a problem with your Whirpool electric water heater. For repair how-to help, visit the PartsDirect repair help section, which includes repair help for water heaters, 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 water heater.
Electrical power on with the tank empty or not completely full of water
Turn off electrical power at breaker. Open a hot water faucet in the house and then turn the cold water supply on to the water heater and allow time for the tank to fill with water. Once you see water coming out of the hot water faucet, turn the hot water faucet off. Restore power and then allow the water heater to run a system diagnostic. This typically takes 8 minutes.
Water temperature exceeded high limit
Switch the two house circuit breakers dedicated for the water heater to OFF and then press the reset button located behind the control panel on the water heater. Flip the house circuit breakers to the ON position. If error returns, call a service technician for assistance.
Upper thermistor sensor failure
Switch the two house circuit breakers dedicated for the water heater to OFF. Replace the electronic thermostat located behind the control panel.
Upper element failure
Switch the two house circuit breakers dedicated for the water heater to OFF. Remove the control panel to access the upper heating element. Disconnect the upper heating element and measure across the element terminals for ohm resistance. Using a multi-meter, check the wires at the element and electronic thermostat for damage. The heating element should measure 5-25 ohms of resistance. Drain the water heater and then replace the heating element if it's defective. If this error condition continues, replace the electronic thermostat., Refill the water heater before you flip the house circuit breakers ON and restoring power.
Lower element failure
Switch the two house circuit breakers dedicated for the water heater to OFF. Remove the lower cover to access the lower heating element. Disconnect the lower heating element and measure across the element terminals for ohm resistance. Check the wires at the element and electronic thermostat for damage. The heating element should measure 5-25 ohms of resistance. Drain the water heater and then replace the heating element if it failed. If this error condition continues, replace the electronic thermostat. Refill the water heater before you flip the house circuit breakers ON and restore power.
Electronic thermostat failure
Switch the two house circuit breakers dedicated for the water heater to OFF. Next, flip the breakers to ON to see if error clears. If the error does not clear, switch the circuit breakers OFF and replace the electronic thermostat located behind the control panel.
Lower thermistor sensor failure
Switch the two house circuit breakers dedicated for the water heater to OFF. Remove the control panel and check the electrical connections on the electronic thermostat. If the wiring and connections are okay, replace the lower thermistor sensor located above the lower heating element.
Energy smart module failure (ESM)
Switch the two house circuit breakers dedicated for the water heater to OFF. Check the wires and the energy smart module (control panel) for damage. If this error condition continues, replace the energy smart module (ESM). You can override the ESM by unplugging the harness connector. The water heater electronic thermostat will continue to operate and hot water will still be available. Replace the ESM.
Electronic thermostat (ET) error
Switch the two house circuit breakers dedicated for the water heater to OFF. Check the wiring at electronic thermostat for damage. Restore electrical power at the breaker. If this error code continues to flash, replace the electronic thermostat.
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