Usually, a fault code pops up on a Whirlpool Cabrio dryer when something is wrong. Hence, you should expect an issue with your dryer when the Whirlpool Cabrio Dryer AF Code pops up.
The AF Code, which signifies Restricted Airflow, appears on a Whirlpool Cabrio when there is a problem with the dryer’s airflow, and often, the issue is either a clogged lint screen or a blocked dryer vent.
Note that the dryer vent may block in different ways, such as clogging, kinking, or having many elbows/turns. It may also block by being too narrow (due to the wrong diameter), incorrectly positioned, or being crushed (due to being too frail).
So, ideally, there are seven angles to look at when you have the error code AF on your Whirlpool Cabrio, which means seven possible fixes. Remember, when discussing the dryer vent, we focus on the house vent (or internal vent) and the exhaust vent (or exterior vent).
Let me explain the error code, its causes, and fixes.
In a hurry? Check out the seven possible causes of the AF error code on a Whirlpool dryer and the applicable fixes below.
Whirlpool Cabrio Dryer AF Code Clearance – Quick Guide
| – | Possible Cause | Fix |
| 1. | Clogged Lint Screen | Clean the lint screen |
| 2. | Clogged Vent | Clean/vacuum the dryer vent |
| 3. | Kinked Vent | Straighten out the vent |
| 4. | Many Elbows on the Vent | Replace the vent with the correct size |
| 5. | Narrow Vent | Replace the vent with an option with a 4-inch diameter |
| 6. | Incorrectly Positioned Vent | Place the vent at least 4 inches off the wall |
| 7. | Crushed Vent | Replace the vent with a flexible/rigid heavy metal option |
What Does Code AF Mean On My Whirlpool Cabrio Dryer?
The code AF is an error code on a Whirlpool Cabrio dryer and many other dryers, which stands for Airflow Restriction. This error code pops up when there’s restricted airflow and normally relates to a clogged lint screen or a blocked house or exhaust dryer vent.
Generally, you can tell that your Cabrio dryer doesn’t have good airflow (or the dryer vent is blocked) not only through the error code but also through these symptoms:
- Prolonged drying time – Due to minimal air movement in and out of the dryer, the dryer tends to take longer to get hot, translating to a longer drying time.
- The dryer failing to heat – Sometimes, the Cabrio dryer won’t heat at all due to a blocked vent system. If so, your clothes won’t dry at all.
- An overheating dryer – A blockage means that the hot air will stay inside the vent. Once that happens, the dryer overheats and becomes too hot to touch.
- Lint-free lint screen – Incidentally, the lack of proper airflow means lint doesn’t collect on the lint screen. Consequently, the lint screen will be clean.
- Lack of air movement – If you can place your hand near the mouth of the vent, you are likely not to feel any air movement when the dryer is running. Once that’s the case, the vents will likely be clogged.
- Water dribble on the floor – Since moisture doesn’t vent out due to vent blockage, it’s likely to trickle on the floor, wetting it.
- Stream in the dryer – Some of the water that doesn’t vent out remain in the dryer to produce a steam ‘sauna’ effect.
7 Probable Causes of the Whirlpool Cabrio Dryer Code AF
Consider these seven issues when the AF error code pops up on your Whirlpool Cabrio dryer:
1. Clogged Lint Screen
Ideally, cleaning the lint screen by hand after every use is advisable to eliminate any accumulating lint. And after six months, you should deep clean it, which means cleaning with hot water and scrubbing it with a nylon brush.
So, if it has been over six months since deep-cleaning the lint screen or you never roll off the lint by hand after every use, it’s highly likely that the lint screen is clogged. If it is, that’s likely the reason for the AF error code.
Fix
First, try to clean the lint screen by hand. Remember, you can locate the lint screen near the mouth of your dryer. Once you find it, roll off the lint with your fingers. Remember, you should do this after every use of the dryer.
Consider deep-cleaning the lint screen if the lint is too hardened and won’t roll off. You’ll need hot water, liquid detergent, and a nylon brush.
Then wash the lint screen with soapy hot water and gently scrub off the hardened lint with the nylon brush. After that, rinse the screen and wipe it dry before reinstalling it.
2. Clogged Dryer Vent
The Cabrio dryer vent might be clogged if the lint screen is not. Remember, we are talking about the house (internal) and the exhaust (external) vent, which needs a deep cleaning or vacuuming at least once every two years.
Generally, a clogged dryer vent makes it hard for hot air to vent out. As a result, the dryer may overheat due to retained hot air or fail to heat up due to poor hot airflow inside. At times, however, the dryer may get hot but may take forever, and that’s infuriating.
Fix
If the house or exhaust dryer vents are lint-clogged, you should clean them. Here’s how to go about it:
- Plug out the dryer from the power socket and disconnect the shutoff valve in case of a gas dryer
- Pull away the dryer to create some room between it and the wall
- Remove the attachment clamps and tape on the ventilation hose
- Clean the house vent with a cleaning brush or vacuum cleaner
- Clean the exhaust vent the same way as the house vent
- Reconnect your dryer’s power supply and reposition it as it was
- Run the dryer on an empty cycle for about 10-15 minutes to blow the residual dust out of the system
3. Kinked Dryer Vent
A clog is not the only thing that can block the dryer vent. It can also block from kinking or twisting, which may happen if it’s too long and twisted.
Sometimes, it could be that something is pinching it, and it thus won’t straighten out. And if it doesn’t, the error code AF may signal poor airflow.
Fix
Consider moving the dryer slightly away to straighten out the vent. Alternatively, pull out the vent to straighten out any kinks.
If the vent is too long, replace it with the correct size or talk to an expert who can help you resize it.
4. Many Elbows on the Dryer Vent
If the dryer vent is too long, it may form too many elbows, which may not be suitable for airflow. Ideally, the fewer the elbows, the better the airflow; the more they are, the more restricted the airflow.
In particular, 90-degree elbows shouldn’t be too many as they are likely to slow airflow, which may result in the error code AF.
Fix
Consider the table below to see if you have the correct dryer vent size. If not, then you should replace it.
| Angled Hoods | No. of 900 elbows |
| 20m | 0 |
| 16.5m | 1 |
| 13.4m | 2 |
| 10.7m | 3 |
| 8.2m | 4 |
5. Narrow Dryer Vent
Whirlpool recommends a dryer vent diameter of 4 inches. If the vent is narrower than that, it’ll slow down airflow, and the error code AF may pop up. It’s also important not to go for an extra wide vent, which may affect airflow.
Fix
Replace the dryer vent if it’s narrower than 4 inches.
6. Incorrectly Positioned Dryer Vent
If the vent is positioned too close to the wall, it’s likely to form some kinks, which may interfere with airflow and trigger the AF error code. Thus, it’s imperative to position it a few inches away, and Whirlpool recommends at least a 4-inch clearance.
Fix
Keep the dryer at least 4 inches from the wall to create enough space for the vent to straighten out.
7. Crushed Dryer Vent
Dryer vents come in different materials –some stronger than others. Options like metal foil and plastic are too fragile. So they are likely to crush, and once that happens, the dryer vent restricts airflow, which could spark the error code AF.
Fix
Consider replacing the dryer vent. While at it, opt for a rigid-flexible heavy metal vent as it’s less prone to crushing.
People Also Ask
1. But How Do You Fix The AF Code On a Dryer?
To fix the AF code on a dryer, you must identify and address the source of the airflow restriction. Here’s what you can do:
- Check the lint screen for filthiness and clean it
- Inspect the house and exhaust vent for clogging and vacuum them
- Straighten out a kinked dryer vent
- Replace a crushed dryer vent
- Replace the dryer vent if it’s too long or has many twists/elbows
- Ensure the vent is 4 inches away from the wall
2. How Do I Clean the Dryer Vent On My Whirlpool Cabrio?
A vacuum cleaner is the most seamless way to DIY clean the dryer vent on a Whirlpool Cabrio. You should vacuum the house and exhaust vent to eliminate lint cogging. If you cannot find a vacuum cleaner, use a vent-cleaning brush which is cheaper but equally effective.
3. What Is The AF Code On a Dryer?
The AF code is a fault code that appears on a dryer when its vent or lint screen is blocked. You can clear it by unlocking the dryer vent and cleaning the lint screen.
Replacing a crushed or narrow (less than 4 inches in diameter) vent is essential, as vents restrict airflow.
4. How Do I Clean My Whirlpool Dryer?
The process of cleaning a Whirlpool dryer starts with removing the lint screen and cleaning it. Then, you should detach the vent and clean the rest of the dryer. Lastly, vacuum the vents or clean with a vent cleaning brush and reattach them.
Concluding Thought on the Whirlpool Cabrio Dryer AF Code:
Now you know what to check when recognizing the error code AF on your Whirlpool Cabrio dryer. As shared, this error code points to an airflow restriction. So inspecting the lint screen and vents for blockage and unblocking them is essential.
While the lint screen only requires cleaning to unblock it, the dryer vents may require more than cleaning. You may have to unkink a kinked vent or replace a crushed or wrong-size vent.