Knowing how to interpret various Whirlpool Duet washing machine error codes is the key to troubleshooting hidden faults on your Whirlpool Duet. This washer displays these error codes to indicate a fault, which you can try to fix.
Some of the most typical error codes on a Whirlpool Duet washer include F01 (for main control board fault), F20 (for water filling problem), F21 (for poor drainage), F22 (for door lock fault), and F23 (for defective heating element).
Of course, there are others, and I will share at least 20 of these error codes. Not only that, I’ll crack them for you in terms of not only what they mean but what to do to clear them.
I’ll also share a quick guide to putting your Whirlpool Duet into diagnostic, just in case the washer malfunctions and hasn’t displayed any error code. And more importantly, I’ll share a quick guide to resetting the washer and eventually resetting most of these error codes.
Let’s jump in!
In a hurry? Consider the summary of the commonest 20 Whirlpool duet washer error codes below:
Whirlpool Duet Washer Troubleshooting Codes Summary
| Error Code | Meaning | |
| 1. | F01 or F11 or F1E1 | Main control board fault |
| 2. | F20 or F8E1 or F8E4 | Water filling problem |
| 3. | F21 or F9E1 | Poor drainage |
| 4. | F22 or F5E2 | Door lock fault |
| 5. | F23 or F03 | Defective heating element |
| 6. | F24 or F3E2 | Water temp sensor fault |
| 7. | F26 or F5E1 | Door switch fault |
| 8. | F27 or F8E3 | Overflow |
| 9. | F28 or F6E2 | Communication failure between motor control and main control board |
| 10. | F29 or F/dl | Door unlock fault |
| 11. | F31 or F42 or F7E2 | Motor fault |
| 12. | F32 or F35 | Water level sensor fault |
| 13. | F34 or rl | Detected load |
| 14. | F0E1 | Items detected |
| 15. | F1E2 | Failed main control reset |
| 16. | F2E3 | Cycle fault |
| 17. | F3E1 | Pressure switch fault |
| 18. | F8E0 | Stem vault fault |
| 19. | F8E2 | Dispenser motor fault |
| 20. | SUDS/Sd | Excess suds |
How to Put a Whirlpool Duet Washer in Diagnostic Mode
If your Whirlpool Duet washer is malfunctioning and you cannot explain why, you may want to put it in diagnostic mode. Doing so will enable you to get fault codes that you can use to determine what’s ailing your washer and troubleshoot it.
Generally, here’s how to run diagnostics on a Whirlpool Duet washing machine:
- While the washer is plugged in, select any three buttons other than Power and Pause/Cancel
- Press the buttons for 2-5 seconds and release them
- Repeat the above step twice to make it three sequences
- Wait for the washer to enter diagnostic mode and present you with an error code
Some Duet washers may have different ways of getting them into diagnostic mode. So, consult your manual if you can’t run diagnostics this way.
20 Whirlpool Duet Washing Machine Error Codes and Their Meaning
Below are 20 of the commonest Whirlpool Duet error codes and their relevant troubleshooting tips:
1. The Whirlpool Duet Washing Machine Error Code F 01 Or F11 or F1E1
(Meaning – Main Control Board Fault)
The error code F01, F11, or F1E1 pops up on a Duet washing machine when the main control board has an issue. In most cases, the washing machine won’t run as usual.
Fix
Consider resetting the washing machine, and if the error code appears after the reset, replace the main control board.
2. Whirlpool Duet Washer Error Codes F20 or F8E1 or F8E4
(Meaning – Water Filling Problem)
The error code F20, F8E1, or F8E4 appears on a Whirlpool Duet when the washer struggles to fill up with water. That could point to a disconnected, kinked, or obstructed water supply tube, low water pressure, closed cold and hot water inlets, or a defective pump.
Fix
First, ensure the water supply tube is connected correctly and free from kinks and blockages. Then ensure the water pressure is at least 20 psi. If it’s less, adjust it from the water main.
Remember, using the water pressure gauge; you can measure the washer’s water pressure. And if you still can’t clear the error code, check the drain pump for fault and replace it.
3. Whirlpool Duet Washer Error Codes F21 or F9E1
(Meaning – Poor Drainage)
The Whirlpool Duet Washer Error Codes F9 E1 or F21 appear when wastewater fails to drain correctly. Some reasons to explain it include a dirty filter, a clogged or kinked drain hose, and excessive suds.
Sometimes, though rare, the error code points to a defective main control board.
Fix
Clean the dirty filter and drain hose if they are dirt-clogged. Remove kinks from the drain hose and avoid using too much or non-He detergent. And if the error doesn’t go, replace the main control board.
4. F22 or F5E2
(Meaning – Door Lock Fault)
The Whirlpool Duet Washing Machine Error Code F5 E2 or F22 when the door lock won’t engage and thus prevents the door from latching firmly. In such a case, the Duet washer may fail to start.
This fault code usually shows a malfunctioning or damaged door lock.
Fix
First, try to reset your Duet washer, and if the reset doesn’t offset the error code, check the door lock for damage and replace it.
5. F23 or F03
(Meaning – Defective Heating Element)
When the heating element fails, the error code F23 or F03 appears on a Duet washing machine. The element could be damaged or burnt out.
Fix
Test with a multimeter to determine if the heating element has continuity. If it doesn’t, replace it.
6. F24 or F3E2
(Meaning – Water Temp Sensor Fault)
When the water temperature sensor fails, the error code F24 or F3E2 appears on a Duet washer. That means the washing machine cannot heat the water, which could affect its ability to clean the clothes.
Fix
First, reset the washing machine to see if you’ll reactivate the sensor. If that doesn’t clear the error code, test the temperature sensor with a multimeter to tell if it’s defective and replace it if it lacks continuity.
7. F26 or F5E1
(Meaning – Door Switch Fault)
If the door switch has a problem, often, when the door won’t latch, the error code, F26 or F5E1 might pop up. In such a case, you’ve to inspect the door switch keenly.
Fix
Use a multimeter to examine if the door switch has continuity. If it doesn’t, replace it. But first, try to reset your washing machine to see if you can bypass the fault.
8. F27 or F8E3
(Meaning – Overflow)
If the washing machine is overflowing, you can expect the error code F27 or F8E3 to pop up. In such a case, the water inlet valve or the pump might malfunction.
Fix
Inspect the water inlet valve and pump for fault and replace the one malfunctioning.
9. Whirlpool Duet Washing Machine Error Code F28 or F6 E2
(Meaning – Communication Failure Between Motor Control and Main Control Board)
Expect your Duet washer to display the error code F28 or F6E2 when there is a communication failure between the motor control and the main control board. The two won’t communicate, which affects the washer’s ability to do its job.
Fix
Check the wire connection between the motor control and the main control board with a multimeter. If they fail to show continuity, replace them or call an expert.
10. F29 or F/dl
(Meaning – Door Unlock Fault)
The error code F29 or F/dl appears on a Duet washing machine when the door won’t unlock. This error code often points to a defective door lock.
Fix
Consider replacing the door lock after the reset fails.
11. F31 or F42 or F7E2
(Meaning – Motor Fault)
The fault code F31, F42, or F7E2 may appear on a Duet washer when the motor malfunctions. In such a case, the drum won’t turn.
Fix
Consider checking with a multimeter if the motor has continuity. If it doesn’t, replace it; if it does, replace the motor control board.
12. Whirlpool Duet Washing Machine Error Code F35 or F32
(Meaning – Water Level Sensor Fault)
A problem with the water level sensor is likely to trigger the error code F35 or F32 on a Duet washing machine. It could be that the sensor or its wiring harness is damaged.
Fix
Inspect the wiring harness and replace them if they are damaged. If the harness is okay, replace the water level sensor.
13. F34 or rl
(Meaning – Detected Load)
Once the Duet washer detects some load in the drum and it’s not ready to run, it’ll display the error code F34 or rl.
Fix
Check the drum for some laundry and remove them. Then, start a new Clean Cycle.
14. F0E1 Whirlpool Duet Washing Machine Error Codes
(Meaning – Items Detected)
While the error code F34 pops up explicitly when the washer detects some load, the error code F0E1 pops up when it detects just about anything – not just clothes. So, you have to check for anything odd in the drum.
Fix
Inspect the drum and remove anything foreign or even clothes.
15. F1E2 Whirlpool Duet Error Code
(Meaning – Failed Main Control Reset)
Sometimes the main control board reset may fail. Once it does, the error code F1E2 will pop up.
Fix
Consider repeating the reset, and if the error code appears, replace the control board.
16. F2E3
(Meaning – Cycle Fault)
The Duet washer may show the error code F2E3 when there’s a cycle fault. That means there’s a loose control board connection, so you have to check that.
Fix
Check if there is a loose control board connection and replace it.
17. The Whirlpool Duet Washing Machine Error Code F3 E1
(Meaning – Pressure Switch Fault)
If the pressure switch malfunctions, the error code F3E1 will appear on your Duet washer. Often, that results from a blockage, which you must clean out, but the switch itself could be faulty if that’s not the case.
Fix
Clean out any blockage on the pressure switch; if that doesn’t clear the error code, replace the pressure switch.
18. F8E0
(Meaning – Stem Vault Fault)
If the stem vault malfunctions, the error code F801 will appear on your washing machine. It could be that the stem vault is dirt-clogged; if that’s not it, the vault itself could be faulty.
Fix
Clean out any clog on the stem vault; if that doesn’t clear the fault code, replace the stem vault.
19. Whirlpool Duet Washer Error Code F8 E2
(Meaning – Dispenser Motor Fault)
The error code F8E2 pops up when the dispenser motor malfunctions. But to rule out other issues, run diagnostics on your washer, as shared earlier.
Fix
Replace the dispenser motor if it’s defective.
20. SUDS/Sd
(Meaning – Excess Suds)
Lastly, the error code SUDS or Sd indicates too many suds. That could be because you use too much detergent or the wrong type (non-HE). Remember, excess suds could also result in drainage issues where the water fails to drain correctly.
Fix
Reduce the amount of detergent. Preferably, limit yourself to using high-efficiency (HE) detergents.
But How Do I Clear the Error On My Whirlpool Duet Washer?
Generally, as shared above, you can clear an error code on your Whirlpool Duet washer by addressing the reason behind the fault. However, it may help first to try the reset, and here’s how to reset Whirlpool Duet washer error codes:
- Try the hard reset, where you plug the washer out for at least a minute and then plug it in
- If the hard reset doesn’t work, try pressing Power/Cancel at least twice to see if the washer will reset
If the error code doesn’t reset, try to decipher and correct it. You can also refer to your manual for further troubleshooting tips.
Concluding Thought:
As shared, there are different Whirlpool duet washing machine error codes that you can troubleshoot DIY. You should identify the error codes and look for the most applicable fix.
I’ve cracked their meanings for you, and you have the recommended fixes to do the troubleshooting. And if your duet washer doesn’t display any error code, consider putting it on diagnostic mode to milk out the error code and decipher it.
Also Read: