Whirlpool's reset for its washers is a 5-minute power disconnect: unplug the washer (or switch off its breaker), wait the full 5 minutes, plug it back in and start a new cycle. Before that, try clearing the code with the buttons, and if the same F code comes back after the reset, schedule service.
Rule out the simple stuff first
A lot of Whirlpool washers that look broken have a setting switched on. If the Control Lock light is lit, the panel ignores every touch until you turn the lock off. Whirlpool's reset guide says to hold Control Lock for 3 seconds on touchscreen models. Other panels can differ, and the help pages point you to the owner's manual for those.
On touch panels, press the word for the function, not the small indicator light next to it. Whirlpool says the controls respond to the label. Some models also need START held for up to 3 seconds before a cycle begins, and some show a countdown while you hold it.
Top-loaders need the lid fully down and latched. Depending on the model, the washer may refuse to start or may fill and then wait until the lid locks.
Clear the code with the buttons
Whirlpool lists a button method for clearing most codes before you touch the plug. Which one you use depends on the type of washer.
- Top-load HE washers: press START/PAUSE once to clear an F code, then press it again to restart the washer.
- Front-load washers: press Pause or Cancel twice, then Power once.
- Power failure code on top-loaders: touch and hold START to pick the cycle back up, or press POWER to clear the display.
- Lid message on top-loaders: close the lid. Leave it open too long and the cycle resets and drains, so start over without adding more detergent.
- Ending a cycle with water still in the tub: Whirlpool has you hold one button for 3 to 5 seconds, Start/Pause on some panels and Power/Cancel on others, and the washer drains.
Do the 5-minute power reset
If the code won't clear or the controls stay unresponsive, reset the control by taking power away. Whirlpool's top-load help pages and its front-load code page give the same number: 5 minutes. Give it the whole 5 minutes rather than guessing.
Plan on about 10 minutes in all. No tools needed.
Stop the cycle with the buttons if the washer will respond, and let it drain.
Pull the plug. For a stacked pair, a damp receptacle or one you can't reach, flip the washer's breaker off.
Leave it disconnected for a full 5 minutes. Set a timer.
Reconnect power, choose the cycle again and press Start. If a code showed before, watch for it during the first few minutes.
Restore Factory on touchscreen front-loaders
Select Whirlpool front-loaders with a touchscreen have a settings reset in the Info menu called Restore Factory. It returns the washer's settings to the way they left the factory. It's useful when a custom setting is causing odd behavior, and it does nothing for a mechanical fault.
Open Info on the screen, select Restore Factory and follow the prompts. Whirlpool only lists it for some models, so if you don't see the option, your washer probably doesn't have it; your owner's manual will confirm.
About Whirlpool "calibration" sequences
You'll find plenty of web pages describing a button-and-dial routine to calibrate a Whirlpool top-loader. We couldn't find that routine on Whirlpool's owner help pages or in its washer reset guide. Whirlpool's guide only says that a power reset may help sensors that have gotten out of step.
Skip the unofficial sequences. They aren't published for owners, and a pattern of knob turns written for one model can do something quite different on yours. If your owner's manual lists a calibration or setup cycle for your exact model, follow that; if not, leave it to a service technician.
Door still locked after the reset
Wait before you pull on it. Whirlpool says some of its washers have a thermal lock that lets go on its own a few minutes after power returns. If the door is still locked after that, unplug again for 1 to 5 minutes and try once more.
Never pry the door or lid, or tape over the latch. If it won't release after two tries, the lock assembly or the control needs a technician. The F5E1, F5E2 and F5E3 code pages on this site go through the latch checks you can do safely.
F codes that come back after the 5-minute reset
For leftover F and E codes, Whirlpool's front-load page is direct: if the code is still there after the 5-minute disconnect, contact Whirlpool or schedule service. Doing it again and again only covers up the fault.
Codes about water usually have a physical cause you can find. F8E1 tends to mean a faucet is partly closed or an inlet hose is kinked, and Whirlpool wants both hot and cold turned fully on. F9E1 means draining took too long, usually from a kinked or clogged drain hose, a standpipe at the wrong height or too many suds. A code about the motor (F7E1), the water level sensor (F3E1) or communication between boards (F6E2) that returns after a reset needs a technician with test equipment, and the panels should stay on.
When to call a professional
Schedule service when an F code comes back after a full 5-minute power reset, when the controls stay dead with working power at the outlet, or when the door or lid stays locked after two resets. Whirlpool customer service is at 1-866-698-2538; have the model and serial numbers ready.
Parts involved
Error codes for this problem
- F5E1Door or lid switch not detecting closedWhirlpool
- F5E2Door or lid won't lockWhirlpool
- F5E3Door or lid lock errorWhirlpool
- F7E1Motor or basket speed problemWhirlpool
- F6E2Control communication errorWhirlpool
- F3E1Can't read the water levelWhirlpool
- F8E1Long fill or low water flowWhirlpool
- F9E1Long drain timeWhirlpool
Washer error codes by brand
Seeing a code on the display? Pick your brand to look it up.
- Whirlpool14 codes
- Amana15 codes
- Bosch18 codes
- Electrolux8 codes
- Frigidaire17 codes
- GE16 codes
- Haier5 codes
- Hotpoint (UK)14 codes
- LG15 codes
- Maytag16 codes
- Samsung14 codes
All washer codes Washer parts guide
Manufacturer resources
The official pages we checked for this guide. Your owner's manual is still the final word for your exact model.
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Related repair guides
- Washer Won't Spin? 8 Causes and How to Fix Them at Home
A washer that won't spin is usually reacting to an unbalanced load, a low or no-spin setting, too many suds or water it can't drain.
- Washer Won't Start? 8 Things to Check Before Calling for Service
A washer that won't start usually has one of three simple problems: the control lock is on, the door or lid isn't fully latched, or the Start button wasn't held long enough (Whirlpool says up to 3 seconds on many models).
- Front Load Washer Door Won't Open? Why It's Locked and What to Do
A front-load washer keeps its door locked while there's water in the drum, while the drum is still turning, or while the inside is hot, so a door that won't open usually means the washer hasn't drained.
- How to Reset an LG Washer: Power Reset, Codes and Tub Clean
LG's documented reset is a full power-down: turn the washer off, unplug it, switch off its breaker, hold START/PAUSE for 5 seconds, then restore power and try again.