If you’ve owned any Whirlpool front load washers over the years, you already know how much they’ve improved.
Remember the early days when they often went out of balance and walked across the floor during spin?
It’s looking more like the engineers at Whirlpool found the solution. But that’s not to say these machines don’t dance a little.
You still need to pay attention to load sizes and common-sense use of the machine. Other than that, this machine does a great job all around. I could go on about the features, but I don’t think that’s why you’re reading this.
Instead, I’ll go through the most important error codes that you may see. The good thing is when you repair a Whirlpool, they stay fixed and don’t have repetitive problems.
The WFW8620H Series
Before I get into the error code list, below you will see instructions showing you what they mean and how to access them. Please, if you’re not familiar with your machine, don’t try this because you can inadvertently change settings and cause a problem.
Talk to a local tech, or simply book an appointment with Neli and we’ll help you through everything.
Understanding the Presentation of Error Codes
Fault codes are displayed by showing F# and E#. All fault codes have an F# and an E#. The F# indicates the suspect System/ Category. The E# indicates the suspect Component system.
Up to ten Fault/Error codes may be stored. When the oldest fault code is displayed, the following press of the 3rd button will result in a triple beep, then display of the most recent fault code.
If each press of the 3rd button results in a triple beep and the display shows “BBB” or “BB”, no saved fault codes are present.
Entry Procedure
The most recent fault code is shown as soon as Service Diagnostic mode is entered.
Advancing Through Saved Fault Codes
To view the next-most-recent fault code, press the 3rd button used to activate the Service Diagnostic mode. Subsequent presses of the 3rd button will advance the display through the saved fault codes.
Clearing Fault Codes
To clear fault codes, enter Service Diagnostic mode. Then press and hold the 3rd button used to enter Service Diagnostic mode for 5 seconds. Once the fault codes are successfully erased, the seven-segment display will show “888” or “88”.
Exit Procedure
To exit Fault/Error Codes, press the POWER button. All indicators will turn off, and the machine will return to STANDBY mode.
ACTIVATING THE SERVICE DIAGNOSTIC MODE
Be sure the washer is in standby mode (plugged in with all indicators off).
After initial power is applied, wait 30 seconds before activating Service Diagnostic mode.
Select any three (3) buttons (except POWER) and follow the steps below, using the same buttons. Remember the buttons and the order that the buttons were pressed.
Within 8 seconds,
Press and Release the 1st selected button,
Press and Release the 2nd selected button,
Press and Release the 3rd selected button.
Repeat this 3-button sequence 2 more times.
If the Service Diagnostic mode has been entered successfully, all indicators on the console are illuminated for 5 seconds with “BBS” or “B8” showing in the Estimated Time Remaining seven-segment display.
If there are no saved fault codes, all indicators on the console will momentarily turn off and then only the seven-segment display will come back on and display “bbb” or “bb”.
NOTE: The Service Diagnostic mode will time out after 10 minutes of user inactivity or shut down if AC power is removed.
FAULT/ERROR CODES
The fault codes below may be indicated under various conditions and can be accessed through Service Diagnostics.
F0E1
Load in drum during Clean Washer cycle. Always run the clean cycle with an empty basket.
F0E5
Off Balance Load.
Load could be unbalanced or too large. Avoid tightly packing the load and avoid washing single items. A too light load causes the basket to go out of balance because the weight isn’t evenly distributed around the basket.
If a load is too heavy for the machine, it will still try to spin but likely won’t be able to get to high speed. When this happens, the auto-correct cycle takes over and attempts to rebalance the load by draining and refilling, then agitating for a short time.
After a few attempts with no success, the machine drains the water and turns the machine off, leaving the load soaking wet. Be aware of this happening. Many people think it’s the machine’s fault, but in reality, the machine is working as designed.
By keeping the loads at a normal size (8” clearance from the top of basket when loaded with clothes), you shouldn’t have this error. If the error persists, there might be a mechanical issue at fault (dampers, for example. You should book an appointment and allow Neli to help solve the problem.
F1E2
MCU (Motor Control Unit) over- or under-voltage error.
Check your household voltage. Sometimes fluctuations in the incoming power will cause this error, especially when entering spin and ramping up to full speed.
F3E6
Accelerometer error.
You can check the connections at the ACU, but most of the time this is the death knell for the board. Luckily, this error is extremely rare.
F5E2
Lock Failure – Replace the door lock and possibly the strike.
F5E3
Unlock Failure – Check the lock and the door hinges.
F6E1
No communication from the HMI detected by ACU.
Replace the HMI.
F6E2
No communication from the ACU detected by the HMI.
Replace the ACU.
F6E3
No communication from the MCU detected by the ACU.
Replace the ACU.
F7E2
MC/MCU over temp error/internal failure.
Consider replacing the MCU.
F7E8
MC/Motor over temp error.
Check all harness connections, especially between the ACU and motor. Also, check for an obstruction between the basket and tub.
F7E9
Motor will not turn (locked rotor).
F7E12 or F7EC
MC/MCU Overload.
Check for obstruction between the spin basket and outer tub. The most common item is a garment wedged in the small space and preventing the basket from turning. Also check continuity and the connections between the ACU and motor.
F8E3
Overflow.
Make sure the drain hose and drain pump filter are not plugged, and verify the functionality of the water inlet valve, water level sensor, and drain pump.
F9E1
Long Drain.
Check drain hose installation for proper height, check drain hose and filter for obstructions, and make sure drain hose is not sealed into drain pipe. Check functionality of Drain Pump/Recirculation Pump.
There you have it. Another helpful (we hope) edition of the Neli’s DIY Appliance Repair Series! As always, we welcome comments and suggestions any time.
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