Remember the days when you had to be mindful of the length of the dryer vent to prevent long dry times and a whole slew of other airflow issues? Thanks to this model with its long-vent option, you now have a maximum length of 160’ instead of the normal 30’. Consider yourself one of the lucky ones!
And, I like the “in-door” diagnostics that allow easy access to settings and options. Today’s post focuses on error codes and how to access them. This is the Whirlpool WED560LHW series 27” electric dryer.
Before getting into the error codes, I want to mention a bulletin from Whirlpool. It addresses a vibration problem that seems hard to find because it seems to change places when you’re looking for it. It comes from one of two places, and sometimes both.
First, check the seal around the blower shroud. It might be missing or not heavy enough to do the job. Another place is at the base of the drive motor bracket where it mounts to the base of the dryer. Sometimes there is a gap here that allows the motor bracket to vibrate.
The part number for the kit is W11401018 and contains a foam seal and aluminum tape. Whirlpool includes full instructions in the kit.
To view the error codes and then clear them, you’ll need to get into the service diagnostics mode. Here’s how to do that:
ACTIVATING the SERVICE DIAGNOSTIC MODE
- Be sure the dryer is in standby mode (plugged in with all indicators off).
- Select any three (3) buttons except POWER and START, and follow the steps below using the same three buttons. Remember the buttons and the order they 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
3. If this test mode has been entered successfully, all indicators on the console are illuminated for 5 seconds, with “888” or “88” showing in the Estimate Time Remaining, 2 or 3-digit display. If there are no saved fault codes, all indicators on the console will momentarily turn off, and then only the 7-segment display will come back on and display “888” or “88”.
FAULT/ERROR CODES
Fault/Error Code Display Method
The control displays the fault codes by alternately 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 five Fault/Error codes may be stored. When the oldest fault code is displayed, additional presses 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 “888”, no saved fault codes are present.
Customer Fault/Error Codes
- PF Power Failure – PF indicates that a power failure occurred while the dryer was running. Press START to continue the cycle, or press POWER to clear the display.
- F1E1 Motor or Heater Failure or Connector Problem – Indicates no voltage detected at the heater relay. Unplug the dryer or disconnect power and check that the wires are plugged into the heater element(s) and at the relay(s) on the ACU.
- F3E1 Exhaust Thermistor – Open or shorted. Indicates that the exhaust thermistor is open or shorted. If the resistance as checked across the terminals is >50k ohms, the thermistor is open, and shorted if the resistance drops to <500 ohms. This may occur if the J14 connector is not plugged into the ACU.
- F3E2 Moisture Sensor 1 – Indicates the moisture strip is open or shorted. This fault code will only appear when in the service diagnostic mode.
- F3E3 Inlet Thermistor Open/Shorted – Indicates that the inlet thermistor is open or shorted. If the resistance as checked is >245K ohms, the inlet thermistor is open, and shorted if the resistance drops to <328 ohms. This may occur if the J14 connector is not plugged into the ACU.
- F3E5 Moisture Sensor 2 Open/Shorted (only Quad Sense models) – Indicates the second moisture sensor strip is open or shorted. This fault code will only appear when in the service diagnostic mode.
- F6E1 or F6E2 – ACU – HMI Communication Error – Indicates that the ACU and HMI have not communicated for a specified amount of time. Unplug dryer or disconnect power. Check the harness continuity and connections between the ACU and HMI. Check AC and DC supplies. Replace the HMI or the ACU. (Human Machine Interface or the Appliance Control Unit).
- FCE1 WiFi Module Communications Lost – Indicates that the WiFi Module has not responded for a specified amount of time. Unplug dryer or disconnect power. Check WiFi Module at HMI. Replace HMI.
I hope the information helps our fellow DIYers out there. We always try to keep things interesting and present a quick and straightforward way to access important information about your appliances. But, if you ever get stuck and need a hand, feel free to set up an appointment with Neli and we’ll guide you through the problem.
See you next time.
Thomas @ Neli
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