The Whirlpool WTW8120HC series of top load washers is a newer version of their revamped top-loaders with excellent features.
I like the new, more robust drive system best about this series of washers. Long ago are the days of the floating basket that presented so many problems that Whirlpool had to make some design changes quickly.
But, Whirlpool did what Whirlpool does. They respond and retool their designs with better technology and even better performance. One of the machines that came out of a years-long brainstorming session is our model under discussion today.
They refined this new machine, as you can see from the picture, and inside, the changes in how the cycles intelligently work their way to the finish are nothing short of impressive. Compared to other machines supposedly in the same league, this machine comes out on top in every category.
I’m going through the most common error codes you see in the field more often than the others. One thing I want to stress is that this model doesn’t have silly problems overlooked in the design phase.
Any problem is usually minor and easily fixed, assuming you’re a dedicated DIYer like all Neli readers! You can book an appointment here. Whatever the problem with your appliance, we’ll help you every step of the way.
Accessing the Service Mode
To enter Service Mode, press the ‘Select/Enter’ key (Key 2) located on the upper right of the display in the figure below:
NOTE: The layout shown above doesn’t show labels per the HMI (user interface) keys. The name of each key may vary with model. The relative position to the screen identifies the key’s function.
NAVIGATION
Use ‘Left’ and ‘Right’ keys to step through pages. When the desired screen is reached, press ‘Select/Enter’ to enter into this screen or activate the action. Use the ‘Back/Exit’ key to return to the previous screen or cancel an action.
When the desired screen is reached, press ‘Select/Enter’ to enter into this screen or activate the action. Use the ‘Back/Exit’ key to return to the previous screen or cancel an action.
EXITING SERVICE MODE
To exit from Service Mode back to customer operation, there are two options:
1. Navigate to the ‘Exit Service Mode’ screen from Service Mode.
2. Repeatedly press the ‘Back/Exit’ button until the screen returns to customer operation mode.
Fault/Error Code Display Method
Fault codes are displayed in the format F# E#. The F# indicates the suspect System/Category. The E# indicates the suspect Component system. Up to four Fault/Error codes may be stored.
Active Fault Code Display in Service Test Mode
During any Service Mode operation, a fault could occur. Depending on the specific fault, the display may show the active fault code. Only one active fault code can be displayed at a time. All fault codes will be recorded in “Fault History”.
Clear Fault History
To clear stored fault codes, enter Service Mode, then Fault History. Use the ‘Left’ and ‘Right’ keys to navigate to ‘Clear Fault History’. Press the ‘Select/ Enter’ key to clear all faults.
F0E2 – Oversuds
Fault is displayed when suds prevent the basket from spinning up to speed or the pressure sensor detects rising suds level. The main control will flush water in an attempt to clear suds. If the water flush is unable to correct the problem, this may indicate:
- Not using HE detergent.
- Excessive detergent usage.
- Check pressure hose connection from tub to main control. Is hose pinched, kinked, plugged, or leaking air?
- Mechanical friction on drive mechanism or basket (items between basket and tub).
F0E3 – Overload
Fault is displayed when the main control detects a load size that exceeds the washer’s capacity OR basket cannot be turned. This may signify:
- Load size exceeds washer capacity. Remove excess laundry, then restart the cycle.
- Mechanical friction on drive mechanism or basket (items between basket and tub).
F0E4 – Spin Limited by Water Temperature
Fault is displayed when the water temperature is too high to spin at final speed. Speed will be limited to 500 RPM.
- Check water valve function.
F0E5 – Off-Balance Load
Fault is stored when an off-balance condition is detected.
- Check for weak suspension. Basket should not bounce up and down more than once when pushed.
- Items should be distributed evenly when loading.
F0E9 – OB Pause
Fault is displayed when an off-balance condition is detected and after user interventions.
- Check for weak suspension. Basket should not bounce up and down more than once when pushed.
- Items should be distributed evenly when loading.
F1E1 – Main Control (ACU) Fault
Fault is displayed indicating a main control (ACU) fault.
F1E2 – Motor Drive Module Over Voltage
Fault is stored when the main control detects a problem in the motor drive.
F2E1 – HMI (user interface) Stuck Button
Fault is stored indicating that the user interface is detecting that a button is continuously activated.
F2E2 – HMI Disconnected
Fault is displayed if the HMI is disconnected from the ACU.
F3E2 – Pressure System Fault
Fault is displayed when the main control detects an out-of-range or absent pressure signal.
- Check pressure hose connection from tub to main control. Is hose pinched, kinked, plugged, or leaking air?
F3E3 – Inlet Water Temperature Fault
Fault is stored when the inlet thermistor is detected to be open or shorted.
F3E5 – Mini Bulk System Error
Fault is displayed when the bulk level sensor signal is detected out of range.
F5E3 – Lid Lock Will Not UNLOCK
Fault is displayed when one of the following conditions occurs:
- Excessive force on lid is preventing lock bolt from retracting.
- Wash media buildup is preventing lock bolt from retracting.
- Main control cannot determine if lid lock is in an unlocked state.
F5E3 – Lid Lock Will Not LOCK: Fault is displayed when one of the following conditions occurs:
- Check lid lock for obstructions.
F6E1 – Communication Error: HMI Cannot Hear ACU
Fault is displayed when communication between the HMI and the ACU has not been detected.
F6E3 – Communication Error: ACU Cannot Hear MCU
Fault is displayed when communication between the ACU and the MCU has not been detected.
F7E1 – Tachometer missing or Wrong Signal
Fault is stored when the ACU cannot read the speed or power from the tachometer.
- Check connections to the ACU.
F7E2 – MCI drive failure
Fault is stored when there is a failure within the motor or ACU hardware.
F7E3 – Basket Engaged During Wash
F7E4 – Basket Re-engagement Failure
Fault is stored when the main control determines the shifter is not engaging the basket for spin or disengaging it for wash.
- Check shifter connectors.
- Check for clothing or another item wedged between the impeller and the basket that could bind them together.
- Check that the shifter slider moves freely.
F7E6 – Motor Circuit Open
Fault is stored when main control detects one or more of the motor lines is open.
- Check motor circuit.
F7E7 – Motor unable to reach target RPM
Fault is stored when motor cannot reach the target RPM.
- Check basket for obstructions
F7E8 – Motor Drive Module Over Temp
Fault is stored when the main control detects a problem in the motor drive.
F7E9 – Locked Rotor
Fault is stored when the main control determines that the motor is not moving when it is being actively driven.
- Mechanical friction on drive mechanism or basket (items between basket and tub).
F7EA – Motor Phase Lost
Fault is stored when one or more of the three motor phases is lost or under the current threshold.
F8E1 – Long Fill
Fault is displayed when the water level does not change for a period of time OR water is present but the control does not detect the water level changing.
- Is water supply connected and turned on?
- Are hose screens plugged?
- Is water siphoning out of the drain hose?
- Check for proper drain hose installation.
- Low water pressure; fill times longer than 10 minutes.
- Is the pressure hose connection from the tub to the main control pinched, kinked, plugged, or leaking air?
F8E2 – Dispenser System Failure
Fault is displayed when bulk pump is on but the current is outside of the thresholds.
F8E3 – Overflow or Flood Condition
Fault is displayed when main control senses water level that exceeds washer capacity.
- Check pressure hose connection from tub to main control. Is hose pinched, kinked, plugged, or leaking air?
- Check for proper drain hose installation. Is water siphoning out of the drain hose? Drain hose must not be more than 4.5″ (114 mm) into the drain pipe. Make sure drain hose is not sealed into drain pipe, and that there is an air gap for ventilation. Ensure that drain height is between 39″ (991 mm) and 8′ (2.4 m) above the floor.
- May signify problem with water inlet valves.
- Pressure transducer fault on main control.
F8E6 – Water Hazard
Fault is displayed when main control senses water in the tub and the lid has been left open for more than 10 minutes.
- Check pressure hose connection from tub to main control. Is hose pinched, kinked, plugged, or leaking air?
- Check for proper drain hose installation. Is water siphoning out of the drain hose? Drain hose must not be more than 4.5″ (114 mm) into the drain pipe. Make sure drain hose is not sealed into drain pipe, and that there is an air gap for ventilation. Ensure that drain height is between 39″ (991 mm) and 8′ (2.4 m) above the floor.
- May signify problem with water inlet valves.
- Pressure transducer fault on main control. dzMay signify problem with lid lock.
F9E1 – Drain Pump System Problem – Long Drain
Fault is displayed when the water level does not change after the drain pump is on.
- Is the drain hose or the drain pump clogged?
- Is the drain hose height greater than 8′ (2.4 m)?
- Is the pressure hose connection from the tub to the main control pinched, kinked, plugged, or leaking air?
- Too much detergent.
- Is the pump running?
All of us at Neli hope this information helps you get to a solution to your appliance issue. We know it’s sometimes hard to know the next steps. That’s when it’s a good time to set up a virtual appointment with us. We’re happy to help!
See you next time.
Thomas
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