Welcome to Neli’s DIY Appliance Repair Series. We’re taking a look at the Whirlpool WTW4655JW1 top load washer. Specifically, we’ll focus on the error codes and possible solutions.
This model is a definite step up from the more basic models with this design. One of the notables is the addition of a Deep Water Wash option. Some people have asked me why this came about.
When the new HE toploads first hit the market, people complained about the low water level in every cycle. After they understood the HE process, suddenly it all made sense.
However, to appease those people who would prefer to wash in a tub full of water, and still reap the benefits of HE washing, the Deep Water Wash option became a reality.
When using this option, the washer will automatically add more water to any cycle at any time during the wash process if the Water Level knob is set to the Deep Water Wash setting.
Note that the washer will add water during the cycle, not all at once as you might expect. That’s where a lot of people got confused. Naturally, everyone expected the water to fill near the top rim of the tub, but when that didn’t happen, questions and complaints ramped up.
As long as you understand it’s all automatic and you should trust the machine, you’ll be fine.
Ok, so let’s take that deep dive (pun intended) into the machine and see what we can find out.
Before we can get into the discussion about error codes, we need to know how to view them. When you can view the history of the codes, it goes a long way toward helping you solve the problem.
The sequence below is a little tricky, so feel free to practice as you get faster each time. If needed, unplug the machine to practice until you get the procedure down pat. Trust me, it removes a lot of frustration!
The following graphic shows you how to view the most recent history of error codes to point you in the right direction.
To access fault/error codes, perform steps 1 and 2 of Activating the Service Diagnostic Test Modes. Turn the cycle selector knob until the status LEDs correspond as follows:
- Press the START button to enter Fault Code Display Mode.
- The status LEDs flash on and off.
TO VIEW THE LAST FOUR FAULT CODES:
- Turn the cycle selector knob clockwise to view the fault codes in the order of the most recent to the oldest.
- NOTE: Error codes are removed from memory if it does not reoccur after 10 consecutive wash cycles.
TO CLEAR FAULT CODES:
- Turn the cycle selector knob until the status LEDs flash on and off.
- Press and hold the START button for 3 seconds to clear the codes and exit the fault code display mode.
FAULT/ERROR CODE DISPLAY METHOD
Fault/error codes are displayed by alternating the state of the Status LEDs in one-second intervals.
- All fault/error codes have an F# and an E#.
- The F# indicates the suspect System/Category and the E# indicates the suspect Component system.
- If the Fill or Sensing LED is ON, the Fault Number is represented; if OFF, the Error Number is represented (see example below). The remaining LEDs (Wash, Rinse, Spin, and Done) represent the fault and error code in binary.
The above graphic shows the error code, F2E3. Note the shaded 2 and 1. Add them together to equal 3, as in E3. If any box is not shaded, read it as a 0 (zero). Use this as a guide for reading error codes using the LEDs on the control.
Ok, let’s get to the error code listing. By the way, all of this information is available on the Tech Sheet included with every machine.
F0E0 – NO FAULT
F0E2 – OVER SUDS CONDITION DETECTED
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 pressure sensor. Is hose pinched, kinked, plugged, or leaking air?
- Mechanical friction on drive mechanism or basket. (Clothing between basket and tub.)
F0E4 – HIGH WATER TEMPERATURE – RINSE CYCLE
Fault is displayed when washer detects water temperature 105° or higher during rinse cycle.
- Hot water getting in. Make sure inlet hoses are connected correctly.
- If hoses are installed properly, temperature thermistor may be stuck in low resistance range.
F0E5 – OFF-BALANCE LOAD DETECTED
Fault is displayed when an off balance condition is detected.
- Check for weak suspension. Basket should not bounce up and down more than once when pushed.
- Clothing should be distributed evenly when loading.
F1E1 – MAIN CONTROL FAULT
Indicates a main control fault.
- Replace the control.
F1E2 – MOTOR CONTROL FAULT
Indicates a fault of the motor control section of the main control.
- Replace the motor control board.
F2E1 – STUCK KEY
One or more keys on the User Interface were actuated for 15 consecutive seconds. Or, the control misconstrued the intended input.
F2E3 – SWITCH MISMATCH
The switches do not match the console or are not operating correctly.
F3E1 – PRESSURE SYSTEM FAULT
Fault is displayed when the Main Control detects an out-of-range pressure signal.
- Check pressure hose connection from tub to pressure sensor. Is the hose pinched, kinked, plugged, or leaking air?
F3E2 – INLET WATER TEMPERATURE FAULT
Fault is displayed when the Inlet Thermistor is detected to be open or shorted.
F5E1 – LID SWITCH FAULT
Fault is displayed if lid is in locked state, but lid switch is open; control not sensing the strike in the lid lock.
- User presses START with lid open.
- The main control cannot detect the lid switch opening and closing properly.
- Strike not assembled correctly on the lid.
- Lid lock bezel not installed correctly (must be square to embossing and flush to top).
F5E2 – LID LOCK FAULT
Fault is displayed if Lid Lock has not moved into locked position or motor cannot be powered.
- Lid is not closed completely due to interference.
- Check for lock interference with lock striker.
- Wash media buildup (detergent, lint, etc.) is preventing the lock mechanism from sliding.
- Main control detects open lid switch when attempting to lock.
- Main control cannot determine if lid lock is in a locked state.
F5E3 – LID UNLOCK FAULT
Fault is displayed if Lid Lock has not moved into unlocked position or motor cannot be powered.
- Check for lock interference with lock strike.
- Main control cannot determine if lid lock is in an unlocked state.
F5E4 – LID NOT OPENED BETWEEN CYCLES
Fault is displayed if the following conditions occur:
- User presses START after several consecutive washer cycles without opening lid.
F7E1 – BASKET SPEED FAULT
Fault is displayed when the main control cannot determine speed of basket, or speed changes too quickly.
- Locked rotor—check that basket, impeller, and motor can rotate freely.
- Check harness connections from main control to motor and shifter.
- Control not sensing the basket move in spin
- Bad motor capacitor, motor or capacitor connector disconnected, or broken wires to motor or capacitor.
- Belt is off or pulley is loose—check drive belt. Verify that belt is fully installed on both pulleys. Also, check that the pulleys are fastened securely to the motor shaft and agitator shaft.
F7E5 – SHIFTER FAULT
Fault is displayed when the main control cannot determine position of shifter.
- Check harness connections from main control to motor and shifter.
- Observe shifter operation, if it’s not smooth or hesitates, replace the shifter.
F7E6 – MOTOR FAULT
Indicates an open clockwise or counterclockwise circuit of the motor.
F7E7 – MOTOR UNABLE TO REACH TARGET RPM
Fault is displayed when basket speed sensor detects that target RPM was not reached.
- Mechanical friction on drive mechanism or basket (clothing between basket and tub).
- Weak motor or run capacitor, or no connection to run capacitor.
- Load off balance. Clothing should be distributed evenly when loading.
F8E1 – NO FILL, LONG FILL
Fault is displayed when the water level does not change for a period of time OR water is present but main control does not detect the water level changing.
- Is water supply connected and turned on?
- Low water pressure; fill times longer than six minutes. Are hose screens plugged?
- 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.
- Check pressure hose connection from tub to pressure sensor. Is hose pinched, kinked, plugged, or leaking air?
F8E3 – OVERFLOW CONDITION
Fault is displayed when main control senses water level that exceeds the washer s capacity.
- May signify problem with inlet water valves.
- Check pressure hose connection from tub to pressure sensor. Is hose pinched, kinked, plugged, or leaking air?
- Onboard pressure transducer fault.
- 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 drain height is between 39” (991 mm) and 8’ (2.4 m) above the floor.
F8E5 – HOT, COLD REVERSED
Fault is displayed when the hot and cold inlet hoses are reversed.
- Make sure inlet hoses are connected correctly.
- If hoses are installed properly, temperature thermistor may be stuck in low resistance range.
F9E1 – LONG DRAIN
Fault is displayed when the water level does not change after the drain pump is on for 10 minutes.
- Is the drain hose or the drain pump clogged? Check tub sump under impeller for obstructions.
- Is the drain hose height greater than 8’ (2.4 m)?
- Too much detergent.
- Check pressure hose connection from tub to pressure sensor. Is hose pinched, kinked, plugged, or leaking air?
- Is the pump running?
All of these error codes represent likely causes for issues with your machine. But always remember that common sense prevails. Not all representations are correct, and it’s knowing how the machine operates that will help steer you away from sometimes erroneous error codes.
As always, Neli strives to provide you, our loyal customer, with solid information you can use to keep your appliance running its best. If you ever need more assistance beyond what you’re reading here, feel free to book an appointment with us and we’ll do our level best to help you get your machine back to its original glory!
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