Whirlpool Washing Machine Giving F3E1 Code

Along with displaying the F3E1 code, it is likely you are here because your washer won't fill with water, or it is overflowing.

This troubleshooting page applies to some Whirlpool Duet front load washers, generally those with a model number beginning with WFW##HE with the ## ranging from 70 to 97. There are also two models with 4 digits the WFW8640 and WFW8740. These are the middle-aged Whirlpool Duets introduced from around 2009-2014.

Further, on some Whirlpool Cabrio top load washers (from around 2014) you can use the methods indicated for the Duet front load washers with the numerical user interface. Sad to say, Whirlpool calls the washers by the same model name but varies the internal components, so it's really a look-and-see situation.

It also applies to Whirlpool top load washers with controls that have a row of 6 lights on the control panel, usually right below the cycle knob or selector dial. Note: Many post-2007 Maytag top loaders use this same design. (They were made by Whirlpool as well)

This code indicates a problem with the water level measurement system. These machines generally use a pressure switch, as a separate component, or a transducer integrated into the control board. The system consists of the pressure switch, and a hose connecting the pressure switch to an air dome on the tub or drum. The pressure switch is triggered by the increasing air pressure in the air dome as the washer fills with water. There are three main areas of failure, the air chamber, the connector hose or tube, and the pressure switch or transducer.

Before you do anything else, though, reset your machine.

1. On your front load machine, just unplug it for one minute. Then plug it in again and turn it on. Check if the code is still displayed.
2. On your top load machine, rotate your cycle selector dial to the 12 o" clock position (the dial marker pointing straight up
   1. )Then unplug the machine for one minute.
   2. Next, plug it in again, and wait 30 seconds.
   3. Try the machine, and see if the code is still displayed. If it is, go to Diagnostic Test Mode.
3. An alternative reset on your top load machine.
   1. Unplug your machine (knob straight up)and wait one minute
   2. Plug the machine back in and open and close the lid six (6) times rapidly in succession (Within 12 seconds). This is sometimes a "deeper" reset for some models.
4. If the code is gone, run a cycle, If it is still present, move to the next item.

Front loaders and Cabrio Top Loaders:

These machines will display the error code by alternating the F# with the E#, showing F with a number and E with a number, alternately in their displays.

To enter the Diagnostic Test:

• Make sure the machine is in standby mode, plugged in but with no lights lit.
• Choose 3 buttons (except power or start) and press them in succession 3 times (Button1-Button2-Button3-Button1-Button2-Button3-Button1-Button2-Button3)
  • Don’t look for a button 1 or a button 2 or a button 3 that’s just the order you push them.
  • For convenience (and better results) choose three buttons that are right next to each other because you need to do this sequence in 8 seconds

When the entire display and all the lights on the control panel come on you know you have entered the Diagnostic Test mode.

• Press the 3rd button again to view the code or codes. The machine will cycle the display of all the codes.
• You can check if there's anything else amiss at this point. If there are other codes, note them down.

Assuming you get the F3-E1 code we can move on to the next step. We can start to try to fix the problem. Go on to the next item if you have a top-load machine. if not, skip to Clear The Codes

Top Loaders:

Note: Clockwise or to the right is abbreviated CW, Counter Clockwise or to the left is abbreviated CCW. The cycle knob turns with steps or bumps so it will stop in different places more readily. To enter this mode:

• Set the dial or knob to the straight-up (Normal) position
• Unplug your machine for one minute.
• Plug it in again. (just like a reset) and wait 30 seconds.
• Turn the cycle control knob as follows.
  • One full CCW turn to 12 o’clock, or straight up position,
  • Then three steps CW,
  • Then one step CCW
  • Then 1 step CW.
  • If 5 lights blink (Locked won't) you are in diagnostic mode. Congratulations! there are a lot of things you can do in this mode.

Here's how to get the error code. You will be using a blinking light system.

• One more step CW will give you the error codes mode.
• Press the start button to prepare to display the codes.
• Turn the knob one more step CW to see the first code.

Here's how to read them.

The codes have a letter/number format corresponding to which light is lit. The code is F with a number followed by E with a number.

The Sensing/Fill light (left-most light) lit indicates F. Number is indicated by which of the next four lights are lit. The E light could be remembered as Empty since no other light but the number of lights will be on when the second group of lights flashes.

If there is more than one code you can read them by rotating the knob 1 step CW and pausing to see if it displays a code. If all that happens is the leftmost light flashes with no other lights, there is no other code.

You add the values up from the next to leftmost light which is Wash (8) then Rinse (4) then Spin (2) and Done(1) So if Wash and Done are lit 8+1=9 is the value. If Rinse Spin and Done are lit 4+2+1=7 is the value.

In the case of this error you would expect the Fill light on (for F) and the Spin (2) and Done (1) lights to be lit as well. F(2+1)=F3, then no lights except the Done light which equals 1 for E1 Total: F3E1

• If you have this code only, go to the next step.
• If there are other codes, you should note them down. then go to the next step

To clear the codes on these machines do the following:

Front Loader and Cabrio Top Loader

• To clear the codes hold down the 3rd button you used to enter Diagnostic Test mode for 5 seconds.
• Press the power key to exit the Diagnostic Test mode.
• Go on to Air Chamber and Connector Hose, below.

Top Loader

• Enter diagnostic mode as described above.
• While in diagnostic mode, turn the knob to enter the error code mode as written above
• Then turn the knob to the 9 o'clock position and press the start button again. this will clear the code. You can then go to Recalibration

You can also run a Recalibration of your top load machine. You will do this again if you end up replacing any parts so it isn't wasted effort to learn how. And it might solve your problem. Here's how.

• If you aren't already in diagnostic mode from the previous steps, enter it now (see above).
• Once you have all the lights blinking at once, turn the knob 4 steps clockwise for recalibration mode.
• Press the start button.

Recalibration takes about 3 minutes and you may hear all kinds of noises. once it finishes, all the lights will go off. The machine is now ready to use. If it works you are done, if not you should go to Air Chamber and Connector Hose below.