Error code lookup
Whirlpool Dishwasher Error Codes
What each code on your Whirlpool dishwasher means, the one safe thing to check first, and when it’s time to call me. I checked every code here against Whirlpool’s own support pages and manuals.
4.6 from 39 Google reviews
20 codes
What your Whirlpool dishwasher is telling you
Codes from Whirlpool’s online Product Help articles for built-in dishwashers. Models without a display report the same F#E# codes by flashing the Clean light: count the first group of flashes (F number), then the second group after a short pause (E number).
That code isn’t on this list. It may be specific to your model, so call or text me at (480) 292-4746 with the code and model number.
Clean light flashing
The dishwasher is reporting an error code by flashing: the first group of flashes is the F number and the second group, after a short pause, is the E number (for example 7 flashes, pause, 1 flash = F7 E1).
Try this first: Count the flashes to read the code, then look it up in this list.
Models without a numeric display.
F9 E1
Long drain: the dishwasher is taking too long to drain.
Try this first: Clean the filter, check the drain hose for kinks or clogs, and if connected to a disposer make sure it is clear and its knockout plug was removed (new installs).
F9 E2
Drain motor error.
Try this first: Make sure the disposer knockout plug was removed (new installs), the disposer and drain are not clogged and the drain hose is not kinked; then cycle the power. If it returns, call me.
F8 E1
The dishwasher is not detecting water.
Also shown as H2O, H20
Try this first: Make sure the water supply to the dishwasher is turned on and the supply hose is not kinked, then press Start so it can try to fill and resume.
F8 E2
Fill valve electrical error.
Try this first: Reset power by turning off the circuit breaker or unplugging the unit for 30 seconds, then restoring power. If the code returns, call me.
F8 E5
The fill valve is stuck open.
Try this first: Turn off the water to the dishwasher if possible, press Cancel once to silence the alarm and keep the door closed; leave the power on. If you can’t turn off the water, turn off power to the dishwasher.
F6 E3
Excessive suds were detected.
Try this first: Use only automatic-dishwasher detergent (not dish soap or laundry detergent) in the right amount, scoop out suds, and run a cycle to clear them.
F6 E4
Water float switch error; an unlevel dishwasher can trigger the overfill float switch.
Try this first: Make sure the dishwasher is level, then reset power by turning off the circuit breaker or unplugging the unit for 30 seconds, then restoring power. If the code returns, call me.
F7 E2
Wash motor error.
Try this first: Reset power by turning off the circuit breaker or unplugging the unit for 30 seconds, then restoring power. If the code returns, call me.
F4 E2
Heating system error.
Try this first: Reset power by turning off the circuit breaker or unplugging the unit for 30 seconds, then restoring power. If the code returns, call me.
F4 E3
Heating error.
Try this first: Reset power by turning off the circuit breaker or unplugging the unit for 30 seconds, then restoring power. If the code returns, call me.
F3 E2
Problem with the temperature sensor (thermistor) or OWI (water clarity) sensor.
Try this first: Reset power by turning off the circuit breaker or unplugging the unit for 30 seconds, then restoring power. If the code returns, call me.
Support page lists ‘Thermistor or OWI Sensor’; OWI is the optical water sensor.
F1 E1
Control module error.
Try this first: Reset power by turning off the circuit breaker or unplugging the unit for 30 seconds, then restoring power. If the code returns, call me.
F1 E2
Main control communication error.
Try this first: Reset power by turning off the circuit breaker or unplugging the unit for 30 seconds, then restoring power. If the code returns, call me.
F2 E1
Stuck key or console (control panel) error.
Try this first: Reset power by turning off the circuit breaker or unplugging the unit for 30 seconds, then restoring power. If the code returns, call me.
F2 E2
Main control communication error.
Try this first: Reset power by turning off the circuit breaker or unplugging the unit for 30 seconds, then restoring power. If the code returns, call me.
F6 E1
User interface or main control error.
Try this first: Reset power by turning off the circuit breaker or unplugging the unit for 30 seconds, then restoring power. If the code remains, call me.
FA E4
Diverter valve error.
Also shown as F10 E4
Try this first: Reset power by turning off the circuit breaker or unplugging the unit for 30 seconds, then restoring power. If the code returns, call me.
FA E5
Diverter leak.
Also shown as F10 E5
Try this first: Check for leaks under the dishwasher and make sure all water connections are secure. Press Cancel twice and start a new cycle; if it returns, call me.
Sanitize light flashing
The dishwasher detected that the temperature needed for sanitizing was not reached, so the dishes were not sanitized.
Try this first: Check your hot water temperature by running the hot water at the kitchen sink for about 30 seconds before starting the dishwasher.
Models with a Sani Rinse / Sanitize option.
When to call me
If the safe check doesn’t clear the code, or the same code keeps coming back, the dishwasher needs a real diagnosis. Error codes point to the system that failed, not always the exact part, so I test before I replace anything.
Never open panels, bypass a safety switch or work on gas or wiring yourself. Unplug the appliance or turn off its breaker if you smell burning or see water near electrical parts.
Upfront pricing
$65
Service call, waived when you approve the repair. You get an exact price before any work starts.
Stacked washer and dryer units have a $125 service call, also waived with the repair.
Where These Codes Come From
I checked every code on this page against Whirlpool’s own documentation on October 18, 2026, and left out any code I couldn’t confirm there. Meanings can differ between models and model years, so your owner’s manual or the tech sheet inside your dishwasher has the final word for your exact model.
Manufacturer sources
- Clean Light Flashing – Dishwasher (Whirlpool)
- F9E1 – Dishwasher (Whirlpool)
- F9E2 – Dishwasher (Whirlpool)
- 8 Pause 1 Pause – pause, repeat – Error Code – Dishwasher (Whirlpool)
- F8E2- Dishwasher (Whirlpool)
- F8E5 – Dishwasher (Whirlpool)
- F6E3- Dishwasher (Whirlpool)
- F6E4- Dishwasher (Whirlpool)
- F7E2 – Dishwasher (Whirlpool)
- F4E2 – Dishwasher (Whirlpool)
- F4E3 – Dishwasher (Whirlpool)
- F3E2- Dishwasher (Whirlpool)
- F1E1 – Dishwasher (Whirlpool)
- F1E2- Dishwasher (Whirlpool)
- F2E1- Dishwasher (Whirlpool)
- F2E2- Dishwasher (Whirlpool)
- F6E1 – Dishwasher (Whirlpool)
- FAE4 or F10E4 – Dishwasher (Whirlpool)
- FAE5 or F10E5 – Dishwasher (Whirlpool)
- Sanitize Light Flashing – Dishwasher (Whirlpool)
FAQ
Whirlpool dishwasher code questions
What does error code Clean light flashing mean on a Whirlpool dishwasher?
The dishwasher is reporting an error code by flashing: the first group of flashes is the F number and the second group, after a short pause, is the E number (for example 7 flashes, pause, 1 flash = F7 E1). Try this first: Count the flashes to read the code, then look it up in this list. If the code comes back, call or text me at (480) 292-4746.
What does error code F9 E1 mean on a Whirlpool dishwasher?
Long drain: the dishwasher is taking too long to drain. Try this first: Clean the filter, check the drain hose for kinks or clogs, and if connected to a disposer make sure it is clear and its knockout plug was removed (new installs). If the code comes back, call or text me at (480) 292-4746.
What does error code F9 E2 mean on a Whirlpool dishwasher?
Drain motor error. Try this first: Make sure the disposer knockout plug was removed (new installs), the disposer and drain are not clogged and the drain hose is not kinked; then cycle the power. If it returns, call me. If the code comes back, call or text me at (480) 292-4746.
What does error code F8 E1 mean on a Whirlpool dishwasher?
The dishwasher is not detecting water. Try this first: Make sure the water supply to the dishwasher is turned on and the supply hose is not kinked, then press Start so it can try to fill and resume. If the code comes back, call or text me at (480) 292-4746.
How much does it cost to have you diagnose a Whirlpool dishwasher error code?
My service call is $65 ($125 for stacked washer and dryer units), and it’s waived when you approve the repair. I give you an exact price before any work starts.
More Whirlpool Error Codes
Other Dishwasher Brands
No Code on the Display?
Use my quick troubleshooter to match the symptom instead, or browse the full error code index
Ready when you are
Code still showing? Book your dishwasher repair.
Call or text (480) 292-4746, Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available.