Whirlpool Washing Machine Error Codes
Whirlpool washing machines display error codes as either letter codes (FH, FA, FP) or F followed by a number (F05, F06, F08). The letter codes and numbered codes are used on different model ranges. Find your code in the correct table below. Before assuming a component has failed, always check the simple physical causes first — the majority of Whirlpool error codes are resolved without parts or an engineer.
Which Whirlpool error code system does your machine use?
Whirlpool has used two distinct error code formats across its UK washing machine range, depending on the age and series of the machine.
The AWO, AWD, and EU model series use letter-based codes including FH (fill fault), FA (AquaStop), and FP (pump/drain fault), alongside numbered codes such as F05 and F06. These are the most common Whirlpool codes encountered in UK homes. Use the main AWO/AWD/EU error code table below.
The Dreamspace range and some other Whirlpool model series use numbered F codes from F01 through to F18. These look similar to the AWO/AWD codes but the specific meanings vary in places. Use the Dreamspace and general F code table further down this page.
Whirlpool’s European washing machines share manufacturing platforms with Hotpoint and Indesit under Beko Europe, particularly on models produced from 2014 onwards. On many of these shared-platform models, the F codes are identical to those used on Hotpoint and Indesit machines. If your Whirlpool code is not fully explained here, cross-referencing with the Hotpoint and Indesit guides may help.
Whirlpool AWO, AWD, and EU series error codes
These codes apply to the majority of Whirlpool front-loading washing machines sold in the UK, including the AWO and AWD series and European-specification models. They are the most frequently searched Whirlpool codes.
| Error code | Fault description | Most likely causes | Check first |
|---|---|---|---|
| FH | Fill fault — no incoming water detected or fill taking too long | Water tap closed or partially closed. Kinked or trapped inlet hose. Blocked inlet hose filter. Low mains water pressure. Failed inlet valve solenoid. AquaStop hose triggered or blocked. | Confirm the tap is fully open. Straighten the inlet hose. Unscrew the inlet hose from the back of the machine and clean the small mesh filter inside the inlet port. Check household water pressure is adequate. |
| FA | AquaStop failure — anti-flood device triggered or AquaStop hose fault | Water has entered the base tray of the machine, triggering the AquaStop float switch. Possible internal leak sources include a failed door seal, cracked internal hose, leaking pump, or inlet valve fault. The AquaStop hose itself may also have developed a fault. | Tilt the machine slightly backward to drain any water from the base tray, then return to upright. Investigate the likely leak source — door seal, pump area, or internal hoses — before using the machine again. Do not run the machine until the leak source has been identified and resolved. |
| FP | Drain failure — machine unable to drain water within expected time | Blocked pump filter (most common cause by a significant margin). Kinked or obstructed drain hose. Standpipe too high. Foreign object blocking the pump impeller. Failed drain pump motor. | Clean the pump filter — access via the small panel at the bottom front of the machine. Place towels and a shallow tray in front before opening as water will flow out. Unscrew the filter anticlockwise, remove debris, check the pump cavity for obstructions, and refit firmly. See our full guide to washing machine not draining. |
| F05 / F5 | NTC thermistor / temperature sensor failure — incorrect or no temperature reading | Failed NTC thermistor. Loose or corroded wiring connector to the thermistor. Thermistor heavily scaled with limescale in hard water areas. Control board fault generating a false temperature reading. | Test the NTC thermistor with a multimeter — it should show approximately 30,000 ohms resistance at room temperature, falling as temperature rises. An open circuit reading (infinite resistance) confirms the thermistor has failed. Check wiring connections at the thermistor and control board before replacing the component. |
| F06 / F6 | Tachometer failure — motor speed sensor not detecting drum movement | Worn motor carbon brushes (very common on machines over five years old). Failed tachogenerator. Wiring fault between tachogenerator and control board. Motor winding failure. Foreign object jamming the drum preventing rotation. | Check whether the drum rotates freely by hand with the machine unplugged. If it does, inspect the motor carbon brushes — replace if worn below 10mm. Test the tachogenerator resistance (typically 100 to 200 ohms — an open circuit reading indicates failure). |
| F07 / F7 | Triac short circuit — fault in the heating element circuit on the control board | Failed triac component on the main control board. The triac controls whether the heating element is switched on or off. A shorted triac can cause the element to run continuously or fail to switch, and may also trip the RCD. | This is a control board fault. Test the element for continuity first to rule out an element short circuit causing the code. If the element tests correct, the triac on the control board has failed. Engineer diagnosis recommended before committing to board replacement. |
| F08 / F8 | Door lock fault — machine not receiving confirmation that the door is locked | Failed door interlock mechanism. Wiring fault to the interlock. Door not fully closing. Obstruction in door seal preventing full closure. Broken door handle or catch preventing the door from latching. | Open and firmly close the door, ensuring no clothing is trapped in the seal. If the door closes correctly and the code persists, the door interlock has failed. Door interlock replacement is a common repair — genuine Whirlpool parts are available through our spare parts section. |
| F09 / F9 | Heating circuit fault — related to element, wiring, or board relay | Failed heating element. Faulty relay on the control board that switches the element. Wiring fault between the element and control board. | Test the heating element for continuity with a multimeter. A reading of infinite resistance (open circuit) confirms the element has failed. If the element tests correct, the fault is in the relay or wiring — engineer diagnosis required. |
| F11 | Communication error — internal control unit communication fault | Communication breakdown between the main control board and a secondary control module. Can be caused by a loose wiring harness connector, moisture on board connections, or a failed control module. | Switch the machine off at the mains for 60 seconds and restart. Transient communication errors often clear on power reset. If the code reappears consistently, engineer diagnosis is required. |
| F13 | Dispenser circuit error — fault in the detergent dispenser mechanism | Failed dispenser drawer solenoid or actuator. Wiring fault to the dispenser. Blockage in the dispenser drawer preventing the mechanism from operating correctly. | Remove and clean the dispenser drawer thoroughly. Check that the drawer slides freely and that no hardened detergent is blocking the mechanism. If the drawer is clean and free and the code persists, the dispenser solenoid or wiring is the likely cause. |
| F14 | EEPROM failure — control board memory error | Failure of the EEPROM memory chip on the main control board, which stores programme settings and machine configuration data. Caused by board failure, power surge damage, or age-related component deterioration. | Power cycle the machine and retry. If the code persists, the control board requires replacement or specialist repair. Assess repair cost against the machine’s age and overall condition using our repair or replace guide. |
| F15 | Motor control unit error — fault in the motor driver board or motor control circuit | Failed motor control board. Wiring fault between the main board and motor control unit. Failed motor. | Engineer diagnosis required. Motor control board faults are not straightforward DIY repairs. Assess against machine age and repair cost before committing. |
| F16 | Drum lock position sensor fault (top-loading machines only) | Failed drum position sensor. Wiring fault to sensor. Mechanical obstruction preventing drum from reaching the locked position. | This code applies only to Whirlpool top-loading washing machines. Check the drum can rotate freely. Engineer diagnosis required for sensor fault. |
| F18 | Internal data error or excess foam detected | On some models this code indicates an internal control board data error. On others it indicates excessive foam in the drum caused by using too much detergent or the wrong detergent type in a high-efficiency machine. | If the machine has foam visible through the door glass, run an empty rinse-and-spin cycle to clear the foam before using the machine again. Reduce the detergent quantity on future cycles and use only HE-compatible detergent. If no foam is visible and the code persists, a control board data fault is likely. |
Whirlpool Dreamspace series error codes
The Dreamspace range uses a numbered F code system. Many codes overlap in meaning with the AWO/AWD system above, but some have distinct meanings on this range. Where a code appears in both tables, the Dreamspace meaning is listed here.
| Error code | Fault description | Most likely causes | Check first |
|---|---|---|---|
| F01 | Electronic circuit board fault or motor circuit fault | Main control board failure. Intermittent or no drum rotation due to a board-level motor control fault. Wiring fault to motor. | Power cycle the machine. If the drum does not rotate and no drum obstruction is found, control board or motor circuit fault requires engineer diagnosis. |
| F02 | Heating circuit error — short circuit detected in heating circuit | Heating element short circuit. Wiring fault creating a short in the heating circuit. Control board relay fault. | Test the element for continuity and insulation resistance. A shorted element (low resistance between live terminal and earth) requires replacement. If the element tests correctly, the fault is in the board or wiring. |
| F03 | Drain failure | Same causes as FP on AWO/AWD range — blocked pump filter, kinked drain hose, failed pump. | Clean the pump filter first. This resolves the majority of F03 drain faults on the Dreamspace range. |
| F05 | NTC temperature sensor fault | Same as F05/F5 on AWO/AWD range. | Test NTC thermistor resistance with a multimeter. |
| F06 | Motor tachometer failure | Same as F06/F6 on AWO/AWD range — worn brushes, tachogenerator fault. | Check carbon brushes. Test tachogenerator resistance. |
| F07 | Triac fault | Same as F07/F7 on AWO/AWD range. | Test element first. If element is correct, control board triac fault requires engineer diagnosis. |
| F08 | Door lock fault | Same as F08/F8 on AWO/AWD range. | Close door firmly. If correct and code persists, door interlock has failed. |
| F09 | Heating element circuit fault | Same as F09/F9 on AWO/AWD range. | Test heating element for continuity. |
| F11 | Communication error — control unit | Internal communication fault between control modules. | Power cycle. If persistent, engineer diagnosis required. |
| F12 | Communication or EEPROM fault (Dreamspace variant) | Control board communication error. EEPROM data error on some Dreamspace models. | Power cycle. If persistent, control board fault — engineer diagnosis required. |
| F13 | Dispenser circuit error | Same as F13 on AWO/AWD range. | Clean dispenser drawer. Check mechanism operates freely. |
| F14 | EEPROM failure | Same as F14 on AWO/AWD range. | Power cycle. Board replacement likely required if persistent. |
| F15 | Motor control unit error | Same as F15 on AWO/AWD range. | Engineer diagnosis required. |
What to check before calling an engineer
The majority of Whirlpool error codes that consumers encounter come down to a small number of straightforward issues. Work through these checks before assuming a component has failed.
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Power cycle the machine. Switch off at the wall socket, wait 60 seconds, and switch back on. Transient codes caused by voltage fluctuations, momentary sensor readings, or software events are common and often clear on restart. If the same code does not return across several cycles, monitor the machine before investigating further.
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Clean the pump filter (FP, F03, F21 drain codes). The pump filter is behind a panel at the bottom front of the machine. Place towels and a shallow tray in front before opening — water will flow out. Unscrew the filter anticlockwise, remove all debris, check the pump cavity for coins or foreign objects, and refit the filter firmly. This single step resolves the majority of Whirlpool drain fault codes.
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Check the water supply (FH fill code). Confirm the tap is fully open. Straighten any kinks in the inlet hose. Unscrew the inlet hose from the back of the machine and clean the small filter mesh inside the inlet port. If the water supply is confirmed correct and FH persists, the inlet valve solenoid is the next component to test.
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Check the door closes correctly (F08 door code). Open and firmly close the door, confirming no clothing is trapped in the seal. If the door closes correctly and F08 persists, test the door interlock for continuity with a multimeter.
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Check for excess foam (F18 on some models). If foam is visible through the door glass, the machine has detected too much detergent. Run an empty rinse-and-spin cycle to clear the foam, then reduce detergent quantity on future washes. Use only HE-rated detergent in modern Whirlpool machines.
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Descale the machine (F05, F09 temperature codes in hard water areas). Heavy limescale on the heating element and NTC thermistor causes temperature-related fault codes. Run an empty cycle on the hottest programme with a proprietary descaler before testing components.
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Check the dispenser drawer (F13). Remove the dispenser drawer fully and clean it thoroughly under a tap. Check the drawer housing inside the machine for hardened detergent residue and clear any blockage. Refit the drawer and confirm it slides freely.
Always switch the machine off at the wall socket and unplug it before accessing the pump filter, opening any panels, or inspecting internal components. Never work on any electrical components with the machine connected to the mains. For guidance on safe DIY appliance repair, see our DIY appliance repair safety guide.
Can I fix a Whirlpool error code myself?
Straightforward to check or fix yourself
Cleaning the pump filter (FP, F03 drain codes). Checking and cleaning the inlet hose filter (FH fill code). Closing the door properly and testing the interlock (F08 door code). Clearing excess foam (F18 on applicable models). Cleaning the dispenser drawer (F13). Power cycling to clear transient codes. Descaling for temperature-related codes in hard water areas. Replacing motor carbon brushes (F06 motor code). Replacing the door interlock (F08).
Requires an engineer or advanced competence
AquaStop fault and internal leak investigation (FA). Control board triac fault (F07). Motor control unit fault (F15). EEPROM and control board faults (F14). Communication faults that persist after power cycling (F11, F12). Tachogenerator replacement (F06 if brushes are fine). Any fault that persists after all basic checks have been completed. Sealed wiring harness or internal plumbing work.
The platform note: Whirlpool, Hotpoint, and Indesit
Whirlpool’s European washing machines have shared manufacturing platforms with Hotpoint and Indesit for many years, and this relationship became more formal with the creation of Beko Europe in 2024. On many models produced from 2014 onwards in particular, the internal architecture, components, and fault code systems are shared across the three brands.
The practical implication is that if you have a later Whirlpool model and cannot find full information about a specific fault code in this guide, cross-referencing with Hotpoint and Indesit guides is worthwhile. Codes such as F01, F03, F05, F06, F08, and F11 on shared-platform models are often defined identically across all three brands.
The same applies in reverse: engineers working on Hotpoint or Indesit machines will recognise most of the codes in this guide from their daily experience on those brands.
Whirlpool error code pointing to a fault you cannot resolve?
If basic checks have not resolved the fault, a qualified engineer is the right next step. We cover Whirlpool washing machine repairs nationwide with genuine spare parts available for most models including door interlocks, pump filters, heating elements, and motor components.
Frequently asked questions about Whirlpool washing machine error codes
What does FP mean on a Whirlpool washing machine?
FP is a drain failure code — the machine has been unable to drain water within the expected time. In the majority of cases it is caused by a blocked pump filter rather than a failed pump. The pump filter is behind a small access panel at the bottom front of the machine. Cleaning it takes around five minutes and resolves the fault without any parts or engineer visit in most cases. If the filter is clean and the code persists, check the drain hose for kinks, confirm the standpipe height is within the recommended range, and then test the drain pump motor.
What does FH mean on a Whirlpool washing machine?
FH indicates a fill fault — no water has been detected entering the machine, or the machine has not filled within the expected time. Check that the tap supplying the machine is fully open, that the inlet hose is not kinked, and that the small filter mesh inside the inlet port at the back of the machine is clean and unblocked. If the water supply is confirmed as correct and FH persists, the inlet valve solenoid has likely failed and requires replacement.
What does FA mean on a Whirlpool washing machine?
FA indicates an AquaStop failure. The AquaStop system is Whirlpool’s anti-flood protection, consisting of a float switch in the base tray of the machine and a special inlet hose with a built-in cut-off valve. When FA appears, either water has entered the base tray (indicating an internal leak), or the AquaStop hose itself has developed a fault. Tilt the machine backward slightly to drain the base tray, then investigate the leak source before using the machine again. The most common internal leak causes are a failed door seal, a cracked pump housing, or a loose internal hose connection.
What does F06 mean on a Whirlpool washing machine?
F06 indicates a tachometer failure — the machine’s motor speed sensor is not detecting drum movement correctly, or the drum is not moving at all. The most common cause on older machines is worn motor carbon brushes. With the machine unplugged, check the drum rotates freely by hand. If it does, inspect the carbon brushes and replace them if worn below 10mm. If the brushes are in good condition, test the tachogenerator resistance (typically 100 to 200 ohms — open circuit indicates failure). If neither resolves the fault, the motor itself may have failed.
What does F05 mean on a Whirlpool washing machine?
F05 indicates an NTC thermistor failure — the temperature sensor is not giving the correct readings to the control board. This can cause the machine to stop mid-cycle, fail to heat, or behave erratically with temperature-controlled programmes. Test the NTC thermistor with a multimeter: at room temperature it should read approximately 30,000 ohms, falling as temperature rises. An open circuit reading confirms the thermistor has failed. Check the wiring connections at both the thermistor and control board before replacing the component, as a loose connection can produce the same code.
My Whirlpool washing machine shows an error code but then works. Should I be concerned?
Switch the machine off at the wall, wait 60 seconds, and restart. Transient error codes caused by voltage fluctuations, momentary sensor readings, or minor software events are common on modern washing machines and often clear themselves after a power reset. If the same code reappears consistently across multiple cycles, or the machine develops a symptom that matches the code (not draining, not filling, not heating), it represents a real fault worth investigating. If the code appears once and does not return, monitor the machine over the next several washes before taking action.
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