Whirlpool Dryer Error Codes & Fixes

Whirlpool dryers display error codes on the control panel when the system detects problems that prevent safe or normal operation. This guide covers the most common error codes for both electric and gas Whirlpool dryers, with detailed troubleshooting procedures.

How Whirlpool Dryer Error Codes Work

Whirlpool uses a fault code system with two main formats:

• F + Number (F01, F22, F26, etc.): Electronic and component faults
• Letter codes (AF, PF, L2, etc.): Operating condition alerts

When an error occurs, the dryer typically stops mid-cycle and displays the code. Some codes allow you to continue drying after addressing the issue, while others require a reset or repair.

Model Coverage

This guide applies to commonly reported error codes for:

• Whirlpool electric dryers: WED49, WED75, WED5000, WED8000 series (2015-2024)
• Whirlpool gas dryers: WGD49, WGD75, WGD5000, WGD8000 series (2015-2024)
• Whirlpool Cabrio and Duet series dryers

Error code meanings can vary between model years. Always verify using Whirlpool’s support website or your owner’s manual.

Error Code Reference Table

Code	Meaning	Severity	Quick Action
F01	Main control board error	High	Power reset; may need board replacement
AF	Airflow restricted	Medium	Clean lint trap and vent system
PF	Power failure	Low	Power was interrupted; restart cycle
F22	Exhaust thermistor open	Medium	Temperature sensor issue
F23	Exhaust thermistor shorted	Medium	Temperature sensor issue
F26	Drive motor error	High	Motor or relay problem
F28	Moisture sensor error	Medium	Sensor calibration or failure
F29	Moisture sensor shorted	Medium	Sensor needs replacement
F30	Inlet thermistor open	Medium	Temperature sensor issue
F31	L2 low voltage	High	Check electrical supply
L2	Low line voltage	High	Electrical supply problem
F70	Communication error	High	Control board issue
F71	User interface error	Medium	Control panel malfunction

Common Error Codes: Detailed Troubleshooting

F01 - Main Control Board Error

What it means: The main electronic control board has detected an internal fault or communication failure.

Common causes:

• Power surge or electrical glitch
• Control board component failure
• Loose wiring connection
• Moisture damage to control board

Step-by-step fix:

1. Cancel any running cycle by pressing Cancel or Stop
2. Unplug the dryer from the electrical outlet
3. Wait 5 full minutes (this allows capacitors to discharge)
4. Plug the dryer back in
5. Select a cycle and press Start to test
6. If the code returns immediately, unplug again
7. Check that the dryer’s plug is firmly seated in the outlet
8. If comfortable, access the back panel and check for loose wire harness connections
9. Look for any visible damage, burn marks, or corrosion on the control board

Tools needed: Screwdriver (if accessing control area), flashlight

Safety note: Always unplug the dryer before removing any panels or touching internal components. For gas dryers, also turn off the gas supply valve.

When to call a tech: If the F01 code persists after reset and connections are secure, the main control board likely needs replacement. This is a common failure point in dryers 5-10 years old. Control board replacement typically costs $150-$400 for parts plus labor.

AF - Airflow Restricted

What it means: The dryer has detected that exhaust airflow is below acceptable levels. This is a safety and efficiency alert.

Common causes:

• Clogged lint filter (most common)
• Blocked exhaust vent
• Crushed or kinked vent hose
• Birds’ nests or debris in exterior vent
• Excessively long vent run
• Too many elbows in vent path

Step-by-step fix:

1. Press any button to clear the alert
2. Open the dryer door and pull out the lint filter
3. Remove all lint from the filter—it should be completely clean
4. Look into the lint filter housing with a flashlight; vacuum any visible lint
5. Check behind the dryer for a kinked or crushed flexible vent hose
6. Disconnect the vent hose from the dryer and the wall
7. Use a vent brush or vacuum to clean the entire vent hose
8. Go outside and locate the exterior vent hood
9. Ensure the vent flap opens freely and isn’t blocked by debris
10. Use a dryer vent cleaning brush to clean from the exterior as far as possible
11. Reconnect all vent sections securely
12. Run a test cycle on Air Fluff or Low Heat to verify improvement

Tools needed: Vacuum with hose attachment, dryer vent brush kit, screwdriver

Safety note: A clogged vent is a fire hazard. If you notice lint accumulating faster than normal, clothes taking longer to dry, or the dryer exterior becoming very hot, address airflow immediately.

When to call a tech: If the AF code persists after thorough cleaning, there may be a blockage deep in the wall ducting that requires professional cleaning equipment. Some homes have vent runs that are too long or have too many bends—a technician can assess whether the vent path meets code requirements.

PF - Power Failure

What it means: The dryer’s power was interrupted during a cycle. This could be from an outage, tripped breaker, or unplugging.

Common causes:

• Power outage
• Tripped circuit breaker
• Loose outlet connection
• Power cord partially unplugged

Step-by-step fix:

1. Check if your home experienced a power outage
2. Check the circuit breaker panel—dryers require a dedicated 240V circuit (two breakers ganged together)
3. Reset any tripped breakers by turning fully OFF, then ON
4. Ensure the dryer’s power cord is fully plugged in
5. Press and hold Start for 3 seconds to clear the code and restart the cycle
6. The dryer may resume where it left off, or you may need to select a new cycle

Tools needed: None

Safety note: If the breaker trips repeatedly, do not keep resetting it. This indicates an electrical problem requiring professional diagnosis.

When to call a tech: Repeated PF codes without obvious power outages suggest an electrical supply problem. This could be a faulty outlet, damaged power cord, or issue with the dryer’s internal wiring. An electrician or appliance technician should diagnose.

F22 / F23 - Exhaust Thermistor Error

What it means: The temperature sensor that monitors exhaust air temperature is reading outside normal parameters (open circuit or shorted).

Common causes:

• Faulty thermistor
• Loose wiring connection to thermistor
• Damaged wire harness
• Control board issue (less common)

Step-by-step fix:

1. Unplug the dryer for 5 minutes
2. Plug back in and run a test cycle
3. If the code returns, unplug and access the dryer’s internal components (typically requires removing the back panel)
4. Locate the exhaust thermistor (usually near the blower housing)
5. Check the wire connector for corrosion or looseness
6. Disconnect and reconnect the thermistor connector firmly

Tools needed: Screwdriver, multimeter (for testing)

Safety note: Unplug before accessing internal components. The thermistor is a low-voltage sensor, but other components nearby carry dangerous voltage.

When to call a tech: Thermistor testing requires a multimeter to measure resistance. If the thermistor is faulty, replacement is a moderate DIY repair, but professional service ensures proper diagnosis if the issue is elsewhere in the circuit.

F26 - Drive Motor Error

What it means: The control board detected that the drum motor isn’t operating correctly.

Common causes:

• Motor failure
• Broken drive belt
• Jammed drum
• Motor relay failure on control board
• Overheated motor (thermal protection triggered)

Step-by-step fix:

1. Unplug the dryer
2. Open the door and try to rotate the drum by hand—it should turn freely
3. If the drum is jammed, something may be caught between the drum and housing
4. If the drum turns freely, the issue is likely motor or belt related
5. Wait 30 minutes (motor thermal protector may need to cool)
6. Plug back in and test

Tools needed: None for initial check

Safety note: Unplug before manually rotating the drum or accessing internal components.

When to call a tech: Motor replacement is a significant repair involving disassembly of the dryer cabinet. If the drum doesn’t turn freely or the motor makes grinding/buzzing sounds, professional service is recommended.

L2 / F31 - Low Line Voltage

What it means: The dryer requires 240 volts (two 120V legs) and one of the legs is missing or has significantly low voltage.

Common causes:

• Tripped or off circuit breaker (one leg only)
• Faulty electrical outlet
• Damaged power cord
• Problem with home’s electrical panel

Step-by-step fix:

1. Check the circuit breaker panel—the dryer’s double breaker should have both switches in the ON position
2. Turn both breakers fully OFF, then back ON together
3. Unplug the dryer and inspect the power cord for damage
4. If you have a multimeter, test the outlet (should read 240V between hot terminals)
5. Plug the dryer back in and test

Tools needed: Possibly a multimeter

Safety note: 240V electricity is extremely dangerous. If you’re not comfortable testing electrical connections, call an electrician.

When to call a tech: L2 errors indicate an electrical supply problem that may be the outlet, the dryer’s power cord, or your home’s electrical panel. An electrician should diagnose if basic breaker resets don’t resolve the issue.

F28 / F29 - Moisture Sensor Error

What it means: The moisture sensor bars inside the drum aren’t reading correctly. These sensors detect clothing dryness.

Common causes:

• Dirty or coated sensor bars (fabric softener buildup)
• Loose wiring to sensor
• Faulty sensor
• Control board issue

Step-by-step fix:

1. Open the dryer door and locate the moisture sensor bars (usually two metal strips inside the drum near the lint filter)
2. Clean the sensor bars with a soft cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol
3. Remove any visible buildup or residue
4. Run a test cycle

Tools needed: Soft cloth, rubbing alcohol

When to call a tech: If cleaning the sensors doesn’t resolve the error, the sensor itself may be faulty or there’s a wiring/control board issue. Professional diagnosis is recommended.

How to Reset Your Whirlpool Dryer

A power reset clears most temporary electronic glitches:

1. Press Cancel or Stop to end any running cycle
2. Unplug the dryer from the electrical outlet
3. For gas dryers, also turn off the gas supply valve
4. Wait 5 full minutes
5. Turn gas back on (gas dryers only)
6. Plug the dryer back in
7. Select a cycle and press Start

Control Lock Reset

If the controls don’t respond, the Control Lock feature may be active:

1. Press and hold the Control Lock button for 3 seconds
2. Or press and hold End of Cycle Signal for 3 seconds (varies by model)
3. The lock icon should disappear

Gas Dryer Safety

For gas dryers, additional safety considerations apply:

• If you smell gas: Leave the area immediately. Do not operate any electrical switches. Call your gas company from outside the home.
• Never bypass safety controls: Gas dryers have multiple safety systems—flame sensors, thermal fuses, high-limit thermostats. These exist to prevent fires and gas buildup.
• Annual inspection: Have a professional inspect gas dryer connections and burner assembly annually.

When to Call a Professional

Contact Whirlpool support or a qualified technician if:

• The dryer doesn’t heat (electric or gas)
• You smell burning during operation (not just lint smell)
• The F26 (motor) or F70/F71 (communication) errors persist
• Breakers keep tripping
• You suspect gas leaks or smell gas
• Error codes return after proper reset
• The dryer is under warranty

What to Tell the Technician

Have ready:

• Model number (inside door frame or on back panel)
• Serial number
• Exact error code displayed
• Whether it’s electric or gas
• What troubleshooting you’ve already tried

Sources

For official Whirlpool support:

• Whirlpool Dryer Error Codes
• Whirlpool Product Help

Related Guides

• F01 Error: Control Board Reset
• AF Error: Airflow Restricted
• PF Error: Power Failure Recovery
• Appliance Error Codes: Universal Guide
• Samsung Washer Error Codes: Complete Guide